How Much T-shirts to Stock?

[Xeon_Ond]

Hi guys,

I was doing my sums and realized I would need to spend lots of $$$ upfront to stock up t-shirts for my business, of which I have no idea how well they would sell, or what is the outcome, so I need some advice here from experienced guys.

For my upcoming t-shirt line (online shop with offline marketing), I've 7 designs, and intend to purchase and print 3 sizes (S, M and L) of each design, and 15 pcs of each size.
So it's (7 designs * 3 sizes of each design * 15 pcs of each size).

Is this a wise choice for starting out small? As in, quantity too much? Too little?
I know businesses = risk, but I need to have some extra cash left in bank for other purposes like marketing and other operational costs, and for emergency / savings uses. The total cost for this current quantity adds up to a few thousand.

Currently, I've found a printing company that can take such small quantities.

please advise. Tks!
Xeon

[ahkiam]

For online store, you can always be abit more conservative and say that you will deliver only in 1-2 weeks time.

What this means is that you don't need to print ahead of actual order demands.

But you will still want to print some first to:-
- check on quality from this printer
- check on your design output
- for your photos to put on website

My 2 cents...

[Flying Elephant]

It will cost you a bomb if you're gonna print that small quantity! Up front capital is a must for anyone who wants to start a business.

Consider approaching a few existing t-shirt retailers to see if they are willing to consign or order your designs. With that, you'll have an assured order quantity, which will assure you a lower risk.

PM me your proposal Let's see if your designs can blend into my concept.

[Xeon_Ond]

Ok, PM-ed you.

Tks!
Xeon