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How to Start a Clothing Brand (and Make 7 Figures a Year)

February 13, 2024

How to Start a Clothing Brand (and Make 7 Figures a Year)

Have you ever wondered how to start a clothing brand? Starting a clothing line business only requires a little investment and some technical skills. You can start a clothing business and make a great living. We’ll show you how.

Read our guide from start to finish or click any of the links below to jump straight to the section you need to know about right now.

Case Study: Portland Gear

Marcus Harvey turned his love for Portland, Oregon, into a hometown clothing brand called Portland Gear. He started screen printing in college to make some extra money but stopped to take on his first job.

On Thanksgiving of 2014, he designed two shirts, posted them on Instagram, and sold $5K worth on the first day. Six years later, Portland Gear is making over $100K a month.

Marcus took the time to explain how to start a clothing brand. He gave us a ton of great advice about how to start your own clothing brand that we’ll include while providing a step-by-step guide to start a clothing brand.

How to Start a Clothing Brand

Man sitting in a boutique holding two shirts hung on hangers

Starting a clothing brand is part art and part business. You’ll want to follow this 11-step process to start a clothing line.

  1. Learn design skills.
  2. Create a clothing brand business plan.
  3. Pay attention to fashion trends.
  4. Create a brand identity.
  5. Market your brand.
  6. Source materials.
  7. Develop your collection.
  8. Package and distribute your collection.
  9. Promote your collection.
  10. Sell your clothing brand.
  11. Keep growing your clothing brand.

Get ready to learn how to make your own clothing brand.

Learn Design Skills

You don’t have to attend school to succeed in the fashion business. You can learn almost everything you need to about fashion brands online. While you can start a clothing brand without a formal education, many people find they benefit from the structured learning environment that comes with enrolling in some official courses.

Attending live in-person courses comes with access to networking opportunities, insights from an experienced fashion designer, and specialized resources and tools.

Educational institutions around the country and the world provide fashion design and small business programs that teach their students how to start successful clothing lines. Renowned schools like Parsons in New York and Central Saint Martins in the UK are globally recognized for their exceptional fashion education.

For those with more determination than resources or time, there are online courses from successful clothing line professionals including Marc Jacobs’ MasterClass and Maker’s Row Academy.

You can even use Udemy for accessible and flexible learning opportunities.

A clothing brand business owner may need skills in the following:

  • Design
  • Technology
  • Production and printing
  • Business

Let’s dig deeper into each of these to see how they impact a clothing brand.

Clothing Design Skills

Every fashion brand needs a designer. This is the person who takes the idea and makes it a reality.

A fashion designer will typically include several steps in the design process. The steps to design your own clothing brand include:

  1. Draw design using paper or digital software, like Tailornova.
  2. Have a pattern maker cut the patterns for the design.
  3. Build a prototype.
  4. Make alterations.
  5. Create a tech pack (design specifications you give to a clothing manufacturer).
  6. Source the materials and begin manufacturing.

This process is called product development and is used consistently in the fashion business. Managing product development is one of the keys to a successful clothing company. Without a controlled design and development process, a company may fail or tarnish its brand identity.

I’m not going to go into all the details of each as these are highly technical fields, but there are a ton of great resources on how to design clothes. Here are some useful resources to consider:

Pro Tip: I have a client who is in the process of starting their own clothing brand and have personally used Printful to help clients meet their print-on-demand needs. Their software helps you with all steps involved in creating clothing designs, making it easier to start building your fashion brand company and selling your designs to potential customers through an online store.

Technology

The next skill you need to develop is familiarity with the technology aspect of the industry. Paying a developer to help start your eCommerce store can be expensive. I’ve seen people spend $25K and not get what they want. It’s important to understand the technology aspect before you start.

Technology that will need to be used includes:

Decisions around what tech you’ll use are crucial when trying to figure out how to start a clothing brand because the costs are much lower to run an eCommerce store with production from a print-on-demand company that handles the printing and shipping of the items you design than sourcing our own designs from a manufacturer.

Most tech companies offer free or low-cost tutorials on how to use their software. Make sure to use them. They were built to help you make the most of their offerings.

Production and Printing Skills

Screen printing with orange ink on a white t-shirt

Your clothing business will need production, which can be done through a manufacturing partner, or you can print your own t-shirts and other apparel products. If you are going to take on the production, you’ll need to learn how to use the different types of machines.

Some techniques you might need to learn include:

The best way to learn these techniques is hands-on, which means purchasing your own machines or finding a manufacturing partner who will teach you. I’d like to remind you that drop-shipping companies reduce much of this workload. Once you’ve built the business up, learning to do it can save you some money, but production costs quickly increase the upfront costs to start a clothing brand.

Business Skills

Business skills encompass a wide range of essential tasks including accounting, pricing, shipping, and managing inventory. To educate yourself on all of these would require a lifetime of learning. We’ve provided a list of useful resources for leveling up your fashion business skills.

Pro Tip: You can also use YouTube videos to learn almost anything these days.

Create a Clothing Brand Business Plan

Designer sitting in her office space

Starting a clothing brand has many of the same considerations as any new small business, including establishing how much money you’ll need, when to get financing, and planning for legal, financial, marketing, production, and distribution of the clothing—all of which we recommend including in your business plan.

Marcus told us,

We started by setting up at Portland events in our old Volkswagen van and expanded from there.

Meanwhile, the owner of Urbanity started his successful clothing boutique by writing a 100-page business plan and getting a small business loan at 22.

Fashion Brand Business Models

The most important consideration when you start a clothing brand is how you’ll produce your clothes brand. These are the main ways that designer brands produce their clothing:

  1. Hand-produced clothing: You can create your entire clothing line by hand. This is usually something that designers will do when they are designing prototypes or one-off pieces. It’s time-consuming and only suitable for extremely small batches, but great for creating the first piece of custom-tailored clothing.
  2. Bulk manufacturing: Bulk manufacturing is a necessity if you are selling your clothing in major retailers. Minimum order quantities apply for bulk orders. The equipment is costly, so you’ll likely work with a manufacturing partner. This is one of the least costly per item but highest upfront cost business models for clothing production.
  3. Print-on-demand: You can avoid handmaking many products and having to manage inventory with print-on-demand. You won’t get as good of deals as you will with bulk manufacturing (and may have less design control and fewer options), but you’ll be able to produce more pieces than you would by handmaking products. Production doesn’t start until the product is ordered.
  4. Dropshipping: With dropshipping, you don’t have to worry about managing inventory or printing. You simply list the item on your website and when someone places an order, it is sent directly from the manufacturer to the customer.

