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Where to Get a Name Brand Heat Press for Cheap! 

By  Cartess Ross

If you’re a little tight on cash and need to find a great bargain on a heat press, check out the video below.

I show you how and where to find quality used heat press machines from people in your area who literally have these machines sitting in their garage or basements collecting dust.

As I’ve indicated in prior posts, you don’t have to go out and purchase new heat press machines. Use those savings to buy the other stuff you’ll need to get going.

Check out the video below:

Here’s a listing of some of the keyword phrases and heat press manufacturers you should search for in Craigslist.com:

  • hotronix
  • heat press
  • heat press machine
  • mighty press
  • mightypress
  • geoknight
  • geo knight
  • stahls
  • hix

Cartess Ross


I will guide you through this process and provide you with proven strategies to help you build a t-shirt company. As one of the original pioneers to start selling t-shirts online 20 years ago, I've sold millions of dollars in t shirts to people all over the world. I founded TshirtRiches in 2007 to teach others how to turn their t-shirt ideas into a business. So if you're ready, hop onboard and let's make this money!

Cartess Ross

  • Thank you for all the helpful info. I just purchased a heat press now I am looking for a way to print rhinestone transfers. The company I’m currently using is charging me way to much. So I want to do them myself. Any advise?

    • Unfortunately, I’ve never messed around with Rhinestones and can’t help u much in that area… Sorry.

      Love your designs though, they look great!

  • Bryan van Maalsen says:

    Hello Cartess,

    A while ago I received the free t-shirt and the transfer when I ordered the course. Very valuable information and I’m very thankful you share this information. Especially the marketing part! Do you have any additional information available about marketing the t-shirt business?
    I don’t have a heat press yet but I would like to know when you started out with printing t-shirts but you didn’t have a heat press yet, how did you do it? Did you have the t-shirts printed somewhere else and how did you get the costs out? And what if someone ordered only one t-shirt? what do you suggest to be the best way not to spend too much money and still make a profit when I don’t have a heat press yet?

    Hope to hear from you soon.

    Kind regards, Bryan

    • Hi Bryan,

      I’ll be honest… It was hard not having a press. I happened to know someone who had one and I used theirs. If you were selling tees in bulk, then I’d say go through a screen printer and that would allow you to put some money in your pocket. But in the end, you’re going to definitely need a heat press to make this thing work out… There’s really no way around it, unless you know someone with a machine. There are great deals to be found on craigslist/ebay. Take a look around the house and see if theres anything you can list on craigslist to sale and make some extra cash so u can buy a machine. You might have to give up some stuff in the short term, but you can get those things back and much more…

  • what are the printers i can use to print shirt..
    i only have cannon IP2700..
    and what are differences of stretch transfer papers, inkjet transfer papers, iron on transfer papers etc.
    lastly what software you are using in creating your design.
    i used the Macromedia Dreamweaver.

    thank you

    • We still strongly stand by having designs screen printed onto the release paper. Simply because it’s a much better quality and you’re not having to worry about the designs peeling or fading after a few washes.

      We have since looked to another alternative for those who are just now getting started, but can’t afford to have their designs screen printed. The transfers we are now offering for those individuals are much better than the ones that can be purchased in the stores. You can NOT iron on transfers! You will need an heat press machine.

      Any epson ink jet printer will work, but some are better than others. However, we recommend a particular ink to print the designs from your own printer. A interview on this topic is currently in the works. If you haven’t signed up to receive our emails, please do. Once the videos become available you’ll be notified.
      Again, once you have your business up and the business is paying for itself. We still recommend having the designs screen printed.

      Please click the link and scroll down to watch the videos and to purchase the transfers.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/buy-transfer-paper/

      The designs are usually created in photoshop, illustrator, or just depending on the artist what’s comfortable for them. Ultimately, any adobe program!

      • Hey Ross, After the transfer is labeled threw the printer, well the ink from the printer latch on to the shirt after the shirt is pressed?

        • Hi Carlos,

          Not sure I understand your question. You would print onto the transfer paper instead of the label. we highly recommend screen printed transfers. Printing from a printer will not provide you the same results as screen printed designs and will not last as longer. The transfers we have are better than the transfer paper sold in stores. Again, this method can not replace or compare to screen printed transfers.

          We have a source list available for purchase. The source list includes various companies to purchase custom, and pre-made transfers from a list of transfer vendors as well as vendors to purchase blank shirts.

