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curly · May 4th, 2008

I'm checking into what it takes to start a t-shirt business online for my client. But since doing all the investigative work, I feel like this has become my "baby" so to speak.

I'll therefore be saying "my" from now on, it's easier.

My concern about choosing PM is that I'd have to order inventory up front and have it in storage, which is totally different from Print On Demand (POD) fulfillment (like CafePress offers).

I'm concerned about the great start-up cost if I have a dozen designs I want to offer in my store - the $$$ will add up quickly!

I'm also concerned about selling out of one size - yet still having bunches of others that aren't moving - and in order to fill that next order in the size I'm out of, will I have to place another PM order of 24 (their minimum) just to get that one order out?

PM felt very good to me as I read through their site, I really like the choice of t-shirts - many I think are better quality than offererd through CP - and the option to apply my own label (if I choose) but I'm very concerned about the build up of dormant inventory. I can see that happening when I have to order 24 more shirts just to get one particular size printed that I've sold out, and a customer wants.

If I'm misunderstanding how things work, please let me know.

I would like to know how those of you who use PM balance the cost outlay and product availability. It seems like you'd have to have a sixth sense about what sizes the public most wants.

My mind is rambling with questions and thoughts and I would appreciate anyone's insight.

Thanks!

curly

yuppicide · July 9th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by curly


	My concern about choosing PM is that I'd have to order inventory up front and have it in storage, which is totally different from Print On Demand (POD) fulfillment (like CafePress offers).

If by storage you mean in your own place.. no. they store all your merchandise for you, fulfill all orders, handle returns, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by curly


	aren't moving - and in order to fill that next order in the size I'm out of, will I have to place another PM order of 24 (their minimum) just to get that one order out?

I belive if you're using their PHP script on your website it handles everything. If you sell out of XL shirts, then it will not be an option for the customer to select. You would need to place an order of at least 24 more shirts in order to get more XL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by curly


	label (if I choose) but I'm very concerned about the build up of dormant inventory. I can see that happening when I have to order 24 more shirts just to get one particular size printed that I've sold out, and a customer wants.

I am concerned also, but not that concerned. I've already started a PM store, have a domain name, but no products yet. I'm doing that once I get back from vacation in August. Now, here is what I figure. At first I might have more dormant inventory until I figure out what sizes sell more for me. So, once I figure out a good ratio to order it'll work out better.

I work in the fashion industry. We manufacture a few lines of women's apparel. We sell in prepacks wholesale only. They are normally packed as 1 small, 2 medium, 2 large, 1 extra large. I am not sure if this would be similar for Men's clothing though.

I apologize if any of the information I have given you about PM is wrong. I'm just starting with them myself.

curly · July 10th, 2008

Hello yuppicide,

Thank you for replying. This thread was posted so long ago - without reply - that I figured I asked all the wrong questions.

I realized that I won't have to store the merchandise and it's a major reason to use either POD or PrintMojo...or similar printer.

Knowing what sizes to order is my biggest concern. But like you said, it will probably be something I'll learn after orders come in.

Good luck in your new business!

curly

yuppicide · July 10th, 2008

Good luck on yours as well Curly. I often think of getting a partner in with me (to help offset costs, such as my Girlfriend) but we both see differently on what will sell.

I'm thinking of those "funny dirty college kid" type shirts you see everywhere.. she's not really thinking ideas just rejecting a lot of mine lol.