Here’s a Cheaper Alternative to Making Your Own T-shirt Designs
For many of you, starting a t-shirt business is a dream and passion you’ve been contemplating for a while. And when you finally make the decision to move forward, many seem to think that screen printing their own t-shirts is the route to go. In this post, I’ll attempt to explain why I think screen printing your own t-shirts suck, and why t-shirt transfers rule!
I get a ton of questions about using the heat press method, versus the screen printing method; and for the first time ever, I express my hatred for screen printing!
Lot’s of people seem to think screen printing is easy and cheap. It ain’t easy! And I often wonder why anyone getting into business would want to fool with all the ‘processes’ required to screen print a t-shirt…
Watch the video below to see what I mean… You have to go through all this drama to make new designs — while you’re watching this video, just imagine the cost to get all this stuff… and imagine how much MESS you gotta clean up when you’re done!
Video: How to Start a Screen Printing T-shirt Business
You had to go through all that drama to make a 1-color t-shirt. Imagine the process if you had 3-4 colors on a design! You’d have to do everything you just did in the video above 3-4 times!!!
In fact, here’s another video about this very thing…
Screen Printing a Multicolor T-shirt Design
Do you really want to make your own t-shirts like that?
I imagine most people wanting to start their own t-shirt business to promote their own line of t-shirts/designs don’t want to have to go through all of this… Now if you’re in the business of making t-shirts for other businesses, then I can see why you need to go the screen printing route. But for the individual who wants to promote their own line of tees, there is a cheaper and faster alternative that provides the same quality!
Another thing about screen printing is you must order a huge inventory in order to get a decent price break. Not only that, to have a decent amount of inventory, you’d have to order a bunch of small, medium, large, and extra large tees to have on-hand.
Then you’ll need to get it in white, black, gray, navy blue, green and so on…. You have to get all these sizes and colors because you don’t know beforehand what someone will order, therefore, causing you to purchase a huge inventory to have on hand when someone orders. Before you know it, you’ll have 2,500 t-shirts sitting in your garage hoping someone orders everything you got.
That’s Why I Like T-shirt Heat Transfers and a T-shirt Heat Press!
I like custom t shirt heat transfers better because you don’t have to print up a huge inventory of tshirts that’ll just sit on a rack. I like this route because I can print on demand. I like this route because I don’t have a big nasty mess when I’m done. Plus I can print t-shirts in a spare bedroom, or at the kitchen table.
See the T-shirt Heat Press & Heat Transfers I Use to Run My T shirt Business
NOW… the transfers presented in this video are NOT the same ones you find at the local Wal-mart. And no, these aren’t the type of transfers you run through your printer that’s connected to your home computer.
These transfers are a special paper whereby a screen printer takes your design and makes an actual screen as shown in the first video; but instead of printing your design onto a t-shirt, they put the design onto this ‘special release’ paper (transfer sheet), that allows you to transfer the design at a later date (on-demand).
So… instead of having 2,500 t-shirts pre-printed up and waiting for someone to purchase, you get these transfers and make t-shirts as the orders come in.
This is a very quick process with no messy inks to cleanup. You can literally make a t-shirt in less than 10 seconds.
This method also works on any colored t-shirt and yes, that includes your ability to print onto black colored tees as well!
The designs transferred onto the t-shirts are the same inks used by screen printers. Ironically, if you took ‘these’ tshirts to a screen printer. The vast majority would not be able to tell you it was done with a heat transfer. The inks are identical and there’s no misty film going around your design when you use this process.
T-shirt Heat Transfers are Great and Inexpensive
I have t-shirts I printed 10 years and they still look great… just a slight wear from washing and drying over 10 years, but what shirt wouldn’t show stress after 10 years of wear and tear?
The cost is fairly inexpensive… Like screen printing, it’s based on the quantity you order and the number of colors in the design.
You can actually get these for as little as .50 cents a transfer (with the design on it)… but again, it’s all based on quantity and number of colors.
Many companies can have your design put onto this ‘release paper’ and shipping out to you within 24 hours of ordering… Some offer same day service.
This is why I love the t-shirt heat transfer method.
The biggest expense you’ll have is getting the heat press machine. If you don’t mind getting a used one, you can find these on craigslist.com for as little as $200-$400. If you want new, expect to pay around $750 and as much as $1,999; all dependent upon what you’re wanting. They come in different sizes and I recommend getting nothing smaller than a 16×20 (which is what I’m using in the video).
Fact of the matter is this, the t-shirt transfers are actually made from the same inks used in screen printing. In fact, the transfers are made the same way t-shirts are.
