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How to Start a T-Shirt Business Without Investing Even a Penny

Design your product, set a price, and start selling

By Sadia KabirPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels

Nobody rejects something free.

Especially when you earn some cash for free, it’s like taking a ride to the Moon.

Even I was trying to earn some extra cash without investing. And what I did was start a T-shirt business.

Yeah! A T-shirt business.

Now, you might think, to start any business, start-up money is a must. Then how could I start one?

I did this through print-on-demand websites.

A print-on-demand website is an online marketplace where you can design your favorite products (T-shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt, mugs, and more) and earn a passive income by selling them.

The interesting fact is that print-on-demand websites produce, sell, and ship products to the customer.

All you have to do is design your product — it can be a custom or logo design — and publish. And the rest will be handled by the website.

If you are also thinking about joining print-on-demand, then the following information may help you.

1. Redbubble

The screenshot was taken by the author from the Redbubble website
  • Joining

All you have to do is sign up and create a Redbubble store.

After creating a store, you have to enter your payment details (PayPal or credit card) to receive payments.

  • Designing products

At first, you have to select the “sell your art” option and upload your artwork.

  • Next steps

After completing uploading, pick your favorite apparel products, customize colors, set prices, give your product a name, add tags, and then publish so that buyers can see your products and buy them.

  • My experience

Working on Redbubble is very easy. On Redbubble, there is only one thing that I need to focus on, and that is uploading designs.

2. Teespring

The screenshot was taken by the author from the Teespring website
  • Joining

You just have to sign up (Google, Facebook, or email) and create a Teespring store.

Once you are done, you have to enter your payment details to receive payments. That can be PayPal or Payoneer.

  • Designing products

Firstly, head over to the Launcher to select the products you want to sell. You can use Teespring tools to create custom designs or upload your own design to products.

  • Next steps

After uploading your artwork, select the product’s color, set its price, give it a name, and publish.

  • My experience

I just started selling, and I’m feeling excited. It’s also an easy platform to work on and has various products.

3. Merch by Amazon

The screenshot was taken by the author from the Merch by Amazon website
  • Joining

First, you have to create an Amazon account. But to start selling on Merch by Amazon, you have to request an invitation. You can only sell after you’re accepted.

You can use Payoneer to receive payment (Merch by Amazon doesn’t use PayPal).

  • Designing products

It’s precisely like Redbubble. You have to upload your design, choose your products, choose colors, and publish.

  • My experience

While my invitation hasn’t been accepted by Merch by Amazon yet, I got an answer in a kind manner. Also, I’m looking forward to working with this amazing community.

4. Spreadshirt

The screenshot was taken by the author from the Spreadshirt website
  • Joining
  • You have to register first. Then, open your own T-shirt store to join.

    You will be paid by direct deposit to a U.S. bank account or a PayPal transfer.

    • Designing products

    At first, head over to Designs, then browse your artwork and upload it.

    • Next steps

    After uploading your design, click on the uploaded design and choose your favorite products. Then, customize them by colors, give them a title, add tags, set a price, and select the create option.

    5. Bonfire

    The screenshot was taken by the author from the Bonfire website
    • Joining

    First, you have to fill a couple of forms according to your requirements. Then, sign up with Google, Facebook, or email.

    Bonfire makes payment through PayPal within 72 hours.

    • Designing products

    To design products, move to Launcher, select products you want to sell, and then add designs. You can design by adding text, graphics, or upload your own designs.

    • Next steps

    After designing your products, choose their colors, set a price, add a title, add tags, and launch them to let customers buy them.

    But… What’s the Best?

    To me, honestly, it’s like asking the question, “What is best, Facebook or Instagram?”

    After a busy day, what makes me smile is my Facebook newsfeed. But that doesn’t mean Instagram wouldn’t be the right choice for you.

    Similarly, which one of these websites would be best for you, nobody knows.

    Final Thoughts

    Quite often, success in a print-on-demand business takes a lot of time.

    But free things are always yummy. That’s why I encourage you to taste this.

    I’m also new to this platform and facing ignorance. But those who make six or seven figures through print-on-demand a month also faced ignorance.

    It’s not necessary to succeed in every attempt you make. If you fail, then adopt the “Why I failed and what can I learn from this?” attitude and not the “I knew it, it’s not my cup of tea. Nothing can be done by me” attitude.

    “Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy. ” — Saadi

    So, have patience, keep trying, and stay motivated. You can only create the best of yourself when you are motivated and enjoying your work.

    I've originally published this article on Medium. You can read it from here-

    I hope this article helped you.

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