subnet_rx said:
How easy is it to setup and run a T-Shirt store online? I've thought about it for my local community several times, but always think shipping will kill my profits. Why buy a shirt online for $12 plus shipping when you can get it at a local store for just $12?
Hi Subnet,
I agree with what Rodney said. However, maybe this may make you think a bit more.
Setting up an online store should serve two (2) purposes. First is to sell your product(s). You can display your products, have a shopping cart, and offer the convenience of customers paying you by check or through an online merchant account.
The second purpose would be to use your online store as a catalog. Use it to display your custom printed products to your local businesses and in your community. Keep your local customers up to date on your pricing, new products, etc..
Setting up an online store is relatively easy and free. Shopping carts are free and using Paypal, at no cost to operate...except for the Paypal fee charged per sale.
Shipping is usually paid for by the customer and generally runs about $4.00 for up to two (2) shirts, using USPS Priority Mail. Shipping costs should not be a problem.
The only difficulty that you may encounter is the actual shirts and other associated products (sweats, totes, aprons, tiles, clocks, decals, etc...).
It can be quite expensive if you have your products pre-printed. Lots of money tied up in inventory which you hope will sell. One alternative is to use the various fulfillment companies such as Cafepress and others listed in the fulfillment folder, where they will fill your orders as received. Depending on your point of view, base prices can be a bit on the high side which could result in a smaller profit per piece.
The other choices you have are, you could print them yourself. This would not only increase your profit per item but you would control your own quality. The drawback to this is the cost to start up. Heat press $450+, inks $50, Epson printer $60+, transfer paper $15+-.
Another choice is to find other fulfillment services that would offer you quality, service and better pricing. Generally speaking, these other services may not be as sophisticated in their setup as others, but could offer better pricing, quality control, delivery, wider selection of products, etc...
In a nutshell, setting up an online store should be cost free to you. Running it, your cost should be free, just the use of your time, depending on how you decide to get your products.
Hope this helped answer your questions.
Fred
Melbourne FL