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How to Sell Lots of Tee Shirts as Easily as Selling One - Your Ultimate Print on Demand Side Hustle

Starting a side hustle where you sell designs and merch using print-on-demand (POD) to businesses can be a really cool way to make money. Instead of just selling one T-shirt at a time to individual people, you can sell a bunch of shirts or other items all at once to a whole business or a team.

This means when you make a sale, you're not just selling one thing—you're selling lots of stuff!

You can start with little or no money. You get your customer's payment FIRST, then pay the POD company their share, keeping the difference as your profit.

For example, imagine you design special T-shirts for a restaurant's staff or make custom hats for a sports team. The restaurant or team will need more than one, right? They’ll need one for each person, which means you get to sell a whole lot of your products in one go. Plus, if those businesses really like your stuff, they might keep coming back to order more, or they could even tell other businesses about you. This could help you make more money and grow your side hustle. It's like turning your creative ideas into a fun and profitable little business.

When you work with businesses, they often want their logo or a special design on the items you create for them. This could be anything from shirts and hats to mugs and bags. You get to help them look good and feel like a team, which is super important for any business. Plus, the cooler your designs, the more a business will want to work with you.

Another awesome thing about this side hustle is that once you've set up your designs, the print-on-demand service takes care of making the items and shipping them out. You don't have to worry about keeping stock or dealing with all the mess of printing and shipping. It’s mostly about your creativity and finding those businesses that love your style.

So, not only do you get to be creative and design stuff, but you also learn how to work with different types of customers and grow a business. It's a great way to earn some extra cash while doing something fun and creative. And who knows? Maybe it could turn into more than just a side hustle if you really love it!

Spread the Word Through Friends and Family

Starting a side hustle selling print-on-demand merch can be a lot of fun, especially when you involve your friends and family. If your friends and family help you find businesses that buy your stuff, you can pay them for it! Just decide how much you want to give them—like a little percentage of what you earn from the sale or a set dollar amount. Make sure you tell your friends how it all works and what they can get from helping you find customers. It's a cool way to make your business grow and give a little back to your friends for their help.

Leveraging your personal network can be a highly effective strategy to kickstart and expand your print-on-demand (POD) merchandise business. Here's how you can use the connections you already have — friends, family, and their networks — to create content, find leads, and make sales to businesses:

1. Tap into Your Personal Network

Start by sharing your business idea with friends and family. Let them know what you're doing, show them your designs, and explain how your merchandise can benefit a business. People who already know and trust you can be your first advocates. They might not only become your first customers but can also provide valuable referrals.

2. Gather Insights and Feedback

Use these close connections to gather feedback on your designs and business approach. Friends and family can offer honest opinions that might help you refine your products before you present them to a broader audience. Ask them what businesses or local organizations they think would be interested in your merchandise.

3. Request Introductions

If your friends or family members are connected to business owners, managers, or decision-makers in companies that could use your merchandise, ask for an introduction. A personal introduction can open doors that cold calls or emails might not and gives you a level of credibility and trust right from the start.

4. Create Sample Products for Friends and Family

Offer to create customized merchandise for events like family reunions, birthday parties, or weddings. Use these opportunities as a portfolio to showcase your ability to create professional-quality customized products. This not only serves as direct advertising but also as a conversation starter for anyone who sees and likes the merchandise.

5. Encourage Word of Mouth

Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, especially when it comes from people we trust. Encourage your friends and family to spread the word about your business. You could even consider offering incentives for referrals that lead to actual sales, like discounts on future orders for both the referrer and the new customer.

6. Collaborate on Content

Ask your friends and family if they would be willing to collaborate on promotional content. For example, if they have a significant following on social media or if they can write testimonials, having them share content about your products can increase visibility and credibility.

7. Leverage Community Connections

Encourage friends and family to help you get vending spots at local events, markets, or fairs where you can display your merchandise. Community events are great for networking and showcasing your products directly to a local audience.

8. Host a Launch Party

Consider hosting a small launch event or open house where friends and family can come and see your products firsthand. Encourage them to bring a plus one from their professional network. This casual setting can be less intimidating than formal business meetings and allows potential business clients to see and feel the quality of your merchandise in a friendly atmosphere.

Using your personal connections in these ways can provide a solid foundation to build your business. It helps create initial momentum and can lead to more professional opportunities through a growing network.

