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 hope this can be a list to help all us small, direct marketers save time and money with what does and doesn't work in these type of situations.You know like tents, canopy systems, fold able carts for moving heavy obljects(heat press?), generators, just whatever helps make things easier or better .
We are just starting out with the tshirts thanks to the JSSP and getting a bigger press ... but last year we did a few fairs and we just had mouse pads, coasters and koozies ... we had some wildlife pictures and sold those on the products ... but our main sales were personalized ones. We used our camper and a 10X20 tent with sides ... we kept our press and blanks in the camper and i sat outside the camper with the laptop and printer. We would either scan in images people brought us ... or we would take their picture and use that. Alot of grandmas wanted pics of their grandchildren put on. We were busy at all times ... even when it poured down rain cause they could come in out of the rain!!! They would order and then enjoy the fair and stop back later to pick up! This year should be even better with the addition of tshirts and we also added candles to our line ... but the candles will be order only and shipped or picked up at a later date!
That's what we do ... interested in seeing what works for others!
We use the 6 ft plastic tables, tshirt racks and peg boards for displays. We don't use a generator ... the fairs have supplied the electricity that we have done.
We set the camper and put out the awning then put the tent up and move it right up to the awning on the camper. Gives us a nice area to display and work!
We don't use a cart as we set up on the grass and it's hard to pull them through the grass. And most everything is in the camper already to go ... and the rest is in the van and we can pull right up to the site with the van to unload. So haven't had the need for one yet!
A question in my mind is what are the types of printer with cis system is easiest to take on the road?Are there any precautions I should take to ensure safe and clean traveling? I may have jumped the gun. I already purchased an Epson 1400 and mighty max 16X20 heat press. Is there any advice on traveling with these items or should I get a cheaper printer for traveling with? For starters, I'll just be traveling within 150 miles at max so I can always be home at night to keep overhead down. One added bit of info id I live in Mississippi and the roads are terrible so help saving a printer and/or ink spills or cartridge will be a great help.
A question in my mind is what are the types of printer with cis system is easiest to take on the road?Are there any precautions I should take to ensure safe and clean traveling? I may have jumped the gun. I already purchased an Epson 1400 and mighty max 16X20 heat press. Is there any advice on traveling with these items or should I get a cheaper printer for traveling with? For starters, I'll just be traveling within 150 miles at max so I can always be home at night to keep overhead down. One added bit of info id I live in Mississippi and the roads are terrible so help saving a printer and/or ink spills or cartridge will be a great help.
I drive to events and rent a small trailer. In the trailer go the tents, tables, banners, substrates, power cords, chairs etc. In the Cherokee go the computer, printer, plotter, transfers and heatpress as well as luggage.
We are loaded but have done this so many times its second nature.
Do you have a CIS system for your printer? Do you take any special precautions when packing the print system? have you ever had printer ink leak or siphon out into the printer or worse , you car and belongings? Have you ever gotten to your destination and found the trip did damage to the ink system or printer? I have a Buick Rendexvous and am hoping to do like you do, if I can find a trailer hitch to fit, being front wheel drive means no frame to bolt to. Thank you for your reply as I will come up with a million more questions .
Do you have a CIS system for your printer? Do you take any special precautions when packing the print system? have you ever had printer ink leak or siphon out into the printer or worse , you car and belongings? Have you ever gotten to your destination and found the trip did damage to the ink system or printer? I have a Buick Rendexvous and am hoping to do like you do, if I can find a trailer hitch to fit, being front wheel drive means no frame to bolt to. Thank you for your reply as I will come up with a million more questions .
I actually just got the printer or well a traveling inexpensive printer. I do so many outdoor events in the heat that a bit of printer testing is needed before the big one comes along.
It is bad enough on the plotter and computer.
I am shopping for a large format right now but it will only be available at indoor events.
I am just throwing the c-120 in the box it came in as it was packed well. I dont have a CIS just yet as the inkjet transfers are new for us.
Basically all electronics go in the vehicle so you can control the environment.
Hi All:
sharing this with you......we bought a trailer..6x12 off of craigslist.....put our graphics on it.....installed work tables inside, 2 presses, 2 epson 1400 printers w/ciss....1 plotter cutter.....overhead lighting....and of course the most important of all devices...A STEREO!! We also have 10x10 white ez-up tent/ with display table, and chairs.
Last event we did was a huge Harley Davidson PokerRun.....we pounded out 260 something shirts that day....2 people pressing, 2 people takin orders!! We hauled buns all day long but what a great pay day! The key was pre-printing/ press ready transfers......we would take an order and press it within a scant few minutes...NEXT!!!!
Learned alot that day.....luckily we had planned well and were ready for the onslaught of orders!
Biggest problem we had was that it was out doors and the wind came up in the afternoon....blowing our displays around. We learned to anticipate that and anchor everything down.