          The price for custom transfers will be determined by the amount of colors you have in your design. If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend no more than 2 colors in the design. The more colors in the design the more it will cost to have the designs screen printed onto the release paper.

          If you would, please click the link below to purchase the source list.
          https://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/

          We recommend the Epson WF-70-10 printer.
          If you wish to print your own designs from your printer…please click the link below.

          https://www.tshirtriches.com/buy-transfer-paper/
          We do not recommend using the inks that come with the printer.

          https://www.tshirtriches.com/?s=Tim+braun

    • I’m not familiar with the brand but the machine looks very sturdy and solid… For the price I don’t think you could go wrong. The 3 reviews on that page seem to be pretty good. I’d certainly give it a try… Keep us posted and share your experiences with the machine.

    • Christopher Thomas says:

      Hi, After one-hour random google research I found a website http://seasaltandpepper.com/best-t-shirt-printing-machine/. They have picked best15 T-Shirt Printing machines and recommend top 5 T-shirt printing heat press machine. But little bit confused, which one is the best for small T-shirt printing Business?

  • Patrick Selemogo says:

    Hi Cartess

    I am already into Embroidery business and would like to add Tee printing coz i have grown so much.

    My question to you is that i need advice on the most reliable Laser printers around that can do up to A3 paper size, i have come across advises like OKI Data C830N but i am not sure coz i havent even seen in on action doing Tranfer Papers.i dont want to sunddely buy a printer that is expensive and find out that it can not do any type of tranfer paper, money at the moment isnt a problem, just advice me on the best Laser printer that i should buy, the type of printer that when i configure it wont give problems and the type that will print anything as it is including JPEG pictures to use with tranfer paper and apply on a Tee.

    As for Heat press i dont have problem i will go for the Fusion type.

    Regards

    • Hi Fredd,
      It looks like the seller(s) did not include the brand or the model of the heat press machine on either link you included. I suggest you email the seller(s) and ask them for the specific name and exact model of the machines. You will need this to research whatever reviews you can find out about the machines.
      The more research you do on the machines like reading the reviews from others. The more helpful it will be for you.
      If you’re on a tight budget and that’s all you can afford. The very best thing to do is hop in your car and go test the machines out! Of course take some shirts and transfers with you and put the heat press machine to work! If gets hot, the machine press the shirts like it’s suppose, then get it!

      Honestly, there’s no way of knowing unless you test it out! Especially if the seller(s) are in your area. What do you have to lose by going to test a machine out before buying it?

      Please click on the link of machines we have listed on our website and the machines we highly recommend. If you’re able to come across the machines we have on our website on ebay or craigslist then you know it’s a good machine.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/heat-press-machine/

      • gracie powell says:

        hi my mame is gracie and i would like start my oun t,shirt buisness can you help me to get started

        • Hi Gracie,
          All the information we have is available on our site. Please be sure to sign up for our FREE “mini” course module, sign up for our emails and definitely take full advantage of our Tshirt Riches Training course. The course provide any and everything you will need to start your business. Again, please feel free to take advantage of the information we’ve already provided on our website.

          http://tshirtriches.com

          http://Tshirtriches.com/training

          Thanks!

  • Hello, I purchased a Heat Press about 4 months ago. How do I secure the press to my work surface.
    Thanks for any help

    • You should see some slots/holes where you can bolt some screws and I’d get a slab of plywood and bolt it there… And from there, you can secure the slab of plywood to the table itself… I hope that made sense???

  • Thank you so much for the well explain information on how to buy press heat. I am actually following your examples and I have two contacts ready to sell their heat press to me. Thank you.

    • That is AWESOME… The used machines work just as good as the new ones and you’ll save a ton of money… Money that you can use towards getting your business going. If you haven’t already signed up for our full blown course, I’d encourage you to do so now… We have a black friday promo going right now and you’ll save a ton of money now, versus paying the full $157 later… Take a look, we have a ton more useful information that’ll get you going in the biz: https://www.tshirtriches.com/black/

  • Hey Ross…

    I have just ordered my first machine. It shall arrive with in days. I really need advice on where to go about or how to search for my transfer designs..When the funds arrive i will get your start up course.. I’m sure it will give me a lot of answers..But for the time being. i could really use some direction…Thanks..

