
Before uploading a T-shirt design to a platform, there are several important steps to take. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the platform's requirements, such as file format, size, and resolution. For instance, Amazon Merch requires graphics in PNG format with specific resolutions for different types of clothing. It is also beneficial to research the target audience and their preferences, behaviours, and demographics. This information can be used to create designs that resonate with the intended audience. Additionally, it is essential to select a suitable print-on-demand service that offers desired t-shirt styles, colours, and sizes, and consider factors like pricing strategy, customer service, and shipping locations. It is also recommended to create multiple designs, validate them through feedback, and promote the T-shirt store on social media to build a community and drive sales.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
File format | .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .PDF, .AI, .EPS, .GIF, .BMP, .PSD |
File size | Max. 5 MB |
File types | .PDF, .AI, .EPS are preferred |
Resolution | Front and back: 4500 x 5400 px |
Front of zippered hoodies: 485 x 495 px | |
Front of pullover hoodies: 4000 x 4050 px | |
Design | Original |
Description | Written content to describe the product and its design |
Pricing | Lower-end of your current tier |
Selling | Unisex designs in men's and women's fits |
What You'll Learn
Understand the technical aspects of design and production
Understanding the technical aspects of design and production is crucial when preparing to upload a T-shirt design. Here are some key considerations:
File Format and Resolution
Ensure your design files are in the correct format and meet the required resolution standards. For example, Amazon Merch by Amazon (MBA) requires an original PNG format graphic with a resolution of 4500 x 5400 px for the front and back of T-shirts, tank tops, and long-sleeved tees. Other file formats supported by custom printing companies include JPG, JPEG, PDF, AI, EPS, GIF, BMP, and PSD.
Design Placement and Dimensions
Consider the placement of your design on the T-shirt and the dimensions required. For instance, the back graphics of hoodies may have the same resolution requirements as the front and back of T-shirts, but the front design of a hoodie may require a smaller resolution. Understand the specific dimensions for each product type you plan to offer.
Color and Color Matching
Determine the number of colors you want to offer for your design. Most platforms will allow you to choose from a range of colors, and it's important to ensure that your design colors match the colors offered by the platform. Additionally, be mindful of any color variations that may occur during the printing process.
Fabric and Printing Method
Research the type of fabric you want to use for your T-shirts, such as cotton, polyester, or a blend. Each fabric has unique characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks. The printing method you choose should also align with the fabric type and the complexity of your design. Direct-to-garment printing is a common method for custom T-shirts.
Design Software and Editing
Familiarize yourself with design software or tools that can help you create and edit your designs. Options like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or platform-specific design editors can assist in refining your creations. These tools often allow you to visualize your design on various T-shirt mock-ups.
Sampling and Feedback
Once you're happy with your design, order samples from your chosen print-on-demand supplier to see how your T-shirts look and feel in the real world. Use these samples to gather feedback from potential customers and make any necessary adjustments before finalizing your design.
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Know the standards and requirements of the platform
Knowing the standards and requirements of the platform is crucial before uploading your T-shirt design. Here are some detailed instructions to follow:
Firstly, pay attention to the file format and size requirements. Platforms like Custom Ink support various image file formats, including .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .PDF, .AI, .EPS, .GIF, .BMP, and .PSD. They may also have a maximum file size limit, such as 5MB, to ensure your design can be uploaded and printed without issues.
Secondly, understand the graphic and description standards. For example, Amazon Merch by Amazon (MBA) requires uploading graphics in the original PNG format and providing written content to describe the product and its design. The resolution requirements for graphics also vary depending on the type of clothing item and the placement of the design. For instance, the fronts and backs of T-shirts, tank tops, and long-sleeved tees on MBA must have a resolution of 4500 x 5400 px.
Thirdly, be mindful of content regulations. Some platforms have stricter content regulations for designs in certain styles. For instance, on MBA, if you sell designs in styles other than unisex, your brand, title, bullets, and keywords will be subject to stricter content rules.
Additionally, consider the pricing and tier system. Each platform may have different pricing structures and tier systems that impact how many products you can upload and how quickly you can advance through the tiers. For example, on MBA, you start by being able to post one new product every 24 hours, and you can increase this limit by selling more items and moving up the tiers.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with the selling and promotion guidelines. Each platform will have different rules regarding selling, promotion, and influencer collaborations. Understand these guidelines to effectively market your T-shirt designs and reach your target audience.
