If you've been reading my posts regularly you'll know that starting your own fashion brand is the force behind these articles. Sharing my knowledge and opinions on ways to make your creative dream a reality is my goal. So, today's post is focused on the pros and cons of printing by demand.
The first and easiest option to start your own fashion brand involves printing your own designs or logo on blank apparel. This is an attractive option for those with a small budget (less than $1000) and those who want to set up a almost fully automated business. However, the biggest draw back is you can't differentiate your products with stitching, fit or styling because you are using generic wholesale apparel as well as your profit margins being lower.
The print-on-demand or direct-to-garment printing process uses a special digital ink-jet printer to print ink directly onto clothing and apparel. The colour accuracy is fantastic, and are able to produce full colour images.
Print on demand requires no set up fees like screen printing, allowing this process to produce high quality printed apparel quickly and efficiently. Which means it is easy and cost effective to print small orders (including just 1 unit).
So, here's an over view of the pros and cons of print by demand:
Pros:
No set-up costs
High quality prints
Unlimited color options
Perfect for low order quantities or one-offs
Many clothing options (shirts, leggings, socks, dresses etc.)
Cons:
Not cost effective for large production runs
Generally no volume discounts
Product selection unoriginal - generic wholesale options
Limited finishing options (tags, labels, etc) Other brand labels
To start a print by demand clothing line you need very little time or start up investment. You can get this business model up and running very quickly.
How do you start a print by demand clothing line?
There's some great businesses out there, but I think printful is superb platform. It handles everything for you, you just upload your designs and when an order comes through printful fulfills the order for you - prints, packs and ships - all with your branding on it. You can set up a store with them within a day and for less than $50. Remember though, the margins are very low, so although a great way to start and test if your products would sell, but for longevity of your brand, and profits - I would look at other options.