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.
At motorcycle events and a few mason events. If I can, at some car shows as well.
Well, One thing you can look at doing is to carry a catalog and use the show as a marketing tool to get sales after the show. The show itself should break even for cost/sales if you are looking to make sales after the even from the contacts. Make sure you give out your catalog and/or business cards.
At motorcycle events and a few mason events. If I can, at some car shows as well.
Here ya go!!!! Import Faceoff, Dayton Ohio, Sept. 10th. Your contact is Cliff at Hybrid Entertainment. Wesite is importfaceoff.net Now go and get a booth and sell your gear.
I'd recommend doing a couple of small car shows or motorcycle events to get your feet wet. We've done just a few small shows so far and learn something new each time.
We started out with a pop up canopy, 2 cheap garmet racks, a couple of folding tables and chairs.
We take reciept books, pens, catalogs, business cards, table cloths, signage, and alot of stuff I've forgotten to list, lol.
Now I have a 6x10 trailer, heat press and generator.
Once we get our operation down pat, we'll be looking for bigger show to make more money.
We started out with a pop up canopy, 2 cheap garmet racks, a couple of folding tables and chairs.
Am I correct to assume you only sold pre-printed shrts, etc. when you got started doing shows..........
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Now I have a 6x10 trailer, heat press and generator.
And now you do custom stuff "made to order" at shows, etc. So far, does the investment to take your "show on the road" seem worthwhile? Do you offer graphics customization or a selection of pre-set designs?
I started out selling vinyl decals and fullside auto graphics. We then got into offering cad-cut heatpress vinyl custom t-shirts. We now do all the above and sell plastisol transfers on shirts. Next step is sunglasses I think...gotta have those point of sale items.
Am I correct to assume you only sold pre-printed shrts, etc. when you got started doing shows..........
And now you do custom stuff "made to order" at shows, etc. So far, does the investment to take your "show on the road" seem worthwhile? Do you offer graphics customization or a selection of pre-set designs?
Thanks in advance for your input!
I've only done a few shows, I bought the trailer to get since it was a good deal and to get some of the supplies and invetory out of my house.
Yes we started out with pre-printed only. You have to carry much more inventory if you do it that way.
If you offer several designs you have to print them in several sizes and/or colors.
People like being able ot pick out their design and have you make it while they wait. It cuts way down on inventory.
As far as true custom work, I'm working on being able to take a picture of a persons car and put it on a shirt. I've had several requests for this. I've made a couple of practice shirts for family members. I need a better camera and a computer I can take with me.
So the investment does seem worthwhile but only time will tell.
The way I look at is that the trailer, generator and like items are things that could be sold if I ever decide to get out of it.
I see that some of you have the same ideas and goals as I. It is nice to see that we all have the same plan and can talk to each other and learn.
I also plan to get into sunglasses. I am looking to get a lap top so I can do pictures on tees as well. But I think a epson that prints from a memory card will work for that. Not sure, as I would want to resize and maybe add graphics to the shirt too.
I knew I needed a table and a tent, but I never thought about a trailer yet. We, me & the wife, where thinking of getting a van to use for shows. I figure I can get one cheaper than an SUV and have more usable space and cheaper on gas.
__________________ I'm getting closer to a new t-shirt.
Something to remember as you move into bigger and better events. Spaces are usually sold in 10x10 blocks. Probably the main reason I havent gone the full vending trailer rout. If you buy a 10x20 space you are going to want to utilize every inch of it as fees for that space increase. Sometimes they will let you slide a bit but larger events generally will not.
selling at Events and shows questions 
Re: selling at Events and shows questions 
