[JuneKyu]

Hello, I'm sorry for bothering, but I need some information about T-Shirt printing and I'm pretty sure this is the perfect site to ask my questions. The thing is, that me and my friends are thinking of opening a T-Shirt shop, and we want to make our own T-Shirts however we have absolutely no idea about anything T-Shirt related. We've already asked in other sites, but they simply tell us if we don't know then not to open anything...but we're very serious about wanting to learn and opening a shop
Okay so I went to a site, and it said that you needed
A printer
Transfer paper
Ink
T-Shirt
and an Iron?

I honestly have no idea, but what I want to know is what type of printer,transfer paper,ink, and other things to buy
Preferably if the printer is sold in a store such as best buy since it is one of the only stores in the town I live in.
Also apart from what type of printer I should buy, could you please tell me what ink and transfer paper I should buy for that printer in specific and also is there any special T-Shirts I need like a brand and also a special Iron or just any iron will do?
Just please let me know anything I should know and I will be forever grateful!
As before, I'm sorry for bothering, and I hope this post did not sound too pathetic of me haha. Thank you!

 

[tcrowder]

Problem solved. Just buy this package and you all you could possibly need/want to get started.

Beacon Graphics, LLC - TEXTILE IMAGER SYSTEM - Kit Configuration Page

 

[binki]

There are a lot of helpful people here. That said, YouTube has a lot of good stuff that you can learn from. You should also look at going to an ISS show. Www.issshows.com

 

[proworlded]

AlmaVictoria. I would recommend an Epson printer with pigment or Durabrite inks. You can purchase on from Best Buy. A good supplier of shirts would be www.alphabroder.com. You could start off with a good, budget priced heat press that has a full warranty and inkjet transfer paper from many of the preferred vendors on the left side of the page.

 

[JuneKyu]

Hello, thank you for the help! Really appreciate it! I just want to know if this would be the type of printer you mentioned, and if so what brand of ink should I buy for this printer?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/workforce-wf-2540-network-ready-wireless-all-in-one-printer/6502314.p?id=1218748017446&skuId=6502314&st=pcmcat139900050015_categoryid$abcat0511004&cp=1&lp=1


Also, can you use this type of transfer paper?
Avery T-Shirt Transfers for Inkjet Printers - Walmart.com

I heard many people use this brand, but I'm not sure if it's good?

and one last thing haha sorry for constant questions, any kind of T-Shirt work correct? does it have to be 100% cotton or it doesn't matter what material it is?

Thank you thank you! and so very sorry for the bother

 

[proworlded]

The printer is a good choice. I would purchase professional transfer papers from one of us on the Forum list.

 

[Mtnview]

I would definitely work out with the friends how the business will be run. Hours of operation, work schedules, money distribution (when you start making money), partnership buyouts if someone/s want to leave, vacations, etc. Have an agreement drawn up by a lawyer that works for everyone.

 

[BidsMaven]

Here's a couple of suggestions. First, consider working for a screen printer for awhile to see if you like the work. You can learn a lot from working for other folks about what you want to do (and not do!) before investing in your own business. Second, get a copy of How to Print T-Shirts for Fun and Profit by Scott Fresener. It's a great introduction to setting up and running a screen printing business. You can get the Fresner book from Amazon or better yet, T-Biz Network.

 

[Mtnview]

I have seen more than one post on this forum from someone who has a number of friends. They get to talking & come to the conclusion that opening or starting a t-shirt business would be fun. It sucks to go ahead and buy expensive equipment, rent space only to find it doesn't measure up to the expectations.

 

[rimcountrygraphi]

Reseach, research, research. If you have no idea what you need, then you need to RESEARCH! Start with searching this forum as well as Google and you tube. There are many types of t-shirt printing such as transfers, screen printing and direct to garment. Each requires a different skill set and start up costs.
How much money do you have to start your business? Startup costs can be from several hundred dollars for transfer printing up to twenty five thousand or more for direct to garment printing. What are your graphic designs skills? If you don't have any then look towards transfer printing and buying premade transfers. If you are a graphic artist then look towards screen printing or direct to garment printing. Are you planning on printing just a few t-shirts at a time, or dozens? This will also determine what printing process you choose.
The members here will be helpful with your questions but you have to take the first step and do the research to learn what method of printing will be best suited for you.

 

[Mtnview]

Pat and Myra offered a couple of excellent suggestions. Especially since you have no idea what you need. You are going to be investing money and friendships. Both of which can be lost if you rush into something like this because it looked easier than it actually is.

 

[iSukGolf]

I highly recommend a class ... Could save you a ton of money, time and frustration plus you get hands on experience and decide what works for YOU. I took the printing boot camp, it was great and there is a section starting your own business. In addition, you network with experience people that are in this business.

Just a thought ...