Ideas for Businesses for Your Print on Demand Side Hustle

Wedding Photographers: Branded shirts for staff to look uniform and professional at events.
Restaurants: Custom aprons, chef's hats, and staff T-shirts.
Plumbers: Uniform T-shirts or jackets with company logo and contact information.
Landscaping Services: Branded caps and work shirts resistant to outdoor wear and tear.
Electricians: Durable workwear shirts with pockets for tools and a printed logo.
Cleaning Services: Uniforms that are both functional and branded, enhancing team identity.
Hair Salons: Aprons and T-shirts for stylists, promoting the salon brand.
Fitness Instructors: Custom workout clothing that can also be sold to clients.
Yoga Studios: Branded yoga pants, mats, and T-shirts.
Real Estate Agents: Polo shirts for open houses and client meetings.
Dental Clinics: Scrubs and lab coats with the clinic’s logo.
Veterinarians: Branded scrubs and lab coats for a professional look.
Pet Groomers: Aprons and T-shirts that resist pet hair and promote the service.
Coffee Shops: Barista aprons and T-shirts that enhance the shop's vibe.
Bakeries: Aprons, chef's hats, and shirts that staff can wear while serving customers.
Mechanics: Durable work shirts and jackets with the garage’s logo.
Pest Control Services: Uniform shirts that also offer some protection or utility pockets.
Delivery Services: Branded T-shirts and caps that make employees easily identifiable.
Personal Trainers: Custom fitness apparel that can also be a marketing tool.
Tattoo Artists: Artistically designed T-shirts and aprons that reflect the studio’s style.
Art Galleries: Staff uniforms that are stylish yet allow freedom of movement.
Music Teachers: Branded T-shirts or polos for school or private practice.
Gardeners and Horticulturists: Durable outdoor clothing with the company logo.
Catering Services: Uniforms that look sharp while being functional for events.
IT and Tech Support: Branded polos or T-shirts for on-site visits.
Martial Arts Studios: Custom gis, belts, and training shirts.
Dance Studios: Branded leotards, leggings, and warm-up gear.
Art Teachers: Creative aprons and T-shirts for class.
Music Bands: Merchandise like T-shirts and hoodies for fans.
Conference Organizers: Staff shirts and visitor badges.
Event Planners: Uniforms for event days and promotional items.
Travel Guides: Branded outdoor wear and hats.
Boat Tour Operators: Custom caps, T-shirts, and jackets.
Winery/Vineyard Staff: Polo shirts for tastings and tours.
Brewery Workers: Branded work shirts and promotional merchandise.
Sports Coaches: Team and coaching staff apparel.
Summer Camp Operators: Staff shirts and camper T-shirts.
Ski Instructors: Branded winter gear and uniforms.
Beach Rental Services: Staff T-shirts and promotional beach gear.
Surf Instructors: Rash guards and branded surf wear.
Golf Pros: Custom golf shirts and caps.
Skating Instructors: Branded jackets and T-shirts.
Child Care Providers: Uniform T-shirts or polos.
Holistic Health Practitioners: Serene and professional attire.
Acupuncturists: Comfortable, branded clinic wear.
Massage Therapists: Branded therapy wear.
Nutritionists: Promotional T-shirts and wellness guides.
Life Coaches: Inspirational shirts and merchandise.
Consultants: Polos and shirts for business meetings.
Lawyers: Custom ties and scarves for office wear.
Accountants: Professional polos for office and client meetings.
Architects: Branded field shirts and safety gear.
Engineers: Field-appropriate uniforms with company logos.
Interior Designers: Stylish, branded work attire.
Photography Studios: Vests and shirts for shoots.
Videographers: Branded field gear for easy identification.
Security Services: Uniform shirts and jackets.
Parking Lot Attendants: High visibility branded uniforms.
Janitorial Services: Durable and functional branded uniforms.
Building Maintenance: Work shirts and jackets.
Roofing Contractors: Durable workwear with logos.
Landscape Architects: Branded outdoor gear and shirts.
Pool Cleaning Services: Uniforms and promotional items.
Waste Management Services: Branded workwear.
Recycling Services: Eco-themed shirts and gear.
Window Cleaners: Branded uniforms and caps.
Freelance Writers: Promotional shirts and notebooks.
Graphic Designers: Custom designed T-shirts and hoodies.
Web Developers: Tech-themed apparel.
SEO Specialists: Marketing themed T-shirts.
Digital Marketers: Branded conference wear.
Social Media Influencers: Personal branded merchandise.
Podcast Hosts: Themed merchandise for fans.
Fitness Studio Owners: Branded workout gear and accessories.
Kickboxing Gyms: Custom gloves and workout shirts.
Jewelers: Elegant staff uniforms for the showroom.
Opticians: Branded staff wear and promotional items.
Pharmacists: Lab coats and professional wear with pharmacy branding.
Pediatricians: Kid-friendly uniforms and office wear.
Dermatologists: Professional clinic wear.
Psychologists: Subtle, professional attire.
Chiropractors: Clinic uniforms that offer mobility.
Veterinary Clinics: Themed scrubs and client giveaway items.
Pet Sitters: Branded gear for visits.
Dog Walkers: Logo wear for visibility and promotional giveaways.
Equestrian Centers: Custom riding gear and stable staff uniforms.
Florists: Aprons and shirts that resist stains.
Carpenters: Durable branded work shirts.
Painters: Paint-resistant overalls and shirts.
HVAC Technicians: Functional uniforms with company details.
Locksmiths: Easily identifiable uniforms.
Piano Tuners: Subtle, professional branded shirts.
Instrument Repair Services: Branded workwear.
Tire Shops: Mechanic shirts and promotional caps.
Auto Detailers: Branded uniforms that resist chemicals.
Towing Services: High visibility and branded workwear.
Driving Instructors: Branded polos or jackets.
Language Tutors: Cultural or language-themed shirts.
Cooking Instructors: Custom aprons and chef hats.
Welders: Durable work shirts with fire-resistant materials.

Tip: Seek out businesses like wedding photographers and caterers that work with groups of people. Offer them a percentage of any sales they send your way. For example, a wedding photographer works with people planning a wedding. Have them recommend your POD services for custom bridal party T-shirts, wedding invitations, welcome bags, wedding favors, table centerpieces, place cards and menus, wedding programs, and more.

What other businesses sell to groups of people? Connect with them and give them a percentage. They make more money and you make more money.

And finally, keep reminding your friends and family to spread the word. One time isn't enough.

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