Thinking about launching your own T-shirt brand or merch line?
Starting a small screen printing T-shirt business is one of the most accessible—and potentially profitable—ways to enter the custom apparel world.
The good news? You don’t need to buy expensive equipment to get started.
With the right supplier and a solid plan, you can launch fast and grow steadily.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
1. Choose Your Niche and Audience
Before you print anything, ask yourself:
- Who are you designing for?
- What message or vibe will your shirts carry?
- What style or culture will your brand represent?
Examples of niches:
- Streetwear or skate culture
- Music fans or indie bands
- Motivational apparel
- Local pride, cities, or university towns
- Funny or meme-based designs
Having a clear audience helps shape your brand, marketing, and even pricing.
2. Design Your First T-Shirt Collection
Once you know your market, start designing your first few shirts.
Tips:
- Stick with simple, bold graphics for screen printing
- Use vector files or high-resolution artwork
- Make sure your designs are print-friendly (Guoya offers free design checks)
Not a designer? No problem—Guoya Company offers free design support to help turn your idea into a production-ready graphic.
3. Choose the Right Shirt Quality
You don’t need to start with dozens of styles. Just focus on:
- One or two T-shirt colors
- A comfortable, durable fabric (ideally 100% cotton)
- A standard fit that works for your audience
At Guoya, we provide:
- 👕 100% cotton T-shirts
- Fabric weights from 180–300gsm
- 📏 Sizes from S to 6XL
- 🎨 26 color options
We’ll help you pick the best match for your budget and brand image.
4. Order Samples and Test Print Quality
Before printing in bulk, order samples.
Benefits:
- Check the fit and fabric yourself
- Review print quality and durability
- Share sample photos on social media to test interest
At Guoya, we provide free samples and 3-day proofing so you can make confident decisions before committing to large orders.
5. Decide: Print In-House or Use a Partner?
If you’re just starting out, buying your own screen printing equipment can be expensive and time-consuming.
Instead, use a professional screen printing supplier like Guoya to:
- Reduce upfront cost
- Avoid learning curve mistakes
- Focus on brand building and marketing
You send the design, and we handle:
- Printing
- Packing
- Fast shipping (5-day turnaround)
- Quality control
6. Set Up Your Online Store
Now it’s time to sell.
Start with platforms like:
- Shopify or WooCommerce for full control
- Etsy or Amazon Merch for built-in traffic
- Social platforms (Instagram, TikTok Shop, Facebook)
Make sure to include:
- High-quality product photos (use your samples)
- Clear size charts
- Brand story and values
- A smooth checkout process
7. Market Your Brand Creatively
Use free or low-cost channels like:
- Instagram Reels or TikTok videos
- Collaborations with micro-influencers
- Email lists or giveaways
- Niche Facebook groups or Reddit threads
Authenticity matters. Show behind-the-scenes of your process and designs—customers love a personal story.
8. Start Small, Scale Smart
Begin with:
- 1–3 designs
- 50–100 shirts
- A single sales channel
Then scale based on:
- What sells best
- Customer feedback
- Budget and reinvestment
Guoya supports low minimum orders, so you don’t need to overstock or risk big losses.
Why Work With Guoya Company?
We specialize in helping small T-shirt brands and merch sellers start and scale.
Here’s what you get:
- ✅ 100% cotton T-shirts in 180–300gsm
- 🎨 26 color options, S–6XL
- 🖨️ Expert screen printing with bold, durable results
- 🎁 Free design help & samples
- ⏱️ 3-day proofing, 5-day delivery
- 📦 Custom packaging and branding options upon request
We make it easy to launch—even on a budget.
Summary
Starting a small screen printing T-shirt business doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.
By focusing on a niche, using professional suppliers, and building your brand one shirt at a time, you can create something that grows with you.
Guoya Company is here to support your journey—from idea to inventory to income.
📩 Contact us to request free samples and take your first step today.