Look around you.
On almost everything you own, see, touch or interact with, there are logos, brands, and designs and someone has to print them. The custom t-shirt printing market will be worth over $10 billion by 2025. Screen-printing is the future.
How can you have a part in this creative and lucrative field? By starting your own business of course!
If you have ever found yourself asking questions about how to start a screen-printing business, then keep reading.
How to Start a Screen-Printing Business
Starting a screen-printing business can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
The steps to starting a screen-printing business assume you already know how to screen print. We also assume you can answer questions like, “What is screen printing?”
The steps to starting a screen-printing business involve both legal and creative work. It is not enough to have talent. You also have to have business savvy.
- Get the Right Permits and Licenses
Know what kind of business you are going to start, such as a limited liability company, sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. Next, register for a business license with the office in your city and sign up with your state’s office.
If you plan on having anyone working with you, then you may need an Employer ID Number. If you plan on being self-employed, then you may need to pay quarterly taxes.
You should also consult with both a lawyer and an accountant before attempting to set up your business.
- Decide Where You Are Going to Work
Decide whether you want to work from home or in an outside office or warehouse. If you want to run a storefront, then an office is best because it gives you a place to greet customers.
If you plan on running an online shop, then working from home or a warehouse may be better alternatives. If you plan on working from home, make sure your workspace is well ventilated and that you have a safe way of throwing away chemicals.
- Budget for and Purchase Supplies
If you are running a t-shirt screen printing company, then you should use 100% cotton heavyweight t-shirts.
Before you can buy supplies, you may need to acquire a resellers permit, which will allow you to buy from wholesalers without paying sales taxes. This license lets you charge your customers a sales tax, which you will pay back to the state.
Next comes the most important part of your business, buying supplies. The quality of supplies you purchase will directly affect your brand’s reputation. Here is where you need to know before you order.
For chemical supplies, you will have to purchase cleaner, solvents, emulsion, and yellowing and haze remover.
You also need to purchase screen printing equipment, such as photo editing software, as well as a squeegee, a drying rack, and scrub brushes.
- Set Up Your Seller Accounts
If you want to sell your screen-printed materials, make sure you can legally do so in the area where you reside. You should also be sure you have trade credit, which will allow you to pay your suppliers after you get paid from your customers.
- Market Your Screen-Printing Business
The final step is to market your products to reach a larger audience. You will need a heavy web presence to ensure you can find the right audience.
Ready to Start Your Screen-Printing Business?
Now that you understand how to start a screen-printing business, do you want to start making beautiful products you can sell?
If you want to make amazing shirts and signs, contact us today!
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