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.
Has anyone set up a heat press in a van/panel truck and made t-shirts on the spot at places people congregate? I was wondering if it was possible to sell at public parking lots at the beach for instance or at a race track, from a hotel parking lot (where you are a paying guest); gas stations on big highways etc. I'm sure permission would be needed from owners of private property and that with public places there would be some local ordinances involved, but is this idea workable or too difficult to do? I'd appreciate any insights into this. Thanks much.
Has anyone set up a heat press in a van/panel truck and made t-shirts on the spot at places people congregate? I was wondering if it was possible to sell at public parking lots at the beach for instance or at a race track, from a hotel parking lot (where you are a paying guest); gas stations on big highways etc. I'm sure permission would be needed from owners of private property and that with public places there would be some local ordinances involved, but is this idea workable or too difficult to do? I'd appreciate any insights into this. Thanks much.
I believe after Quicksilver was purchased and brought to Southern Ca from Autstrailia, the shirts were sold at the beaches from the back of a van. I don't think they used a heat press though.
You would need permission, and a long extension cord, or a generator.
Just wanted to agree with Gmille39. As long as you have the electricity you need and the relevant permissions you're good to go.
With regards to the electricity, don't even think about getting it from the van since that would flatten the battery immediately! If you're getting a generator make absolutely sure that it can provide the watts you need and double check how much gas it would need and how much noise it would make.
Needless to say the best way is to only park at places where they can provide you with electricity. But I think you could only get permissions in places where there would be electricity anyways.
Good luck!
Anders Rask
Last edited by Rodney; June 9th, 2008 at 03:59 PM.
I have seen a few vendors useing closed trailers at events (drag races,Tractor pulls,and Raceing). They have some made up,but can press on demand too. I talked to one guy andhe said he was real successful. He would oder plastisol for the events and hit the road. He told me on a long circut he would have transfers sent to the post office and pick them up. He told me he makes a comfortable living and travels the country. This was all before the gas prices went up. ..... JB
Thanks to GMIlle39, Rask, and Coeds for the very helpful posts. My thought is to go to where the people are and target the design to the environment - beach motifs at the beach, horses at the horse shows, fishing designs at marinas or tournaments. I can see the noice and exhaust of a generator being a problem, battery banks being less than ideal. Solar power would be great but expensive. Food for thought and research definitely needed on power and permissions from local authorities. Thanks again!
I'm sure at the bigger events you could get power. The events out in the open would then need a alternate energy source. I would think a bank of batteries would work and could be charged from a seperate alternator that you could install. I know years ago we would hook up amplifiers for our sound systems and would need more juice to run things. "oh the good ole days". .... JB
Thanks to GMIlle39, Rask, and Coeds for the very helpful posts. My thought is to go to where the people are and target the design to the environment - beach motifs at the beach, horses at the horse shows, fishing designs at marinas or tournaments. I can see the noice and exhaust of a generator being a problem, battery banks being less than ideal. Solar power would be great but expensive. Food for thought and research definitely needed on power and permissions from local authorities. Thanks again!
You forgot about the wind turbine. you could telescope one up from the roof of the van.
I'm sure at the bigger events you could get power. The events out in the open would then need a alternate energy source. I would think a bank of batteries would work and could be charged from a seperate alternator that you could install. I know years ago we would hook up amplifiers for our sound systems and would need more juice to run things. "oh the good ole days". .... JB
I know a couple of guys who do the same thing. They never told me that they were vending from parking lots but would go to larger events like races where electricity was present and offer on the spot presses, as well as pre made plastisol transfers. Same story here, they have told me many times they made a comfortable living and got to see alot of the country.
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Creativity is your vehicle, profit the destination.
It is profitable to follow shows. I have a good friend who works large horseshows and embroiders denim shirts and jackets, They sew a8 hours a day. They charge 40 dollars for a simple shirt and 75 dollars for a jacket. .... JB
When you use a generator, pls include in your plan is a heavy duty extention cord, rated at 20 amps. Also, I believe you must collect sales tax on where you are selling, and report it back to the state in which you sold if you cross the state lines.
I know of a member here that does this. Here is her contact name: Greyhorsewoman. She can help you with the details as she has first hand experience traveling to shows. She is big time when it comes to this. Good luck to you. I think nothing is better than having the luxury to work and do some traveling. Life doesn't always allow for that, and when you're lucky enough to get the chance, how awesome to be able to take it. -Kelly
A very belated thanks to all of you for your replies. I was in Liberia when I first wrote, in the process of packing up and returning for good to Virginia. I'm back on line now and getting closer to activating a website for t-shirt sales. The van idea is still alive and well but I need to get the internet sales going first! Thanks again! Mike
Selling heat press t-shirts from a van 
