The custom t-shirt printing business is booming, offering entrepreneurs a profitable opportunity to sell unique, personalized apparel. Whether you choose to print in-house using printing machines or go for dropshipping with Qikink products, this guide will cover everything you need to start and grow your business.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Model
Before starting your custom t-shirt printing business, decide whether you want to:
- Print in-house – Buy printing machines and manage production yourself.
- Use a dropshipping supplier – Partner with a company like Qikink products to print and ship orders on demand.
In-House Printing vs. Dropshipping
Best Option: If you have a low budget, start with dropshipping. If you want full control over branding and quality, go for in-house printing.
Step 2: Select Your Niche & T-Shirt Styles
Choosing the right niche is key to standing out in the crowded custom t-shirt printing market. Here are some popular categories:
- Mens Full Sleeve T-Shirts – Trendy & comfortable for casual wear.
- Branded Full Sleeve T-Shirts – Premium, stylish designs for fashion-conscious buyers.
- Unisex Shirts – Neutral designs that appeal to all genders.
- Printed Full Sleeve T-Shirts – Graphic, motivational, or pop-culture-themed prints.
- Unisex T-Shirts – Oversized & minimalist designs, great for youth markets.
Pro Tip: Research trending t-shirt styles using Google Trends, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Step 3: Printing Methods & Machines for In-House Printing
If you choose in-house printing, you need to invest in printing machines. Here are the most popular methods:
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Printing
- Machine Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
- Best For: Small businesses & custom orders
- Pros: Easy to use, vibrant colors, good for custom designs.
- Cons: Not ideal for bulk printing.
Screen Printing
- Machine Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Best For: Bulk orders & high-quality prints
- Pros: Durable prints, cost-effective for large batches.
- Cons: Not suitable for one-off orders.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
- Machine Cost: ₹3-5 lakh
- Best For: High-quality, detailed prints
- Pros: Prints full-color designs on demand.
- Cons: Expensive equipment, slow printing speed.
Pro Tip: If you’re starting with a low budget, go for Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) or Screen Printing.
Step 4: Finding the Best Dropshipping Suppliers for Custom T-Shirts
If you don’t want to handle printing and inventory, dropshipping is the best option. Here are the top suppliers in India:
Qikink Products (Best for custom printing in India)
- Offers printed full sleeve t-shirts, unisex t-shirts, and mens full sleeve designs.
- Provides branding options like custom neck tags & packaging.
- Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other platforms.
Printrove
- Specializes in high-quality branded full sleeve t-shirts.
- No minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Blinkstore
Good for beginners who want a custom t-shirt printing business with zero investment.
Pro Tip: Compare pricing, delivery time, and customization options before choosing a supplier.
Step 5: Designing & Branding Your T-Shirts
To succeed in custom t-shirt printing, your designs should be unique and appealing.
Design Tools for Custom Prints
- Canva – Easy-to-use for beginners.
- Adobe Illustrator – Best for professional designs.
- Placeit – Create mockups and preview t-shirt designs.
Customization & Branding
- Offer custom name printing, unique artwork, and corporate branding.
- Use eco-friendly printing for sustainability-conscious customers.
- Create your own brand label to stand out from generic t-shirts.
Pro Tip: Check successful brands like Qikink products for inspiration.
Step 6: Selling Your Custom T-Shirts Online
Once your products are ready, start selling them through multiple platforms:
Your Own Website (Best for Branding)
- Use Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix to create your store.
- Add high-quality images of printed full sleeve t-shirts and descriptions.
- Offer bulk order online options for businesses.
Marketplaces (Best for Fast Sales)
- Amazon & Flipkart – High traffic, but competitive.
- Meesho & GlowRoad – Best for bulk purchase online at low prices.
- Instagram & Facebook Shop – Good for direct-to-customer sales.
Pro Tip: Run ads targeting keywords like mens full sleeve t-shirts and branded full sleeve t-shirts to attract buyers.
Step 7: Marketing & Scaling Your Business
To grow your custom t-shirt printing brand, focus on social media marketing & influencer promotions.
Social Media Advertising
- Instagram & Facebook Ads – Best for reaching fashion lovers.
- YouTube Influencers – Collaborate for unboxing & reviews.
- Pinterest & TikTok – Share styling tips & viral content.
SEO & Content Marketing
- Start a blog with keywords like unisex t-shirts and printed full sleeve t-shirts.
- Post styling guides & fabric care tips.
- Offer limited-time discounts to boost engagement.
Email & WhatsApp Marketing
- Send offers for bulk order online purchases.
- Share new branded full sleeve t-shirt designs with your subscribers.
Pro Tip: Retarget website visitors with ads to increase sales.
Final Thoughts: Is Custom T-Shirt Printing Profitable?
Yes! The custom t-shirt printing business has high demand and profit potential.
- Dropshipping with Qikink products is best for beginners.
- Printing in-house offers better branding & higher profits.
- Selling on your website & marketplaces can maximize sales.
- Social media & influencer marketing can boost your brand visibility.
Ready to start? Choose your printing method, set up your store, and start selling custom t-shirts today!