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The allure of starting a home business has never been stronger, with many people either supplementing their 9-to-5 income or quitting their day jobs altogether to follow their creative business dreams. With the rise of easier-to-navigate e-commerce platforms and social media marketing, people are finding unprecedented opportunities to turn passion into profit.
One in three Americans report having a side hustle, and it can be easy to see why with all the tools available to make entrepreneurial ambitions a reality. Starting a home clothing printing business is only an option for the most creative.
While you may have no idea how to start a home printing business, many people like you start with a small corner of their home, some equipment, and some good ideas to get you started. With the right approach to design, quality materials, and customer service, those who decide to start home garment printing businesses can enjoy great profit margins, not to mention the satisfaction of being their own boss.
Related: Learn how to start a T-Shirt Merchandise Business as a Side Business
A steady side hustle
Several aspects of the home apparel printing business make it a great side hustle option. Think about all the places you visit during the day — the grocery store, your kid’s soccer game, PTA meetings, or your day job. There is one constant between people and what they wear: customization.
People love clothes that show off their personality, their favorite band, or a quirky saying that endears them to a certain social group. There’s never a shortage of people willing to pay for custom-designed clothing, whether it’s fun t-shirts, team uniforms, or accessories.
Additionally, startup costs for a home apparel printing business can be relatively low compared to other side hustle options. Many custom printing machines can be purchased relatively affordably, there are flexible payment options, and materials are readily available either online or even at your local hobby store. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, bags or even hats and other accessories in bulk or take advantage of sales to get started and get into the market without breaking the bank.
This side hustle is also super versatile and perfect for busy parents, people with day jobs, or even people with other side hustles because it can easily fit into your existing schedule. Operating out of the home also adds more flexibility while reducing business overhead.
A home garment printing business is also highly scalable. As demand and access to resources increase, side hustlers can expand their businesses as they see fit. This might include growing the online portion of one’s business for more passive income, leveraging new community connections for larger custom apparel orders, or offering new, unique print products.
Related: This Former Stay-at-Home Mom Started a “Zero Experience” Side Hustle That Made Over $500,000 — and She Works No More Than 1 Hour a Day
Getting started
To get started with a home garment printing business, you need to follow some basic steps.
1. Research and design
Do some market research to see where you can add value that may be missing right now. There are many printing options available and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
One of the newest and most popular methods on the market, especially for home businesses, is direct film printing. Also known as DTF printing, it requires no pre-treatment of the garment, the hot melt powder used bonds directly to any material and you can print on bulkier items that would otherwise be impossible with other printing options. Additionally, DTF transfers can be cut and saved for later use, meaning decorators can mass print their most popular designs for a more streamlined customization process.
The flexibility of DTF printing helps make it the most popular choice for home printing businesses overall. The demand for customized apparel has led to DTF printing approaching a market value of $1.7 billion by 2026.
2. Invest in the right equipment
Once you’ve done your research and know what kind of approach you want to take, invest in the best equipment for the kind of printing you’d like to do. Watch for quality, first and foremost, to remove lateral movement on the right foot.
3. Planning and creativity
Consider starting a portfolio of designs for your business. For example, if you cater to local sports teams, they may have plans ready. Or if you have a great idea for a unique clothing design, you can easily take it from concept to reality with design software.
4. Marketing
Today, marketing is multi-faceted and multi-layered. Create social media accounts for your new business, network face-to-face in your community, and get people wearing your creations where they will see and notice. Sit down and work out a comprehensive marketing plan that can help you grow your business to new heights.
5. Be ready to spin
Even the tiniest of side hustles need to grow and adapt. In your apparel printing business, this might mean taking on larger orders, tracking bulk orders, or picking up fashion trends as they emerge. The most successful offenders are those who can change with the market.
Related: 10 of the most profitable side hustles you can start with little or no money
Those with an entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision could thrive with a home-based clothing printing business. This particular company goes beyond t-shirts and printed designs — it’s about smart marketing, branding, and finding a creative outlet. The world is waiting for your unique vision, so roll up your sleeves, fire up your printer, and start your entrepreneurial journey on your own terms!
