Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
Hi there folks!
I'm a newcomer to the t shirt business and I would like to hear your opinion on this matter... if starting out small... is it better to get a machine or get your designs printed somewhere else? thanks!
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
When you say machine do you mean screen print or DTG? I think until you know your way around having the product made for you is a good way to start. If you have not done screenprinting (as I have not and don't wish to learn)it gives you the same product with out the mess. if you build your business and you want to make the investment later then do so from the proceeds of the business you done. I work out of the house and there just is not a way for me to do screen printing. However I get enough business to make me happy.
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
Quote:
Originally Posted by eltigga
Hi there folks!
I'm a newcomer to the t shirt business and I would like to hear your opinion on this matter... if starting out small... is it better to get a machine or get your designs printed somewhere else? thanks!
Most people buy the stuff, then try to figure out how to use it, then quit before they find a way to sell the product or service they just learned how to produce.
Learn to sell 'it' first, then let the profits of selling 'it' pay for the equipment if you decide you:
1. Like what you are doing, 2. Can make a good living, 3. Have enough volume in sales to make even more money by doing your own production.
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
i am aiming at a very competitive spectrum which is the fashion industry, my goal is to get something together like FYASKO or VOLCOM, more in the urban side with splatters and different elevations and color on the t-shirt... I have no experience on the production whatsoever but lots on the creative and management of software since I'm a graphic designer. My question is: Is it better to buy equipment when starting off to play with the t-shirt? or are there any companies who are willing to print on small quantities just so you could see demos? thanks for the replies!
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
Quote:
Originally Posted by eltigga
i am aiming at a very competitive spectrum which is the fashion industry, my goal is to get something together like FYASKO or VOLCOM, more in the urban side with splatters and different elevations and color on the t-shirt... I have no experience on the production whatsoever but lots on the creative and management of software since I'm a graphic designer. My question is: Is it better to buy equipment when starting off to play with the t-shirt? or are there any companies who are willing to print on small quantities just so you could see demos? thanks for the replies!
If you want to run small quantities, then you probably want to invest in the equipment to do the printing yourself.
Remember that printing is more than just the equipment. There is also a learning curve which will take you time to produce the designs you want.
So you're going to be paying for it either way. With the equipment investment and time investment or paying someone else to run small samples for you.
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
I couldn't agree more... on a starting level, what would be the best bet to start off with demos, sorry if it may sound redonded but is it better to get someone else who has more experience at the beginning?
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
Quote:
Originally Posted by badalou
When you say machine do you mean screen print or DTG? I think until you know your way around having the product made for you is a good way to start. If you have not done screenprinting (as I have not and don't wish to learn)it gives you the same product with out the mess. if you build your business and you want to make the investment later then do so from the proceeds of the business you done. I work out of the house and there just is not a way for me to do screen printing. However I get enough business to make me happy.
Lou working out of your home how do you get customers?
Do you call on people or advertise?
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
If you can afford to contract out the work at first I would say yes, yet the small quantities will cost a good amount. Find a good printer you feel will fit your needs and start a good relationship. You never know, you might not ever need to print anything yourself.
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
i'm a graphic designer myself, so I would definitely do the advertising. I'm currently working on a website, and plan to develop flyers and pop-ups online (i'll kee you guys posted on that) on the other hand, i'd try to get in touch with stores I would like the brand to work with and try to introduce it to the market... and yes, equipment sounds a little pricey when starting off, that's why I want to get samples first and get the brand out there.... what do you guys think about that?
Re: Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere?
Quote:
that's why I want to get samples first and get the brand out there.... what do you guys think about that?
depends on how many "samples" you're talking about and the actual designs to be printed.
There are a few ways to get low quantities of shirts printed, but the best method will vary depending on the design (number of colors/size), the garment color, and the number of shirts you want printed.
Sometimes a small screen printing run will be cheaper, sometimes direct to garment printing might work, sometimes plastisol transfers might work if you have your own heat press.
This is a discussion about Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere? that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
Is it better to print? or get them printed elsewhere? 
