There are different online businesses trending in 2024. You can learn and sell different skills online to earn extra money. You can also start selling products as well. However, it is challenging to select a product with sufficient market demand.
We brought you a suitable e-commerce business. Through this business, you can earn money with the most minimal effort – T-shirt dropshipping!
It stands out as a manageable and profitable business for new entrepreneurs. The world of e-commerce is rapidly evolving. You see innovations and changing trends every day. However, one constant product whose demand does not fluctuate is the business of selling t-shirts. Due to popularity and universal appeal, the demand for t-shirts is rising in 2024 as well. This is the high time to start this business.
In this blog post, we will understand the essentials of starting a t-shirt dropshipping business and dropshipping partners, as well as highlight effective strategies to maximize profits and minimize risks.
Why Dropship T-shirts?
Dropshipping t-shirts are an attractive business model for several reasons. Firstly, t-shirts are a universal product that appeals to various age groups and demographics. You get a broad audience as people from all age groups need T-shirts. If you can look around, you will notice that people from the age of 5 to 60 years are wearing t-shirts.
T-shirts are lightweight, which is why they are easy to ship. This significantly reduces logistics and dropshipping costs. It also enables you to earn maximum profits.
Furthermore, the fashion industry is always ready for customization and new trends. It allows you to explore new options and introduce new styles that will help you propel your business even further. You can test different t-shirt designs without the risk of excess inventory. It is a low-risk approach for market trends.
Entrepreneurs can test different markets and design ideas without the financial burden typically associated with traditional retail models. Dropshipping t-shirts also allows for rapid scaling. You can quickly expand product lines or target new niches without significant upfront costs.
This flexibility, combined with the low entry barrier and the popularity of t-shirts, makes dropshipping an excellent opportunity. You can launch and grow your brand with a customer-driven approach.
11 Best T-shirt Dropshipping Suppliers
This section will analyze the 11 best T-shirt suppliers as reliable partners for T-shirt dropshipping.
1. EPROLO: A Comprehensive Solution for Dropshipping Entrepreneurs
If you are into T-Shirt, you must be aware of this name. EPROLO is one of the best-shirt Dropshipping Suppliers. It emerged on the global landscape as a reliable partner for dropshipping. It helps entrepreneurs who want to start an online t-shirt business without maintaining minimum order quantity (MOQ). Sound fun?
This feature benefits entrepreneurs or newcomers who wish to start their online shipping business without much investment. It is also beneficial to test the waters.
EPROLO offers an extensive collection of designs and fabrics for t-shirts. It offers market-competitive prices. This company is making it easier for store owners to keep their stores updated for every season.
One of the critical advantages of EPROLO is its global logistics capabilities. They have over 26 warehouses strategically located around the world. They ensure your products reach your customers in a given timeframe. The average shipping time ranges from 7 to 15 days. The shipping times also depend on the delivery location, such as sea, son, etc. Rapid delivery is crucial for customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, EPROLO supports seamless integration with all major e-commerce platforms. These platforms include:
- Shopify
- TikTok
- Amazon
- WooCommerce
It facilitates a smoother operation of your online store. Now, you can auto-track and manage your inventory and get updates whenever necessary. It will reduce your workload significantly.
If you want to do Private-Label, EPROLO can help you build a separate identity for your brand. You can have your market presence with minimal effort. These branding services include custom labels, hangtags, and even gift cards.
You can enhance the unboxing experience if you use these strategies. It will improve your brand presence and boost your sales as you will sell in the market with better branding and marketing.
2. Inkedjoy
Inkedjoy, on the other hand, stands out as a user-friendly platform, offering a print-on-demand service. It is also wholly free to use. It takes good care of the needs of the entrepreneurs.
Inkedjoy offers a wide range of t-shirt options. Variety allows you to diversify your portfolio. You do not have to worry about MOQs. All you need to do is focus on the creative aspect, and the rest will be handled.
When it comes to logistics and transportation, Inkedjoy does not settle for ordinary. They have warehouses across the entire world. Of them are given below.
- China
- The U.S
- Australia
It makes their distribution network better for most dropshippers. They have an average delivery time of 7-15 days. Such efficiency is crucial for high customer satisfaction and adaptability.
