Custom t-shirt printing from home

Sports teams, schools, families planning reunions, community groups, stag and hen parties, and small local businesses.

You charge per shirt, with a price that drops as order size grows, plus setup fees for custom artwork. Repeat orders from teams and clubs help build steady income.

• Basic graphic design
• Patience with equipment and detail
• Customer service
• Quoting and keeping track of orders

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether zoning allows it
• Never print copyrighted logos, sports teams or characters without permission, as this can lead to legal trouble
• Check whether you need to register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Printing equipment and inks need ventilation and safe storage, so check your home insurance covers business use
• Consider commercial general liability insurance

Estimated startup costs are typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on whether you choose heat-transfer vinyl or a direct-to-garment printer, and on your blank garments, supplies and workspace setup.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $400 to $3,000, depending on the number of orders, run sizes and your pricing. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and allows it under zoning. Avoid printing copyrighted logos or characters without permission. Also check GST/HST registration, ventilation and storage, home insurance cover, and liability insurance.