Best Side Hustles for Custom T-Shirts
Custom T-Shirts are a popular and profitable side hustle, especially for Canadians looking to tap into the growing demand for personalized clothing.
Whether you're a creative individual, a graphic designer, or someone looking for an easy entry into the world of fashion and e-commerce, starting a custom t-shirt business could be a fantastic way to earn extra income. Here's a breakdown of the best custom t-shirt side hustles for Canadians, including income potential, tools, and resources to get started.
Print-on-Demand Services
Print-on-demand (POD) services allow you to create custom t-shirts without having to handle inventory, printing, or shipping yourself. Platforms like Printful, Printify, and Teespring let you design t-shirts that are only printed when a customer orders them. This makes it a low-risk business option for Canadians.
Income Potential:
Your income potential depends on your design skills, marketing efforts, and the niches you target. Many POD sellers earn anywhere from $100 to $2,000 a month, with some scaling their businesses into six figures annually. The key is in the volume of orders and the profit margin on each t-shirt.
Tools and Resources:
- Design Software: Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop for creating custom designs.
- E-commerce Platforms: Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce to set up your online store.
- Marketing Tools: Instagram, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, or influencer marketing to promote your products.
- POD Platforms: Printful, Printify, or Teespring for printing and fulfillment.
How to Get Started:
Designing for Others
If you have graphic design skills, offering custom t-shirt designs for others can be a lucrative side hustle. You can work as a freelancer creating designs for clients or even sell pre-made designs on marketplaces like Redbubble, Creative Market, or Etsy.
Income Potential:
Freelance t-shirt designers can charge anywhere from $20 to $150 per design, depending on the complexity. If you're selling pre-made designs, prices can range from $5 to $50 per design. High-volume sales on platforms like Etsy or Redbubble can result in passive income over time.
Tools and Resources:
- Design Software: Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, or Affinity Designer for creating high-quality designs.
- Freelance Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, and 99designs to offer your design services.
- Online Marketplaces: Redbubble, Etsy, or Teespring to sell your designs.
- T-shirt Mockup Generators: Placeit or Smartmockups to showcase your designs on t-shirts.
How to Get Started:
Custom T-Shirt Brand
If you're ready to take your custom t-shirt hustle to the next level, consider building your own brand. This involves creating a unique brand identity, designing a range of t-shirts, and using platforms like Shopify to sell your creations. With effective marketing, you can build a loyal customer base.
Income Potential:
With your own custom t-shirt brand, the income potential can be significant. New brands typically make between $1,000 and $10,000 per month, depending on product quality, marketing strategies, and brand recognition. Highly successful t-shirt brands can scale into six-figure businesses.
Tools and Resources:
- E-commerce Platform: Shopify or Big Cartel to set up your online store.
- T-shirt Suppliers: Printful, Printify, or local screen printing shops for production.
- Marketing: Instagram, TikTok, and influencer marketing to boost visibility.
- Branding Tools: Canva for logo and social media design, and Shopify for setting up your website.
How to Get Started:
Screen Printing and Direct-to-Garment Printing
For those who want more control over the production process, screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing are two popular methods for creating custom t-shirts. Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each design, while DTG printing uses a specialized printer to apply ink directly onto fabric.
Income Potential:
Screen printing requires an initial investment in equipment, but the income potential can be high. Screen printers typically earn between $15 to $30 per shirt, depending on the complexity of the design. DTG printing offers similar income, but the investment in a quality printer can be expensive.
Tools and Resources:
- Screen Printing Kits: You can purchase DIY screen printing kits online or set up a professional screen printing studio.
- DTG Printers: Brands like Epson and Brother offer DTG printers that range in price from $10,000 to $30,000.
- Supplies: Printing inks, transfer papers, and heat presses.
How to Get Started:
Conclusion
The custom t-shirt business is an exciting and versatile side hustle for Canadians. Whether you're designing from home using print-on-demand services, creating unique designs for clients, or launching your own brand, there's plenty of room for creativity and profitability. With the right tools and resources, you can turn your passion for fashion into a successful side hustle.
For the best results, focus on building a strong brand identity, utilizing social media for marketing, and consistently improving your design skills. The possibilities for success in the custom t-shirt market are endless!