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Choose a print-on-demand service
Print-on-demand services make it easy to produce custom products, allowing you to expand your product line, create merchandise, or target new audiences without the headache of managing inventory. Each print-on-demand company has its own catalog of products, shipping policies, and pricing structure. Here are some of the best print-on-demand services to consider:
- Printful: Best global POD service. Offers a large variety of print-on-demand products and features such as a t-shirt mockup generator and logo maker. Handles all production and fulfillment tasks, including printing, packaging, and shipping orders.
- Printify: Best POD supplier network. Offers the largest selection of customizable products by connecting users with a global network of printing partners. Allows merchants to choose local producers for fast, economical shipping.
- Gooten: Best for custom homeware. Offers a diverse catalog of more than 280 print-on-demand products, including apparel, wall art, premium home décor, drinkware, and accessories. Supports print-on-demand businesses looking to grow and sell across regions.
- Apliiq: Best for custom clothing. Based in downtown LA, it supports a range of customization options to help users create retail-quality private-label shirts and other apparel products. Offers branded labels and tags, customizable interior linings, pockets, patches, and professional design support.
- Gelato: Best for custom stationery. Delivers to more than 200 countries by using an algorithm to pick the best print provider based on the customer's location. Offers a fun variety of items like apparel and wall art, alongside cool stationery.
- Spreadconnect: Best for fast fulfillment. Owned by Spreadshop, Spreadconnect stands out with some of the quickest fulfillment times, with 95% of orders shipping within 48 hours. Offers competitive pricing and a straightforward shipping model that charges based on the total order value.
- Teelaunch: Best for unique products. Offers a range of products at great prices, including some fun gadgets like Bluetooth speakers. Provides an easy-to-use mockup generator and personalization tool for custom designs.
- CustomCat: Best seller community. Offers a hefty catalog of more than 550 products, along with easy-to-use tools and quick fulfillment times. Has a responsive customer support team and an active Facebook community of CustomCat sellers.
- TPOP: Best for sustainable products. Based in Europe, TPOP specializes in apparel and accessories, offering lots of branding opportunities, from packaging to packing slips. Uses eco-friendly shipping and packaging and its main clothing manufacturers are members of the Fair Wear Foundation, ensuring ethical labor practices.
- JetPrint: Best for custom watches. Stands out by focusing on accessory items like shoes, watches, and jewelry. Creates a full set of professional product photos to showcase your products online. Offers expedited international shipping.
- AOP+: Best in-house printing. Prints everything in-house to ensure each item meets its high standards. Offers in-house printing for quality assurance and custom packing slips included in orders. Provides discounts and branding options with a paid plan.
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Validate your designs
Before you start selling your t-shirts, it's important to get feedback on your designs. Ask your friends and family for their honest opinions and wear your designs out and about—if people ask where you bought your t-shirt, you know you're onto a winner. You could also ask people directly for their thoughts.
Social media is a great way to gauge interest in your designs. Post pictures of your t-shirts and run polls to see how people react—just remember to watermark your designs to protect your copyright. Offering pre-orders is another way to see if people are engaged enough with your designs to buy them.
When you're happy with your designs, order samples from your chosen print-on-demand supplier. This is your chance to make sure you're happy with all the design elements and to take high-resolution photos for your online store.
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Choose a selling platform
There are several options for selling platforms, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common choices:
- Running your own website: This option gives you full control over your store's design and functionality. It is ideal if you plan to incorporate additional content, such as videos or a blog, allowing you to build a distinct brand identity. However, this option requires technical skills and a robust marketing strategy.
- Selling on social media: Platforms like Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram offer the advantage of leveraging naturally segmented audiences, enabling you to build a community around your brand. However, these platforms offer limited customisation options and native selling tools.
- Using an e-commerce platform: Marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, eBay, and WooCommerce provide instant access to a broad audience of potential customers already interested in purchasing t-shirts. However, these platforms often restrict store customisation, making it challenging to establish your brand identity. Additionally, e-commerce website builders typically charge hosting and transaction fees.
When deciding on a selling platform, consider factors such as customisation options, audience reach, technical requirements, and associated costs. Each platform has its own unique features and limitations, so choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and goals for your t-shirt business.
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Frequently asked questions
The preferred file types are .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .PDF, .AI, .EPS, .GIF, .BMP, and .PSD.
The file size limit for each image uploaded is 5MB.
You can email your design files, and a design specialist will assist you in getting your design started.
Uploading an original PNG format graphic and supplying written content to describe the product and its design are required steps.