VIDEO: While pressing 40 t-shirts on camera for a church that did our t-shirt fundraiser, I show you some tips to ensure you’re heat pressing your t-shirts and transfers the proper way, and I talk about some other relevant things to starting a business with a t-shirt heat press machine.
Please Note: Excuse the heavy breathing in the video below — I later went to the doctor that evening and they said I had a bad case of ‘acute bronchitis’. The kids brought home a nasty cold that just didn’t want to go away…
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What type/brand of heat press are your using?
I don’t have the model number in front of me, but it’s a brand by Hix (16×20). It’s a spare one I use in my garage at home when making videos.
If I’m on a low budget and wanna start off with iron press on for heat transfers for my tshirts is that ok to start off with the tshirt business until I know that my business is growing to buy a heat press machine and maybe other equipments
Hi Craig<
I’m not sure what you’re asking, but if I understand correctly. There’s no way you can use an iron. An iron does not get hot enough, I apologize. Just pace yourself, save up for the heatpress and do what you can. Again, an iron will not work because it does not get hot enough.
I love it you are so funny. You are real, most poeple are so fake an phony and all out for themselves.
Hi Shanonne,
We thank you for your kind words and taking the time to leave a comment! =)
How can someone new tell where the center of the shirt is?
As you print more and more, you’ll be able to eyeball it. In many cases, the t-shirts you order will have a vertical line/crease going down the center. It’s not always 100% accurate, but it gives you an idea of where the center is… If that line isn’t present, or you feel it’s off centered, you can use the tag in back of the shirt as your guide and center from that.
If you’re trying to align letters and numbers and it’s important to have it centered, try a tool like the perfect transfer tool — see site here:
http://www.perfecttransfers.co…
How can I tell if the transfer is in the center of the tee?
As you print more and more, you’ll be able to eyeball it. In many cases, the t-shirts you order will have a vertical line/crease going down the center. It’s not always 100% accurate, but it gives you an idea of where the center is… If that line isn’t present, or you feel it’s off centered, you can use the tag in back of the shirt as your guide and center from that.
If you’re trying to align letters and numbers and it’s important to have it centered, try a tool like the perfect transfer tool — see site here:
http://www.perfecttransfers.com/
Hi John,
Hard to say what the problem was… Were most of your designs ‘rhinestones’? I know their process can be slightly different as it relates to applying onto tees…
It’s possible the transfers were from an old batch and if it sat in their warehouses to long, it could become an issue when printing — I recently purchased transfers from another wholesaler who resales transfers for other vendors and every last print failed to transfer…
Ideally, buy direct from the manufacturer of the transfer design and that’ll help ensure you’re getting ‘fresher’ transfers.
Some of the top companies are places like:
http://www.Airwavesinc.com (my top choice)
http://www.DowlingGraphics.com
http://www.TheWildSide.com
Hope this helps
Thank you very much. I will take a look at these companies.
See this video here:
http://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/
Our t-shirt training course provides more resources, but one of the many places I purchase from is a company called TSC Apparel. You can find them here: http://www.TSCapparel.com
Welcome aboard and don’t hesitate to ask even more questions from the inside now that you’re a member
Some of the top companies are places like:
http://www.Airwavesinc.com (my top choice)
http://www.DowlingGraphics.com
http://www.TheWildSide.com
Hope this helps
Is it necessary to have a vendors license when just starting or can it be done later?
Some of the companies may require a sales tax identification number to sale to you wholesale… Others may not.
If you’re asking about business licenses, none of the vendors you purchase from will ask to see a business license. Local city and county governments will require you to have a business license — costs are fairly cheap – contact your local city/county clerk and they should be able to provide you more information…
Legally, I can’t advise you on whether you need a license or not to begin with… It was several months after I started making money that I then purchased a business license… But that was me and I wouldn’t encourage anyone to follow in my footsteps
I’ve purchased transfers that were made with rhinestones and have printed some successfully… But I haven’t had any customized for myself — they were all stock transfers.
Have you tried these:
http://www.justjen.com/rhinestone-transfers.htm
http://www.blinginitwholesale.com
http://customrhinestoneshirt.com/
http://www.dazzlingdesignsinc.com/home/ddi/page_15213/custom_transfer___artwork_set_up_fee.html
http://www.sparkle-plenty.com/curhtr.html
Shouldn’t be a problem unless you’re buying ‘dated’ transfers… Some transfer vendors put out crappy work — you shouldn’t be having this problem if your machine temp is correct, along with pressure and you’re applying it per the instructions that came with the transfers.
