starting a t-shirt brand from scratch with $5000? / Variant Art, Anyone use them?
Hey I'm looking at Variant art right now. They offer everything from making custom shirts, to pretty much every kind of printing I know of, tagging, folding... the works.
I'm wondering if anyone has used them or know someone who has? What was the experience/pricing like?
I'm just getting into this business, so cost is definitely a big factor right now.
Hey I'm looking at Variant art right now. They offer everything from making custom shirts, to pretty much every kind of printing I know of, tagging, folding... the works.
I'm wondering if anyone has used them or know someone who has? What was the experience/pricing like?
I'm just getting into this business, so cost is definitely a big factor right now.
I'm not sure of any other members that have used them, but VariantArt is a member of this forum
Also, seeing as how I'm in Ontario Canada... does anyone know of some companies that offer similar services in Ontario... or even Canada?
Whenever I'm searching on google, I always get results for American companies. And the Canadian matches that I do get, just don't seem to be up to snuff with the Americans (like so many other things lol).
I am trying to produce high-end designer T's... so I can't skimp on quality to go local. I'm looking for top quality within ontario or canada if possible. Also because I am worried about duties charged at the boarder. I've been charged a fortune just for ordering a couple sweaters from the US.
Thanks everyone! I know I've been asking a lot of questions since coming here... hopefully when I'm up and running I can answer some questions like you all have been doing for me.
Whenever I'm searching on google, I always get results for American companies. And the Canadian matches that I do get, just don't seem to be up to snuff with the Americans (like so many other things lol).
I am trying to produce high-end designer T's... so I can't skimp on quality to go local. I'm looking for top quality within ontario or canada if possible. Also because I am worried about duties charged at the boarder. I've been charged a fortune just for ordering a couple sweaters from the US.
Don't assume by the website quality or lack of website that a company doesn't produce quality merchandise.
Don't assume that by going local that you'll be sacrificing quality. Visit shops in your area, ask questions, see the prints in person. You may be missing out on a great resource right in your own neighborhood.
Don't assume by the website quality or lack of website that a company doesn't produce quality merchandise.
Don't assume that by going local that you'll be sacrificing quality. Visit shops in your area, ask questions, see the prints in person. You may be missing out on a great resource right in your own neighborhood.
I would love to use local services. I would feel much more comfortable being able to go in, see the place, touch the fabric etc. The problem is, when I do my searches I don't come across local companies. And when I do, they don't offer all of the services that the American companies do.
In my own city we have a screen printing company... but they only do screen printing up to 4 colours I think and some embroidery. I figure if we have one of these one stop shop type deals, it would be in Toronto, which is about an hour away. I just haven't found one yet.
The problem is, when I do my searches I don't come across local companies. And when I do, they don't offer all of the services that the American companies do.
I would keep searching offline sources if you can't find them online.
Sometimes the websites don't tell all the services company does, sometimes a company won't have a website.
I'm sure there is more than one screen printer in toronto. If you call around to a few in the phone book, you may find one that fits your needs.
I did a quick google search for fficial&client=firefox-a" target="_blank">toronto screen printing and I found 3 in the top results. That means that there are many more than that
I would keep searching offline sources if you can't find them online.
Sometimes the websites don't tell all the services company does, sometimes a company won't have a website.
I'm sure there is more than one screen printer in toronto. If you call around to a few in the phone book, you may find one that fits your needs.
I did a quick google search for fficial&client=firefox-a" target="_blank">toronto screen printing and I found 3 in the top results. That means that there are many more than that
Screen printing hasn't been so hard. It's finding a place that can do complex screen printing, flock, hot foil etc. And a place that doesn't use American Apparel for example... but a place that takes specs that I offer, and use a fabric of my choice and creates the clothing... so that it is truly my label.
Screen printing hasn't been so hard. It's finding a place that can do complex screen printing, flock, hot foil etc. And a place that doesn't use American Apparel for example... but a place that takes specs that I offer, and use a fabric of my choice and creates the clothing... so that it is truly my label.
