Sneaker Tees Business: How do they print and operate?

2043 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Bird Club, Oct 15, 2018

jdub0022

Discussion Starter · Mar 7, 2014 (Edited)

Hello,

I'm trying to learn more about a specific type of t-shirt business, specifically sneaker t-shirts, or t-shirts better known as "Sneaker Tees." In a nutshell, these are t-shirts designed to match the style and color of your favorite pair of sneakers. The most popular sneakers to match are Jordan brand sneakers. I’ve done various searches on the forums as well as on the web in general, but I’m finding it difficult to locate the information I need. I’m assuming it’s because the business themselves do not want to divulge their strategies or trade secrets, which is totally understandable. So I’m hoping some experts here can give me some insight.

I continuously try and educate myself on the various printing methods. My preference is traditional screen printing, although DTG is sounding intriguing the more I read about it, and the more it becomes affordable. But my questions here are in relation to the Sneaker Tees business.

I am trying to understand what type of printing do the majority of these Sneaker Tee companies use? The reason I ask is because most of them seem to list an “infinite” supply of t-shirts on their website. Meaning, all sizes and colors always seem to be available? There are dozens of these business, but here are a few examples independent brands:

http://www.revoltapparelonline.com/
http://www.retrokings.bigcartel.com/
http://dmecollective.bigcartel.com/
http://thefreshiam.bigcartel.com
http://www.originalrufnek.com/
http://www.thewestfire.com/
http://mahveeclothing.bigcartel.com/

1. The first thing I assume is that they print-on-demand, and do not print until you actually order. And that’s how they can have every size and every color? But if they do this, what printing method is used? I don’t think it is heat-transfer because I’ve ordered several shirts over the years from various sneaker-tee companies, and most of the time the printing has a nice soft feel to it, like a quality screened t shirt. I also know many of these companies “claim” to screen print the shirts and physically stock them. But I’m having a hard time believing this if they have 100 different designs, and all sizes and colors in stock. But at the same time, I don’t think these are cafepress or spreadshirt operations. But I could be wrong?
2. Next, if they indeed “print on demand” how do they print on black shirts and black sweatshirts?

The next area I want to discuss are the online “retailers” of these brands. Here are some examples:

http://www.Sneakerthreads.com
http://www.sneakertees.com/
http://www.xgear101.com/

So these companies carry most, if not all, of the brands I mentioned above. And just like the brands mentioned above, they too seem to have all colors and sizes available.

3. So I’m a little confused. Are they actually physically purchasing large amounts and then reselling? Or are the companies “drop shipping” for them? Or is it something else?

Would appreciate any insight, wisdom, or guidance regarding this topic.

Thank you!

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carpediemandmore

· #2 · Mar 7, 2014

jdub0022 said:
I also know many of these companies “claim” to screen print the shirts and physically stock them. But I’m having a hard time believing this if they have 100 different designs, and all sizes and colors in stock. But at the same time, I don’t think these are cafepress or spreadshirt operations. But I could be wrong?
2. Next, if they indeed “print on demand” how do they print on black shirts and black sweatshirts?

That seems RG Offset Transfers to me which can be stored & may be printed on demand, second did you mark most of the stuff is typically graphic in nature with some trippy pictures & number of different colors that also confirm that it is a transfer job not a direct screen printing style except few font based articles.

about question 3. may be they are using some different physical tee shirts body pics to swap artworks on to different colors in different styles & showing the variety of colors online cant rule out this chance, so when they do receive specific order in specific color they just take out the blank & prepare the transfer according to the demand respectively.

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Bird Club

· #3 · Oct 15, 2018 (Edited)

Hello,
I am a new user and while strolling through I came across this old post. I produce tees for Bird Club Sneaker tees based out of Miami. We use several methods depending on many factors. We do stock inventory and screen printing is our preference. Once you gain a following you can pretty much gauge what tee is going to sell well, therefore you order accordingly. You can check out different Sneaker Matching styles at http://www.birdclubclothing.com
on instagram to get an visual idea of actual print samples quality. I personally know many of these companies listed above and some of them are dropshipping companies, which are sites that sell other brands and do not stock inventory. They make a percentage of the sale and the shirts brand is responsible to full fill the order.

Yours truly,
Bird Club Sneaker Tees

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