Discuss the process of getting your t-shirt line into brick and mortar stores and selling offline. Topics include industry tradeshows, events, line sheets, sales reps and other retailing tips and advice.
I am new to the t-shirt business. Entered my first post (Intro) last week. I am a retired university professor (philosophy) and am embarking on a new career with product design, t-shirts and greeting cards. The t-shirt and greeting card ideas are quirky and humorous.
I am just starting out creating concepts and graphics for t-shirts. Most involve humor &/or politics. I have not worked in the t-shirt, clothing or graphics industries, so I have a lot to learn.
My first and most pressing need is for lists, contacts, or associations of t-shirt distributors, particularly in Florida. I have sold some t-shirts on line and can find companies to produce my shirt concepts. The problem is getting them to market.
One of my ideas should have a regional appeal in Florida, although it will take a quirky sense of humor to buy or sell it. Can anyone help me find lists of distributors or good t-shirt shops in resorts and college towns in Florida?
Any other guidance to a beginner in getting concepts to market would be deeply appreciated.
A good way to reach retailers (and distributors) is to visit a tradeshow.
There are retail tradeshows where the store buyers visit to find the type of products that they will sell in their retail stores.
There's one in California called the California Gift Show. There are probably similar ones in Florida. You can probably find them in a search of infomat.com (they have a lot of tradeshow listings).
However, there are SO many t-shirt companies out there, you'll probably have better luck in first marketing your line online, proving the sales numbers, and then taking those REAL sales numbers to a sales rep.
Not to sound harsh, but everyone has great t-shirt ideas that they feel will sell millions, and I'm sure the stores get offers everyday, but if you have designs that are actually, actively selling, I think you'll have a better go of proving to stores/distributors that you have a good line.
Thanks, Rodney. This is helpful. I have been to the California Gift Show for another product of mine which is more substantial. I met an impressive distributor there and got his card, but have not been able to reach him yet.
I am getting ready to sell the shirt and a few others online: CafePress. Will keep beating the bushes for a Florida lead.
I really appreciate your response.
Warren
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rodney
A good way to reach retailers (and distributors) is to visit a tradeshow.
There are retail tradeshows where the store buyers visit to find the type of products that they will sell in their retail stores.
There's one in California called the California Gift Show. There are probably similar ones in Florida. You can probably find them in a search of infomat.com (they have a lot of tradeshow listings).
However, there are SO many t-shirt companies out there, you'll probably have better luck in first marketing your line online, proving the sales numbers, and then taking those REAL sales numbers to a sales rep.
Not to sound harsh, but everyone has great t-shirt ideas that they feel will sell millions, and I'm sure the stores get offers everyday, but if you have designs that are actually, actively selling, I think you'll have a better go of proving to stores/distributors that you have a good line.
Thanks, Mike! Actually I have done some of that and have called or e-mailed stores, screen printers, and one Chamber of Commerce. Unlike most California Chambers of Commerce the Florida Chamber is a lobbying arm for business and does not even have a business directory.
I'll keep plugging and will put the shirt online. Thanks for your help.
Warren
Florida distributor or retail contacts needed 
Re: Florida distributor or retail contacts needed 