Now that you know different clothing brand business models, let’s discuss how much creating a clothing brand costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Clothing Brand?

Pay Attention to Fashion Trends

The Modest Man history of plaid article on a laptop

If you’re wondering how to start your own brand of clothing, you need to pay attention to trends in the fashion industry. At the same time, you have to maintain a consistent brand identity.

Understanding the seasonal and annual trends in clothing design will help you stay relevant. Depending on the time it takes to create a line, manufacture it, and promote it, you may need to think one to three seasons ahead to stay on track with seasonal changes. There are tools to help you predict trends, too.

Alternatively, you can try to find evergreen designs that people are always buying, like plaid, which can be traced back to as far as the eighth century B.C.

Next, we’ll discuss how to create a clothing brand identity.

Create a Brand Identity

Making a clothing brand is more than a logo and your name. It’s about something bigger than a collection of clothing items. It’s about your values, how you’ll make lives better, your standards, your lifestyle, the colors, fonts, and fabrics you use, and more.

Once you’ve defined what makes your clothing brand unique, create a brand guide that will help you make decisions as you launch and grow the brand.

Pro Tip: Need some inspiration as you make clothing brand decisions? Check out our handpicked boutique name ideas for 2024.

Clothing Brand Name Ideas

Your business name is often the first thing your target market will see. It will communicate what the brand is all about and you’ll use it to make your logo, too. There are a ton of ways to name a clothing business. Some fashion designers use names that:

  • Pay Homage to the Founder: Think Ralph Lauren or Louis Vuitton.
  • Describe Clothing Items: CryptoLids creates hats for crypto and web3 communities.
  • Show a Passion: Portland Gear celebrates the culture of Portland in its fashion line.

Your business name should be one that makes it easy to convey your brand story. Unless you’re already an established brand, you’ll want every advantage you can get when communicating with your target audience.

Try out our clothing brand name generator to find inspiration. Once you find a clothing brand name you like, just click on it to find out if the domain name is available. Learn more about naming a clothing brand.

Financial Management

A crucial portion of successfully starting a fashion business is managing its financial aspects. Marcus emphasized the benefits of starting small:

You get quantity discounts the more of the same item you buy, so it’s better to start small than have 100 different products.

He typically aims for a 65% margin on the apparel.

You may need some extra funds to start your clothing brand. To find banks that work with small businesses, use this resource.

Let’s look at some tricks you can use to help your clothing brand become profitable.

Get a Business Bank Account

Almost every bank offers business checking and savings accounts. Which one will work best for you depends on how you do business.

If all business is by card and you don’t need a branch nearby, online banks typically pay better interest, but going with the big players like Chase or Wells Fargo means you get a ton of support. Here are some of the most highly recommended business banking accounts:

  • Chase Business Complete Banking – Great new account bonuses.
  • U.S. Bank Silver Banking Checking – Excellent for use with eCommerce and PayPal transactions because you can send weekly deposits to avoid some of their fees.
  • Axos Interest Checking – My personal favorite! Offers higher interest payments for lower balances. I love that they hook up the little guy!
  • Wells Fargo – I was with Wells Fargo for the better part of 15 years, but when I had some problems a few years back, it caused me a real headache because the nearest branch was two hours away and I couldn’t handle it by phone. Despite that, they normally have great customer service and seem to have gotten past all that.

Pro Tip: Investopedia gives a more thorough review of each of these accounts. Ultimately, the interest offered by online banks tends to be significant and the absence of a bank building won’t be a problem unless you need to deposit cash.

Payment Processors

The last time I took the time to review payment processors, they all seem to be basically the same unless you are doing hundreds of thousands of transactions. That being said, there are some new players on the market due to the changes in the financial markets brought on by cryptocurrency. The primary players in this field are:

  1. PayPal – We all know the company and use it frequently, but if you’ve never used it for business, be careful. They show a ton of love for customers, but not as much toward businesses. When I started my first business, they thought we were making money too quickly and placed a 30-day hold on withdrawals. It was a pain. Once I got past that, it’s all good. They offer third-party financing, too.
  2. Square and Cashapp – Square has a ton of useful features and is constantly expanding its ecosystem. It’s a reasonable competitor to PayPal. I recommend you consider offering both.
  3. Authorize.Net – Visa-owned payment gateway. If you go through a bank for your payment processor, this is typically who they use. The banks tend to charge a higher fee than going directly to them.
  4. Crypto.Com – Lower fees than traditional processors, but still hasn’t perfected the UI or UX experience. If you work with a bunch of cryptocurrency holders, you might want to have it available. I’ve personally added my own on my site. This may be the future of tech, but it’s still in its infancy.

Budget, Budget, Budget!

Hand holding a fan of hundred dollar bills in the foreground and clothing retail space in the background

A budget is the most important tool you can use in business. Without it, your clothing brand might not make it through the first few years.

Marcus encourages you to “know your margins, reinvest in your business, and grow responsibly.”

Consider Your Many Funding Options

Starting a clothing brand doesn’t cost a fortune. The initial investment in owning a clothing brand can be less than $1,000.

Marcus suggests beginners use:

  • Shopify
  • A print-on-demand company
  • A social media marketing budget of less than $500 a month

Common funding paths include:

  • Personal funds
  • Loans from family or friends
  • Business partner(s)
  • Government programs

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free courses on funding programs. For info on using personal funds to start a business, check out this article from The Hartford.

Alternative sources of funding include:

Click on the link to find a list of the best offerings in each group.

Develop a Pricing Structure

How you price your clothing brand will impact how people view it. If your prices are too high, they’ll go elsewhere. Too low, and you’ll lose money. Based on the rules of thumb presented by Marcus in his interview,

Use a 65% markup, or half that if wholesale. T-shirts are typically $28, hats $35, and hoodies just under $70.

