Home studio custom t-shirt printing

Youth sports teams, schools, family reunions, churches, local businesses, event organizers and people wanting gifts.

A per-shirt price based on garment, print size and quantity, plus design fees. Repeat team and business orders add steady work.

• Basic design software
• Attention to detail and quality control
• Quoting and managing customer orders

• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules, check before setting up equipment at home
• Sales tax registration and resale certificate rules for buying blanks, check with your state tax agency
• General liability insurance and coverage for equipment
• Customer artwork may include copyrighted logos, set a clear policy on what you will print
• Ventilation and safe handling of inks, heat equipment and chemicals

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on whether you use a heat press with vinyl or transfers or a direct-to-garment printer, plus your supplies and blank shirts.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,500, depending on how many local orders you win and the size of each run. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check for a home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules before setting up equipment. Look into sales tax registration and resale certificates, general liability and equipment insurance, a policy on copyrighted customer artwork, and safe ventilation for inks and heat equipment.