[ginnette31]

Hello,
I'm trying to start a online clothing store and I need some help. could somebody lend me a hand with these questions.

-are there any decent quality screen printing/digital printing that can be outsourced for cheaper?

-is it necessary to start a LLC or can I do a test batch and start a LLC after?

-anybody know any good screen printing/digital printers in NJ?
Thank you
-G

 

[kimura-mma]

are there any decent quality screen printing/digital printing that can be outsourced for cheaper?

Cheaper than what?

Pricing for print services will always be variable. The number one thing that affects the price is the volume you want printed (for screen printing, the number of colors is also a factor). If you are only printing 12 shirts, you will pay premium prices at any print shop. If you are doing decent volume, you can find good pricing if you know where to look.

Contract printers usually offer the best pricing. But you need to be able to handle some things to qualify for contract pricing. Sourcing your own blanks, submitting an itemized PO and submitting print ready art are essential. If you can handle those things, I can make a recommendation for you through PM or a contract print shop in NJ.

is it necessary to start a LLC or can I do a test batch and start a LLC after?

It's not necessary, but it's usually a good idea.

You can claim any profit on your personal taxes up to a certain amount. So it's not mandatory to register a business to get started. But most blank shirt suppliers will require a Tax ID Number to open an account. And many print shops will require it too so you don't get charged sales tax on your order. So there are benefits to registering a business. It doesn't have to be an LLC though. A DBA may be a good option for you. To be sure, talk to a local accountant.

 

[ginnette31]

what exactly is a contract printer? I am new to the business and trying to get as information as possible. what is submitting your own blanks? providing your own blank clothing?
and what does PO stand for?

Also additional question
-what is the most common range for t shirt cost with screen printing
and digital printing( this would be for high quality shirts like american apparel)

 

[kimura-mma]

Print shops offer discount prices to qualified customers. These discounts are known as "contract pricing." Basically, print shops like it when they only have to print the goods and not spend time or money sourcing blanks, quoting prices or fixing artwork. So they give discounts in those cases.

Yes, sourcing your blanks would be providing your own blank clothing.

PO = Purchase Order. Printers that offer contract pricing will provide a detailed price list. This way you can submit a detailed purchase order - and understand exactly what the job will cost - without needing a quote from the print shop.

The common range for contract screen printing is $0.50-5.00 per print (not including the shirt), depending on number of shirts and number of colors. Also, screens cost $20 per color as a fixed setup cost.

The common range for contract digital printing is $2.00-7.00 per print (not including the shirt), depending on the number of shirts.

Those ranges are pretty wide, but that's because it's impossible to give an accurate price without knowing the volume of shirts you need. And just to explain the reason for this... A very common issue in the print world is when a customer asks for a price quote on 200 shirts; then comes back and says they only need 20 shirts to start out but still expects the price to be the same. Then they get mad when the price goes up due to the lower volume. Then the printer gets mad because the customer is upset. And the whole relationship blows up before it ever gets started. So the bottom line is, if you want to get accurate info from the print shop, be prepared to give them accurate info for what you need. It's a mutual respect thing.