Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am planning on starting a mens t-shirt collection. It`s basically t-shirts with a screenprint on them. My target market would be guys in their 20`s to 30`s.

My initial plan was to put it online. But I was talking to a friend and he made a good point that he wouldn`t buy a tshirt online because he wouldnt know how it fits. Especially because Im not a known brand yet. He made a point saying I should start wholesaling to stores first.

What do you think?

hmmm..... maybe try a little of both?  With no upfront costs you could put your designs to the test and get an idea of how your target market will respond online by using Cafepress.com  

Online t-shirts can be a very lucrative business.  You need to have a strong business plan to set yourself apart from other successful online t-shirt shops.  A great site design that caters to your specific market will be really important in a venture like this.

Glarkeware
Threadless
Design by Humans
ISO50

Okay mate, I wouldn`t discourage you in your venture, but do take on board what has been suggested in the forum. I am professionally working with an entrepreneur who is exactly in the same boat as you are, check his site: www.mrcapac.com

Okay, you raised concern about fitting! I dn`t think its that much a problem.Sizes are standards these days and as long as your quality is fine you shouldn`t have problems.

Now, this MrCapac T-shirt site has a tight theme and market. It targets its audience, which is sea-surfing and outdoor sports community. So you too have to define your niche and know the market you are serving.

It can happen just go for it! We are here to help!

Hi Awesome T-shirts,

20-30`s would be your best target market for online shoppers. They have the credit cards and they are internet savvy. 

Sizing shouldn`t be an issue because as long as you abide by the standard sizing as Blog2hersh mentioned.  The biggest hurdle you will have is identifying your niche market.

20-30 year olds can be very fickle regarding the brands they wear. They follow the trends and can shift directions like hurricanes.  Find a unique concept that would make them be loyal to your brand. 

Whether it represents their way of life or the philosophy they adhere to. If you can figure that out you can have a good following.

I hope this helps some-

LT


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http://www.face2facevideocard.com
"videos can say it like it is"
09-21-2007

www.senatinproperties.com
real estate investments

i`ve bought many t-shirts online.
from www.tshirthell.com, several cafe press shops, the trick is to come up with something very unique to set yourself apart from the crowd. i would broaden your demographic to include all 20-30 something`s.



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No Eternal Reward Will Forgive Us Now for Wasting the Dawn.

You could broaden your demographic OR you could tighten your niche.

A smaller niche might be your key to standing apart from the competition.  For example, perhaps you sold only t-shirts that had anteater-related themes.  That doesn`t cover the taste of every 20-30 something but for those anteater fans, they would know exactly where to go!

I don`t really suggest anteater t-shirts.  ;)  Your theme could be music, technology, urban culture, environmental, etc.  Niches are the way to go these days.

Steve, with your `great artwork`, I`m wondering why you don`t sell tshirts with your work on it. :)

I do some t-shirts but it is more that my clients make shirts of my work.  I`ve chosen to focus on being in the poster business, not the t-shirt biz.  :)