dmh737

First post, and I apologize for being ignorant here. I searched these forums before posting this. I want to design, print & sell my own shirts. My wife is now a Stay-at-home mom and we need to earn some extra income. I've been tossing this around for awhile now. Where do I start? Heat Transfers or Screen Printing? The designs and marketing and such I'm experienced in. I just need to know what is the easiest start-up that puts out a good quality product. I can always upgrade later, but I'm looking for the best bang for the buck.
Thanks guy/gals,
Dave

 

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AndyC

Do you have a budget in mind?

For minimal start-up costs I would look into a site like Cafe Press.

 

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charles95405

If I knew the answer to your question...I would write a book and retire...after I made my first million with this business. Heat transfer would be the least expensive to start...just a heat press, printer and computer with appropriate graphic program...even with just a heat press, you could order stock transfers to get started...or use your designs and outsource the printing of the transfers... Rodney has some great threads on the forum on 'how to'. Screen printing requires considerable investment in equipment, material and a learning curve. I do not screen print...never will..I just outsource to the guys/gals that already can do this better than I. I would guess that to start in screen printing you will have to spend 7k or more to be ready to get ready...I am sure someone will give you a more definitive cost..For transfers, you can get started for less than 2k. why not check nbm shows...there are 5 shows throughout the year. check'em out at NBM Shows: Where People and Business Connect! Next one is Aug 9-11 in Long Beach.

You will get a lot of ideas to base your decision on...and learn a lot about this biz

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http://www.bydesignadvertising.com

 

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John S

Quote: Originally Posted by dmh737 I want to design, print & sell my own shirts. ... Where do I start? Heat Transfers or Screen Printing? The designs and marketing and such I'm experienced in. I just need to know what is the easiest start-up that puts out a good quality product.

Great question Dave

If you answer the "Who is my customer", "How will they find me" and "What do they want to buy", the equipment/fulfillment questions will take care of themselves.

I would always look at outsourcing first, then when you have a stable customer base, evaluate bringing the production in-house.

So what is your sales game plan?

How will you use the strengths of your team?

 

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printchic

Quote: Originally Posted by dmh737 Where do I start? Heat Transfers or Screen Printing? The designs and marketing and such I'm experienced in. I just need to know what is the easiest start-up that puts out a good quality product. I can always upgrade later, but I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. Thanks guy/gals, Dave

Hi Dave,

Here's one place you can get some info about entering the business.
Great Garment Graphics Seminar

They also have seminars throughout the country so you may want to see if they have a class coming up in the near future somewhere near you.

Signed,
Printchic

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Promo Tees and Designs
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