Pricing Communicates Value

Shops will often sell their products or services for a lower price to bring in new customers. Be careful doing this. If you sell your clothing for a discount and they tell others, you might have to sell more clothing for the same price. People love a good deal! Just make sure it is sustainable for your clothing brand, or the “expiration date” is clear.

Marcus told us,

You can go buy bargain basement t-shirts for $10, but I’m selling a brand, not clothing. I feel like $25 is really where people have to think about buying a t-shirt. If they have to think about buying it, they are more likely to wear it.

Increase Prices Every Year

Inflation occurs every year. To keep your business running, raise your prices 5% per year. It gives you room to increase wages and to make some extra money. Makes sense, right?

Sales Taxes

All but five states and some cities (or counties) require sales tax. You can find a guide on applying for sales tax on TaxJar. After you register to pay sales taxes, you will need to keep track of the sales to pay them according to state laws.

Pro Tip: I highly recommend speaking with an accountant who specializes in taxes to help you comply with your business’s unique needs.

Insurance

NOLO state unemployment agencies webpage on a laptop

You’ll need some insurance depending on what kind of a business you are running. For example, you’ll need unemployment insurance and workers compensation if you have employees.

You may also want a general liability policy and cybersecurity insurance to protect against unforeseen events that could cause your clothing brand business substantial losses.

  • Unemployment Insurance: Unemployment insurance (UI) protects employees from entirely losing income when they lose their jobs. It is paid for on both the federal and state level. The federal unemployment insurance is driven by a 6% tax on the first $7,000 of each employee’s income, a total of $420 per year per employee. Your state taxes can reduce the federal portion down to $42 per year per employee, but each state has different requirements. You can find a full list of agencies that deal with UI on nolo.com.
  • Workers Compensation: Workers compensation is for when people are injured on the job. There are both federal and state requirements, which you can review on this Department of Labor webpage. The policies protect against excessive costs when an employee is injured through acceptable business practices.
  • General Liability Policy: A general liability policy is not required, but it is highly advised if people other than employees will be at your physical location. It protects against lawsuits and other occurrences that may occur. Contact an insurance agent to get a quote.
  • Cybersecurity Insurance: Cybersecurity insurance will protect your clothing brand against online store hacks. Given the average data breach is millions of dollars, this is highly recommended if participating in any kind of eCommerce.

Market Your Brand

You’re ready to start a clothing brand. You have clothes to sell, but no clients! How are you going to let people know about your clothing items?

Marketing is crucial for clothing businesses.

From a marketing standpoint, Marcus uses several strategies that he would suggest.

  • Only sell what you love. Owning a business is hard work. If you don’t believe in it, it will wear you out.
  • Be active within your community. Do popup shops where your target market is.
  • Keep your advertising budget low—typically less than $500 a month.
  • Have certain dates when you have sales and be prepared for them.
  • Invest in photography!

Marketing

Concept of a designer in her workspace with social media and eCommerce icons including Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, and Google hovering over her laptop

Marketing is about going where your target audience is to help them become aware of your clothing brand and turning awareness into purchasing. Marketing can be done both online and through other channels.

You’ll need to be familiar with the largest three places where you can reach your clothing brand’s customers:

Each of these has a ton of resources to educate people on how to reach your target market with their products for businesses. Make sure to familiarize yourself with them; otherwise, you’ll be operating in the dark and wasting a lot of money.

Pro Tip: Portland Gear only spends about $500 a month on advertising because they already had a built-in following from their Portland Instagram page. They also use a super cool 1973 VW Westfalia to do pop-up shops around Portland, which we’ll discuss in a bit…

Source Materials

When you start a clothing company, how you source materials for your fashion brand will create different challenges based on the business model you choose.

With a print-on-demand model, you’ll be constrained by the materials and manufacturing capabilities of each of the providers. Meanwhile, with handmade clothing and limited runs, you probably want to focus on ordering materials from online stores located in the U.S. or local craft shops where you can see and feel the materials before you buy them.

When your business model involves creating larger batches, it gets far more complicated because the materials have shipping costs that are incurred when they are shipped to the clothing manufacturer facility, then the manufactured product has to be shipped to you (or your clients). Every time you have shipping during the manufacturing process, there is a potential for the business model to experience additional costs in the form of tariffs and mileage charges.

True Story: I knew a clothing business owner who ordered a single roll of fabric from China as an expedited order. The shipping ended up costing almost 20 times the fabric cost and guaranteed that the batch he was designing would be a loss. It was a tough mistake to make, especially before the company made any revenue. Sign up for our UpFlip Mentorship program to get advice and avoid costly mistakes.

Curate a Small Clothing Line

Starting a clothing brand is a lot of work.

I reached out to the friend of mine who owns Cryptolids.com, which has helped 26 web3 companies launch their clothing business this year. He told us:

I spend about 40 to 60 hours on a full store build including all front end and back end creation as well as mocking up merch for up to 50 t-shirts, hats, and other products.

He does this every day, so he is super fast at designing a t-shirt or hat design and adding it to an online store. My takeaway: Expect to spend at least two to three hours per product until you get used to all the design work for your own clothing brand.

Custom designs that don’t use standardized t-shirts and hats could take even longer. Project Runway contestants, for example, normally spend one to two days creating each piece on the reality TV show, while a discussion about fashion industry design times reflects varying inputs and revealed that:

This whole process takes about 4 months. 4 weeks for research and sourcing. 4 weeks for cutting and toiles. 8 weeks for finalising, material creation, accessories et cetera.

Package & Distribute Your Collection

Once you’ve created your own clothing line, you’ll need to decide how to package each clothing item. Like designing clothes, private label packaging contributes to how your clothing brand idea will be received.

If you’re selling in an online store, you might want a box that showcases your brand and offers coupons to encourage customer loyalty, while a retail store in the clothing industry might want paper or plastic bags. Make sure to use recycled materials if you’re trying to be eco-friendly. On the other hand, wholesale clothing suppliers might go for a plain box with a packing slip inside.

Promote Your Collection

Woman with long brown hair standing in a boutique with a bullhorn

There are a number of ways to promote your collection when starting a clothing brand.

