mit said:
I'm thinking that one experienced in the area would be better equipped to offer advice, etc? Is that not a correct assumption? We are novices and thought an experienced printer would be able to shed light on issues we are not aware of (yet).
oh, forgot to tell you you need 15 posts to qualify for the Free Ad.

you're almost there.
But yes, professional printers can be your entry door to the biz. Most pro printers work with Bands day in and day out. They woud also make sure you are doing it the "right way" because it is in their best interest to produce equally quality goods as they do for Major Brands.
I guess the question is how much does your start up budget allow you to spend ?
They (transfer makers) too can help you out with this (budget restrictions) since a lot of times little simple things like when your design is 1/4" too big, by reducing the design size by 1/4" it could save as much as 50% $$$$ for your design order.
Goin the plastisol transfers root (if the designs permit), this would reduce your startup cost by 25%, comparing to printing up the shirts and storing them as done with direct to shirt screen printing.
Starting with t-shirt, tops etc is cool. You can always expand from there.
Plastisol Transfers will also allow you to print up a Jean Jacket for yourself to wear and show off your designs.

show off i mean it in a good way, promote is the word I should of used.
Keep the questions coming.