All in all....it was a great event for us to do.....and we had fun doing it as well!!
NOTE: on the printers and traveling with them......we kept the box and packaging they came in.....when traveling we box em up....wedge the ciss in there too! Cap off the vents, and away we went!
Had no problems what so ever!
Thanks for the replies. David. sounds like you where I want to get past before I start. Good luck and please keep me posted, especially if you run into problems.Kirk. What kind or trailer is it you use? Does it have shock absorbers or just bounce along spring I find in so many cheap trailers? When you pack up your printers, do you put them back in the trailer or in you vehicle? Do you have pics of your trailer setup? I believe like David, I'll put all sensitive equipment will go inside the Rendezvous. It has removable back seats and a cargo area so I should fit everything in side it except for whatever setup equipment I put together. Being a newbie I think I need to steer clear of big, fast paced events for a while. go to smaller shows and flea markets until I get some kinda of system setup that I can work with and keep track of. I one time sold electronics at flea markets and found there are people that will gang up on me and make things very confusing while a friend would lift some of my most valuable items. I hope you guys are past that phase, but a word of warning if you haven had that experience yet. Any, thanks again for the replys and good fortune to you.
My trailer is a WELLS CARGO.....nice trailer. It does have shocks....and yes I pack it all in the trailer....printer and all. Mind you...I have this trailer set up as a shop inside....so packing it up...everything has its own secure place to be. Presses are locked down on sturdy work benches...which are locked down also.....nothing moves! Its quick and easy set up....literally within minutes I'm ready to go.....
I have a gas powered quite generator on the tongue.....ready to supply electricity if none is available....and quite enough to not bother anyone. I can hook up anywhere!!
To tell you how far we can go....we are negotiating a MALL Kiosk.....we plan to have the trialer outside....manned.....with a person running the kiosk. The kiosk will be stocked with many graphic designed shirts and sizes...but you only have so much room.....2-way radio!! As stock is needing to be re-filled....our pressman gets a radio call.....and fills the stock level within minutes!! This is a quicky description of this particular setup.....but its cool and will be very productive!! Helps we will be the only t-shirt biz in the mall!!
The trailer is a moving bill board for us as well with our graphics on all 4 sides....great advertising....looks clean, and professional and draws people to us at events!
Advise....at events...dont do alone! Have someone taking orders...a wife, girlfriend, family member....and someone pressing. At larger events....you may need even more help.
Flea markets are not my cup of tea....no offense....I like to attend events that have a theme......HOT AUGUST NIGHTS, STREET VIBRATIONS, POKER RUN, March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon .....local High School football game, ( where they will let you in...offer a kickback for every shirt sold and they are much more inclined!), Craft Fairs arent too bad...if you pick the right ones..... Something that is a annual event and draws a reasonable crowd....people will buy event shirts especially out of a sentimental value....they were there and a shirt shows it kinda thing. Added to that....with a library of graphics, you will sell much more....
Oh..and a side benefit to the trailer......I can easily take everything out of it...and hual mine and my wifes Harleys on a long get away trip!! Daddy likes that! =)
That sounds like a pretty good setup. Do you set hardware on pillows or a mattress or anything? Just on the floor? I agree bigger will be better when the time comes. I just need to get back into a slow period till I get aclimated to the festival atmosphere. I haven't done any direct marketing in years, unless you call auto dealer direct marketing, which I was terrible at. Almost went broke andthem someone stoll my most valuable truck and made me realize I was in the wrong business. Anyway, thank you again and will be checking back for more great ideas and cautions.
I have tables, and shelves built in side the trailer....all locked down so it cant move.....presses are clamped to the tables...solid! Printers have another table....during transport I box them up in the original box and packing...very snug! Boxes and boxes of shirts are under the tables, Cutter is boxed...and in its place as well..........NOTHING CAN MOVE! Otherwise....I would not put it in there.
If...you should ever look into getting a trailer and going mobil.....a little plannning and easy design on your interior setup........you can have a shop ready to go to work in minutes!!! It's really easy...of course equipment can not be kept loose.....but proper design and planning....you can put everything you need in there and it will be fine! Beats packin the truck, car....trips back & forth....workin outside in the elements( you can be outside...but your workin inside your own shop! Also...nobody over your shoulder in case ya screw one up.....toss it and do another.....NEXT!!!!! lol
Just something I did cuz I had the right oprtunity too...and I love to tinker....modify things.....make things work the way I want to work......I'm screwy lke that!
Cool and thanks again. I think your right for when I get comfortable with my processes. Right now, I'm still trying to get a working knowledge of Corel X3. I just don't seem to retain things like I used to. But as I was saying, if I expect to make any money at this thing, I'll have to get bigger and, as you were saying you are, way more organized. But thats for the future. I'm still looking to get my first transfer done yet. I have a large learning curve ahead of me .
Fairs, Flea Markets And Festivals 
