There are a lot of players in the t-shirt market, but there’s still plenty of opportunity to make good money by selling custom designs. You just have to learn how to start a t-shirt business the right way.
This article will guide you through every step, from market research and website creation to effective marketing strategies and product pricing. Let’s dive in and discover how to start a t-shirt business and earn passive income with custom t-shirt printing.
Key takeaways
- Print on Demand (POD) is the easiest way to start a t-shirt business with minimal investment. POD services handle printing and fulfillment, so you can focus on designing and promoting your products. This keeps upfront costs low and minimizes risk.
- Finding a niche is crucial for success. The t-shirt market is very broad, so targeting a niche reduces your competition and helps you narrow down your design options.
- Marketing is essential for driving sales. Think social media marketing, influencer marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO). Focus on creating targeted strategies on platforms preferred by your customers.
- Analyzing your performance is key to improvement. Track your sales data and customer feedback to see what’s working and what’s not. This will help you refine your designs, marketing efforts, and overall business strategy.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Why sell t-shirts?
We expect the custom t-shirt market to reach $3 billion by 2025. Securing even a small piece of that pie would bring in a lot of profits for your t-shirt business.
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 1](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/How-to-start-a-tshirt-business-1-1024x658.png "How to start a tshirt business 1")
When learning how to sell shirts online, you must decide what kind of business you’ll build. Let’s look at your two main options.
Retail vs eCommerce business
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 2](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/How-to-start-your-t-shirt-business-Retail-vs.-eCommerce.jpg "How to start your t shirt business Retail vs. eCommerce")
Online shopping is the new normal, and eCommerce is thriving, with projected sales of $8.1 trillion by 2026.
| Traditional retail | eCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | – Brick and mortar. – You need a physical location to store and sell goods. | – eCommerce Website. – No need to store goods if you use dropshipping or print-on-demand services. |
| Accessibility | Limited to location and specific working hours. | 24/7 |
| User experience (UX) | – Customers have immediate access to products and the support staff. – Finding products takes time. | – Access to products via photos, descriptions, reviews, and online support. – Finding the right product is easier. |
| Delivery | Customers can get their purchases immediately or by arranging a delivery. | Product delivery takes time and has shipping fees. |
| Business costs | Rent, utilities (warehouse, physical store), products, staff, and sales tax. | Depends on the chosen platform and services. |
| Setup difficulty | Months of preparation and a large investment. | An online t-shirt store can be up and running in minutes with no upfront costs. |
Learn more about business models like Print on Demand and starting a print-on-demand business.
How to start a t-shirt business: A step-by-step guide
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 3](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Technology-and-t-shirts-2.jpg "Technology and t shirts 2")
Let’s start your clothing line, one step at a time.
Learn more about print on demand and starting a print-on-demand business.
1. Do market research
What do you need to start a t-shirt business? First, find out what’s going on in the market – what other clothing brands and t-shirt businesses are selling, who is buying t-shirts, and what people are looking for.
Take a look at successful Shopify t-shirt stores for inspiration. What are their strengths and weaknesses, and how can you be better than them?
Start with the search engines of huge online retailers like Amazon. Look for terms like trending t-shirts, best-selling t-shirts, and popular tees.
Narrow down those searches by adding terms connected to your target market. For example, Women’s Christmas tees or T-shirts with Italian Greyhounds.
Look up these products with tools like Google Keyword Planner or Google Trends. These will provide more detailed information, like similar queries, your customers’ secondary interests, demographics, and location.
Learn more about how to sell t-shirts on Amazon and Etsy.
2. Choose a niche
You’ll need to find your niche when learning how to start a t-shirt business.
It’s fundamental for your success. There’s a lot of competition, and if you try to sell to everyone, you’ll end up selling to no one.
Let’s say you are interested in selling to women who have pets.
– Look for keywords related to different pets
– Explore all the related queries and gather any information that helps you understand your target audience.
– Narrow down your niche based on all the data gathered.
For example, you can sell t-shirts to women in California who own Labrador Retrievers.
Learn more about print-on-demand niches on our blog and YouTube channel.