Bottomline: The t-shirt transfer process is simple. Someone else does all the work and sends you the completed transfer. It’s not messy, it doesn’t take a long time, you don’t have to wait for your inks to dry, etc….
Let me know what you think, share your comments or ask questions…
GET SAMPLE T-SHIRTS AND SAMPLE T-SHIRT TRANSFERS — LIMITED SUPPLY, CLICK HERE!
About Cartess Ross
Cartess, I agree with you totally. The cost and time it takes to set up and burn screens for
multicolor s does not give you the profit needed to be successful, especially in smaller runs.
Please keep up the good work of keeping us informed of the best way of making money in
this business.
Remember God Loves You & So Do We.
Mike Napoli
Mhm, yes, but what about special colors.
You can’t mix your own spot color. It has only one colorformat and that is CMYK…:(
Hey do you have a list of people I can contact to get my designs made. I am out of the Indianapolis, Indiana area, I would love to get start right away. I think that is a cool way to advertise your product.
But can we print on black tees with this technique?And what about the complex vector designs such as GoMedia’s,is there any problems printing them with T-shirt transfert?I need to clear my mind about that.
Yes, you can print onto dark colored t-shirt with no problem… I don’t know anything about GoMedia???
Scroll through the previous posts on the site, I’ve posted information about that already… if you’re still lost, you can always buy our course for a limited time only:
http://www.tshirtriches.com/training
I’ve never had any issues with colors in the 12 plus years I’ve been doing this
If you take drawings into screen printing places, they basically can decide whether or not they want to help you by putting the designs on the special paper right? Of course if they decide to i’ll probably have to pay them. Do they have the special paper or should I purchase that some where else? If so, where?
Not many screen printers do this — you’ll probably have to find them online. It’s not like you go buy the paper and take it to them. Those that do it already have the supplies/materials. They’ll simply charge you to do it for you.
Hi, do you have to deal with the shirt image cracking, cause that’s what I seen with alot of transfers. Are they the same quality as screen printing, and do you use screenprinting for some of your shirts. Thank you I want to produce quality products
Absolutely not… Never had a problem with cracking, fading or anything. As mentioned previously, these aren’t the type of transfer you run through a home printer. Check out this post here:
http://tshirtriches.com/t-shirt-transfers-selfweed-pape/
I’ve haven’t had t-shirts screen printed in over 10 years
i never once heard him say where we can buy this “special Paper” from HELP HELP HELP!!
This is EXACTLY the information I was looking for. Easy, and I can do it myself! Thanks so much for the information. Now I’m going to go over your website with a “fine-tooth comb.” I have a designer, just need to know the steps of how to get the designs onto the special paper and have them printed out! THANK U SO MUCH!
See this post:
http://tshirtriches.com/starting-tshirt-business/
You gotta look around the site, I have tons of information on that topic, see this post here, I’ve included a directory of companies that’ll do it for you…
http://tshirtriches.com/t-shirt-transfers-selfweed-pape/
Messing around with all that ink… man, what an easier way’s been shown by Cartess!
I’m registered on your course and looking to start asap.
Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the kind words… your login details were sent about 30 minutes after you signed up… Check your bulk/spam folders and you should see your login information there.
where do you get the transfer paper from?
Hello Im Walter Gardner from the Philippines. Im a freelance Graphic and Visual Artist. just saw your blog video posted on youtube. Ive been in the advertising business for almost a year and unfortunately i never master the procedure youre doing with the heat press tshirt printing, especially printing the colored tshirts. Please Sir, I would like to ask for your help with regards the type of transfer papers, the ink you use in your printing machines including the the type of printers you use. Sir Im just a small time freelance artist but i want to be competitive coz i know to myself that i have a skills. Please Sir Bless me some of your wisdom with regards to this application. my email add: wate_joe@yahoo.com. Thank You Very Much Sir, May the Lord Almighty Bless you More for you are so generous to share your talents to small people like me who is just trying to survive. Again Thank You and hope to hear from you as soon as possible, God Bless always, Walter
As stated in the video, I don’t print the transfers or use any kind of inks… These are done by companies that specialize in this process:
http://tshirtriches.com/t-shirt-transfers-selfweed-pape/
http://tshirtriches.com/t-shirt-transfers-selfweed-pape/
so i can just order the transfer paper with the design on it already and ready to be put on a tee shirt right?
if so, where can i order some and can i send a picture in for them to make it?
i really like this
Absolutely… Start here:
http://www.airwavesinc.com
http://www.dowlinggraphics.com
http://www.thewildside.com
http://www.barberandcompany.com
dose these types of transfers crake and fade? also do u think its better to use a slik screening machin?
