Starting your custom screen printing apparel shop gives you an exciting opportunity to flex your creativity and technical skills while exploring a lucrative career path. But, when it comes to knowing how and where to sell your apparel, you can be left with many questions as you navigate the early stages of your business.
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most common channels where you can sell your custom screen-printed apparel.
Launch an E-commerce Store
Today, a large portion of business takes place online. So, having an e-commerce store is essential for reaching a wider audience and maximizing your sales potential. This allows you to sell to customers around the country or even the world, not just those located in your area.
You can use platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce to easily set up an online store and showcase your custom apparel products. Take clear, professional-looking photos of your products, and make your website optimized for mobile to enhance the customer shopping experience.
Open a Physical Shop
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you might consider opening up a brick-and-mortar shop. This is an excellent way to attract local customers and gain the support of your community. Plus, visitors to your shop will be able to see and feel your wonderful creations in person before making a purchase.
Look for a location with good foot traffic and an affordable lease if your current workshop wouldn’t be feasible as a storefront. You might even want to offer additional services or promotional events like on-site customization or workshops to attract customers to your store.
Use Third-Party Marketplaces
Another option for selling your custom screen-printed apparel is to list your products on a third-party marketplace like Amazon, Redbubble, or Etsy.
These platforms are designed to help creators sell their products and already have a large customer base visiting their sites each day. So, this makes it easier for you to reach potential buyers from the get-go. But, be aware that you may have to pay fees or commissions to the site for using their services.
Partner with Local Retailers
Collaborating with local retailers or boutiques can help you expand your reach and access new customer demographics without having to lease a storefront on your own. Reach out to stores that align with your brand aesthetic and values, and propose a partnership where they sell your custom apparel in their shops.
This arrangement can be a win-win situation, as it allows you to reach customers who may not have discovered your apparel otherwise while providing retailers with unique, locally-made products to offer their customers.
Sell on Social Media
Lastly, you can leverage popular social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. All of these platforms offer powerful tools for promoting and selling your custom screen-printed apparel directly to your audience.
You can show off your creativity through this channel by creating engaging content showcasing your products. Plus, you can use features like Instagram Shopping or Facebook Marketplace to make it easy for customers to make their purchases right from their social media accounts. If you want to take your marketing one step further, you can use influencer partnerships and user-generated content to expand your reach and build brand awareness.