  • Consignment
  • Wholesale
  • Create an Online Store
  • Retail Locations

We’ll discuss how each of these can help you turn your clothing company into a successful fashion brand.

Consignment

Many retailers allow a new business to sell their products in their retail store if you offer consignment. Unfortunately, consignment means you have to provide your clothing line to the retailer and only get paid when they sell the item.

When you start a clothing brand, consignment makes it easier to get your entire clothing line into a store. This business model can be really beneficial in the fashion world because of the risk-free nature to the retailer.

Wholesale

When you wholesale your clothing brand, retailers will buy your clothing designs in bulk. Retailers normally won’t want to do this when you start a clothing brand because it’s more costly. Start with consignment and work your way up to wholesaling.

Pro Tip: When you’re approaching a store, make a point to be respectful of their time. A good sales strategy for clothing brands is to provide a card or catalog and ask to schedule a meeting in the future to give the business owner or manager time to review what you do and prepare for a conversation.

Create an Online Store

Your clothing business needs to be capable of working as an online business idea before you launch your own online store. Your business plan should also include information about handling shipping and fulfillment. You’ll need to consider aspects like online customer service, the impact on your production model or clothing manufacturer, and your packaging.

As long as you know how your clothing line will handle these things, your existing clothing brand can use your website as online marketing and a way to sell your products directly to customers. That means you’ll be able to get the full retail price for your clothing brand without having to share the profits with other retailers or eCommerce platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay.

There are plenty of web builders that you can explore if you’re wondering how to start a clothing brand online. When you are choosing which ones to use you’ll want to consider which web templates work best for your style of ecommerce and which will convey your brand messaging best. Learn how to build a website here.

Pro Tip: I personally prefer Shopify. You can start with a free clothing brand template like Boundless. You might also want an app that makes it easier for people to understand how your clothing line fits. You can use other online marketplaces directly from Shopify, too, which can magnify your clothing brand results.

Important Website Pages

Some of the most important web pages for the fashion industry include your home page, collections, product pages, about page, contact page, and FAQ. Make sure to use your brand guide when creating these pages to keep your website in line with your clothing line branding.

Great Photos

A clothing line benefits tremendously from great pictures. Have you ever seen a picture of a product and then when you receive it, the color is completely different? Your target customers probably won’t be happy, which means they might return the product. They might even tell potential customers not to buy from you. 

Finding a professional photographer who captures true-to-color lifestyle images with clothing brand models can really convey a brand image better than using stock photos or cell phone pictures. It may seem costly, but it can pay off over the long run.

Marketing

Every business model struggles to market its services until it cracks the code of what works for them, but some strategies work if you take the time to get good at them. Some of the marketing strategies you should consider for your clothing brand include:

  • Content marketing: Sharing photos, optimized video, and blog posts helps drive traffic to your brand.
  • Email marketing: Start building an email list as soon as you start working on your clothing business. You can share updates about working on the collection to help people get excited about the clothing line and do giveaways to incentivize emails.
  • Lend clothing: Beauty businesses use clothes during photo shoots and will pin your clothing brand when they share the pics if they use your clothes.
  • Influencer marketing: Working with TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram influencers can help get your clothing line in front of lots of people.
  • Loyalty program: Reward loyal customers and encourage them to refer potential customers.
  • Collaborations: Find other brands with similar values to collaborate with for crossbranding opportunities.
  • Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your high-performing website pages with SEO to increase traffic to your fashion brand store.
  • Social media advertising: Use paid ads, promoted posts, and organic content.

Sell Your Clothing Brand

Clothing brands can be sold through a variety of sales channels. Some of the most common for a new business include:

  • Online marketplaces
  • Your own retail store
  • Other retailers
  • Popup shops
  • Partner brands

Online Marketplaces

Selling clothes can be done through various sites. The top places to list your clothing brand include:

Pro Tip: Shopify connects to most of these sales channels easily, which makes it so clothing companies can sell their wear on multiple sites at once. Make sure to look at the percentage of sales that each one takes to make sure you set the retail price of your clothing line to cover any commissions that they collect.

Your Own Retail Store

Creating clothing brand stores is a great way to make your brand more accessible, but it is expensive. You should probably assume you’ll need at least $100,000 to open a clothing store, and there are a lot of considerations.

Marcus told us,

One of the things we’ve done to keep the symmetry of the business is we keep the warehouse, office, and store real close together so everyone can be on the same page.

Marcus discussed his experiences with opening his first shop in the interview about how to make a clothing brand below.

YouTube player

To find spaces to rent in your area, contact a local commercial real estate agent. You can search for them by your area here.

Other Retail Stores

As we discussed earlier, there are a few ways to get your fashion brand into other clothing stores, including consignment and wholesaling. Consignment pays when the clothing is sold, while wholesaling pays before the clothing is sold or on a Net-30, net-60 or Net-90 schedule.

Popup Shops

Popup shops are fun marketing tools to meet your customers where they gather. These are great for brand identity because they help associate the business with another place people already like.

Common places where popup shops are allowed include:

  • Music festivals
  • Art shows
  • Flea markets
  • Sporting events
  • Coffee shops

You’ll have to talk to the owner or manager of the location you have your eye on to get their permission and sort out details, but most are normally agreeable if you meet their conditions. Your municipality may also have laws governing pop-up shops.

With popup shops, spaces are typically limited to no more than 10’x10’ or 20’x20’, and the location will normally want to be able to see what your setup will look like beforehand.

Pro Tip: This SBA guide on business laws is a good reference that you can skim now and dig into as sales opportunities unfold.

Partner Brands

Providing your clothing line to partner brands is a great strategy. You can make it even more meaningful by offering combined deals where the customer gets a discount if they buy from both brands together. This can be done both in-store and online.

Keep Growing Your Clothing Business

Man in a clothing shop checking on inventory

As you achieve milestones in your business plan, you’ll want to look for new ways to grow your own brand and provide valuable services for your target audience. You might open another store, take control of the manufacturing process from your existing clothing manufacturer, wholesale clothing, or provide consulting services to other prospective designers.

There are so many ways how to make your own brand of clothing successful. Read on to learn more about common strategies.

