🧍♀️ How to Find Customers, Make Profit & Offer 5-Star Service as a Local T-Shirt Maker

By Hur & Co. | Built Detroit Tough, Printed With Purpose

You’ve got the skills, the press, and the hustle. But how do you actually find customers, stay profitable, and keep them coming back for more? Whether you’re working from your garage, home office, or storefront—this guide is for you.

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📍 1. Start Local, Then Expand

✅ Connect with your community:

• Schools & teams: Offer custom spirit wear and fundraising options

• Churches & nonprofits: Pitch custom shirts for events, youth groups, and outreach

• Small businesses: Create branded tees or uniforms

• Events & vendors: Pop-up shops, vendor tables, or bundle tees with local makers

💡 Pro Tip: Always have a few sample shirts in your car or bag. Word of mouth = sales.

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💰 2. Price for Profit Without Scaring People Off

Here’s a basic pricing strategy:

• Cost of goods (shirt + transfer + labor): Let’s say $7

• Retail price: Aim for 2.5–3x your cost (example: $20–25)

• Bulk orders: Offer discounts on 10+, 25+, 50+ pieces to keep your press busy

• Rush fees & personalization: Charge extra for names, numbers, or 24-hour turnaround

🔢 Don’t forget to factor in: packaging, your time, utilities, Shopify or processing fees.

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🤝 3. Offer Customer Service That Builds Loyalty

Do this every time:

• Respond quickly (even if it’s just to say “I'll get back to you shortly”)

• Be clear about turnaround times

• Confirm orders before printing

• Send mockups or photos if needed

• Keep customers updated if anything changes

• Always thank them and invite them back

⭐ Customer service is your free marketing. Happy people come back—and they bring friends.

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📈 4. Use Free Tools to Market Smart

• Facebook & Instagram: Post finished orders (with permission) + behind-the-scenes

• Google Business Profile: Add photos, get reviews, and show up in local searches

• Email & text blasts: Send weekly deals or “pre-order” drops

• Loyalty perks: Give discounts to returning customers or referrals

📸 Post local school/team spirit wear during peak seasons to stay visible and relevant.

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💼 5. Stay Organized = Stay Booked

Use tools like:

• Shopify to track sales and take payments

• Canva or AI to create order forms, mockups, and ads

• A weekly schedule to stay consistent with marketing and production

• Pre-set pricing sheets so you’re not guessing under pressure

🧠 People take you seriously when you treat your hustle like a business—not a hobby.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Being a local t-shirt maker is more than printing—it’s about building relationships, creating memorable pieces, and running a profitable operation without burnout.

Hur & Co. is here to help with premium DTF transfers, design support, and business tools that make you look professional—even when you’re still growing.

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💬 Need help building out your packages, pricing, or customer strategy?

Reach out to us at hursttransfers@gmail.com or visit hur-co.com to get started.