[ciscomd]

So here's where I'm at . . .

I want to start a tshirt line (and possibly let it evolve into a full clothing line somewhere down the road if it is successful.) I thought of a name and a theme about a year and a half ago and have thought of several designs since then (I have about 5 designs that I want to launch with, and add more as I go.) I know my market and my target demographic. I bought the domain name last year, but I haven't done anything with it yet. I have a few artist friends who can make the designs for me if I toss them a few bucks. After that, I don't know where to go.

I know for sure that I want to make high quality shirts that look and feel nice, don't stretch/shrink/deform in the wash, and the graphics last a long time without peeling or fading. I've bought too many shirts off the internet that do these things, and I refuse to sell junk. I'm interested in organic cotton and other environmentally-friendly materials/practices, but I don't know much about them.

One thing I don't have is much startup money. My wife might let me invest $100 or so at a time, here and there, but I can't do a big $500+ startup or anything. If I prove I can make a little money, she will be MUCH more lenient and trusting about what I can invest, of course, and I plan on reinvesting all of the early profits.

I'm meeting with an artist today, so I'll have at least 1 design, maybe 2, by the end of this week.

Where should I go from here?

 

[bornover]

There is a lot of info about what you want to do already here in past threads. Take some time and use the search feature and find the threads that talk about this stuff.

The absolute number one thing you need to do is know exactly how you will get your product in front of the demographic you are targeting, and, at the time they are buying or looking to buy stuff. Do not spend money on making samples or product until you know exactly how you are going to do that. No matter how great a shirt you have, if your demographic does not see it when they are in a buying mood, you will just have lots of great shirts for you and your friends to wear (and that's not what you want). You don't wait for customers to find you, you go out and find them (and that is your number one priority).

 

[nosymbolrequired]

Hi

I agree with Bornover. Its all about getting the product infront of the customer at the correct time.

And just to point you to the right places to make and print your t-shirts etc, try looking into cafepress or spreadshirt. On these two you can upload your designs, open a shop, and see what your designs will look like on a tee, before having to order or make anything yourself. (saving you money).

Hope this helps.

 

[ciscomd]

Honestly I'm not super worried about marketing at this point. I know how to reach my demo, and I'm starting pretty small. I don't need this line to be HUGE, and I'm not looking to quit my day job or anything.

Regarding cafepress . . . I didn't want to name any names, but I've ordered a few shirts from them over the years, and the quality is always horrible. Like I said, I will not sell crap. That's a philosophy I've always had in life and it has served me well. I want to sell high quality tshirts with high quality graphics or none at all.

What I'm looking into now is how to get the website going and how to get the tshirts and get them printed, all without making too much of a financial commitment (though I realize I will have to make some investment.)

 

[the365life]

On getting the designs printed:
It sounds like you definitely want to go with getting them screen printed. You should use the forums to figure out specific types of ink for specific types of feel and cost.

As far as getting them done, I would recommend going with a local screen printer, this way you can talk with them directly about your mission/ situation. One thing to inquire about is contract printing, which will lower your costs if the printer is willing to contract print (you supply the garments). A good relationship with a printer will do wonders for you, make sure to always pay on time (preferably in cash!).

I would recommend ordering several designs at once (unless you are absolutely positive the one design will sell; beware of friends' opinion, they give the thumbs up way too easily!). Honestly if you are looking to only invest $500, your profit margin isn't going to look too great either way, so it is best to get a couple designs printed (friends can buy 2 or 3, instead of just 1. Which will happen if you're nice )

 

[bornover]

Since you are working with a $100 budget, I would find a contract DTG printer that can print up a few for you to sell that stays within your budget. You are not likely to find screen printing at your budget. I could be wrong though especially if you designs are one color designs. You might find someone to screen print ten shirts for you.

 

[the365life]

Yeah I read your post wrong, thought you had a little over $500 to work with.. In that case: START SELLING COUNTERFEIT PURSES AND STACK THAT LOOT!