Thanks for replying. I'm interested in doing something that is mobile where I can set up and print at the tournaments or sports events. Customers can pick a transfer and then I can customize with a name and # while they wait. I should have been more specific. I've seen vendors that do this and have started to research the process a little bit but am wondering how to get noticed as a vendor and is it worth the weekend that you spend there?
It can be worth it
I don;t do this myself but have had the chance to witness many people start this way and grow their business.
To start you off, you will definitely need a heat press. I would recommend something not digital if it is going to be run by a generator and may experience spikes in the current. I would get a 16 x 20 press if you intend to do name and number combinations, anything smaller would be restricting. Plan for about $1000 for this, maybe less.
Next you will need to decide what garments you want to offer. This is somewhere where you can differentiate yourself by offering a unique selection that reaches your demographic. There are a ton of suppliers of blanks, alot are preferred vendors in the left column. Start up inventory depends on the number of varieties, sizes and colors.
Next you will need to decide what type of design you will use for the front of the garments/jerseys. Pick out one or two plastisol transfer vendors from the left column and send over some artwork to them to get pricing quoted on the quantities you want. If you are not an artist try using a company that has templates that you cna work from. When ordering make sure that the transfer is compatible with the fabrics you will be using. Plastisol transfers are a durable means to decorate garments on site without committing your inventory. They pick a transfer and you press it. Tip: don't offer an overwhelming amount of choices or you risk delaying the sale.
Start up costs rely on number of factors: size of design, # of colors in each design, quantities, company you choose.
Now for the backs of your garments the name and number part. There are a couple options for on site decoration. Buy a lettering/numbering kit from Stahls or another like vendor. You can show customers the fonts and colors you offer and when they order you just lay out the name and number combo on your garment and press. The layout process is not the most fun, but this is a quick easy way to start. The other option is to purchase a vinyl cutter and rolls of heat applied film. Now you can take a computer, type in the name.number combo, select any font and output to a roll of film in your color choice. After cutting is complete you weed away the excess film and heat apply to the garment. The advantage of this is you have non-committed inventory by having rolls in various colors and you can fully customize. Also layout is easier.
You will need other accessories and tools with each method, but this is the condensed version to put you on the right track.
Good Luck and feel free to post any specific questions. This can be a lucrative business and on site decoration is certainly a good way to start a part time business in a controlled sort of way - you're either doing an event or your not
