Home screen printing studio for clubs and events

Print small runs of tees and hoodies for local clubs, teams and events from a garage or spare room.

Startup costA$1.5k to A$6k
Monthly revenueA$500 to A$3.5k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small manual screen printing setup, usually a garage or shed, making short runs of printed shirts, hoodies and tote bags with a hand-operated press.

Your first three steps

  1. Do a short screen printing course or work through trusted tutorials, then practise on blank tees
  2. Set up a small manual press, exposure kit and drying space, and price a few test jobs
  3. Approach local clubs and schools with a sample pack and a simple price list
Who pays

Local sports clubs, schools, community groups, event organisers and small businesses wanting branded tees.

How it makes money

Price per printed item, lower per item as quantities rise, plus a set-up fee for each design and colour.

Skills that help
  • Hands-on and patient
  • Basic design or artwork preparation
  • Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
  • Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home
  • Check how to store and dispose of inks, emulsions and wash-out water safely and legally in your state
  • Public liability and product liability insurance
  • Check you have the rights to print client logos and designs, especially licensed or team branding
  • Ventilation and chemical safety in a shed or garage

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: home screen printing studio for clubs and events

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a home screen printing business?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your press, screens, drying and exposure equipment, and starting supplies. A garage or shed with good ventilation is the usual workspace.

How much can a home screen printer earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many orders you take from clubs, schools and events, and your pricing. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week.

What rules should I check before screen printing at home?

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a business from home. Also check how to store and dispose of inks, emulsions and wash-out water in your state, insurance, ventilation, and your rights to print client logos and team branding.

Other ways to run this business

Similar making and manufacturing ideas

More ideas →