AtlanticArtwear

I'm in the planning phase of selling shirts online. My initial idea is to use an online printing company such as Zazzle or Printfection.

But with so much competition out there, why do people purchase from your online store instead of others?

Or better yet, why would someone purchase from your online store instead of just going to Target, Wal-Mart, or the local mall?

Finding the answer to this question will help me with a marketing strategy....and may help others here too.

Thanks.

Mike

 

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Rodney

Quote: But with so much competition out there, why do people purchase from your online store instead of others?

Put simply, because they want the design that you sell

Quote: Or better yet, why would someone purchase from your online store instead of just going to Target, Wal-Mart, or the local mall?

Because those places don't sell the designs that YOU sell

Ideally, when you are selling your designs, you are selling your own original creations that can't be found anywhere else in the WORLD.

Wal Mart shoppers aren't your competition. You'll never be able to compete with a $7 all over screen printed t-shirt of some major brand. Your customer is looking for something only you can provide with your creativity.

Customers that buy from online stores, zazzle, cafepress, independent t-shirt shops are looking for something unique/original that can't be found in the WalMarts and Targets of the offline world.

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Rodney Blackwell - We're selling our 100% Natural Extravaganza T-Shirt For Charity!
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AtlanticArtwear

Quote: Originally Posted by Rodney Put simply, because they want the design that you sell

Wow. That sounds easy enough....but I'm sure it isn't.

So I guess the key is to pick a niche such as hobby or age group, come up with marketable designs, and hit the internet pavement with them, huh?

Mike

 

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chobay

Quote: Originally Posted by AtlanticArtwear Wow. That sounds easy enough....but I'm sure it isn't. So I guess the key is to pick a niche such as hobby or age group, come up with marketable designs, and hit the internet pavement with them, huh? Mike

Rodney summed it up nice. I am fortunate because I am in a specific Ethnic niche. I target an entire nationality & pretty much have NO competition. There is one semi-competitor out there, and i've already blown them away. I stay ahead of the POD sites that carry similar designs, by offering a lower price, better t-shirt (AA) and higher quality designs..

For the upcoming holiday, we are releasing new designs & products. We will be blasting adwords and FB. (FB works great for us due to our niche.) We will be having a great sale starting before black friday, and will be offering free shipping as it get's closer to xmas. Wish us luck...

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Rodney

Quote: So I guess the key is to pick a niche such as hobby or age group, come up with marketable designs, and hit the internet pavement with them, huh?

That's pretty much the formula in a nutshell

There are a lot of great, specific marketing tips posted in our Marketing section of the forum.

But yes, it's much easier if you have a niche and can do something truly unique, fun, remarkable in that niche to make you stand out.

Quote: Wow. That sounds easy enough....but I'm sure it isn't.

Starting a new business (of any type) is definitely a challenge. But if it's your passion or something you're really interested in, it won't seem like work at all. The process is almost half the fun

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Rodney Blackwell - We're selling our 100% Natural Extravaganza T-Shirt For Charity!
PrinterListings.com: a place find, rate, and review custom t-shirt printing businesses

 

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