Promo products shop with in-house printing

Local businesses, restaurants, schools, sports teams, churches, nonprofits and event organizers that want fast, local service and smaller runs.

You charge per item based on the product cost, decoration method and quantity, plus setup or artwork fees. You can also resell items you do not decorate yourself, using wholesale suppliers.

• Operating print or embroidery equipment
• Basic graphic design and file preparation
• Quoting and selling to businesses
• Production planning and deadlines

• Check zoning rules, your lease and any business license requirements with your city or county
• Check your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules
• Get general liability and property insurance for equipment; check what is needed if you hire staff (workers' compensation)
• Screen printing inks, chemicals and ventilation may be subject to safety or environmental rules; check with your local authorities
• Equipment is a real upfront cost, so test demand with outsourced orders before buying large machines

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on which equipment you buy, such as heat presses, screen printing or embroidery machines, and your premises. Testing demand with outsourced orders first can help you avoid large early purchases.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your equipment, how many local clients you win and the size of your orders. The estimate assumes roughly 20 or more hours a week.

Check zoning, your lease and business license rules with your city or county, plus state sales tax registration and resale certificates. Check insurance, including workers' compensation if you hire. Ask local authorities about safety or environmental rules for inks, chemicals and ventilation.