Absolutely… The most important thing is to just get started. You can upgrade and buy better equipment/transfers as your business starts making money.
Don’t go into debt trying to get this thing started. Start small and grow into it.
Buy used equipment from craigslist/ebay if you need to, but just get going — don’t delay!
Thanks Rhonda! I’m almost back to 100% capacity — instead of shooting videos at 12 and 3 a.m. in the morning, I probably should have been in the bed resting — but sometimes, I can’t help myself…. Laying in the bed, looking at the ceiling and twiddling my thumbs would have been counterproductive
excuse me i have a question would u be able to print my designs into shirts? and if u do how much would it cost?
E-mail us the details of what you’re wanting and quantity: info@tshirtriches.com
Thanks and welcome to the site Karl.
This is indeed a great business to be in and it’s affordable to get started — even if it means saving up for 6-8 months, it’s still a cost effective biz to start…
Keep us posted on your progress and don’t hesitate to ask questions!
A lot of people are making money with political tees. As with anything, you’ll need to sit down and come up with a marketing plan/strategy to get your designs in front of people who are mostly likely to buy (we cover this in more detail in our online course: http://www.tshirtriches.com/training )
It may mean setting up tables at different rally happening in and around your city… Advertising on various political websites/blogs, direct mailing to people with specific political affiliations, etc…
But there are people who will buy what you have to sell…. Just gotta get your stuff in front of them.
It takes time and planning — and will require some work and effort on your part to find these folks, but they’re out there and they have money to spend.
Thank you so much!
C…when you made this video, were you concerned about getting burnt at all?
No concern whatsoever… After you press a few times, it’s not a scary thing at all. I don’t even think about it at all.
I don’t know where you can purchase blank ‘plastisol transfer papers’. These are run through a printer — they’re actually screen printed onto by a screen printer.
Contact a local screen printer in your area and ask if they can do this for you — some may. You don’t just buy this paper and start printing from a computer/printer.
Hi Andruew,
Once you clap down onto the shirt with the top of the handle that applies pressure. If you are unsure, I would suggest contacting the company/individual you purchased the heat press from.
Thank you very much for your kind words!
Hi Luis,
You could literally purchase a printer for under a $100 bucks to get started. Your biggest expense will be the heat press. In which, you can easily find a reasonable heat press off ebay. The heat press machines can start any where from $200 and up.
However, these heat press machines are not good machines and it’s not something we recommend. However, these machines are good enough to get start, and eventually you’ll need to replace the heat press machine. You can replace the machine once your business is making money, and when your business can actually pay for itself.
Hi,
If you haven’t already sign up for our FREE “mini” course and email mailing. There’s also a video explaining how to press the shirts, alignment, etc.
Thanks
Yes you can… I’ll be putting some options up soon.
Hi Mr. Ross, my name is Arielle I didn’t have the money to buy your course bt I did manage to listen to all of your free videos I really paid attention too. I didnt have any money so I called my mom she let me use her credit card to buy the heat press because she believed in me, so I came up with a theme of red,white and blue tees for the campaign. I’m selling re-elect Obama tees ppl have been placeing orders, I have to tell you it feels good to be making a honest living now. I have 5 children 13 and under I needed a change I just want to thank you (~.~) I’ve been looking on line for different webites sites for transfers and Tees they are a bit expensive bt I’m maintaining I gotta start somewhere you have a wonderful day.
Thanks for the kind words… Just sent u an e-mail.
hello cartess,
just wanted to say your videos are very informative. i have learned a lot from them. i will be ordering your course in the very near future. i cant wait to get started. i just watched the video were you print 40 shirts.i learned soo much from just watching. your great!!!!
thanks for all the info, and for just being you, .
sincerley,
gary
Hi Gary,
We thank you for taking the time to contact us and thank you for all your kind words!
Hi Mr Ross, I just start making some t-shirts for myself I have a brand new Ricoma heat press 16×24 and my problem is the teeshirt arount the heat transfers doesn`t stick on the shirt is stay on paper transfer,please I need help,thanks
Hi Claude,
The transfers you purchased should have the directions which provides the temperature the heat press needs to be set on and the amount of time the lever need to stay onto the shirt. Also, be sure to allow the machine to sit 30 minutes prior to using the machine. Try that and if it still continues, make sure the machine does not need to be cleaned, you’ll clean the machine just as you would anything else. IF it continues, just make sure you don’t have any bad transfers that’s causing the issue. If it there’s still an issue…it’s possible there may be an issue with the heat press machine.