They do not fade, crack or break… Now some vendors make better quality transfers than others, so it’s possible it could crack or break if you’re dealing with shysters and cheapos who try and cut corners
Try a sample pack to see for yourself:
http://tshirtriches.com/get-sample-transfers-printed-t-shirts/
Also, here is a list of vendors who make these transfers:
http://tshirtriches.com/t-shirt-transfers-selfweed-pape/
Thank you for the wealth of information you are sharing. I have been researching the tshirt business for over a year and have not been satisfied with the type of information I found until I came across your video on you tube and I joined your news letter. What you shared about screen printing is awsome information for me to know and I see keeping it simple is the best way to get into profit mode quick. Pressing on demand just makes sense & I thank God for you because now God and I can start a Christian clothing line. So awsome man of God. Thank you once again, my next step is to buy a heat press machine and finde some designs to experiment with. Also, who would you recommend for your own logo design and where is a good place to buy some tshirts wholesale?
Thank you once again and may God bless you abundantly,
Damian B.
Thanks for the kind words…
Don’t over look using Craigslist when looking for a heatpress machine: http://www.craigslist.com — you can often find great deals there on used machines.
If you haven’t seen this video yet, check it out:
http://tshirtriches.com/t-shirt-start-up/
Looking for pre-made designs to test out, try buying some from here:
http://www.proworldinc.com
Hi Wilson,
I apologize, I’m going to copy and paste this from a question I just answered.
We actually don’t print our own transfers! We deal directly with several companies that specialize in transfers, etc. Printing your own, isn’t cost effective, doesn’t provide the same quality nor does the color on the transfer last when printing them yourself. After your customer has washed the shirt a few times the color begins to fade! Most importantly, it’s too time consuming, which doesn’t free you up to focus on what “really matters” which is: growing your business!
In our course, we provide direct contact with our sources! Which you can purchase most transfers as little as $1.00.
Please be sure to check out our course! http://www.tshirtriches.com/tr…
Thanks!
If you would, please check the course out! In the course, I provide all the sources you need to get your t-shirt business started. Including where to purchase transfers as little as $1.00!
Thanks!
Thanks, glad to be a help!
Hi,
I am unable to recommend printers. Simply because we don’t print our own transfers. We deal directly with companies that specialize in transfers!
1. It’s cheaper
2. It frees my time to focus on growing the t-shirt business
3. Most importantly, I have control over the quality and I’m not concerned about the colors on the transfers fading after a few washes.
In the course, I have created. I give full access to the sources that provides quality transfers. Most transfers can be purchased at $1.00-$1.50. Please be sure to take full advantage of the course! I also have included where to purchase t-shirts at wholesale, and the step by steps to getting your t-shirt business started.
http://www.tshirtriches.com/tr…
Thanks!Type your reply…
Hi,
I am unable to recommend printers. Simply because we don’t print our own transfers. We deal directly with companies that specialize in transfers!
1. It’s cheaper
2. It frees my time to focus on growing the t-shirt business
3. Most importantly, I have control over the quality and I’m not concerned about the colors on the transfers fading after a few washes.
In the course, I have created. I give full access to the sources that provides quality transfers. Most transfers can be purchased at $1.00-$1.50. Please be sure to take full advantage of the course! I also have included where to purchase t-shirts at wholesale, and the step by steps to getting your t-shirt business started.
http://www.tshirtriches.com/tr…
Thanks!Type your reply…
Thanks!
I apologize, I’m going to copy and paste this from a question I just answered.
We actually don’t print our own transfers! We deal directly with several companies that specialize in transfers, etc. Printing your own, isn’t cost effective, doesn’t provide the same quality nor does the color on the transfer last when printing them yourself. After your customer has washed the shirt a few times the color begins to fade! Most importantly, it’s too time consuming, which doesn’t free you up to focus on what “really matters” which is: growing your business!
In our course, we provide direct contact with our sources! Which you can purchase most transfers as little as $1.00.
Please be sure to check out our course! http://www.tshirtriches.com/tr…
Thanks!Type your reply…Type your reply…
We use the Maxx digital heat press and there’s another one. I need to get back with you on the name of that one as well.
You can either purchase the press from us or try finding one on ebay or craigslist.org.
As far as the transfers. We have created a course that will include everything you will need to know about getting your t-shirt business going. Step by steps information on everything, to purchase the transfers as little as $1, purchasing the t-shirts at wholesale cost, etc.
Please be sure to take advantage of the course! http://tshirtriches.com/training
Thanks John!
