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Ok so I've decided that I'm getting a vinyl cutter (prob'ly a US Cutter) hopefully within a few weeks. I will be trying to do mostly parent shirts and sport decals and banners. I will also be selling sport specific tees. These I do not design myself. I actually already have something lined up for an upcoming basketball tournament. I am providing the tourney shirt. This I am also outsourcing and I hope to get more of these jobs in the future.
Ok, now that I'm done rambling back to the purpose of my post. Should I include sports in my name or should I stick with something more generic by including the word "graphics" at the end of my intended company name. I want to also be able to do custom shirt for small businesses, generic decals, etc., but I'm afraid if I include Sports in to my co. name it might confuse potential clients. What do yall think or recommend.
Thanks
Chuy,
personaly i like names that mean very little at first glance and you build on it. In other words, over time as you build your client demographic, people will SPOT the name and know it's you, only you and what you do. This will also increase your asset value and leave room to expand in various directions your ventures may take you as you grow.
Sure, *in your face full description* biz names works great. But there are just to many these days and i find they all sound the same and hard to stand alone. I also thing they carry less weight from a consummers point of view, Not Brand enough....too common. example: Joe's Garage (no, not Zappa). . Kind of small town like, still it works if thats your market.
look at *google* for example. Sure, now that we know what google is, it's easier to associate it with search... this name built just that, an association of its name and it's main function.
like FIDO name, no relation to phones... i don't think. Or PUMA etc.
I agree with TBot. People now say "I'll google that tongiht". Not, "i'll search the internet when I'm home". It's your marketing that will say what you do. If you end up with a descriptive name it also limits your future growth into new areas.
It also depends on what direction you want to head. Look at AA (sorry american apparel) they know exactly what market they are going after and it's reflected in their name. You can read more about what they stand for on their site. The niche they are after is very clear. If you want to conquer the world then I agree use something wide open. If you want to rule the "sports" arena then use something along those lines. I think one needs to have goals and markets in mind and the decision will become clearer.
For example my girlfriend and I also own a dance studio (she dances I don't... Laker girl etc.). When thinking of a name it definately had to include "dance studio" because that is who we want to attract "dancers".
The clothing company I'm starting, my brand is very revealing and it is a niche market. They know who I am and where we are coming from and those are the customers I'm aiming for. So far my samples for photo shoots, trademarks etc. have become hot little comodities to exatctly the demographics I've been anticipating. I've done extensive research so I know where to put my advertising dollars etc., so far so good.
Focus on the direction you would like to steer, visualize and it will come...
Its great that you are able to get your biz underway. When I first thought about starting my own businesses, my first thought was t-shirts back in 2001. I started by selling "Boston Sucks" t-shirts at a local flea market which drew huge weekend crowds. I'd make about $800-$1000 a name. When the time came to think of a company name, we went with The Bleacher Bums and secured the website. Over time, we ended up getting business from local businesses, teams, friends, etc., little by little. We got the tax ID, the DBA and all the legal stuff.
Looking back now, I have tried a few other businesses, a few have been successful (see my post in the introduction section), but most have failed. What I have found is if you get specific by putting "sports" in your name, it could make things difficult and costly when you want to add or try new businesses whether its graphic design, marketing, etc, etc., instead of just printing t-shirts. Printing shirts is the ultimate young person business, but being able to add different businesses later on to compliment your successful t-shirt printing biz could be key...in which case, you'll want to find a name thats more generic that you can do many other businesses under if you so choose. Adding "Graphics" or "Printing" on the end of your name could make you fade in with other companies but it really depends on how well you market your company.
Sorry this is so long, I just have a lot of to say but I'll leave you with this. Thinking of a name could be tough...or easy. Try to pick a noun to mix with an adjective. For example, animals and a word that describes them. I live near a bar called "The Thirsty Turtle", of course they have a crazy looking turtle as the logo. I knew a screen printing company in Florida called "Skinny Lizard".....see what I am saying??? Make a list of animal names and a list of adjectives, combine a few and envision a way to maket that name and logo and WHAMMY!!!....you have a company name..... of course, you don't have to use animals...could be anything...and then you can add graphics or printing on the end of it if you choose.....
Look at AA (sorry american apparel) they know exactly what market they are going after and it's reflected in their name. ..
good one.
perfect example of an exact *in you face* thats what/who we are.
But they were first to establish it's concept (American Made) in that way in a big way. Also cool how they used NET and not COM for the site too.
"but now its "aa" too, they plastered everything with it, like the t-shirt boxes etc....a change I guess. I think "aa" is a lot cooler than the long hard to spell American Aperial. jk.
in a sense, "aa" stands for American Apperal already and the association is there.
Thanks for the replies. I really think this discussion can help others in this same situation. I'm still not sure of a name.
I also think it would be great to have a name that doesnt't limit me to anything and doesn't really provide any suggestion as to what my business is about, but normally companies that do that are able to do a lot of marketing. Something that I will just not be able to do, and that is my biggest dilemna.
I do think i have decided to add productions to the end of my company name. that's kind of broad...... and kind of long, though. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
My opinion is dont get to specific. Choose something instead that is unique , rolls off the tongue and people will remember. Then your marketing can speak for what you do specifically.
My 2¢
Question on a business name 
. Kind of small town like, still it works if thats your market.
American Aperial. 
