T-shirt shop with in-house printing
Run a small shop that sells printed T-shirts and makes custom orders for walk-in customers.
- A$45k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail shop or studio unit selling ready-made designs, with a print setup out the back for custom orders. Customers can browse, order and collect shirts for events, teams and businesses.
Your first three steps
- Research your local area for foot traffic, competitors and rents, and price up a small shopfront or unit
- Cost your equipment, such as a heat press, screen or direct-to-garment printer, plus opening stock, lease bond and fit-out, and arrange funding
- Register your ABN and business name, then line up a few local clubs or businesses as first custom customers
Who pays
Local residents, tourists, community groups, sports clubs and businesses needing merchandise or uniforms.
How it makes money
Sales of ready-made shirts at retail prices, plus custom order fees and per-shirt charges for printing, with bulk orders adding steadier income.
Skills that help
- Retail and customer service
- Print production or willingness to learn
- Basic bookkeeping and stock control
Watch out for
- Lease terms, bond and rent commitments, ideally have the lease checked before signing
- Check council requirements for shop fit-out, signage and trading, and any rules for printing equipment and chemicals
- Public liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and equipment
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, check your state scheme
- Seasonal swings in sales and the risk of unsold stock
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: t-shirt shop with in-house printing
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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a T-shirt shop with in-house printing?
Startup costs are typically around $45,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease and bond, shop fit-out, print equipment and opening stock. These are estimates, so get quotes and have the lease checked before signing.
How much can a T-shirt shop earn each month?
Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, the mix of walk-in sales and custom orders, and seasonal swings. This is an estimate of revenue before rent, stock and wages.
What rules should I check before opening a T-shirt shop?
Check lease terms, bond and rent commitments, and council requirements for fit-out, signage, trading, and any rules for printing equipment and chemicals. Also check public liability and stock insurance, and your state's workers compensation scheme once you hire staff.
Other ways to run this business
Online T-shirt store (print on demand)
Sell your own T-shirt designs online, with a local printer making and posting each order.
- A$200-1k
- Side hustle
- Online
Custom T-shirt printing for clubs and events
Print small runs of custom T-shirts from home for clubs, schools, events and local businesses.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
Similar retail ideas
Local outdoor gear shop
Open a small shop selling hiking, camping and climbing gear, with advice from someone who uses it.
- A$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Snowboard shop in a snow town or city
Open a small shop selling snowboards and clothing, near the snowfields or in a city where riders gear up.
- A$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local welding supply shop
Open a small trade counter selling welding gear, consumables and safety wear to tradies and workshops nearby.
- A$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local dairy and cheese shop
Run a small shop stocking fresh milk, cheese, eggs and dairy goods from local producers.
- A$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Motorcycle parts and riding gear shop
Open a local shop stocking parts, accessories and riding gear for riders and nearby workshops.
- A$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Door and hardware showroom
Open a small shop selling interior and exterior doors and fittings to local homeowners, builders and renovators.
- A$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises