3 Things to Consider when Starting Your Own T-Shirt Printing Business

Printing T-shirts for profit is possible for those who have the financial resources and the knowledge to research the different designs that can be applied on blank shirts.

There is a huge market for printed T-shirts; almost everyone in the world has at least one. They are a wardrobe staple and a popular way for people to express themselves.

There are many misconceptions about the difficulty of starting a T-shirt printing business and the types of problems that can be encountered.

Before you buy expensive equipment and print your marketing collateral out, let’s look at some common myths and issues that T shirt printing businesses face.

Issue # 1: Computer generate heat transfer designs

Yes, heat transfer can be used to mass-produce certain designs. You can have a successful custom shirt business if you are smart about how you use your equipment. Many people have used heat transfer to their T-shirt printing businesses. Heat transfer designs are not compatible with dark shirts, which is a problem for entrepreneurs.

Issue # 2: Thinking a start-up package for a T-shirt business will teach you all you need

The tutorial and the equipment are not all that is needed to start a business. You can save time and money by researching the type of designs that you would like to create and the best methods to use.

Screen printing is a great option if you’re good at creating large quantities of designs in a limited color palette.

If you are skilled in creating complex designs on your computer program and can produce limited runs, a digital garment printer (also called direct to garment) may be more suitable for your needs.

Don’t waste money – there are thousands who buy start-up kits with vague promises of increasing their income but don’t really understand what it takes to run a business like this. They end up putting their equipment in storage, and then they decide to sell it off at a garage sale.

A good alternative to buying your own equipment is to hire a contract digital garment printing company to do the job for you. You simply take orders from customers and have another company print the garments. This is a great way to get started in sales and build a customer base before you invest in equipment.

Issue #3: Your designs are an important part of your investment

The process of printing T-shirts is just one part of the design and printing business. Your artwork is what will draw potential customers to your brand. To get the most from your investment, you will need to match your artwork to the right T-shirt material and printing method.

Silk screen printing requires you to be very careful about how your artwork is organized and set up. Any deviation from the plan will result in shirts that are not as professional as you would like. Simple text and art are the easiest designs for silk screen printing.

Before you make any major financial commitments like buying equipment or renting a space, research is key to any business venture. Forums for the apparel decoration industry can be a great way to get new perspectives and exchange ideas with other entrepreneurs.

Source: John Battista