1What T-Shirt Printing Technique(s) Will You Use?

There are a number of techniques you can employ in designing and selling t-shirts. The heat transfer technique involves transferring a design onto a t-shirt using a source of heat. While this technique is quite fast in its application, there are limitations that you’ll have to contend with. First, the technique is only suitable for white t-shirts and secondly the print is not long-lasting. The viable alternative to this technique is vinyl printing, though its use does not suit mass production. Sublimation printing is another alternative but its use is limited to t-shirts made of acrylic and polyester. Screen printing is yet another technique that can be used for mass production (experience is essential). This technique can be used for all t-shirt colors.

2What T-Shirt Printing Equipment Can You Use?

The most common equipment used in the t-shirt designing and selling business is the heat press and there are three alternatives from which to choose. First up is the Clam Type Press which is most suited for beginners. Next is the Swing Press, a modification of the Clam Type Press, and this will greatly enhance your production rate and accuracy. The Pneumatic Press offers most efficiency in terms of pressure and heat application; this is also the most expensive equipment among the said options. You can consider sourcing these equipments from firms like Target Transfers and Xpres.

In terms of printers you have to make a choice between ink jet and laser printers. The former are cheaper than the latter and are capable of producing bright colors that contrast vibrantly, although the inks used can be quite expensive. Laser printers don’t match the color quality of ink jet printers but the quality of output is excellent and longer-lasting. Some of the best printer models around include Epson, Canon and Hewlett Packard. If you are into vinyl printing you’ll need a vinyl cutter and inquiries for these can be made from manufacturers like Stika and Roland.

3About the Use of Quality T-Shirts

There are many t-shirt suppliers all over the place but you really have to choose the best amongst these in terms of t-shirt quality and price. As one who is just getting into designing and selling t-shirts, it is best to use t-shirt products from established manufacturers of good repute including firms like Gildan and Fruit of the Loom. Such companies have proper distribution networks in place such that you can be assured of getting your supplies in time. Their standards are well known and you can rely on them for consistence. Regardless of the supplier you choose to buy from, be sure to always check on quality and price. It is quite unlikely that your initial orders will be bulky; with this in mind steer clear of making bulky supply purchases – buy just what you need but at the most competitive rates around.

4Getting Started on the Actual Business

The first step in designing and selling t-shirts business is to acquire the required equipment and the assortment of supplies including a printer, silicon paper, weeder, digital cutter, vinyl cutter, etc. Your requirement will generally depend on the type of printing you want to get into. The price tags of equipment and supplies can be quite prohibitive for a starter and for this reason it may be advisable to search for a ‘starter pack’ that suits your requirements.

After acquiring these supplies, you need to define a clear pricing strategy that will assure you of making a healthy return on investments and a feasible profit margin. This pricing strategy will obviously be dependent on what you intend to offer the market as well as what your competitors are offering for the same. Make the necessary calculations to ensure that all your operating expenses are covered and that you can earn healthy returns from your efforts.

5How Do You Sell Your T-Shirts?

In a designing and selling t-shirts business it is prudent to identify your marketing strategy and ensure that it will be effective in helping you achieve your set goals and targets. First of all, you can become your own business’ marketing tool. Simply make a habit of wearing some of your designs and if they prove to be a hit with people who see them then you can be sure of getting orders, some of which will be few in number and others which will be quite bulky.

Personal selling will only get you so far; it is essential to get into the big league, the online market. One of the places to start is eBay. This globally renowned website will expose your work to millions around the globe though you have to contend with thousands of similar businesses. The key to succeeding here is creativity and quality. You also have to factor in the associated costs in terms of advertising and commissions. An alternative to using such sites is to set up your own eCommerce store but while you’ll have the freedom to be creative, you’ll be obligated to do a lot of site maintenance to keep attracting and retaining visitors.

6Protection of Intellectual Property

There is nothing quite as defeating in purpose as having the design you’ve painstakingly created be stolen and used by a rogue competitor. Copyrighting is something you have to consider as you get into designing and selling t-shirts. Popular design sites like CafePress are known to have an occurrence or two of stolen design work and if you are affected by such an incident, it will be prudent to issue the respective site’s support team with a C&D (Cease and Desist) which will facilitate an inquest into the incident. If it can be proved that you are the design’s owner then whatever proceeds made out of its direct redistribution will be remitted to you.

7Useful Links in the Designing and Selling T-Shirt Business

For the equipments you need these links will prove useful: www.xpres.co.uk, www.rolanddg.co.uk and www.targettransfers.com. Advice can be found on www.T-ShirtForums.com and www.polo-shirts.co.uk. Also helpful are www.pioneerthinking.com and www.stylecareer.com.