  • DebonairLivin says:

    Hey Mr. Ross, just wanted to know whats the best heat press machine to start off with… for a person starting out in the t shirt business

    • Hi Debonair,

      The heat press machines we highly recommend are listed in the link below.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/heat-press-machine/

      If you’re on a budget and unable to afford these machines. You may want to try looking on ebay and Amazon. Between ebay and Amazon you’ll be able to find something within your budget. Please know, purchasing cheap machines will only last you for so long and you’ll be replacing the machine before you know it. Just be sure to “READ” the reviews on Amazon about any heat press machine you may have in mind. As in our own lives, Cartess and I do not purchase anything until researching the reviews on Amazon and the item must have at least 4 stars or more before we buy. You can not go wrong with any item if you read the reviews on Amazon!

      • jimmy putt says:

        I truly wish I had bought your training modules first. But being the inpatient guy I am I jumped in feet first. I bought a Heat press with all the attachments, Hat, mug X 2 plate X2. After reading your modules I started requesting samples from different company’s to try out. Thats when I realized the 15 x 15 press was too small for some transfers. I am currently looking for a 16 x 20 or 24. I also purchased a vinyl cutter for tshit and Auto Decals( Ive already sold several of these) :} . All before reading the modules. I feel completely overwhelmed at this point. Im trying to get ready for an upcomming craft fair. There are so many things I can do Im lost as where to begin.I see so many stock transfers I like, but not sure if customers will. Is it better to go with about 10 designs and have a dozen of each or go with 30 designs and have 3 or 4 of each.
        Sorry for the rambling but I feel like a spider monkey souped up on mountian dew
        Thanks
        jimmy

        • Hi Jimmy,

          Best thing to do is take a deep breath and relax. As far as which designs will sell it’s no way of knowing until after the craft show. It’s strange how it often works out. You may feel that a particular design will sell, but it’s always the design you’ll least think anything about and that’s the one that usually sells. Honestly, since this is your first craft show (I’m assuming.) Do what you can and learn from whatever mistakes you make. Mistakes are ok, we learn faster and it just makes us stronger.

          As any business owner, you will make mistakes along the way.

          While at the same time, I’m sure you will not have the space to put all 30 shirts out on display. Just have at least 10 shirts out. Your goal should be collecting names and getting them to your website. You should have a vision in place; what is it you really want to get from this craft show (longterm.) Honestly, the focus should be getting longterm customers who will buy from you over and over again. As well as refer others to you.

          So make sure you give them a reason to visit your website, hand out information and try collecting names and addresses for people to win a shirt. This will allow you to mail potential prospects to buy shirts from you. Just because they may not purchase anything from you that day it doesn’t mean they won’t ever buy anything from you. The key will be staying in contact with these individuals.

          Yes, we do recommend machines that are at least 16×20 anything smaller than the 16×20 you will have issues printing on as you see now. We do have machines available for purchase. Please click on the link below.
          Here’s information about the heat press machines we have available and what we highly recommend. There’s pricing information as well as information about the machines.

          We also recommend that you purchase a machine that’s at least 16×20. Anything smaller than the 16×20 you’ll have issues printing on larger items.

          If the machine are outside of your budget try looking on Amazon, Ebay, or Craigslist.
          https://www.tshirtriches.com/heat-press-machine-101/

  • i found a good looking 15×15 press that comes with a Epson C88+ printer is it a good idea to go for this one what level of quality should i look for in a printer if i am going to print my own designs

    • Hi Kevin,

      We recommend at least the 16×20 heat press machine. Using anything less, you’ll experience issues trying to print on larger items. Any Epson printer will work. Some better than other. We used the Epson WF-7010 and it worked like a charm.

    • Save your money and apply it on another type of machine… I wouldn’t recommend that at all.

  • Mr. Rosss, my name is Andre Lewis and I would like to start a Christian tee-shirt line, as well as hat, mug etc. I would like to get the machine and start up materials thru you. I am tight for cash, so I was thinking non-silk screening transfers. Please call me at 443-220-7669 or e-mail me. Thanks alot.

    • We have information available on our website that will assist you in starting your own business. Yes, we do have a course that is available that will definitely get you on your way and will provide you with all the tools you’ll need to get started.

      http://tshirtriches.com/training

      Here’s information about the heat press machines we have available. There’s pricing information as well as information about the machines.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/heat-press-machine-101/

      If the machine are outside of your budget try looking on Amazon, Ebay, or Craigslist.

