How to Start and Network an Online T-shirt Company
The Internet has made it possible for businesses of the smallest size to succeed and flourish. Using inexpensive or free services, it is possible for a t-shirt business to be up and running within just a few hours.
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Instructions
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Create a website that will act as the "store." Websites are easy and free to develop and several provide templates. Websites, such as Weebly.com, will even host, for free, the ability for customers to order on your website. If a specific domain name is desired, register it with a domain registration service, such as Go Daddy.
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Line up a supplier of t-shirts, being sure to determine how long it takes to receive orders once they are placed. Shirts can be custom-designed at sites, such as CafePress.com. If the lead time on receiving shirts is long, it will be necessary to keep inventory of shirts on-hand so that orders placed on the website can be fulfilled in a reasonable amount of time. If shirts can be received quickly, or are even made on-site, it may be possible to create the shirts as they are ordered.
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Register for a service to process payments, such as PayPal. This will allow customers to pay for their order online, and for the business owner to transfer profits to a bank account.
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Promote the website by using social media, such as Facebook or Twitter. Create a page for the business name and announce its creation to friends and other acquaintances who can help spread the word. It can help to have an enticement, such as a price for people who subscribe or like the site, or refer the most people.
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Consider advertising online, such as Google AdWords. While this costs money, it adds exposure for the site with advertisements and can help drive traffic to the website. This, in turn, can then increase the rank the site receives in searches for t-shirts.
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Tips & Warnings
Price is everything. All consumers in the country are constantly on the lookout for a good deal. Offer one to them and you will see more revenue.
Design is the other half. Toy with several ideas and concepts, your design and theme are what will make or break your online t-shirt company.
Never use a copyrighted image or a logo or design that you do not own the sole rights to. This way you will avoid any form of civil liability.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
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Comments
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Christine Sostarich
Nov 30, 2007
Good advice. I have used CafePress and their products are of very good quality. You can sell not only t-shirts but coffee mugs, mouse pads, tote bags and much more!
