T-shirt company help?

Question

I need some basic ideas of laying out a plan for a home business t shirt company. I have my logo, my designs, my targets of who and where I will shop it to. I just feel unorganized.and its keeping me at a stand still

Answer 1

Think large for the long term, but think small in the beginning. Start your business by contacting people that you know ( friends, family, neighbors etc. ). Let these people know that you are in business, and explain to them what a convenient service you provide.

(2) Network your subscription business as a fund-raiser. Contact local schools, churches, civic groups etc. who want to raise money for their organization and keep a percentage of sales as your profit.

(3) Take advantage of any gift giving occasion ( holidays, birthdays, engagements, graduations, etc.) Keep a log of all special occasions for your customers.

(4) Contact local business who having waiting areas (family doctor, pediatrician, dentist, beautician, mechanics etc.) This is an excellent opportunity for you to offer your service at little or no additional cost to the customer.


(5) Ask existing customers for referrals. Most businesses get their start this way. For example: Your beautician built his or her client base from referrals of existing customers. Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertisement.

(6) Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to get a listing of businesses ( and their address / Phone Number) in your area. Write a letter of introduction, or use our suggested letter of introduction, to contact them. There may be a small fee to get this list.

(7) Contact large businesses in your area.

(8) Keep updates on new residents in your area. Write a letter to welcome them to the community and tell them about your service. Form a business relationship with a local company that deals with major purchases ( real estate brokers, car salesman ).

(9) Build relationships with your customers. Follow up with existing customers on a regular basis ( every 3 mos. ) . And there are NO problems. Hint: Customers follow up is crucial to your business. If you do not follow up, your credibility can be destroyed. If you only call your customers once a year (when it is time to renew ), they will be less likely to renew through you if there have been problems and you were not available to handle them throughout the year

Answer 2

Congratulations! Sounds like you are almost ready to go. Have you considered using Cafe Press? www.cafepress.com
It is a painless way to start a t-shirt business because you don't have to lay out any money and the structure is all there for you. You have some choices but basically you put up your design and anyone can order a t-shirt or any number of other items with that design on it. You have no inventory.
Since organization is what you are looking for, I think this would be an excellent way to start.
Good luck!
Merle
www.nonprofit-champion.com

Answer 3

Im not an expert on the tshirt business but make sure you have a lot of room to move around. I know from working in wood shops that a room gets smaller everyday and seems to exhaust you after just a few hours. Have a good (keep em moving plan) in other words sell them as fast as you make them and be sure to get exposure for your sales.

Answer 4

Find the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) in or near your community. They are a function of the Small Business Administration and in spite of the fact that they are a government agency, they can be darned helpful

Answer 5

A business plan will help you get focused.

Check out the resources at
Business plan resources
http://www.TheResourceQueen.com

Answer 6

If you wish to be highly successful, and make lots of $$$$$$$$, you will have to go to China and have them manufactured there.