Lady Print Boss University
How to Start a T-Shirt Business With No Money — The Realistic 2025 Guide
If your budget is “baby, it’s tight,” I got you. We’re launching lean: pre-orders, DTF gang sheets, print-on-demand, and partnerships. No fantasy numbers—just a clean plan to get customers, collect cash, then fulfill smart.
The 3 Lean Launch Paths (Pick One & Move)
Low risk, fast to market, customer-paid funding.
| Path | How It Works | Up-Front Spend | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Orders + DTF Gang Sheets | Collect orders & payment first → order gang sheets → heat press on demand. | $0–$150 (only after sales) | Local brands, teams, events, quick drops |
| Print-On-Demand (POD) | Upload designs → POD prints & ships when a customer buys. | $0 (lower margins) | Testing designs, online-only sellers |
| Partner with a Local Shop | You sell & collect payment → partner prints → you keep the spread. | $0 (relationship driven) | Coaches, influencers, fundraisers |
Boss Note: followers don’t equal dollars. Offers + systems = sales.
Use ads, email, and pre-orders to fund your first production run.
Step-by-Step Game Plan (Week 1–2)
1) Pick a Niche & One Offer
- Examples: “DFW Juneteenth tees,” “Construction company uniforms,” “Church merch.”
- Keep it simple: one theme, 2–3 colorways, S–3XL.
2) Create Mockups (No Inventory)
- Make clean mockups (front/back). Show sizing & deadlines.
- Use your Online Designer if applicable or Photoshop/Photopea.
3) Set Pre-Order Rules
- Cutoff date, ship/pickup date, and minimums.
- Collect full payment up front (Stripe/Square checkout link).
4) Price for Profit (Day One)
- Use the DTF Pricing Calculator to set margins.
- Aim for 60%+ gross margin on pre-orders. Add size upcharges (2XL+).
5) Fulfill Smart
- Order one gang sheet per colorway. Batch press by size.
- Quality control → pack with a postcard to drive repeat orders.
Traffic Plan: $5/Day That Actually Moves
- Reel/Short: 20–30s mockup + deadline + clear CTA.
- Target: city + interest (events, small biz, church, schools).
- Retarget: anyone who watched 50% or visited your page → send to your product/pre-order page.
- Email/SMS: capture leads with “Size Guide + Care Card” freebie; follow with 3-email sequence.
What to Post (Keep it real, keep it moving)
- Mockup → deadline → link.
- Behind-the-scenes pressing a sample.
- Customer shout-out or testimonial.
Starter Toolkit (No-Money Edition)
- DTF Transfers: local supplier or trusted online. Order after you’re paid.
- Blanks: order post-sale (Gildan, Next Level, Bella+Canvas via distributor or retail if needed).
- Payments: Stripe/Square link. No invoices—checkout only.
- Policies: no refunds after cutoff; size exchange if stock allows.
FAQ—Quick & Honest
Do I need a heat press?
If you’re doing DTF, yes. If you’re using POD, not at first. Start with POD or borrow/rent time on a press to fulfill early orders.
How many designs should I launch with?
One theme, 1–3 designs max. Too many choices kills action.
What if nobody orders?
Kill it fast, adjust the offer, and relaunch. Use $5/day ads and ask past buyers what they actually want.