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Pressing T-shirts for 15 Minutes for a $200 Profit! 

By  Cartess Ross

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…

 

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

  • 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.

      • craigbrown says:

        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.

    • Shanonne Johnson says:

      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

  • Sunflower038 says:

    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

    • john nanfito says:

      Thank you very much. I will take a look at these companies.

  • Welcome aboard and don’t hesitate to ask even more questions from the inside now that you’re a member 🙂

  • Erlagolphy says:

    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 😉

  • 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?

  • 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: https://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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Claude Desrochers says:

    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.

  • Sylvia Jones says:

    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.

  • 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

  • Evan blakely says:

    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…

  • Evan blakely says:

    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?

  • Evan blakely says:

    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.

  • Evan blakely says:

    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.

  • Evan blakely says:

    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

  • Hi Cartess,

    Is 8.5×11 inkjet transfer sheets too small to print most designs? I’m leaning more towards 11×17 sheets. God Bless you!

    • Hi Xan,

      It will be too small you’ll need a printer that prints up to at least 13″ x 44″

  • Hi Cartess,

    I have started mt tshirt biz, I purchased some heat transfer from a company. I followed their intructions on applying the transfers. I can’t seem to get them to apply correctly every time. I did some research and found that you can over cure them. I ca,,Ed the company any they only give you the same instructions again. Some time they are like plastic which I found out is (over cured) and some time some of the ink transfer and some don’t. I have messed up a few shirts with this adjusting presser and temp and still I only have one perfect transfer. The ones with the heavier ink seems to be my problem. I am trying to do a Labor Day Fair, I need help.
    Thanks

    • HI Almetra,

      I would really recommend you contact that company directly. You can try adjusting the temperature to a higher temperature. If you’re already setting the temperature on 385 go higher and be sure to allow the heat press machine to sit 30 minutes prior to using it. Again, I recommend you contact the company directly.

  • Hi Mr. Ross,

    I would like to know can you print on both sides of a T-shirt and
    you say that the transfers you are using are open stock does that
    mean anyone can order them?
    Thank you
    Jakki

    • Hi Jakki,

      You would print on the back of the shirt just as you have printed on the front. Print on the front of the shirt and flip the shirt over to print on the back. Stock transfers are pre-made transfers with designs already made. You may purchase the transfers for personal use or to resell as your own.

      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/

  • I noticed that in the video, you had t-shirts of various colors and sizes to fulfill the fundraising order. Do you keep a stock pile of t-shirts in different colors & sizes? Or are you ordering the tees when you get an order? Also, what sizes do you sell the most of for men and women’s?

    • Hi Margaret,

      We usually keep a stock of shirts on hand. When we first got started we ordered shirts as the orders came in because we couldn’t afford to purchase a full inventory of supplies. The sizes will vary on the market you’re selling to. You’ll need to learn who your market is and you’ll be able to know which size/shirts tend to sell the most.

  • How do you create your own designs to put on shirts if you choose too or want your own designs too ..?.. Please get back !! -Grace

    • Hi Grace,

      If you’re asking which program to use or how to create designs. I would highly recommend hiring a graphic artist. The programs used are Adobe programs like photoshop, illustrator, design just to name a few. The programs are quite complicated, can take years to learn how to use the programs, and years to create designs that people will actually want to buy from you. It’s best to just hire a graphic artist who does this for a living instead of trying to learn how to do the task and do it all yourself.

      If you try doing it on your own without any design experience, and no experience in using the programs that’s time and money wasted. Use your time wisely and put your time to use into things that matters like starting your business and growing your business.

      Please keep in mind we do offer design services: Please click the link below.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/t-shirt-design/?awt_l=MFInw&awt_m=3fG_SP3CGyHRtFh

  • If i want 100 tees to have the same design do i have 100 transfer or could i use a couple to get the job done

    • HI Fannyg,

      You will need 100 transfers printed in order to have 100 transfers regardless if the designs will be the same.

  • Rhonda Dee says:

    What brand of transfer paper do you use and what brand of printer

    • We recommend screen printed transfers. We do not recommend printing from a printer just for the sake of quality. You want to be in business selling products that will allow people to buy from you over and over again; as well as refer others to you. Sadly, printing from a printer will not allow you to do so.

      Once you have your designs created; you can send the digital files of the designs to transfer companies. They can take your design and screen printed directly onto the special release paper. There are no printers involved in this process. All the designs are printed by screen printing equipment. Once the designs have been screen printed onto the special release paper instead of directly on shirts. They’ll send you the transfers; which you’ll press directly onto the shirts using the heat press machine you’ve purchased.

      The cost of having designs printed will vary; it depends on the amount of colors you have in the design. The more colors you have in the design the more it will cost. If you’re starting with a limited budget; we recommend no more than 2 colors.
      Another fact in cost of getting the designs screen printed will be determined by the amount of transfers you have printed. The less you have printed the more you’ll pay. The more you have printed the cost to have the transfers printed, cost drops.

