How to Start a Tshirt Company
- 1). Write a detailed business plan that includes research of the overall market and your competition. Develop a marketing strategy that focuses on Internet marketing and sales. Your website will be the main engine for marketing and sales. Include analysis of your finances and projections of your financial outlook. Attach at the end any legal documents, contracts and other forms necessary for forming your business.
- 2). Fill out any legal documents necessary to establish your business. These may include business name application, type of business such as a limited liability company or a corporation, as well as a resale license. Consult a lawyer for any specific legal questions regarding the formation of your business. File any necessary forms at the local, state and federal level.
- 3). Fill out and file any necessary local, state and federal tax and financial forms. Consult an accountant for any issues related to online sales such as collecting sales tax in the state where you have a physical presence. Online laws are changing as technology emerges. Seek the assistance of an accountant skilled in Internet tax issues. Set up an accounting system for your business.
- 4). Locate a T-shirt supplier. Carefully consider your target market when making this selection. Some target markets may prefer a lifestyle brand such as American Apparel, while others may want a work or casual brand. Your choice in brand will shape how your company is perceived.
- 5). Set up office and production spaces. This can be a portion of your home to begin. Set up a functioning office and leave enough space to print, store, package and prepare the shirts for shipping.
- 6). Research basic screen-printing units. A basic unit that allows for multiple colors will be adequate to begin. Acquire an affordable basic unit and the supplies needed to operate and maintain it. Learn how to use the unit if you are not already familiar with the screen-printing process. Screen-printing provides a good quality T-shirt design.
- 7). Design an interactive e-commerce website. Create a forum and blog as well as social networking built into the site. Allow users to share the designs on all of the social networking sites. This will increase traffic to your site and, in turn, sales. Interact with users on your website to receive feedback and give insight into your design process. Interaction is important to building your customer base.
- 8). Acquire packaging and shipping supplies. Design simple packaging that incorporates your brand yet is affordable. A printed flier or postcard may be all that is necessary. Be creative with packaging and build your brand identity.
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