Best Platforms To Sell Your T-Shirts Online

There are several ways to sell T-shirts online. You can sell them on T-shirt and art marketplaces, retail marketplaces, or your own online store. You can also sell them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as on marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. If you're looking for a broader reach, you can use a service like Spreadconnect to sell on major platforms and marketplaces such as Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Squarespace, and Etsy. When deciding where to sell your T-shirts, consider factors such as upfront costs, printing and shipping responsibilities, and the potential audience reach.

Online marketplaces such as Etsy, Redbubble, and eBay

Etsy

Etsy is a popular e-commerce marketplace with over 90 million active buyers in 2024. It's an ideal platform for selling unique and creative t-shirts, with a community-centric approach that appeals to customers seeking something different from mass-produced goods.

To sell on Etsy, you'll need to create a seller account and define your target audience. Use market research tools to understand your target market and pick a niche where your t-shirts will stand out. Source high-quality products, design your clothing, and build a visually appealing brand identity.

When setting up your storefront, use high-resolution images, detailed descriptions, and relevant keywords to improve your product's visibility in Etsy search results. Utilize Etsy SEO strategies, create content, and market your products on social media to increase traffic and sales.

Redbubble

Redbubble is an online marketplace that allows independent artists to upload and sell their designs on a variety of products, including T-shirts. Artists can create an account, upload their designs, and set their profit margins. Redbubble then handles the production, shipping, and customer service for each sale, making it a convenient print-on-demand platform.

EBay

EBay is one of the world's largest online marketplaces, providing access to millions of potential buyers. It offers a platform for individuals and businesses to sell various goods, including t-shirts, through auction-style listings or fixed-price options.

EBay is known for its global reach and diverse audience, making it a powerful platform for T-shirt sellers aiming to tap into an extensive market. Keep in mind that the competition on eBay can be high, so standing out with unique designs and effective marketing strategies is crucial.

To succeed on eBay, it's important to understand your target audience and create listings that are clear, short, and precise. High-quality photos and well-written product descriptions are also essential for attracting buyers.

Key Considerations for Online Marketplaces

When choosing an online marketplace to sell your T-shirts, consider factors such as audience reach, fees and profit margins, ease of use, integration with print-on-demand services, and customization options. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so evaluate them based on your specific needs and goals.

Using a website builder like Wix

Wix is a user-friendly website builder that allows you to create a custom website with ease. It is a popular choice among small businesses and creatives due to its drag-and-drop interface, making it simple for anyone to design a professional-looking site without needing to know how to code.

Wix offers an e-commerce platform that can be seamlessly integrated into any website, turning a basic site into an online store. This platform provides everything you need to start selling t-shirts online, from hosting and domain registration to e-commerce capabilities.

• Choose a Wix plan: To start an online store with Wix, you need to purchase a Wix Business Premium plan. Each plan includes an e-commerce website and access to print-on-demand suppliers.
• Connect with a print-on-demand (POD) supplier: Wix has seamless integration with POD suppliers like Printify, Printful, and Modalyst. These suppliers allow you to design and sell custom t-shirts without the need to invest in inventory or manage shipping. You can connect your Wix store to a POD supplier through the Wix App Market.
• Design your t-shirts: With Wix and its POD partners, you can fully customize your products. You can either upload your own designs or use the design tools and templates provided by Wix and its partners.
• Set up your online store: Wix's drag-and-drop editor, templates, and mobile optimization features make it easy to design your online store. You can add your products, set your prices, and customize your store to match your brand.
• Manage orders and shipping: Once your store is set up, you can start selling your t-shirts. When a customer places an order, the POD supplier will produce and ship the item directly to the customer. You can manage orders and track their status from your Wix dashboard.
• Calculate your earnings: With Wix, you can set your own pricing and shipping rules to maximize your store's revenue. You only pay the POD supplier once a customer places an order, and you keep the difference.
• Promote your t-shirt business: Wix provides built-in SEO tools, email marketing capabilities, and social media integration to help you promote your t-shirt business and reach a wider audience.

Selling via social media platforms

Social media platforms have become a powerful tool for businesses to reach and engage with their target audiences. With millions of active users, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok offer a vast potential customer base for businesses looking to sell their products online. Here are some tips for selling t-shirts via social media platforms:

Choose the Right Platform

Select the social media platforms that align with your target audience and brand identity. For example, if your target audience is younger generations, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat may be more effective for reaching them. On the other hand, if your target audience is professionals, LinkedIn could be a better option. Additionally, consider the nature of your products and the platform's suitability. For instance, visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest may be ideal for showcasing your t-shirt designs.

Build an Engaging Presence

Create engaging and informative content that showcases your t-shirts. Utilise high-quality images, videos, and descriptions to highlight the unique features and benefits of your products. Consistently post content to build a following and engage your audience. Respond to comments and messages to build relationships and enhance customer service.

Leverage Influencer Marketing

Collaborate with influencers or micro-influencers in your niche to promote your t-shirts. Influencers have a loyal following that trusts their opinions and recommendations. By partnering with them, you can increase brand awareness, reach a wider audience, and potentially boost sales.

