Over the past few years selling T-Shirts has become a nation wide phenomenon. If you look at companies like threadless, snorg tees, emptees etc, Selling T-Shirts has become big business and it’s a growing industry on the internet where there are already thousands of shops and websites where you can purchase almost any design or T-Shirt style imaginable. Thanks to the many T-Shirt companies that now print and create the T-Shirts for you, with no risk involved, many people have been able to start their own T-Shirt business without having to invest any money. However, there have been two downsides to this model it has turned the T-Shirt business online into a very competitive market and it has lowered the profit margins.

As Darren Young stated on his blog:
“There are now millions of T-Shirt websites online for customers to choose from and this is why starting your own online T-Shirt business can be stressful, disappointing, and very difficult to attract customers and make the sales that you are expecting. Now, I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’m just saying it’s going to take a lot of time, effort, and maybe even some money for you to get started and get customers visiting your shop/website.”
- And I agree with Darren, however there are many niche markets and avenues that can still be highly profitable. Also if money is not a problem then retail is an option. I think it is best if you are starting a company and have multiple streams of possible revenue. For example
1. online revenue
2. retail store revenue
3. wholesaler/affiliate revenue
4. Big box store retailers revenue

This will increase the likelihood of long term and short term success and growth. If you want to have a successful tshirt company you should probably start by doing your research which should include.

-Price of equipment
-High traffic retail space or niche market
-Overhead expenses

I figured 80,000 is how much you need to start a tshirt company retail store. This is taking into consideration 25,000 for equipment, 5,000 signage, POS system, shelves, advertising, security etc.

Granted buying american apparel tshirt for 3 bucks and it costing 30cents to print on them with a 20,000 printer is a huge profit margin. If it is possible to line up companies to buy shirts or talk to retailers ahead of time this is a huge plus and will save time and energy.

One of the main key characteristics for having a successful company of any kind is PASSION, if you lack passion then the company will fail when times get tough. You cannot be doing it JUST for the money, but for the love of the art form or business.

Hope this Helps!