Custom-designed Tshirts have become a huge commodity in the apparel industry. According to a study on the clothing industry by Impressions publications, Americans spend approximately $40 billion a year on decorated garments. Wired magazine reported that CafePress, which markets customizable merchandise, sold “more than $100 million in goods in 2007 – pocketing $20 million in profits – and overall sales are growing an average of 60 percent a year” (Wired Magazine).

 

Tshirt merchandise depicting favored television shows and movies is also a multi-million dollar industry. Pop-fan culture products range from bags, to bumper stickers to Tshirts. Every Direct to Garment or Screenprinting company is pitching the low cost and attainability of “custom shirt design” products. To beat the competition, you will need to get creative with your sales pitch.

The printed Tshirt can be used to make a public statement, start a discussion or catch someone’s eye. It’s more than just a fashion statement, it’s a personal statement; a way for you to show the world a glimpse of who you are.

For the individual buyer, a customized Tshirt is worth more than just the fabric it’s printed on. Customers are willing to pay more for a product with sentimental value. At this point they are creating a statement, a memory, not just a garment to wear on Friday night.

This is the key point to remember when pitching your custom printed products.  Stop trying to sell the Tshirt, and start selling the statement.

As part of our research for this article, we asked our friends to send us their favorite Tshirt designs. What is the statement, and what does it say about you?

Here is what they responded with:

Rick H.

“I think this shirt says it all. Stay away from my daughter… and my nieces!”

 

Shannon S.

“People think my life is so easy because I don’t have a ‘real’ job, and it’s so frustrating. Let me tell, being a stay at home mom is not easy! I wish I had a shirt that says this.”

 

Ronda R.

“I’m an independent woman who doesn’t need a man to take care of her!”

 

 

Kiara M.

“I’m a firm believer in animal rights and a strict vegetarian. Can you tell?”

 

 

Danielle J.

“I’m a Cancer-survivor, and it really upsets me when I see people smoking. ‘I’m going to die someday anyways’ is not a good enough excuse. If you’re going to risk your life, do something fun! Sky diving, bungee jumping, swimming with sharks…”

 

 

Do any of these Tshirts look familiar to you? Post your favorite Tshirt design/statement on our Facebook (Link) or below in the comments section!

 

Sincerely,

OmniPrint International