      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/

      Or you can locate a local screen printer in your area to screen printed directly onto blank shirts you supply the screen printer to print on. It’s actually cheaper to purchase your own shirts and give to the screen printer. The price once again will be determined by the amount of colors in the design and how many shirts you have printed. You’ll need to locate a local screen printer in your area to determine prices.

      We have created a training course that will walk you through the entire process from beginning to end. We’ve done all the hard work for you. All you have to do is take advantage of the blueprint we’ll provide, learn the material and apply it towards your business. This isn’t an easy task, this isn’t some get rich quick scam and it will require a lot of hard work if you expect to receive any type of results. Honestly, your results depend on you.

      Please click the link to check out the program we have created along with the pricing information.
      http://tshirtriches.com/protege300

      We also have bundle packages available as well. Please click the link below.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/t-shirt-business-opportunity/

  • Hi. Will any size heat press work if im just starting out?

    • Hi Patricia,

      We recommend at least 16×20. Once you have the machine you have it, eventually you’ll need to print on larger items and anything less than the 16×20 you’ll run into issues.

  • Hello, Ive watched several of your videos and have gained a lot of knowledge about the tshirt business. I have purchased two heat presses, im looking for transfer companies that i can order my designs from. Can you forward and information that may be of help.

  • Benjamin Quarmon says:

    How you mr ross, I Need your advise. I want to start a t-shirt business. All I have is $500 and my designs. I want to start of with some quality stuff so my customers will be satify with what they pay for. My designs are pretty good but I want a professional artist to redraw them so I can copywriter them. Basically I font know where to start, mr ross. I need ur advise

    • Kimberly Ross says:

      Hi Benjamin,
      Thank you for your comment. It sounds like you have some great ideas and are ready to get started, but need to know exactly HOW to get started. In our course, we go over step by step how to start your business from the ground, including where to get your supplies and how to get your designs put on tshirts, how to market your business, and even information regarding copyrights. Consider this course as a map to guide you on starting your business. We have done the legwork for you and put it into simple modules that take you step by step on how to be successful. It’s not easy, but it is definitely worth it when you can be your own boss. We wish you the best!

    • Kimberly Ross says:

      We recommend screen printed transfers. We do not recommend printing from a printer just for the sake of quality. You want to be in business selling products that will allow people to buy from you over and over again; as well as refer others to you. Sadly, printing from a printer will not allow you to do so.

      Once you have your designs created; you can send the digital files of the designs to transfer companies. They can take your design and screen printed directly onto the special release paper. There are no printers involved in this process. All the designs are printed by screen printing equipment. Once the designs have been screen printed onto the special release paper instead of directly on shirts. They’ll send you the transfers; which you’ll press directly onto the shirts using the heat press machine you’ve purchased.

      Using this method, you don’t need to worry about the colors in your design or the colors of the garment you are using. You will get a uniform, crisp design regardless.

      Hope this helps!

  • Cartess – Does the heat press need to be pre-heated before starting the transfers? If so, what’s the recommended time.

    Thanks

    • It doesn’t have to be, however, some prints seem to do better with pre-heating the garment for about 2 seconds… Even when I do that, I don’t clamp it down, I just manually let the press touch the shirt. Some transfers, I don’t do it at all. Try pre pressing one and try one with out pressing and see if you can see/feel the difference.

    • Hi Patrick!

      If you’re asking which program to use to create designs. I would highly recommend hiring a graphic artist. The programs used are Adobe programs like photoshop, illustrator, design just to name a few. The programs are quite complicated, can take years to learn how to use the programs, and years to create designs that people will actually want to buy from you. It’s best to just hire a graphic artist who does this for a living instead of trying to learn how to do the task and do it all yourself.

  • Raquel ramirez says:

    Hello,
    My husband and I recently bought a heat press machine and have been watching your videos, however we were wondering what type of transfer paper do you use? We bought some but it doesn’t to be sticking onto the shirts. Do you have any pointers? Also is there a certain software that we should be using? Right now we are using “sure cuts a lot 3”. Any recommendations on a better one. Thanks in advance.

  • Peter & Mary says:

    Awesome!! Man of God Thanks for thinking it not robbery to share education, information & opportunity!! I have so many Gospel witnessing scriptures + slogans in my head! Laughing because God planted this idea in our heads, and we haven’t stopped talking about it for days now!! God Bless you!!

    • Cartess Ross says:

      Awesome … Go for it while it’s fresh on your mind. I see so many people wait and delay and then do nothing. You gotta hit it while it’s on you. Take the chance and get that stuff out of your head and onto them shirts, lol 🙂

  • Danual Boyette says:

    Hey Cartess in the video heat pressing 40 t-shirts for a Church Fundraiser where did you get the transfer that you are wearing and transfers that you are applying on the t- shirts from?

    • Cartess Ross says:

      The one I’m wearing came from Airwaves, but they no longer sell stock transfers. Some of the others came from BarberAndCompany.com

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