      If you wish to have designs screen printed…Please click the link below.

      We have a source list available for purchase. The source list includes various companies to purchase custom, and pre-made transfers from a list of transfer vendors as well as vendors to purchase blank shirts.

      The price for custom transfers will be determined by the amount of colors you have in your design. If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend no more than 2 colors in the design. The more colors in the design the more it will cost to have the designs screen printed onto the release paper.

      If you would, please click the link below to purchase the source list.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/
      We recommend the Epson WF-70-10 printer.

      If you wish to print your own designs from your printer because of being on a tight budget…please click the link below.

      https://www.tshirtriches.com/buy-transfer-paper/
      We do not recommend using the inks that come with the printer.

      https://www.tshirtriches.com/?s=Tim+braun

      If you would like to speak directly with Cartess, there is a $55 charge. All you’ll need to do is email us @ tshirtriches@gmail.com. Please include with two days and provide two different times. We’ll send you a payment link. Once payment has been received, we’ll reply back with one of the days/times you provided us to inform you which day/time Cartess selected to call you.

      Other wise, we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have via email. Please be advised, everything you need to know about starting your tshirt business is listed on our website, and included in the course we have available.

    • Hi Defonz,

      We understand and I apologize we do not ship to the UK. I highly recommend you do your homework by researching the machine and reading the reviews of others who have purchased the machine.
      Amazon usually is a great source to base your purchase on reviews. Start there and be sure to google the machine. We do recommend machines that are at least 16×20. Any machines smaller than the 16×20 you’ll have issues printing on larger items. 🙂

  • Jamar Blackwell says:

    Hi Mr. Ross,

    Was wondering can you make up a design from the internet then print it on any old printer or do you have to have a specific type of printer with a certain type of ink? If so, do you have any in your source list?

    • Hi Jamar,
      I apologize not quite understanding the question you are asking. Are you asking you can you find an image/design from the internet to create as your own? If so, NO…there’s copyright/trademark laws and you don’t have permission to use those.

      Are you asking can you create designs from a printer? If so, NO. Since you’re asking this it will be best for you to just hire a graphic artist to create the design for. You’ll waste time trying to learn how to create the design and how to use the software. You may go to http://freelancer.com to hire a graphic artist to create the design for you.

  • trobinson says:

    Do you need to have a business license or sales tax exempt to purchase t-shirts or other apparel wholesale

    • HI TRobinson,

      You will definitely need the sales tax id to purchase wholesale items! 🙂 IT would be a great idea to have a business license.

  • Steven Willis says:

    Ross, It’s has been some time gone by I have not received any updates on the program . Please, keep me up dated . Steven Willis

  • Benjamin Roberts says:

    Hello Mr. Ross . My name is Benjamin and I am becoming seriously committed to building my own t shirt line . I am only at the beginning stages of creating a business plan and realizing a strong vision. I plan on purchasing a heat press within the next couple of months . I have thousands of followers on social media and I plan on using that platform as a main way of spreading the word on my t shirts. I was just wondering if there was any resourceful tool that I could use to get all of my thoughts and priorities straight ? I am working on designs, and trying to figure out a decent business strategy but I know that timing is everything so Im not going to rush but at the same time I do want to start setting things into motion.

    • HI Benjamin,

      We have information available on our website that will assist you in starting your own business. Yes, we do have a course that is available that will definitely get you on your way and will provide you with all the tools you’ll need to get started.

      http://tshirtriches.com/training

      Please click out our other program
      http://tshirtriches.com/proteges

      Here’s information about the heat press machines we have available and what we highly recommend. There’s pricing information as well as information about the machines.

      We also recommend that you purchase a machine that’s at least 16×20. Anything smaller than the 16×20 you’ll have issues printing on larger items.

      If the machine are outside of your budget try looking on Amazon, Ebay, or Craigslist.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/heat-press-machine-101/

      If you find machines that are none other than the machines we recommend. Please do your research on the machine by reading reviews by individuals that have purchased the machine you’ve found that’s within your budget.

      If you wish to have designs screen printed…Please click the link below.

      However, we highly recommend screen printed transfers. Printing from a printer will not provide you the same results as screen printed designs and will not last as longer. The transfers we have are better than the transfer paper sold in stores. Again, this method can not replace or compare to screen printed transfers.

      We have a source list available for purchase. The source list includes various companies to purchase custom, and pre-made transfers from a list of transfer vendors as well as vendors to purchase blank shirts.

