Experience with Source-DS – Yotta Hybrid Machine and Ink Supply Issues

Experience with Source-DS – Yotta Hybrid Machine and Ink Supply Issues Context and Initial Contact I was initially contacted by a representative from Source-DS, a company that presents itself as the South African distributor for Yotta Hybrid print machines and inks. This outreach was made in the context of our ongoing problems with inks supp**** by the distributors of Fortune printers in South Africa.

The representative proposed an upgrade to our existing Fortune printer inks and cartridges, claiming compatibility improvements and performance enhancements.

Sales Strategy and Machine Demonstration The engagement quickly pivoted to a sales pitch for the Yotta printing machines, which, according to the Source-DS representative, were:

Fully capable of printing on our eco-substrate Versaflex.

Already in use at a single facility in Springs, Gauteng.

However, when I requested a reel-to-reel print test, I was told that I needed to pay upfront for the test prints. Given that we were managing a large print order, I chose to reduce risk by testing only one 50m roll.

Quoting and Pricing Issues A quote for the full Yotta machine followed — which came in R100,000 higher than the originally quoted price. This raised immediate red flags.

Further comparisons revealed that:

The print quality was inferior to what we achieved using another hybrid printer.

The ink did not adhere properly and was peeling off the substrate.

Concerns and Conclusion I have significant concerns about Source-DS’s approach:

They require payment even to demonstrate the capabilities of a machine worth R1,000,000.00.

They use disclaimers to shield themselves from accountability for production quality.

The process lacked transparency and good faith, especially considering the large investment required.

In summary, I cannot recommend Source-DS as a distributor or vendor. If you are in the market for a hybrid print solution, I strongly suggest proceeding with caution — or better yet, seeking alternatives that offer proper demonstrations, transparent pricing, and proven substrate compatibility.