Inkedjoy provides customization options for branding solutions. They offer much-advanced customization, such as packing bags, gift cards, and Scotch tapes. You can utilize these customization options to create a more personalized brand that addresses the target audience’s needs in the best way possible.
3. Doba
Doba is a versatile dropshipping platform. They offer a vast range of products, including a diverse selection of t-shirts. These shirts are suitable for various markets. This platform mainly benefits those exploring different niches without committing to large quantities.
However, it is essential to note that Doba works with multiple suppliers, and delivery times can vary significantly depending on the chosen supplier and shipping method.
You should diligently check the estimated delivery times during the checkout process. It will help you to manage customer expectations. You can tell customers that it will take a certain amount of time to get the product delivered.
Some users have reported issues related to customer service and handling returns. These reports highlight some difficulties with the clarity and efficiency of Doba’s return process. This aspect may pose a significant challenge. It will indeed affect customer satisfaction.
Despite these potential reports, Doba remains appealing due to its 14-day free trial. After a 14-day free trial, you can access additional features and benefits through their three paid plans.
This setup makes Doba a potentially valuable partner for entrepreneurs, especially if you want to expand product offerings without substantial investments.
4. Printful
Printful is another reliable platform. They are known for the print-on-demand industry. They allow entrepreneurs and creative individuals to transform their designs into natural products. You can design your product via their mockup tool and preview it.
Printful enhances the brand experience by offering extensive branding options. These includecustom inside and outside labels, sleeve prints, and tear-away labels.
It will help you significantly in building a recognizable and trusted brand identity. This level of customization makes Printful an excellent choice for businesses focused on quality and customer satisfaction.
Printful supports a multitude of printing techniques. Some of them are the following:
- Cut & sew sublimation
- Girect-to-film (DTF)
- Direct-to-garment (DTG)
- Embroidery
These methods are used for different design needs. This ensures high-quality product customization and broad creative freedom.
One of Printful’s key strengths is its efficient fulfillment operations. They take an average time of 2-5 business days to deliver the product. However, the shipping time may vary based on product availability and the final delivery destination.
5. Printify
Printify is known for simplifying the print-on-demand process. This platform is entirely free to use. It is accessible to businesses of all sizes. Printify ensures that your products are printed close to your customer’s location. For that to happen, they collaborate with over 90 manufacturers globally. Their smart approach significantly reduces shipping times and costs.
- Direct to Film (DTF)
- Direct to Cotton (DTC)
- Dye sublimation
Average fulfillment times with Printify range from 2 to 7 business days. Most of the shipping is typically completed within 2 to 5 business days. This also depends on the final destination. This quick turnaround is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction in a competitive market.
Moreover, Printify enhances product personalization through branding options such as gift messages, inserts, and custom neck labels. These tactics are vital for businesses looking to build a strong brand identity.
6. Gooten
Gooten operates a vast network with over 50 manufacturers located in more than 70 countries. Yes, you heard it right!
They facilitate an extensive print-on-demand service. It is an excellent idea for businesses looking to scale globally.
Their strategic placement of manufacturing partners ensures that most products, including t-shirts, are produced within 3-4 business days. This rapid production rate efficiently meets high customer demand.
Shipping is handled at a flat rate with additional discounts for multiple items in the same order. This system often helps significantly lower shipping costs per unit and encourages dropshippers to expand their business.
The platform supports a variety of printing methods, such as Direct Film (DTF) and Direct Garment (DTG), allowing for high-quality prints with durability and precision. Gooten also provides options for custom inside labels and packing slips. It is essential for creating a branded unboxing experience.
Their integration with Shopify further stratifies the fulfillment process, making it easier for e-commerce businesses to manage their operations seamlessly from one platform.
7. Customcat
Customcat is a dynamic print-on-demand service specializing in apparel, accessories, and housewares. They offer a broad range of products to cater to various market needs. Their printing capabilities include advanced techniques such as DIGISOFT®, dye sublimation, and embroidery.
They are known for their versatility. You can ask them for custom designs and high-quality outputs across different product types.