Keep Inventory

Carrying inventory is both a blessing and a curse for a fashion startup. You’ll have to pay more to create clothing brand inventory, but the per-unit pricing usually is less than using print-on-demand. That means when you sell your private label products to customers at a higher price point, your cost of goods sold leaves you with more gross profit.

A strictly online store can get away with using print-on-demand or dropshipping, but fashion brands will need at least some materials and clothing items when they sell in person. That means you’ll need product displays, registers, and mannequins.

Marcus started Portland Gear with just two designs and 1,000 shirts, which made it easy to sell out the first day.

Startingaclothingbrand.com offers a list of manufacturers by location and type of clothing. It’s a great place to start when looking for clothing manufacturers.

Take Over From the Manufacturing Facility

You can get used printing machines and product displays at huge discounts if you buy them used. You can find printers and product displays through most on-brand markets, pawnshops, going-out-of-business sales, and other places. Consider buying an existing business with the printers included in the purchase price.

Pro Tip: Learn more about valuing an existing business in our guide to buying businesses.

Taking over manufacturing may cost more upfront, but a business model in which you produce your existing or new clothing brand yourself can increase your margins and mean a successful business that’s that much more in your control. 

Hire Employees

Marcus emphasized the importance of hiring the right people when starting a clothing brand.

You need to hire people that fit the brand story.

A clothing store that’s open to the public might need employees. Depending on your financial position when starting, you can work all the hours yourself or hire right away.

Even if you run a completely online clothing store, you might scale to a point where you need help with fulfilling orders, marketing efforts, sales strategy, and managing social media accounts so you can go from making your new business work to really taking on the fashion world.

Go Start Your Own Clothing Brand

Now that you know how to start a brand of clothing, take the next step. Start your own!

The truth is, all it takes is a great idea, some skills in design, and a good marketing strategy to get started. As Marcus told us:

If you like it, there are other people who will like it. You just have to find them.

Have you started a clothing brand online, consigned your designs, or opened a retail shop? Or do you know someone who has? We’d love to hear about your brand in the comments below!

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If you’re starting a real estate company, you’ll want to think about how you can use your business name to stand out. Consider these steps for naming your real estate company:

  • Brainstorm Keywords: Start by brainstorming relevant keywords related to real estate. Think about words that evoke trust, professionalism, and success. Examples include "home," "property," "reliable," "trust," "key," "nest," etc.
  • Consider Your Niche: If your real estate business specializes in a particular niche, incorporate that into the name. For example, if you focus on luxury properties, use words like "premier," "elite," or "luxe."
  • Be Unique: Make sure your name stands out from the competition. Avoid generic terms that many other real estate businesses might use.
  • Check Availability: Before finalizing a name, check if the domain name and social media handles are available. Consistency across platforms can help with branding.
  • Use Location-Based Names: Incorporating the name of your city or region can help potential clients identify with your business—for example, "Bay Area Dream Homes" or "Atlanta Realty Partners."
  • Consider Alliteration or Rhyme: Alliterative or rhyming names can be catchy and memorable. For example, "Peak Properties" or "Dream Team Realty."
  • Get Feedback: Once you've come up with a few options, get feedback from friends, family, or colleagues. They might offer insights or suggest improvements.
  • Legal Considerations: Ensure the name you choose is not trademarked by another business in the real estate industry. Conduct a thorough search to avoid legal issues down the line.
  • Visualize the Logo: Imagine how your chosen name would look as a logo. A visually appealing logo can enhance brand recognition.
  • Test the Name: Before finalizing, test the name with a focus group or potential clients to gauge their reactions. Make sure it resonates with your target audience.

Remember, a catchy name can help grab attention, but it's the quality of your services and reputation that will ultimately drive success in the real estate industry.

Real Estate Company Names

Real estate company search on a laptop

Real estate services and solutions are a major part of economic activity. Some common types of real estate businesses include:

  • Real estate agents
  • Real estate brokerage firms
  • Construction and development companies
  • Realty companies
  • Real estate investment companies

All of these companies need real estate company names, and we’re here to help you find the real estate name ideas you need.

50 Real Estate Agent Names

Real estate agency names that include words like “realty” and “properties” are evergreen names that are always in style. You want your real estate business name to be memorable but also classic enough that it can live forever.

1. Phoenix Stonebridge
2. Harmony Haven Realty
3. Atlas Brookwood
4. Ember Crestwood
5. Sterling Springs
6. Havenview Properties
7. Summit Skyline Realtors
8. Visionary Vista Homes
9. Evergreen Estates
10. Serene Seabrook Realty
11. Elite Elysian Realty
12. Radiant Ridge Realtors
13. Opal Oakwood Properties
14. Crestview Realty
15. Azure Peak Real Estate
16. Haven Homes
17. Alpine Bluff Realty
18. Magnolia Meadow Estates
19. Stellar Stonegate Properties
20. Horizon Harbor Homes
21. Bayside Breeze Realty
22. Vista Vanguard Realtors
23. Amber Anchor Properties
24. Crestline Clarity Homes
25. Nova Horizon Realty

26. Zenith Estates
27. Infinity Isle Homes
28. Cascade Cove Realty
29. Everlast Estates
30. Crestline Crown Realtors
31. Azure Aura Properties
32. SilverStream Realty
33. Horizon Heights Homes
34. Lumina Legacy Realty
35. Elite Enclave Estates
36. Summit Stonegate Realtors
37. Harborview Homes
38. Acumen Acres Realty
39. Serendipity Springs Realtors
40. Crestview Capital Homes
41. NovaVista Properties
42. Pinnacle Pines Realtors
43. Serene Serendipity Homes
44. Magnolia Monarch Realty
45. Havencrest Properties
46. Horizon Haven Realtors
47. Harmony Homesteads
48. Radiant Ridge Realty
49. Phoenix Peak Realtors
50. Serene Skyline Properties

Pro Tip: When selecting real estate company names, it’s essential to imagine what your realty group will specialize in and who you want to serve. Do you offer ideal property solutions? Are you just a realty firm? Are you property advisors? Think this through before selecting real estate company names.