3. Write a business plan
A business plan includes:
- Your company’s goals
- How and when you plan to achieve them
- Your chosen business model (for example, Print on Demand)
A traditional business plan is very detailed and describes the product, target market, and the company’s structure, including staff and locations. Financial institutions will require a business plan if you’re applying for loans or financing.
Small business owners may prepare a lean business plan. It’s a more flexible road map with essentials like key activities, revenue streams, assets, and partners. Remember to make your unique selling proposition very clear.
The US Small Business Administration provides templates for preparing different business plans.
4. Partner with a POD company
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 4](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/How-to-start-a-t-shirt-business-with-Printify.jpg "How to start a t shirt business with Printify")
How can you start a t-shirt business online without worrying about inventory management, fulfillment, and initial investment? Use a print-on-demand service.
Once you sell a t-shirt online, a POD company will print, package, and ship it to your customer.c
Printify is the best choice for starting your t-shirt company:
- No upfront costs. Create an account and start selling custom t-shirts for free.
- Largest selection in POD. Explore our Catalog of high-quality t-shirts from popular brands.
- Worldwide shipping. Our Print Providers will ship your orders all around the globe
- 24/7 Support. Our Support Team is always here to help you with any questions.
To start, sign up for a free Printify account and access our Product Creator, eCommerce integrations, free t-shirt designs, and over 900 high-quality blank products.
5. Pick a t-shirt
You need to understand the differences between t-shirts to make products your customers will love. Here’s a quick t-shirt 101:
- T-shirts are made from various fabrics. The most popular ones among consumers are cotton, polyester, or blends.
- Some fabrics and designs are more compatible with specific printing techniques. For example, the popular direct-to-garment (DTG) prints look best on 100% cotton or polyester-cotton blend shirts.
- Eco-friendly options will cater to your environmentally conscious shoppers. They’re made from organic and sustainable materials.
Always order product samples to ensure the t-shirt design and fabric quality match your expectations.
Pick a t-shirt from our Catalog
- Browse our Catalog for women’s, men’s, and kids’ t-shirts.
- Choose from over 20 quality brands, including Bella+Canvas and Gildan.
- Choose a Print Provider, considering their score, location, and production time.
Watch a comparison video between the Bella+Canvas 3001, Gildan 64000, and Gildan 5000, and check out our article on the best t-shirts for printing.
5. Create your own t-shirt designs
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 5](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/How-to-start-a-t-shirt-business-Believe-in-yourself-2.jpg "How to start a t shirt business Believe in yourself 2")
A good design is the key factor influencing customers to make a purchase. Here are some quick tips for creating a best-selling t-shirt design.
- Conceptualize: Brainstorm t-shirt design ideas that resonate with your target audience and brand identity.
- Find your design style: Explore online resources and tools to create your own designs or consider collaborating with freelance artists on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
- Prioritize quality and simplicity: Keep your t-shirt designs clean and professional, using high-quality visuals and easy-to-read fonts. Limit the number of colors for a more polished look.
How to apply your t-shirt design
- Use our Product Creator to upload and adjust your design placement on the t-shirt. Use features like the AI Image Generator to create something entirely new without hiring professional designers.
- Create product mockups to visualize your designs.
- Order samples to ensure quality before adding products to your store.
Explore: Find more graphic design tips in our blog and push your t-shirt line to the next level.
6. Create an online store
Once you’ve created some custom t-shirts, you’ll need a place to sell them.
The easiest way is to create an eCommerce store. Printify easily connects with the most relevant platforms – simply pick the one best suited for your t-shirt business.