The average production time is up to 3 business days. The domestic shipping ranges from 2 to 6 business days (1 to 4 weeks for international). Customcat is committed to delivering products swiftly to maintain customer satisfaction.
While Customcat’s platform is designed for easy integration with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, one of its current limitations is the lack of branding options. This could be a drawback for brands relying heavily on custom branding to differentiate themselves in the market.
Despite this, Customcat remains a strong contender in the print-on-demand industry. This is because of its efficient production times. It is a suitable choice for businesses looking to offer different products in the modern world.
8. AutoDS
AutoDS stands out as a comprehensive all-in-one dropshipping platform. Their motto is to simplify the e-commerce landscape for newcomers and experienced merchants alike. It allows users to source products, manage inventory, and effectively monitor pricing and stock levels.
What makes AutoDS particularly appealing is its ability to automate many time-consuming aspects of running a dropshipping business. You can now focus more on sales and less on backend operations.
AutoDS offers a broad spectrum of products. They are working with a diverse range of suppliers. They help customers diversify their offerings and test different markets without needing multiple vendor relationships.
This versatility is enhanced by the platform’s ability to integrate seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and others, facilitating a smoother workflow and providing a centralized dashboard for managing your business.
AutoDS’s commitment to support and continuous platform enhancements reflects its exceptional dedication to empowering e-commerce businesses.
One of AutoDS’s standout features is its product sourcing service. If you come across a product you wish to sell or need to match a customer’s specific request, you can send a picture or link to AutoDS, and their team will source this product for you. This service is invaluable for enhancing product catalogs and responding quickly to market trends or customer demands.
AutoDS offers a 14-day trial for just $1. You can explore the features and benefits of the platform during this period. There are three paid plans available after the end of trial periods. Each of these plans is designed to cater to varying scales of operation. These plans are for small startups and more established businesses looking to expand their reach. This pricing structure ensures that companies can grow without switching platforms.
9. SPOD
SPOD is highly regarded not just for its operational efficiency but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Recognized as an eco-friendly company, SPOD integrates water-saving techniques and vegan inks into its production processes, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.
Their commitment extends to packaging, opting for plastic-free solutions to further reduce environmental impact. SPOD offers a variety of printing options, including:
- Direct-to-garment
- Digital Direct
- Thermo sublimation
- Laser transfer
- Flex/flock printing
What sets SPOD apart is its swift production time, their average time is 48 hours. However, delivery times can vary based on several factors, such as destination and shipping method.
For businesses who want a personalized touch, SPOD offers a customization tool that allows customers to add their designs or choose from over 50,000 free designs. This feature enhances the customer experience by providing unique and personalized products.
Additionally, SPOD supports new customers with a 20% discount on sample orders, making it easier for businesses to test products before committing to larger quantities.
10. Gelato
Gelato operates the world’s largest print-on-demand network with over 130 production partners across 32 countries. This extensive network enables Gelato to produce locally. This place is for you if you are looking for an affordable option.
Their approach significantly reduces emissions, waste, and shipping costs. This local production approach supports environmental sustainability and allows much faster delivery to customers. Everything combined helps to enhance customer satisfaction.
Gelato’s production and shipping times vary depending on the product type and destination, which can be conveniently checked on its shipping and delivery information page. This transparency helps businesses plan and communicate delivery times to customers effectively.
Gelato uses sustainable materials across its product range. They are committed to eco-friendly practices.
Gelato offers an attractive quantity discount policy for bulk purchases. It can significantly lower the cost per unit. They provide a flexible pricing model, including one free and three paid plans.
11. RedBubble
RedBubble stands out in the print-on-demand market as a vibrant marketplace for independent artists to showcase and sell their creative work. RedBubble allows artists to upload designs and sell them printed on various products, including t-shirts. This is a kind of modern approach.
This model is particularly appealing to creatives who wish to focus solely on design without the burden of managing inventory, production, or shipping.
Artists on RedBubble can set their profit margins. They can decide how much they earn from each sale. This flexibility allows artists to control their earnings potential based on their pricing strategies.