50 Brokerage Names

Broker sitting across a table from the camera preparing for a meeting with a notepad, calculator, tablet, documents, and keys

The best real estate company names set you up as realty experts, helping people trust you from the start. People want to purchase their dream home and businesses are looking to get a broker network that meets or exceeds their expectations.

1. EquityEdge Partners
2. Blue Horizon Brokerage
3. NovaWave Investments
4. Prosperity Point Brokers
5. Visionary Vantage Partners
6. Apex Avenue Advisors
7. Skyline Securities Group
8. TrueNorth Capital Partners
9. SummitSphere Brokers
10. Legacy Lane Investments
11. Frontier Financial Advisors
12. NextGen Wealth Management
13. Compass Crest Brokers
14. Heritage Harbor Holdings
15. Pinnacle Peak Advisors
16. Evergreen Equity Brokers
17. Infinity Investment Partners
18. Ascendancy Asset Management
19. Liberty Lane Securities
20. Excelerate Investments
21. Phoenix Portfolio Partners
22. Catalyst Capital Advisors
23. StellarEdge Financial
24. Alchemy Asset Brokers
25. Venture Vista Holdings

26. Oakwood Asset Management
27. BrightBridge Investments
28. Matrix Meridian Brokers
29. Prospera Peak Advisors
30. Gold Coast Capital Partners
31. Crystal Clear Investment Group
32. Horizon Harbor Brokers
33. Valor Vista Securities
34. Catalyst Capital Group
35. Keystone Brokers
36. Envision Equity Advisors
37. Crestline Capital Partners
38. Azure Investments
39. Everest Edge Brokers
40. Union Securities
41. Quantum Quest Advisors
42. Frontier Fortress Brokers
43. Summit Financial
44. Terra Nova Capital Partners
45. Legacy Lane Securities
46. Apex Avenue Asset Management
47. Ascendant Advisors
48. Riverstone Wealth Management
49. Beacon Bay Brokers
50. Orion Outreach Investments

Pro Tip: Attracting potential clients is possible with a top-notch realty name. This name will define your social media presence and set you apart in this competitive market.

44 Development Names

Your development company name can get your creative thinking going or it can be as simple as your last name with “development” or “builders” after it.

1. Vertex Vanguard Development
2. Nexus Nova Builders
3. StellarCity Developers
4. Horizon Heights Construction
5. Arcadia Development
6. Quantum Builders
7. TerraTrends Ventures
8. Summit Development
9. Synergy Skyscape Builders
10. Crestline Creations Co.
11. Horizon Harbor Developments
12. Fortuity Fields Builders
13. Paradigm Development
14. Ascendancy Architects
15. Proxima Properties Developers
16. Evolve Era Constructions
17. Vanguard Ventures
18. Quantum Quest Developers
19. FusionForm Builders
20. Equinox Estates Development
21. Vanguard Venture Builders
22. AlphaArc Development

23. Fortitude Foundations
24. EvolveEdge Enterprises
25. Apex Ascent Constructions
26. Genesis Grove Development
27. Stoneybrook Ventures
28. Aurora Axis Builders
29. Nova Nexus Development
30. Momentum Masterminds
31. TerraTrove Developments
32. AspireAvenue Builders
33. Unity Urban Developers
34. Elysian Elements Development
35. Milestone Builders
36. Crestline Craftsmen Co.
37. Vertex Vision Development
38. FusionForm
39. QuantumQuarry Quarters
40. ZenithZone Builders
41. Frontier Fusion Developments
42. Stellar Stone Structures
43. Terra Trends Construction
44. Nexus Nova Ventures

Pro Tip: Real estate company names can be as creative or as simple as you choose. But having your name stand out in potential buyers’, sellers’, and investors’ minds is key. As real estate professionals, you offer property solutions that other real estate agents likely do not. Whether it’s luxury real estate or a traditional real estate company, make your name represent who you are as a company.

60 Realty Company Names

Fishbowl with scraps of orange paper inside and a label that reads "realty company names" taped on the outside

Real estate solutions and property solutions start with an exceptional real estate team. Find ways to ensure your company can offer real property services that other American real estate giants can’t compete with.

1. Element Estate Group
2. Apex Avenue Realty
3. Visionary Vantage Homes
4. Haven House Realtors
5. Altitude Realty Solutions
6. Stellar Stone Properties
7. Aspire Arcadia Realty
8. QuantumQuarry Estates
9. Fair Harbor Homes
10. Vertex Ventures Realty
11. Fortuity Fields Properties
12. Pinnacle Peak Realty
13. Equinox Edge Estates
14. Elite Edge Realty
15. Paradigm Peaks Properties
16. Vanguard Vision Homes
17. Crestline Properties
18. Quantum Quest Realtors
19. Elysian Elements Realty
20. Summit Estates
21. AlphaArc Associates
22. Nova Nexus Realty
23. Genesis Grove Homes
24. Vertex Vanguard Realty
25. Crestline Craftsmen Homes
26. Aurora Axis Estates
27. TerraTrove Realtors
28. Zenith Zone Properties
29. Stellar City Real Estate
30. Momentum Mastermind Homes

31. TerraTrends Realty Group
32. Synergy Skyscape Homes
33. Horizon Heights Properties
34. Frontier Fusion Realty
35. Evolve Era Estates
36. TerraTrend Realty
37. Momentum Milestone Properties
38. Crestline Concepts Homes
39. Fortitude Foundations Realty
40. Ascendancy Architects Realty
41. Proxima Properties Homes
42. Elite Edge Enterprises
43. Crestline Craftsmen Estates
44. Summit Stone Properties
45. Unity Urban Realty
46. Vanguard Venture Homes
47. Nexus Nova Estates
48. FusionForm Realty
49. Terra Trends Homes
50. Apex Ascent Realty
51. Crestline Homes
52. Quantum Quarry Dream Homes
53. Aspire Avenue Realty
54. Aurora Axis Properties
55. Nova Nexus Properties
56. Quantum Quest Homes
57. Paradigm Peaks Realty
58. Vision Estates
59. QuantumQuarry Properties
60. Fortuity Fields Realty

Pro Tip: Your real estate company names list can be narrowed down further by your real estate business’s objectives and goals. Are you a unique real estate company? Does your team consist of real estate gurus? Do you offer rental properties or property management solutions? How will anyone know to come to you for dream properties?

