SO YOU WANNA START YOUR BRAND?
A PRINTER’S GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR MONEY STRETCH
So, you’ve got a dream to launch your own clothing brand, but you’re wondering, “Where do I even start?”
Don’t worry, mate – we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re working with a tight budget, building a following first, or going all-in with your capital, there’s a method for everyone.
Let’s break down three popular ways to build a brand, so you can choose what works best for you. Oh, and we’ll sprinkle in some insider tips to make sure your t-shirt empire takes off!
The Pre-Sale Method: Make Money Before Spending Money 💸
Who’s it for?
This one’s for the savvy hustlers with a small following or those who don’t want to risk their own cash upfront. It’s like testing the waters without diving in headfirst. Perfect if you’re starting out and want to play it safe.
How it works:
Run a two-week pre-sale at a discounted price.
Collect orders and payment upfront from your customers.
Use that money to pay for the t-shirts you’ve sold (no out-of-pocket expenses, yay!).
With the leftover cash, print a few extra tees to sell at full price for pure profit.
Why it works:
This method lets you gauge interest in your designs without financial risk. Plus, offering a pre-sale discount creates a sense of urgency – people love a good deal, and FOMO (fear of missing out) is real.
Pro Tip:
Make sure your pre-sale window is short and sweet – about two weeks max. Any longer, and the excitement dies down. Also, be clear about delivery timelines to keep your customers happy. Nobody likes waiting forever for their new favorite t-shirt.
The Clout Method: Build the Hype, Then Monetize 🎉
Who’s it for?
This one’s for the aesthetic cats who want to focus on building their brand’s social proof before going all-in. It’s all about creating a buzz and making people want what you’ve got.
How it works:
Print a small batch of tees – just enough to share with friends, take photos, and create killer content.
Post your designs all over social media, showing off your brand’s personality and style.
List your items as “sold out” on your website (even if you only printed 10 shirts – shh, we won’t tell).
Keep building your following until you’re confident there’s enough demand to launch a proper release.
Why it works:
People want what they can’t have. By listing items as “sold out,” you create exclusivity and make your brand look in-demand. Plus, focusing on aesthetics and social proof helps you attract a loyal following who’ll be ready to buy when you finally launch.
The Catch:
If your content game dies off, so does your brand. With no t-shirts out in the wild, you’re relying entirely on your social media presence to keep the hype alive. Consistency is key here, folks!
Pro Tip:
Collaborate with influencers or friends who have a solid following. Gift them your tees and ask them to tag your brand – instant exposure. Bonus points if they’re funny or creative with their posts.
The Balls-to-the-Wall Method: Go Big or Go Home 💥
Who’s it for?
This one’s for the bold c*nts who already have the capital to invest and are confident in their product and following. If you’re ready to make some serious money and don’t mind taking a risk, this method is all you!
How it works:
Invest in a large batch of t-shirts upfront.
Print in bulk to score the best savings (the more you print, the cheaper each shirt gets).
Sell your tees at a competitive price while still making a killer profit.
Give away a few units to influencers or loyal fans to generate hype and spread the word.
Why it works:
Bulk printing saves you money per unit, which means you can price your shirts more competitively. Once you cover your production costs, the rest is pure profit – and trust us, the numbers can be insane.
Pro Tip:
Use some of your profits to reinvest in your brand – maybe print more designs, upgrade your packaging, or even throw a launch party. The sky’s the limit when you’ve got momentum!
Let’s break the money side down:
Which Method is Right for You?
It all depends on your situation and goals. If you’re just starting out and want to test the waters, the Pre-Sale Method is a no-brainer. If you’re a creative soul who loves aesthetics and building a vibe, the Clout Method will let you shine. And if you’re ready to go all-in, the Balls-to-the-Wall Method can lead to massive profits.
No matter which path you choose, remember that building a brand takes time, effort, and a whole lot of passion. But with the right strategy, and with a little help from The World’s Friendliest Print Shop, you’ll be well on your way to t-shirt domination.
Need Help Printing Your Tees?
At Halo, we’ve got the tools, expertise, and good vibe to bring your designs to life. Whether you’re doing a pre-sale, building clout, or going all-in, we’ll make sure your tees look amazing.
Get in touch with us today by tapping the button below, and let’s make some magic happen baby!
Say you invest $2,000 to print 180 shirts. If you sell each shirt for $50, you’d make $9,000 in total revenue. Subtract your $2,000 printing cost, and you’re left with a sweet $7,000 profit!
Not bad for a few days of work, hey?