Marketplaces and online retailers (Etsy, eBay, Amazon):
Pros:
- Lower to no initial cost
- Loyal customer base
Cons:
- Fewer customization options, lack of control, marketplace policies, and fees
Dedicated eCommerce platforms (Shopify, BigCommerce):
Pros:
- Comprehensive eCommerce features
- Vast customization options
- Full control over promotions
Cons:
- Growing expenses with subscriptions and fees
- Requires focusing on marketing
All-in-one website builders (Wix, Squarespace)
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly editors
- Blogging capabilites
- Good SEO options
Cons:
- Subscription and app fees
- No pre-existing traffic
Printify API, open-source platforms, CMS, and plugins (WordPress and WooCommerce, PrestaShop)
Pros:
- Full customization and control
- Relatively low annual costs (hosting, domain name, and plugins) compared to dedicated platforms
Cons:
- Need for technical skills
- Steep learning curve
Printify Pop-Up Store
Pros:
- Free and easy to set up
- Launch your store in minutes
- No need for developer assistance
Cons:
- Fewer customization options
Check out the best sites to sell online and decide which one is the right fit for you.
7. Set a price
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 6](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Set-Price.jpg "Set Price")
When you sell t-shirts online, pricing can make or break your online business.
First, consider your variable costs, fixed costs, and competitor pricing. Then, pick the best pricing strategy for your business.
1. Cost breakdown: The foundation of pricing
Before setting your price, analyze all of your costs. These include:
- Variable costs:
- Blank shirts: Printify partners with several Print Providers to offer a variety of t-shirt styles and materials at different price points. Choose based on your target audience and design needs.
- Printing: Cost varies depending on the printing technique (e.g., DTG, screen printing).
- Shipping: Consider both domestic and international shipping rates based on your target market.
- Fixed costs:
- Design software subscription (optional): Consider free design tools or affordable subscription plans.
- Online store platform fees: Many platforms offer free trials or tiered plans with transaction fees.
- Marketing and advertising costs: Budget for social media ads or influencer marketing if needed.
2. Competition research: Finding your niche in the market
Take a look at the competitors in your t-shirt niche. Consider the following:
- Competitor pricing: Analyze their pricing strategies and see how your products can get the upper hand. Pricing below your competition (penetration pricing) can attract new customers, but make sure you maintain healthy profit margins.
- Value proposition: Consider a premium pricing strategy if your designs or materials are of higher quality.
3. Popular pricing strategies: Finding the right fit
Explore these popular pricing strategies to find the best fit for you:
- Cost-plus pricing: This is a straightforward approach where you add a desired profit margin to your total costs (variable + fixed) to determine your selling price.
- Keystone pricing: This strategy involves doubling your wholesale cost (t-shirt + printing) to set your retail price. While simple, it might not always align with market competition.
- Value-based pricing: Here, you set your price based on the perceived value your t-shirt offers the customer, considering factors like design, brand identity, and material quality.
- Competitive pricing: Analyze competitor pricing and adjust yours slightly higher (premium positioning) or lower (penetration pricing) based on your value proposition.
Check out our t-shirt pricing calculator.
8. Promote your products
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 7](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Find-a-Print-Provider-With-Quality-Products.jpg "Find a Print Provider With Quality Products")
Creating designs and setting up your store is just the beginning. To make sales, you’ll need effective marketing strategies. Take a look at these tips to reach potential customers.
- Utilize social media platforms: Use Instagram and TikTok to connect with Millennials and Gen Z, and Facebook for older generations. Focus on where your niche audience spends most of their time online.
- Leverage influencer marketing: Partner with influencers relevant to your niche. They can help you reach a larger audience and build credibility.
- Search engine optimization (SEO): Learn about SEO to improve your online visibility. Use relevant keywords in product descriptions and consider starting a blog to drive more traffic to your store.
- Paid advertising: If your budget allows it, invest in paid ads to increase your visibility and attract more customers.
- Creative marketing campaigns: Plan creative marketing campaigns to catch your target audience’s attention. Think outside the box to make your brand stand out.
Focus on these strategies to effectively market your t-shirt business and increase sales.
9. Analyze your performance
Most eCommerce platforms provide analytics to help you manage your store’s performance. Track which products sell best and where your audience is from to create more bestsellers and effective marketing strategies.
Some platforms connect to Google Analytics to see your traffic, conversions, and other important metrics, like location and demographics.
Instagram and Facebook also have integrated analytics to help you plan the best marketing campaigns.
Start selling t-shirts!
Sit back and profit while we handle the rest!
We’ll print and ship your orders while you focus on mastering the ins and outs of starting a successful t-shirt business.