Cartess, how do I monetize my profits in selling 40 tees to make a $240-$280 profit and the four fund raisers make a $500? What do I charge for my service to come up with a profit of $240-$280? We all need to know this so we can have a guide to charge for our shirts and service.
Keep in mind this was a fundraiser… The church get tees from us at wholesale — around $7 bucks and they resold them for $21.95. The markup their prices as high as they want. Which explains why they only sold 40 tees. If the prices were lower — like around $15.95 they could have probably sold 100+ tees. The higher they charge, the less the’ll sell.
But, 40 tees at $21.95 – $7.00 wholesale cost still leaves them with a $14.95 profit x 40 tees = $598.00
Cost me around $100 bucks for the tees and transfers… And if I’m charging $7/each tee x 40 of them = $280 – $100 for my costs, leaving me with $180 bucks for an hours worth of work — not bad.
No secret formula — u just gotta know your numbers and I work in volume — 40 tees was a small order, which is why I did it on video so I could show and explain while I pressed the tees on video.
I buy in huge bulk so I can get transfers for much cheaper — thus allowing me to make a much larger profit… It’s all a numbers game.
Cartess, when starting out, is there any data on the most popular sizes and colors of shirts? I want to be able to take advantage of case pricing, but obviously don’t want to buy every color in every size. Appreciate the help and the information you provide.
Hi Alan,
The data you’re asking about would basically come from you knowing your market and knowing what your audience wants. If you have a particular niche you’re going after great. From there, you’ll learn what items are more likely to sell faster and what you need to purchase more of.
Also, it doesn’t mean you have to go buy the entire store or stock up on items you “think” you need. You may purchase a few shirts here and there, as orders come in and until your business is able to afford to support itself and purchase an inventory based on your sales and what you know about your market. Again, the colors, sizes, etc. will be determined on the market of individuals you’re targeting to be your clients.
Hi Cartess,
What size transfer would you suggest to order for most T-shirt sizes? Is it do-able to have the design tranferred on one size transfer paper and it will accomodate small-XXXL Tees? For example, ordering 12×14 transfer for all size Tees. Thanks
Sylvia
Hi Sylvia… A standard adult size transfer of 11×11 can easily fit onto adult small through 4XL with no problem. You can even go 11×14. The absolute max would be 14 x 11.25, but even I wouldn’t go that wide on standard adult size.
You should be fine with a 12×14 for the size ranges you’re targeting.
Thanks so much.
Anytime.. Glad to help.
Hi Cartess, your videos have been very helpful!
I’m excited about starting a T-Shirt business, have just got hold of a heat press transfer and have two questions.
1.Is it better to get an inkjet, laser, or sublimation printer?
2.What kind of transfer paper do you use?
Thanks,
Ian
I’d go inkjet… BUT, I don’t use this method. I use only plastisol transfers, which provides the BEST quality. If you need to start this route, go inkjet and use high heat pigment inks. Listen in on this interview:
http://www.tshirtriches.com/high-heat-pigment-inks/
hi u doing mr.ross I have a few question what size heat press machine do u use in your video? I Been seeing good deals on 15/15 press machine. Is that size okay to start off with?
I’m using a 16×20 and the 15×15 is a great machine to get started with…
Thank you very much
I’m planing to use inkjet printer and buy screen print transfer. Is okay u think if I get a all on one printer? Or should I get a separte printer just for my transfer?
Epson makes great printers. I don’t know if the all-in-ones would be what you need… Listen in on this interview and it should give you more information regarding printers:
http://www.tshirtriches.com/high-heat-pigment-inks/
I have a buch of old white t shitrts could I practice on old shirts ? Or is it best to practice on brand new shirts ? Thank u
Hi Evan,
It probably will not hurt to practice on old shirts. However, you’ll get a better idea of what you’re doing with the new shirts. However, just make sure to apply heat to the old shirts before applying the transfer to be pressed onto the shirt. This will allow you to straighten the shirt out as much as possible and that will make a difference.
Okay thank you very much I’m was listen to your interview with Tim. So if I buy the 29 dollars package That tims gives his info how would I receive it in a download ? After I pay how quick will I get the information? Thank u
Yes, it’s an ebook that’s received immediately after following the steps during the process.
Thank you so much. On 16*20 press machine will I be able to press coffee mugs and shot glasses? Or do I need to get some kind of attachment to do those kind of things
No. You will need a different type of machine altogether.