That depends on your local laws. In many countries, you’ll need a business or retail license to operate legally, especially if you collect sales tax from customers.

Before launching your t-shirt business, check your local and national requirements for business registration, tax collection, and compliance. It's better to sort the paperwork early than face penalties later.

A good t-shirt design will:

• Match your market niche
• Resonate with your target audience
• Comply with our DTG print file guidelines
• Be true to your brand and what you stand for
  
  

Check out our t-shirt ideas for inspiration.

How do I market my t-shirt business?
Spread the word about your shop by growing an online community. Engage with your audience by:

• Sharing your business mission and values
• Showing the behind-the-scenes of running your store
• Encouraging them to share their reviews and tag you in their posts
• Hosting giveaways
• Offering exclusive deals and coupons
  
  

Visit our blog to find more marketing know-how.

It depends on your approach. With Printful’s print-on-demand model, you can avoid upfront inventory costs and only pay for what you sell. Your main investments may include setting up an online store on an ecommerce platform, running paid ads, and hiring help with branding or design (if needed).

If you're serious about scaling, build a clear business plan to track your expenses, margins, and growth goals.

Start with solid market research. Understand your target audience, niche trends, and the competition. Build your brand – business logo, visual identity, brand voice. Then, focus on choosing the right printing technique – whether direct-to-garment for detailed designs or all-over-print for bold, full-coverage styles.

Select quality blank custom t-shirts, define your brand voice, and prep your store setup and marketing strategy before launching.

Use Printful and print-on-demand to avoid upfront costs. You can create your designs, set up a free store on a supported ecommerce platform or marketplace, and promote your products on social media.

Focus on organic traffic first, then reinvest profits into paid ads. No inventory, no bulk orders – just smart marketing and a killer product lineup.