In the course, we included several sources to purchase the transfers and t-shirts at wholesale cost.
http://tshirtriches.com/training
Yeah, it’s not so inexpensive. Selling your courses is all fine and dandy, but please don’t be misleading. In your video you show your “iron on stickers” all nice and prepped. Pretty sure Jesus wouldn’t just magically forget to mention the cost of sublimation ink, the cost of the printer, cost of the sublimation paper. Not to mention Photoshop and Illustrator in the process of prepping to art work. Also, you shouldn’t dog screen printers when you’re in the same line of business. We usually try to help each other out. Bad form.
If you’ve actually spent any amount of time on the site, you’d know we don’t recommend sublimation inks, nor the printer nor the sublimation paper at all. In fact, we don’t even discuss the sublimation process at all because it’s so expensive.
If you’re a screen printer, this site isn’t for you… It’s for those looking for a reasonable option to get started in the t-shirt business and the heat transfer (press) method is a viable one.
You have your opinion and I respect it… Have a blessed day Sid.
You’ll most likely need to order them from the U.S. / UK and have them sent to you. I’m not aware of any companies doing this in India.
We provide everything you need to know! From getting your business set up as an legitimate business, marketing, website info, where to purchase the transfers at whole sale, where to purchase the t-shirts at wholesale cost, etc. For the $200 you spent for 12 shirts. You will receive much more when going through the companies we use! Please keep in mind, the more colors you have in your design; the more money it will cost you to have the design printed on a transfer. If I were you. I would start off with may 2 colors in the designs, and expand from there.
I don’t recommend using a printer to print transfers onto!!!
http://www.tshirtriches.com/video-more-faqs-about-starting-a-t-shirt-business-with-a-heat-transfer-press-machine/
http://www.tshirtriches.com/video-more-faqs-about-starting-a-t-shirt-business-with-a-heat-transfer-press-machine/
http://www.tshirtriches.com/2011/11/
God has been giving me some wonderful ideas to use for t-shirts and other items. I guess me finding your website was his doing too. I have learned some things I needed to know and I really didn’t know where to start. For weeks now these things just keep coming to me and I feel so strongly that this is what I need to do. I am kind of shy and don’t feel comfortable trying to talk to someone about Jesus, but I feel through these ideas that keep coming to me that is God trying to tell me this will be my way of telling others about Him and His son.
Awesome… T-shirts are definitely a great way to get the word out about Christ. It’s an affordable venture to get started with and you can still keep your day job while building it up. Feel free to post any questions you may have.
Hi Cartess, do you have any opinion on ProWorld’s custom work where you send them a design and they create the transfers? They say they use plastisol, so I’m guessing it’s probably as good as the others? I saw on your video you mention TransferExpress.com and we might give them a try too. But ProWorld’s prices seem pretty good.
Thanks!!!
Jeff
I got them listed in our vendors list, but I haven’t personally used them in many years… But you’re right, their prices are reasonable and it’s worth giving it a try. Ask to see if they’ll send you samples of stuff they’ve already made so you can test it out.
Hi, just a quick followup: We ordered the sample kit from ProWorld’s custom work, and it’s very good — much better than anything I could print on my inkjet printer. (And much more cost effective — I went through a quarter of my color ink when I printed a full-page transfer myself. The cartridges are $40, so that’s $10 that I blew through by printing it myself!)
So I think I’m happy with proworld. But next I’ll try the others and then compare. It looks like transferexpress.com might be good too.
Also, if you’re looking for a topic for a blog, here’s one: I wanted to be able to offer on my own website the pre-made designs that ProWorld offers. They sort of have it worked out; you sign up with their site “art4myshirt” and you get your own subdomain. It’s $9.99 a month, but I think I’m going to cancel. I just signed up and the problem is there’s no way for the customers to actually *choose* the designs they like. All they can do is browse through the designs and look at them. (I guess they assume the customer will write down the item number or something and email it to me?) To me, that’s kind of useless. So I guess I’ll look elsewhere for a hosted shop.
Hey thanks for the update Jeff, it’s appreciated and it’s these type of updates that generally inspire others to take action…
Thanks again and keep us posted on your progress as you move forward in your biz.
Just wondering about the heat press we purchase some teeshirts that was clearly heat press and the image faded as soon as we wash it .. My daughter thought about doing her own ,Is it normal for the image to fade on heat press transfers.
Hi Weequahic,
Sounds like the transfers were purchased from some local store. If so, yes that’s completely normal. Which is why we recommend designs be screen printed onto the plastisol transfers.
I’m currently working on my designs for my t-shirts to sale and put on my website. Question how many designs should I have in my inventory to just get started?
No real simple answer. I’d personally have at least a total of 100 — a variety of sizes. Most t-shirt distributors have warehouses throughout the U.S. Once you place an order, you can typically have them at your front door within 1-2 days. Therefore, worrying about inventory shouldn’t be too much of an issue.