30 Real Estate Investment Business Names

Your top-notch real estate investment group should have a name that will resonate with your target audience. Online tools might help you find a name that stands out, or mix and match from the list below to arrive at something that’s perfect for you and your real estate team.

1. TerraVista Investment Group
2. Summit Edge Capital Partners
3. PrimeFront Investments
4. Vantage Vista Equity
5. Frontier Forge Holdings
6. Apex Aura Ventures
7. Prodigy Peak Capital
8. Quantum Axis Investments
9. Vertex Vista Holdings
10. StellarScape Capital
11. Crestwave Asset Management
12. Lumina Lane Investments
13. TerraTide Equity Group
14. Summit Vista Ventures
15. Vision-Quest Real Estate Partners

16. TerraNova Wealth Advisors
17. Zenith Sphere Capital
18. Vanguard Valley Investments
19. Aura Axis Holdings
20. Terra Crest Investment Co.
21. Horizon Haven Ventures
22. Alpha-Terra Equity Partners
23. Quantum Real Estate Holdings
24. Crestline Ascent Investments
25. Aspire Acre Capital
26. Acumen Arc Real Estate Partners
27. Terra Epic Ventures
28. Genesis Grove Equity
29. Proxima Pinnacle Investments
30. Nova Frontier Capital

Pro Tip: Real estate business names can be singular or have multiple words. Use terms that define who you are and resonate with your potential clients.

30 More Names For A Real Estate Company

1. Heavenly Real Estate Services
2. Nova Horizon Holdings
3. Corners Real Estate Future
4. Platinum Real Estate
5. Colossal Abodes
6. Holton Wise Property Group
7. Star Line Realtors
8. Ember Crest Holdings
9. La Playa Properties LLC
10. Nautilus Real Property Advisors
11. Bright Brokers
12. Champion Nests
13. Mountain Group
14. Acorn Partners
15. NovaNest Holdings

16. Prestige Properties LLC
17. Horizon Harbor Holdings
18. Dream Home Agent
19. Metroplex Realty Firm
20. Cobblestone Realty Partners
21. Best Pool Apartments
22. Trophy Group
23. High Castle Properties
24. Johnston Realtors
25. Azure Arc Estates
26. Summit Stone Group
27. Serene Scape Assets
28. Ember Elite Holdings
29. Portico Elite Estates
30. Radiant Ridge Group

14 Real Estate Investment Company Names

1. CrestArc Real Estate Group
2. Terra Tonic Investments
3. Zenith Zone Equity
4. MomentumArc Holdings
5. Vanguard Vista Ventures
6. Alpha Edge Investment Group
7. Summit Real Estate

8. Prodigy Peaks Equity
9. HorizonAxis Holdings
10. Stellar Haven Capital
11. Crestline Edge Investments
12. Terra Spectrum Equity
13. VistaForge Holdings
14. Quantum Vantage Partners

How do you brand your name in real estate?

Branding brainstorming session with laptop, tablet, coffee, printed reports, and a miniature wooden house on an outdoor table

There are plenty of ways to create a real estate brand using your real estate name. You’ll want to start by considering what real estate services you offer. Some common types of real estate solutions include:

Realty group: A realty group will be a real estate team working together to provide real estate services selling homes or commercial properties.

Property management: Property managers don’t normally own the real estate they manage, but provide real estate solutions like property maintenance, tenant screening, and collecting payments.

Property advisors: Property advisors guide their clients through real estate decision making and transaction processes, lending their expertise in real estate markets, property values, investing, legal and regulatory compliance, and beyond.

Pro Tip: If you’re considering using your own first or last name in a realty group name or otherwise, try mixing and matching it with other terms that will help customers know what services you’ll offer. For example, Andel-White & McDonald Real Estate is a Five-Star Real Estate Agent-awarded three-person Laura McCarthy team that operates in the Greater St. Louis area.

What are some good real estate company names?

Well, good real estate company names make for great real estate companies. Picking one sets you up for success! As the business owner, you’ll have a team of real estate advisors fixed on helping people find their dream homes, and your company name is the thing you’ll all lead with in every interaction.

1. CrestPeak Realty
2. HavenHue Properties
3. VistaVision Estates
4. Radiant Rise Realty
5. Serene Sky Properties
6. Azure Arc Realty
7. HorizonHive Homes
8. Elite Edge Estates
9. Nova Nest Properties
10. Crestline Key Realty
11. Evergreen Axis Estates
12. Harmony Haven Homes
13. Alpine Apex Properties
14. Visionary Vista Realty
15. Haven-Quest Estates
16. Azure Clara Properties
17. Sterling Stone Realty
18. Pinnacle Pines Homes
19. Stone & Sterling Properties
20. Serene Scape Realty
21. Radiant Ridge Estates
22. Horizon Harbor Properties
23. Crestline Realty
24. Lumina Legacy Estates
25. Elite Enclave Realty
26. CrestPeak Homes
27. Horizon Heights Estates
28. Opal Properties
29. Acumen Acreage Realty
30. Crest & Bayside Homes
31. Everest Estates
32. Serendipity Springs Realty
33. Nova Horizon Homes
34. Summit Skyline Properties
35. Azure Peak Realty
36. Bayside Breeze Estates
37. Rolling Ridge Realty

38. Pillar Properties
39. Serene Serenity Estates
40. Harmony Homesteads Realty
41. Harborview Haven Homes
42. Embercrest Realty
43. CrestlineClarity Homes
44. HarmonyHue Realty
45. PhoenixPeak Estates
46. Crestview Capital Realty
47. Magnolia Meadow Properties
48. Alpine Apex Realty
49. Oakwood & Pines Realty
50. Serendipity Springs Homes
51. Horizon Heights Realty
52. Havenmoore Properties
53. Everling Estates
54. Azure Aura Realty
55. Summit Stone Homes
56. Haven Hue Properties
57. Stellar Stone Realty
58. Alpine Acres Realty
59. Radiant Ridge Properties
60. Crestline Crown Estates
61. Nova Nest Realty
62. VisionaryVista Homes
63. Harmony Hue Properties
64. Arc Estates
65. Embercrest Properties
66. Elite Enclave Homes
67. Serene Sky Realty
68. CrestPeak Properties
69. Vista Vision Homes
70. Nova Vista Realty
71. Haven Quest Homes
72. Summit Skyline Realty
73. Harborview Haven Properties
74. Evergreen Axis Realty

Pro Tip: You want your real estate company name to be unique. Think through all the possible name options including partner names, real estate agency names, property solutions names, luxury real estate names, and so on.