Utilise Paid Advertising

Consider investing in paid social media advertising to boost your reach and target specific audiences. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer advertising options, including targeted ads, that can help you get your products in front of the right people.

Integrate with E-commerce Platforms

Integrate your social media presence with e-commerce platforms to streamline the buying process for your customers. Platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Wix offer tools to help you build an online store, manage inventory, and process payments. By connecting your social media content with these platforms, you can provide a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

Engage with Your Community

Social media provides a unique opportunity to build a community around your brand. Engage with your followers, respond to their inquiries, and encourage conversations. You can also leverage user-generated content by reposting customer photos featuring your t-shirts or running contests and giveaways. This helps create a sense of community and increases brand loyalty.

By following these strategies, you can effectively utilise social media platforms to sell your t-shirts, build a strong online presence, and foster a community of engaged customers.

Using a print-on-demand service

• Printful: This is a popular choice among print-on-demand sites because of its wide selection of high-quality products and brands, easy-to-use mockup generators, and options for adding your own branding to the unboxing experience. Printful offers several printing techniques, including direct-to-garment, cut and sew, and embroidery. They also offer additional services such as graphic design and marketing videos, as well as bulk discounts of up to 30%.
• Printify: Printify has the largest selection of customizable products as it connects users with a global network of printing partners. This platform offers a variety of printing methods and has a premium subscription that gives you up to 20% off of all products for a monthly fee.
• Gooten: Gooten offers a diverse catalog of over 280 print-on-demand products, including apparel, wall art, home decor, drinkware, and accessories. They have an intuitive image editor that gives you a good sense of what your final product will look like.
• Apliiq: If you want to start a clothing brand with a focus on custom designs, Apliiq is a great option. They offer a range of customization options, including branded labels, tags, and embroidered patches. You can choose to dropship orders on-demand or buy in bulk to keep your inventory ready to ship immediately.
• Gelato: Gelato is ideal for those who want to create custom stationery, as they have a network of over 100 printing partners and deliver to more than 200 countries. They also offer a variety of other items, such as apparel and wall art. Gelato has an algorithm that picks the best print provider based on the customer's location, optimizing delivery times.
• Spreadconnect: Spreadconnect stands out for its quick fulfillment times, with 95% of orders shipping within 48 hours. They offer competitive pricing and a straightforward shipping model based on the total order value.
• Teelaunch: Teelaunch offers a range of unique products at great prices, including gadgets like Bluetooth speakers. They also have an easy-to-use mockup generator that helps you create professional-looking images for your marketing.
• CustomCat: CustomCat provides easy-to-use design tools, great prices, fast fulfillment, and an optional paid plan for extra discounts. They offer more than 550 products and various printing options, including direct-to-garment, sublimation, 3D dye diffusion, and embroidery.
• TPOP: TPOP is a Europe-based print-on-demand service specializing in apparel and accessories, with a focus on sustainability. They offer branding opportunities, such as customized packaging and packing slips, and their main clothing manufacturers are members of the Fair Wear Foundation, ensuring ethical labor practices.
• JetPrint: JetPrint stands out by focusing on accessory items like shoes, watches, and jewelry. They create a full set of professional product photos, making it easier for you to showcase your products online.
• AOP+: AOP+ prints everything in-house to ensure quality and consistency. They offer all-over prints for highly customized products and custom packing slips included in orders.

Selling to local retail stores

Selling your t-shirts to local retail stores can be a great way to get your product out there and build your brand. Here are some steps to help you get started:

• Identify your target stores: Research local stores in your area that might be a good fit for your t-shirts. Look for stores that cater to a similar target audience as your t-shirts or that stock similar products.
• Prepare your pitch: Develop a professional pitch that showcases your t-shirts and their unique selling points. Create a linesheet that includes all your products, information, and wholesale prices. Make sure to include order and contact information as well.
• Contact the store: Call the store and ask to speak to the owner, buyer, or manager. Introduce yourself and your product, and try to set up an appointment to meet with them and show your samples.
• Negotiate the terms: If the store is interested in your t-shirts, you can negotiate the terms of the deal. You can either sell them your designs, or offer your shirts on consignment, where the retailer takes possession of your shirts without paying for them upfront and then pays you an agreed-upon price after they are sold.
• Understand the profit breakdown: If you decide to sell your t-shirts wholesale, the wholesale price is typically double your production costs, and the retailer will then set the retail price. Your profit will be the wholesale price minus your production costs, and the retailer's profit will be the retail price minus the wholesale price.
• Build a relationship: Selling to local retail stores is not just a transaction; it's about building a relationship. Be professional, responsive, and reliable, and try to find ways to support the store's success, such as by promoting their business through your own marketing channels.
• Follow up: After you've made the initial sale, follow up with the store to see how your t-shirts are doing. Ask for feedback and use it to improve your product or pitch for future sales. Building a good relationship with the store can lead to repeat business and referrals to other stores.

Frequently asked questions