How to Start Your Own T-Shirt Business for Free

So you want to start a t-shirt business. It is a fun business that allows you to express your creative side. The only problem is you don't think you have enough start up money to get your vision off the ground. If this sounds like you read on.
There are plenty of online resources available to get your t-shirt business started without any initial startup money of your own. All you need is a computer and access to the internet. If you can't afford your own internet hoof it down to the local library most have free wi-fi.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet

1. There are several t-shirt companies online that will set up your own personal apparel store for free. Make sure you read the terms of service carefully before signing up. Look to see when you get paid and how often. How do commissions work? Do you retain rites to your work? I have listed several sites that offer this type of service in the resource section.

2. After you have decided on a site, begin to think about your store's niche, something that will set your shirt apart from the crowd, but hopefully appeal to a large audience. For example a t-shirt store about flowers would be too broad and you would have lots of competition. In contrast, a t-shirt company about the root system of yellow tulips from Holland, would probably be to narrow. Maybe Tulips form Holland would be just right.

3. Design your shirts. Once you have decided the theme of your shop the fun part begins. Start brainstorming ideas. Pick the best of those ideas and start drawing them out. Using the templates provided by the site design your shirts. Upload your design to the site and make sure it looks write. When some one orders a shirt the site takes care of the transaction, printing, and shipping.

4. Price your product. Once you have developed and uploaded your best designs you will need to set the price. This will take time and is a bit art a bit science. Eventually with patience you will find the price that both sells and leaves you with a profit for your effort.

5. Market your product. Your online store is open and full of your best shirts and apparel, but it won't do you any good if no one is shopping in it. Research internet marketing and search engine optimization at the local library. You can even research it online. Ehow is actually a great place to start.

Tips & Warnings

• Success is not guaranteed, because it is ultimately up to the consumer to decide if your shirts have commercial value, but the tools are there and they are free, success is up to you.

Resources

• Cafe Press
• Spread Shirt
• Zazzle

[mommymommymommy]

on 11/28/2009 Thanks for ther great information! 5*****

[nwgirl]

on 11/18/2009 Great idea!

[angel0305]

on 10/21/2009 Great article.

[angel0305]

on 10/21/2009 Great article.

[KaraDiablo]

on 8/27/2009 Great info about starting your own shirt business. I just love this new age, a couple of years ago all of this would have costed BIG money. Dare to Dream