[kedkennels]

How many different designs do you think one should have before they open up shop so to speak. I know people want a selection but what do you think is the right amount to have a respectable store?

 

[freshlysqueezed]

Well Normally lines would have like 2-3 designs per season... just on diffrent colors ect... ect... diffrent garments hoodies shirts... boxers... whatever really... but if its a big store it might look really empty to customers....

 

[Solmu]

There's nothing definitive on the topic, but personally I like the sound of 5-10. One is enough if it's the right design at the right time and marketed in the right way though.

 

[kedkennels]

That would be interesting 1 design. I'd love to be apart of a successful marketing campaign for that one shirt.

 

[Solmu]

I can't think of a good example off the top of my head, but I've seen some I liked before. I think it works best with a very simple website that presents itself as nothing more than funnel through which to acquire that one product.

They normally tap into something very topical. An opinion on a current political issue, or a joke based on an extremely well known meme. If Old Spice released an "I'm On A Horse" t-shirt they'd probably only need one design to sell bucketloads of product. During the Obama campaign, there were a few successful sites that just sold one design.

It would be pretty hard to make people want one random design though; I think it works best tapping into a pre-existing desire.

 

[OriginalShortees]

There is no set number that is correct. You will find the largest and most successful on line t-shirt companies have more shirts then anyone wants to count. They also have the resources to do that. You're deciding factor will be money. How much do your blanks cost, what are your printing costs, art costs. Certainly the idea of 6-12 is great if you can do it. If you can not, launch with whatever you can afford to do. Make some sales and grow from there.

You will find that no matter how many designs you offer, some people will love them, some will hate them and most people will be indifferent. Everyone has their own tastes and you can not argue with people who like something different then you. They are just as right as you are.

Shortees custom manufactures our shirts so we can not just order up a few dozen blanks and try a new design for a relatively low cost. We have to carefully manage our inventory and because of that we have limited design options at any given time. I get tons of slack over the designs and the people who don't like them are entitled to their opinion and they are correct whenever they want to express it. If you are using commonly available blanks it will be easier for you to print small batches and try different things. Experiment a little and don't be to frustrated by the results if they are not great right away.

Just launch with a few to get your feet wet. Don't worry about the number. Even 4-6 will work if they are good designs and potential customers can find your store and buy.

 

[kedkennels]

Great post shortees. I like your concept too. I wanted 10-15 but with the how i'm paying for graphic costs it is looking more like 4-6.

 

[kedkennels]

By the way Shortees, who are you webhosting with?

 

[Hennagirl]

I had the same exact question! I have 5 designs completed and was pushing to get 10 before I revamped my etsy store... but maybe I should stop making and start taking pictures instead!