However, it is essential to note that RedBubble does take a percentage of each sale to cover the costs associated with production and fulfillment. This means that while artists have significant control over product design and pricing, they rely on RedBubble’s third-parties to fulfill orders. This is a problem as it leads to potential quality issues and delayed deliveries.
RedBubble relies on the third-parties to fulfill orders, the dependency on third-party fulfillment partners means that the turnaround and shipping times can vary. This aspect could lead to potential inconsistencies in product quality and delivery experiences. You need to consider these points while talking to customers.
RedBubble’s platform is less suited for traditional online store operators. It prioritizes the individuality of artists and their creative expressions.
It is the best platform for artists who want to reach a global audience without the complexities of running an e-commerce business. RedBubble offers a solution that supports their creative endeavors.
How to Start a T-shirt Dropshipping Business
Everyone wants to own a business to earn some extra cash. Some want to have a business as their full-time source of income. People have ambitions but do not know how to start a business. For such individuals, we brought the compressive guide.
A t-shirt dropshipping business is an exciting venture for entrepreneurs. This business model can be highly profitable if you make informed choices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch your t-shirt dropshipping business. So, let’s get started.
Step 1 – Identify Your Niche
The first step in launching a successful t-shirt dropshipping business is identifying a niche that resonates with specific consumer groups. Your niche should reflect a combination of your interests and market demands, targeting specific hobbies, lifestyles, or fashion trends.
You can tailor your marketing strategies more effectively and differentiate your products from competitors if you have a proper and well-defined niche.
You need to take care of the following:
- Research current trends
- Analyze what top-selling t-shirts are doing right
- Define your target group
This could be anything from pop culture and sports to eco-friendly products or local designs. All you need to do is to make informed decisions. You also need to calculate every move for optimal results.
Step 2 – Choose A Reliable Supplier – EPROLO
The second step is to find a reliable supplier. A good supplier is vital to the success of your business. They will create and ship your products directly to your customers. EPROLO distinguishes itself in the dropshipping arena, especially for those tapping into the TikTok and Amazon marketplace, by offering a host of advantages.
It would help if you considered EPROLO as your dropshipping supplier:
- Product Collection: EPROLO has a wide range of t-shirts that align with your niche and quality expectations, and updates products regularly. Besides, EPROLO also offers a print-on-demand service, allowing you to turn your ideas into real products.
- Print Quality: EPROLO also provides high-quality printing. It impacts customer satisfaction and repeat business. You can ask EPROLO for samples before starting a business with them.
- Shipping and Delivery: Look for suppliers who offer reasonable shipping times and reliable delivery services. The average shipping time of EPROLO is 7-15 days, and this timeframe ensures customer satisfaction.
- Product Pricing: EPROLO offers competitive pricing, which allows you to get more customers. You will be able to compete with other brands in the market.
- Customer Support: Good supplier support is vital for resolving issues quickly, from order mistakes to after-sales service.
- Customization Options: EPROLO provides branding options, including custom labels, hangtags, packing bags, and so on. These are crucial if you want to offer personalized or unique products that stand out.
- Return and Exchange Policy: Understand the supplier’s policies on returns and exchanges. You can have EPROLO’s return service if you meet their return requirements.
Step 3 – Set Up Your Store and Connect to EPROLO
Once you have your products and suppliers lined up, the next critical step is to set up your online store. Choosing the right selling channel is crucial. You can sell on your website, built with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
You can also utilize popular marketplaces such as RedBubble or Amazon. Each channel has its benefits.
When setting up your store:
- Design a user-friendly website that reflects your brand identity.
- Ensure your website is optimized for search engines to increase visibility.
- Set up categories and filters.
- Make it easy for customers to browse your products.
Connect your store to EPROLO. Then, it can be seamlessly integrated with most e-commerce platforms. This connection enables you to automate the inventory management and order fulfillment process.
EPROLO will handle the printing, packing, and shipping orders directly to your customers, making it a crucial step in streamlining your business operations.
Step 4 – Import Products to Your Store
The next step is to import their products into your online store. Use the tools provided by your e-commerce platform (like Shopify or WooCommerce) to integrate your supplier’s catalog.