I guess I'm not understanding exactly how many of these companies you've contacted to see if they can do those print methods?
Many companies that do screen printing can also do "complex screen printing" (foil/flock/etc).
But if you are looking for custom garments from scratch as well, then that's a totally separate service than printing. You will also have much larger minimums for getting custom garments made. What type of quantities are you looking for?
You mentioned cost is a big factor, so I didn't think you were thinking the custom garment route, since that is usually an added expense that most people can avoid by finding a blank t-shirt style that they like from one of the many many wholesalers out there (not just American Apparel) and relabeling it with their own custom tag.
I guess I'm not understanding exactly how many of these companies you've contacted to see if they can do those print methods?
Many companies that do screen printing can also do "complex screen printing" (foil/flock/etc).
But if you are looking for custom garments from scratch as well, then that's a totally separate service than printing. You will also have much larger minimums for getting custom garments made. What type of quantities are you looking for?
You mentioned cost is a big factor, so I didn't think you were thinking the custom garment route, since that is usually an added expense that most people can avoid by finding a blank t-shirt style that they like from one of the many many wholesalers out there (not just American Apparel) and relabeling it with their own custom tag.
I have found 250 and 500 minimus for custom garments. That's same style/colour, any size.
Do you think it would be wise to perhaps find a company to do the custom garments... then find another place to do all of the design production and tagging? Maybe have the shirts manufactured overseas, and then the design work done more locally... somewhere that I can physically keep in touch with. My only worry when it comes to using overseas services is supporting a factory with sub-standard working conditions. Also... it could be difficult for me to monitor quality... and to make sure I'm actually getting what I'm paying for. This opens a whole new can of worms... how do I go about finding a trustworthy manufacturer half way across the world.
If I would save a lot of money without compromising quality, or more importantly supporting sweat shops by going overseas, I would consider. If I wouldn't be saving that much... I'd love to support local business both because I can keep a close watch on my products, and because I like the idea of supporting local businesses.
And expenses are certainly a concern. I'm not trying to start up with a few hundred dollars or anything. I will be investing some thousands into it. But even so, I am frugal by nature, and won't pay more than absolutely necessary to achieve my desired end result of high quality designer t-shirts that don't exploit people living in exploitable conditions.
I have found 250 and 500 minimus for custom garments. That's same style/colour, any size.
Are those the minimums that you plan on starting with? 250-500 per design with custom garments for each design?
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Do you think it would be wise to perhaps find a company to do the custom garments... then find another place to do all of the design production and tagging?
It might be easier to find one company that can create the custom garments you want, and then find another that can do the printing on the garments.
You may also want to contact RawTalentInc.com. Although they aren't in Canada, they specialize in high end garment printing. I think they can also help you source custom garments.
yeah, if you are looking to launch or re-vamp a brand line that will involve a full line etc.... perhaps read about ModRobes and how this guy sold a gazzilion pants and built a a mega brand from nothing here in Canada.
dealing with sewers etc. you need a full time person to surpervise the manufacturing end plus other human resources to run and operate all ends of the brand...it's hard for just one person to do it all at the magnitude you want to go with.
Hey guys. That seems to be the lowest minimum I can find. If that is what it takes to produce the product I wish to produce... then that's what it takes. If anyone knows where I can get lower minimums that would be awesome. I am right in assuming that the more expensive t-shirts are custom right? Not a t-shirt from one of the known wholesalers of blanks, retagged?
I would love to be able to afford to have a full line right from the get-go, but that doesn't seem realistic at this time. I will probably start with one or two designs that appeal to a wide range of people. While I try to sell these shirts online and by doing some leg work myself, I'll also be trying to contact stores/boutiques to show them my design. With a little luck and salesmanship on my part, I hope to get my shirts on a shelf somewhere. As more money becomes available to me, I will invest in printing new designs.