      The price for custom transfers will be determined by the amount of colors you have in your design. If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend no more than 2 colors in the design. The more colors in the design the more it will cost to have the designs screen printed onto the release paper.

      If you would, please click the link below to purchase the source list.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/

  • You keep saying 16×20, whats wrong with 15×15 ? If i’m doing things for baby clothes and purses is it okay if I use 15×15

    • HI Sylvia,

      Well anything less than the 16×20 is not ideal. You’ll fine as long as you continue to do baby clothes. Eventually, you’ll get an order from someone that you’ll need to print on larger items. Unfortunately, the 15×15 will be too small to print on.

  • is there anywhere else I can get it for cheap. I’m sorry I just don’t trust craigslist. Thanks for the awesome video though!!

    • Hi Lea,

      You can try Ebay or Amazon. If you don’t feel comfortable with Craigslist. 🙂

  • Jeff Wikre says:

    Cartess, I found a Hotronix Fushion 2010 heat press with 300 hrs. on it. My cost will be $1300 out the door, do you feel that is a Good/Fair/Expensive price to pay
    or any comments ?
    Thank You
    Jeff

    • Hi Yolanda,

      Just make sure you’ve done your homework, compare the price for what it sells for new and go from there. When you check out the machine, make sure the owner has turned on the machine 30 minutes prior to you getting there and bring supplies to test out the machine while you’re there. If it checks out fine- make your decision from there.

  • Hi I have a lot of tshirt design ideas how can u save up money to buy a heat press

    • Kimberly Ross says:

      Hi Kaya!
      I definitely understand that a heat press can be a big expense. There are lots of ways you can save up for one, or you can even search around for a used heat press to save some cost. We recommend the Hotronix brand, but if you decide to go with another brand, make sure you read the reviews and do your research. One idea is to use a local screen printer to print your designs on wholesale tshirts; you can sell these designs and use the profit to save up for your own heat press. You could also look to see if there is anyone local who owns a heat press that would be willing to let you rent it. Good luck to you!

      Thanks,
      Judy

  • I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your information. This great article has really peaked my interest.
    I’m going to take a note of your site and keep checking
    for new information about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

  • Carted rocks! This is the best idea ever! I’m going to look right now in my town & all over my area. Thanks!

    • Hi David,
      Unfortunately we can’t give you any advice because we’ve never personally used it. See if you can find some reviews from people who have purchased the same product to get more details. Sorry we couldn’t be of more help!

      Thank you,
      Judy Jolley

  • Maria Jennifer says:

    Hi,

    I was considering to buy a heat press machine and was going through random researches to find out which one could be the best option to start off.

    Later, I have gone through some reviews on Youtube and Google. I found a result from Google random searches here- http://heatpressguide.com/best-heat-press-machine-reviews/ , that they have picked best top 10 machines. I thought to for “PowerPress Industrial-Quality Digital 15-by-15-Inch” but still a little bit confused.
    Can you suggest me what could be the best for a beginner to start a printing business within obviously an affordable budget?

    • Hi Maria,
      We recommend Hotronix brands, but we understand that they are expensive when you are just starting out. You want to make sure you buy a press that is 16 x 20 in size so that you are not limited on garment or design size. You will also want to research the brand of the heat press and read several reviews for the specific brand/model to be sure you are making a good purchase. We do not have any personal experience with any of those machines, so I do not feel comfortable recommending one over the other without doing research. I can tell you that Gecko is a pretty decent brand for the price according to many sources, although again, we do not have personal experience.

      Thank you,
      Judy Jolley

  • Christie tucker says:

    Hello… Im looking to start my tshirt business in a month or two..but i wanted to know how to purchase a machine and a few transfers from u..thank u

  • ROMEO DELAROSA says:

    LOOKING FOR CHEAP HEAT PRESS MACHINE, THANKS FOR THE INFO.

    • Hi Romeo!
      It’s definitely possible to find an inexpensive heat press machine on sites like Amazon or Ebay. Just be sure to research the brand and model to ensure it is a trustworthy machine. However, Cartess just recently released an entire training program that uses no heat press or up front costs in inventory. Check out https://www.tshirtriches.com/sample-pod/

  • Fantastic. In the near future I am venturing into a small printing business. Thanks so much for your information just when I needed it urgently. Cheers.

  • where can i find someone to design a logo?

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