FeverDog

Hey everyone this is chirag from india.
I am passionately interested in starting an online t-shirt business specializing in Rock and Metal bands T shirts (and more gothic stuff)
since i am low on initial investments and too young to get a loan,
i would like to outsource the printing process entirely,
and i have some questions.

1.) Who Exactly am i looking for, to print my t-shirts?
Does it HAVE TO BE a specialized T-shirt Printer or can i go to any printing press and ask..?

2.)What equipment is used for home printing ?
( i want quality prints instead of just transfer paper inkjet prints)
(I am asking so that i can arrange to buy used equipment)

3.)Usually what is the finished cost price of one t-shirt?

4.)Do you have any contacts in INDIA (preferably North india)



Thanks in advance

 

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Solmu

Quote: Originally Posted by FeverDog 1.) Who Exactly am i looking for, to print my t-shirts? Does it HAVE TO BE a specialized T-shirt Printer or can i go to any printing press and ask..?

You want a textile printer, preferably one who screen prints. A lot of general printing places (flyers, etc.) would be using offset, so they wouldn't be able to do t-shirts. But screen printing is used for more than just textiles (signs for example), so the place you go to won't necessarily specialise in t-shirts.

Quote: Originally Posted by FeverDog 2.)What equipment is used for home printing ? ( i want quality prints instead of just transfer paper inkjet prints) (I am asking so that i can arrange to buy used equipment)

The professional equipment can fit into a pretty small space, and most home printers who want good quality just use the same stuff scaled down. The main thing you'll need is a printing press (or t-shirt carousel). A lot of the rest you can make yourself. You can make the press yourself too for that matter, if you're determined.

Quote: Originally Posted by FeverDog 3.)Usually what is the finished cost price of one t-shirt?

Obviously it varies a lot, but USD$3-10 is about the normal range. It would probably be cheaper in India though.

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FeverDog

Thanks for your help and suggestions!!!
How good are Transfer paper prints?

 

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Solmu

Quote: Originally Posted by FeverDog How good are Transfer paper prints?

That's a matter of opinion, but I'd never use them.

Unless you mean plastisol (screenprinted) transfers, in which case - not so bad.

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FeverDog

Are there any major copyright issues?
For instance If i sell Metallica T shirts,
Do i have to pay metallica any kind of royalties or something?
I know a lot of companies have no affiliation with the bands whatsoever.. but they still sell those t shirts...
Thing is i'll be the first one selling those online

 

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Solmu

Yes there are copyright and trademark issues, no you can't just print whatever you want without permission. It's also not a matter of doing what you want then sending a royalty cheque, you need permission in advance - that can be refused.

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sodaholic134

If I were you, I'd try spreadshirt.com.

You can open your own shirt shop and you get a slice of the profits. They also have a nice online t-shirt maker.

 

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