My financial situation/plan is as follows...
I have about $5000 saved. I will be netting about $1200/week at my summer job at Toyota. I'll be working part-time retail in the fall. I won't have tuition this term... I've decided that I won't be back to university until january 2008 earliest. Latest would be September 2008 (unless this business explodes that quickly, then I'll keep at it full time). My university is in my home-town, so I live at home anyways which saves a ton of cash. Starting in the fall, I will be taking some night courses in web design/graphic design. Course fees are reimbursed by my dad's work after presenting a completion certificate. My design concepts will be fulfilled by my sister, who is an artist. She is willing to do the work for a very small upfront cost + a small % of sales. My grandfather was a professional photographer, so getting good pictures shouldn't be a problem (my sister also does photography). So all in all... I have as much time as I make for myself, money saved up with more coming in, no mortgage or car payments, and zero credit card debt.
I know that I will probably have to dish out some money for marketing... but I do have some creative ideas. For one, I am the age of many of the people that would buy my shirts. I also hang out with a lot of the crowd that would wear my shirts. I plan to start within my group... perhaps give a shirt to a couple of girls I know it would look great on. I can also probably get some help from club dj's. At the one club I go to, the DJ broadcasts it live on the radio (the most popular top 40 station in the area). So if he's announcing free give-aways, it usually comes on the radio as well, not to mention the hundreds inside the club. I also know musicians/hip hop artists who tour, mostly around the province. That could help get my shirt infront of people as well. And I have some ideas when it comes to packaging that will set me apart and create a memorable experience.
I should definitely get working on my business plan as I clearly have some of the info floating around in my head!
And I don't think I need to hire on help to oversee things just yet. I will be starting small, trying to grow through old-fashioned blood, sweat, and tears. But, if things got big and I needed to hire on help I wouldn't hessitate... as that means I'm obviously making sales if I have a bunch of things going on at once.
Thanks for the insights... and I'm going to read up on ModRobes now.
from what you posted, it sounds like you just need some samples made, go out and show them/get Purchase Orders (PO's), than contract the manufacturing out to fill the PO's.
One good place to pound the sidewalk (walking distance) in Toronto is up and around Orphus road (lawrence/Dufferin)....there, you have a lot of the major retail chain buyers. When they buy, they take a minimum of 500 pcs per style.
So, who knows....even if you sell only 1 style that could be a big break,
sometimes people open doors based on attitude and design concept only. Thats known to happen. Manufacturing is what they do day in and day out.
from what you posted, it sounds like you just need some samples made, go out and show them/get Purchase Orders (PO's), than contract the manufacturing out to fill the PO's.
One good place to pound the sidewalk (walking distance) in Toronto is up and around Orphis road (lawrence/Dufferin)....there, you have a lot of the major retail chain buyers. When they buy, they take a minimum of 500 pcs per style.
So, who knows....even if you sell only 1 style that could be a big break,
sometimes people open doors based on attitude and design concept only. Thats known to happen. Manufacturing is what they do day in and day out.
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I like this concept of samples... that fits my personality perfectly .
How do I go about getting just a small quanity of my shirts made? From what I have found so far, to get custom garments I need to order at least 250. If selling online... don't I need to have a bunch ready? I can't imagine being able to send in an order for 10 shirts every week.
You seem to understand what I am getting at. I read a little thing on Modrobes and him and I seem to think alike lol. I have considered doing many of the same things as I and my friends are all university/college students. I have 2 universities and a college in my little city alone.
What are your suggestions for a good strategy... mainly manufacturing/design production. The marketing and sales side I love and can think of new ideas for all day long (not always good ones though lol).
This is a discussion about starting a t-shirt brand from scratch with $5000? / Variant Art, Anyone use them? that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
starting a t-shirt brand from scratch with $5000? / Variant Art, Anyone use them? 
Re: Variant Art, Anyone use them? 