Customize product descriptions to match your brand’s voice and SEO strategies to improve visibility online. High-quality images and detailed product information can significantly enhance customer experience and help reduce returns due to unmet expectations.
Upload products in a way that makes it easy for customers to navigate and find what they’re looking for. Categorize items appropriately and use tags to help potential buyers find related products.
You should regularly update your inventory to reflect changes in stock levels and new items and remove discontinued products.
Step 5 – Market Your Store
The last step is marketing. It is essential for your survival as well as gaining more customers. It is also necessary to drive traffic to your store and convert visitors into customers.
You need to develop a marketing strategy that includes:
Social Media Marketing
Social Media Marketing promotes products or services through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It is a powerful way to engage with a large audience and develop your business. This way also helps you to build brand awareness. You can use creative content, influencer partnerships, and interactive campaigns to attract and retain customers on these platforms.
Content Marketing
Content Marketing is one of the fundamental and widely known market strategies. It focuses on creating valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly-defined audience. This strategy is often used to increase brand awareness and keep your business top-of-mind when people are ready to buy. You can use blogs, videos, podcasts, and infographics for this marketing strategy.
Email Marketing
Email Marketing involves emails to customers. Effective email marketing converts prospects into customers. It helps to convert a one-time buyer into a loyal one. This strategy is used to educate and inform the audience about products or services.
Paid Advertising
Paid Advertising is the brand paying for ad placements to target specific audiences. Common platforms include Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and traditional media like television and radio. This strategy can quickly generate traffic and leads and provides results for better performance.
Step 6 – Order Fulfillment
Last but not least, the final step is to fulfill your orders. It is a critical component of your dropshipping business. Dropshipping business allows you to fulfill the order without inventory. In this step, we’ll take EPROLO as an example to see how dropshipping suppliers fulfill orders.
Here’s how EPROLO fulfills orders:
- Order Placement: When a customer places an order on your online store, the order details are automatically sent to EPROLO.
- Order Processing: EPROLO then processes the order. They handle the inventory, so there is no need for you to hold any physical stock.
- Quality Check: EPROLO also conducts a quality inspection Before shipping. It helps to maintain the quality. This step is crucial to maintain customer satisfaction and reduce returns.
- Shipping: Once the order passes the quality check and is packaged, EPROLO ships the order directly to your customer.
- Tracking and Support: After the order is dispatched, EPROLO provides tracking information that you can share with your customers.
This automated fulfillment process not only saves you a significant amount of time but is also crucial for customer satisfaction. You need to ensure they receive their orders promptly and in good condition.
T-shirt Dropshipping: Conclusion
Starting a t-shirt dropshipping business presents an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs aiming to enter the e-commerce world with minimal upfront costs.
You need to partner with reliable suppliers and effectively set up and market your online store. It will also help you to build a profitable business model.
The automated order fulfillment system, like the one provided by EPROLO, simplifies operations, allowing you to focus on customer engagement and business growth.
Your t-shirt dropshipping business can thrive if you use sound and tested strategies.
T-shirt Dropshipping: FAQs
1. Is dropshipping t-shirts profitable?
Yes, dropshipping t-shirts can be quite profitable. If you target a specific niche and effectively market your brand, you can earn millions in profit. The key is maintaining high-quality products and customer service to encourage repeat business.
2. Is it legal to dropship t-shirts?
Yes, dropshipping t-shirts is legal. However, you should ensure you comply with all local laws and regulations.
3. Is it hard to sell t-shirts online?
Selling t-shirts online can be competitive but is relatively easy. Success depends on niche and quality products. However, you should not neglect the importance of marketing. The more effort you put into marketing, the more business you will generate!
4. What is the best company for dropshipping t-shirts?
The best company can vary based on your specific needs. However, EPROLO is a leading dropshipping company that provides all kinds of products with over 26 global warehouses. It’s a good choice for your business. It will lessen your burdens.
5. Can I dropship t-shirts without any design experience?
Yes, you can start dropshipping t-shirts without design experience. You can use templates provided by suppliers or hire designers to design custom designs. Many platforms also offer user-friendly design tools to simplify the process.
