M THE DAILY INSIGHT
// general

Is screen printing shirts profitable?

By Matthew Alvarez

A Simple answer to your question is yes, you can run a screen printing business successfully. Most of the time, people fail to succeed as a screen printer is because of their incompetence in the business side of it. I have run a print-based apparel brand for years and sold thousands of T-shirts around the world.

Is it illegal to print a brand on a shirt?

Trademarks or copyright can protect logos, and both forms of intellectual property protection restrict how others may use the logo. Selling shirts with copyrighted images isn’t impossible, but you should never use someone else’s logos on your T-shirts or other clothing without their explicit permission.

Which is cheaper screen printing or digital printing?

Black and white digital printing is cheaper, but there’s no difference if you decide you want one colour or one hundred. An additional screen is required for each new colour with screen printing which means any additional colours will cost you.

How long does digital printing last?

T-shirts printed with white ink should last up to 20-30 washes before showing any visible signs of fading. This can be extended with care during the washing, by using a gentle wash cycle.

How much profit does a print shop make?

On average, a printing business owner can earn around $100,000 a year. This isn’t guaranteed and there’s no promise of success, but like any business, there’s a chance you can earn this or much more if you play your cards right. Printing businesses or printing shops are places where people can go to print materials.

Is it illegal to print your own Nike shirt?

Legally and technically, yes. If you don’t have a license to produce material based on an intellectual property you don’t own that isn’t in the public domain, you are breaking the law and the owners are entitled to issue a cease and desist and pursue compensation if they choose. (And most will.