Online screen printing supply shop

Hobbyists, Etsy sellers, small apparel brands, schools and clubs, and small print shops that want a convenient supplier.

You buy wholesale and sell at a markup. Starter kits and repeat orders of ink and blanks bring in steady sales. Bundles and shipping thresholds raise the order size.

• Basic knowledge of how screen printing works
• Online selling and product listings
• Customer service and answering technical questions
• Inventory tracking

• Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration, and ask distributors about resale certificates
• Some inks, solvents and aerosols have shipping restrictions, so check carrier rules before listing them
• Large suppliers can undercut on price, so compete on advice, bundles and service
• Unsold inventory ties up cash, and some inks and emulsions have a shelf life
• If you store stock at home, check HOA or lease rules and any home occupation permit
• General liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much inventory you stock versus drop-ship and how much you spend on your website. Unsold inventory ties up cash, and some inks and emulsions have a shelf life.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your product range, pricing and how well you compete with larger suppliers. These figures are revenue, not profit, so allow for stock and shipping costs.

Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration, and ask distributors about resale certificates. Also check carrier rules for shipping inks, solvents and aerosols, and consider general liability and product liability insurance.