Marketing a new line of t-shirt designs

“I have several t-shirt designs that I would like to market. Is there anyone who knows the first step I should take? I know that I need to have the designs, my ideas, and a sample of the product. What is the first step in trying to market the designs?”

“I don't know what Humanpackmule's experiences are with marketing, but he is the man when it comes to producing shirts. I would ply him with questions.”

“I would say a good bet would be to ask HPM.

8)”

“I assume all you have is designs and a good idea at this point.

Most of my experience in this area has been from the screenprinter/manufacturer viewpoint but I have been involved with a quite a few people doing what you want to do.

1. Copyright your designs. Right now you automaticly have what is commonly called an artists copyright. Document your designs by getting them notarized. This establishes a timeline of ownership. You can also put copies of your designs in a envelope and mailing them to yourself. But the only sure fire method of protecting your property is to secure the services of a copyright lawyer.

2. Build a relationship with a screenprinter. Find someone who can produce your stuff at the highest quality, on time, at a price you are willing to pay.

Talk to several printers and be sure to look at the work they produce there. Be sure to get a tour of the facility and see what they are printing and how they maintain their shop.

My suggestion would be to find a printer who has automatic presses as they will have greater flexability on turn around times. Manual production shops are more likely to work with you on price.

You need to specificly ask for wholesale pricing because you will be a reseller/manufacturer. It is common practice to build a price schedule that would accomodate future growth of your product line. Remember, you can't market ANYTHING unless you know how much it will cost you have them made and how much you want to make off of them.

3. How much of this do you want to do yourself? Are you just going to be the designer/salesperson? Who is going to do the shipping of the products? Lots to think about on this issue

4. Determine who your target market is. If you are looking to sell to small shops you can probably just walk in with a sample case and talk shop with the owners. If you are looking at large retailers (Wal-Mart, REI ect.) then you need to make your inquirys at least six months out from the intended season. All the clothing retailers have long since placed their orders for summer sales, most likely they did them last December. Right now you would be hard pressed to be ready for the winter product lines if you intend to go that route. Don't just poo-poo that idea either. I know of a guy who approched Wal-mart and their initial order was 150,000 deliverd monthly for 4 months.

5. Marketing collateral. What about brochures, sales flyers, Product tags, order forms, business cards ect.

Lots to think about and I'm kinda zoning out right now. Hopefully this helps you a bit. email me if you like.”

“ Awwwww crap!

Sorry, didn't mean to post a bolded manifesto.

Sheesh.”

“Hehehe, that's my mule!”

“Where are you at? I did that and went to a local t-shirt manufacture
and they took my drawings and put them on the shirts.
I sell them in my store.
Let me know if I can help.
Barbara”

“HPM: Thanks for all of the information. I printed it out. I will email you with my progress in this as I get further along. I have most of the designs jotted down, the tags designed, the name, the slogan, etc. I just needed to know how to get it all out there. So, you helped alot.

CGHiker: I am in Michigan.

I have also been thinking of making my own block prints and printing them myself to just see if the designs would go over well. I am not sure yet. I have had this idea for a few years now, but putting it together has been time consuming. Thank you very much for all the information and help.”