Hey y’all! I thought I would come on and talk to you all about starting this company and the ups and downs of selling t-shirts. This post is a reflective post and I hope that it can help you in your journey. Learn from my mistakes so that you can grow. Let me preface this by also saying I’m not rich, I have no big sponsors, and I have a full-time day job. Now, here are 3 lessons I learned starting a t-shirt company.
Lesson 1:
If you don’t have money to put towards your business or a network of people who can help you showcase your business on social then it’s going to be hard to sell anything. You need money. Money for marketing, because if no one knows you exist, then how will they buy? I started this company with $50 …I paid someone to do two designs for me years ago and I set up the website myself (I tinkered with web design back in the day), so that fifty went towards the design and the url. I had no money for marketing, and I don’t have a large network of people who can help me spread the word about my shirts. You will need this! If you are like me the best way to spread the word is to show up when you can, wear your brand all the time, and go to as many free networking events as possible (once a week). I was able to sell most of my shirts because I’m also a photographer, and people know me through that avenue. On average, if I have a popular shirt (the Kamala ones were the best-selling ones, making over 3k in one month), I will get the attention, but that can be hit or miss. Have a marketing budget or network your ass off.
Lesson 2:
Do not buy in bulk. I am only speaking for myself. It’s cheaper to do so and you can offer more but when I did that, I ran out of certain sizes fast, and people wanted more colors. I decided to do dropshipping for now. It’s easier, I get to offer more sizes, and definitely way more colors. Dropshipping has its benefits but the one thing I do hate is that I can’t put my personal touch on things. The only thing I can do is email each and every one who buys a shirt from me to personally thank them. That little touch makes a world of difference. Buying in bulk, though, is a personal decision and one that didn’t benefit me at all. Do what you feel is best. I know some people do oversees shipping too and that is way cheaper but for now I stick to the US.
Lesson 3:
People will steal your stuff. It’s the nature of the internet. Nothing is just yours and that is also ok. I’ve had my tshirt sayings stolen and I keep it moving. What you can’t do is beat me on customer service, so steal away. Getting inspiration is different. A few of my shirts are inspired by others, but I don’t directly steal get inspired and then make it your own. Usually, when people steal, it’s a compliment, but I do hateit when they steal and have a bigger audience it sucks because it was my idea but because I don’t have a lot of followers it goes nowhere. Also, please as a side note have your brand trademarked. I should have mentioned that earlier. I did trademark She Geechee, so don’t play with me. That cost was done as a favor, so I didn’t pay for it to be done.
Just wanted to come on and help someone who may be thinking about starting their own t-shirt company. It’s not easy but I love doing it. If you have any questions or need help I am always willing to help you out. I don’t gatekeep because we all can win so email me anytime at info@shegeechee.com