Get inspired
Every merchant knows that starting a t-shirt business can sometimes feel overwhelming.
We spoke with three successful business owners to share their stories and offer advice to newbies so you can take the most straightforward path to profits.
Rich Khun
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 8](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Printifying-Successfully-Rich-Khun.jpg "Printifying Successfully Rich Khun")
Running a successful online t-shirt business comes naturally to online entrepreneur Rich Khun. From making $200,000 a year to being a successful YouTuber – Rich is a true inspiration for business owners.
We’re not only fans of Rich as a Printify merchant, but we’re also hooked on his YouTube channel, Hustle Ninjas. It’s super useful for up-and-coming entrepreneurs, as he shares advice and experience on how to sell t-shirts online.
Read Rich Khun’s full story.
Cassiy Johnson
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 9](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Printifying-Successfully-Cassiy-Johnson-1024x576.jpg "Printifying Successfully Cassiy Johnson")
Anyone learning how to start a t-shirt company can learn a lot from Cassiy. She lost her job during the pandemic and plunged into the world of print-on-demand services, soon discovering that POD was way more fun than her 9-5 job.
Instead of focusing on a specific niche, Cassie has an Etsy store with products in various niches. She also teaches how to start a t-shirt business from home and so much more on her YouTube channel.
Investing in custom mockups, Cassie makes the most of holiday sales to expand her business and sell t-shirts and other apparel.
She uses Pinterest and some Etsy ads for marketing, but most of her sales come from organic searches.
Read Cassiy Johnson’s full story.
Lindsey Ferris
![How to start a t-shirt business that makes money in [bp_year] 10](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Printifying-Successfully-Lindsey-Ferris.jpg "Printifying Successfully Lindsey Ferris")
Lindsey lost her 12-year corporate event production business, but this didn’t slow her down or prevent her from becoming a successful eCommerce entrepreneur.
Lindsey runs an Etsy shop with more than 7,000 sales of shirts, print-on-demand notebooks, custom mugs, and other print-on-demand products. It is a great model for anyone asking, How do I start my own t-shirt business?
The merch she offers has inspiring and empowering messages, though she also offers calming and fun designs.
Read Lindsey Ferris’s full story.
FAQ
Profitability in the t-shirt industry can vary greatly. It depends on factors like your niche, design quality, marketing efforts, and pricing strategy. However, by focusing on these aspects and leveraging Printify’s services, you can build a business with healthy profit margins.
Absolutely! Selling t-shirts can be a lucrative business venture. The vast and ever-growing market offers ample opportunity to carve out your niche and attract a loyal customer base. Printify’s print-on-demand service eliminates upfront costs and allows you to scale efficiently, maximizing your profit potential.
The beauty of Print on Demand is that you don’t need a lot to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A computer with design software (free or paid options available): This allows you to create your unique t-shirt designs from home.
- A Printify account (free): This gives you access to our vast network of Print Providers, beginner-friendly POD features, and over 900 high-quality products.
- An online store platform (various free and paid options): This is your virtual storefront where customers can browse and purchase your designs.
- A marketing strategy (social media, email marketing, etc.): Spread the word about your brand and drive traffic to your store.
POD eliminates the need for upfront inventory purchases. Focus on creating t-shirts, utilize free store creation platforms during their trial periods, or create a completely free Printify Pop-Up store.
Then, leverage social media marketing for organic reach. As your business grows, you can reinvest profits into paid advertising, subscriptions, and website development.
Final thoughts – Sell custom t-shirts today
Congrats, you now know how to start a print-on-demand t-shirt business. Let’s recap!
- Starting a t-shirt business in a saturated market is still a profitable opportunity.
- POD and Printify let you minimize upfront costs and risks and focus on creating and promoting your t-shirts.
- You can reach your target audience and drive sales with the right strategies, like social media marketing, influencer partnerships, SEO, and creative marketing campaigns.
- Monitor your performance and adapt your approach based on data to ensure continuous growth.
Now is the perfect time to capitalize on the growing custom t-shirt market and start earning passive income. Get started today, and let us handle the rest!