What should I name my real estate holding company?

You might also consider real estate business name ideas using the concept of a holding company. A holding company is basically a company that holds other companies, which helps create multiple layers of protection because each of the properties can be a separate LLC held by the holding company.

Considering a holding company? Consider these real estate company name ideas:

1. Haven Horizon Holdings
2. Crestline Capital Assets
3. Visionary Vanguard Estates
4. Azure Apex Holdings
5. Summit Spectrum Properties
6. Nova Nexus Acquisitions
7. Harmony Haven Holdings
8. Crestview Capital Group
9. Sterling Stone Assets
10. Serene Skyline Holdings
11. Radiant Ridge Investments
12. Pinion Estates
13. Acumen Acres Holdings
14. Horizon Heights Holdings
15. Lumina Legacy Group
16. Crest Peak Holdings
17. Everlast Estates Holdings
18. Azure Arc Assets
19. NovaVista Holdings
20. Stellar Stone Capital
21. ZenithZone Estates
22. Alpine Apex Holdings
23. Pinnacle Pines Group
24. Harborview Haven Holdings
25. Summit Stone Assets
26. Emberstone Holdings
27. Visionary Vista Holdings
28. Serene Scape Estates
29. Crestline Holdings
30. NovaNest Investments
31. Azure Aura Holdings
32. Upridge Group
33. Serene Serendipity Holdings
34. Crestview Capital Estates
35. Harmony Hue Holdings

36. Azure Peak Assets
37. Evergreen Axis Holdings
38. Summit Skyline Group
39. Crestline Clarity Holdings
40. Nova Horizon Assets
41. Hearthsong Holdings
42. Enclave Estates
43. Ember Crest Investments
44. ZenithZone Holdings
45. Haven Quest Holdings
46. Summit Spectrum Holdings
47. Harborview Haven Assets
48. Stellar Stone Holdings
49. Crestline Crown Group
50. Arc-Central Estates
51. Summit Stone Holdings
52. Nova Vista Assets
53. Visionary Vanguard Holdings
54. Harmony Hue Investments
55. Claridge Estates
56. Crest Peak Group
57. Eugene Estate Holdings
58. Alpine Apex Investments
59. Zenith Zone Holdings
60. Pinnacle Pines Holdings
61. Crestview Capital Holdings
62. Serene Homes Group
63. Azure Peak Estates
64. Evergreen Axis Investments
65. Now Skyline Holdings
66. Ember Crest Group
67. Nova Nest Holdings
68. Harborview Haven Investments
69. Visionary Vista Assets
70. Tres Clarity Holdings

Pro Tip: The purpose of a real estate holding company is to protect your personal assets while owning real estate investments. You’ll need multiple property names to distinguish each of the properties from each other. This strategy has higher costs but protects owners with multiple real estate holdings.

How To Get A Real Estate License

Developer presenting on the real estate licensing process

You’ll need to take some steps to register a real estate business. The most common process will look something like the list below:

1. Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
a. Be at least 18 years old
b. Have a high school diploma or equivalent
c. Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident

2. Take the Required Courses:
a. Complete 75 hours of approved real estate courses
b. Courses typically cover topics such as real estate law, finance, and contracts

3. Pass the Real Estate Exam:
a. Register for the exam through your state's real estate commission
b. Study for the exam using approved materials

4. Complete the Application Process:
a. Submit your application to your state's real estate commission
b. Include the required fees and documentation

5. Activate Your License:
a. Once your application is approved, you will receive your real estate license
b. Activate your license by paying the required fees and completing any additional requirements

6. Join a Real Estate Broker:
a. Find a real estate brokerage to work with
b. The brokerage will provide you with training and support

Real Estate Business Resources

Want to learn more about real estate businesses and what they do? Check out our real estate resources:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaU6uY9Yy7XmMNgloZnqRi1iZ4HiAfFSj&si=_Hhh6q2rad1wnZGr

Check out our podcast interview with Emma Powell to learn how she approaches real estate investment.

Conclusion

Selecting the right name for your real estate company is a crucial step toward establishing a strong brand identity and attracting clients in a competitive market.

Real estate company names should reflect professionalism, trustworthiness, and the unique value proposition of your business. Whether you're a realtor, property manager, or investor, a catchy and memorable name can help differentiate your brand and leave a lasting impression on potential clients.

Throughout this blog, we've explored various aspects of choosing a real estate company name, including brainstorming keywords, considering your niche, checking availability, using location-based names, and seeking feedback.

We've also provided extensive lists of example names for different types of real estate businesses, from real estate agents to investment firms, brokerage companies to development groups.

Remember, while a catchy name is important, it's just one piece of the puzzle.

Ultimately, the quality of your services, your reputation, and your ability to meet the needs of your clients will determine your success in the real estate industry.

So, take the time to carefully consider your options, choose a name that resonates with your target audience, and then focus on delivering exceptional results to build a thriving real estate business.

Did we help you find a real estate company name?

Business ideas

21 Best Mobile Business Ideas (for 2024)

Some people love being on the go, experiencing new places, and networking. The best mobile business ideas all require traveling. 

Want to know the best part? Every mobile business idea on this list has the potential to make you rich! Find out how number 13 on our list made a 19-year-old a millionaire.

We discuss the characteristics of a mobile business and different types of mobile business ideas, then give you examples of different types of mobile businesses. 

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

Click on any of the links below to jump straight to the mobile business idea that looks good to you.

What is a Mobile Business?

There are a couple of things that people can mean when they talk about a mobile business model. It can mean either:

  • A portable business that doesn’t have a fixed location, either because it goes to customers’ homes or because it operates out of a truck, cart, or other vehicle
  • A business enabled by wireless technology like a smartphone app or Bluetooth connection, also known as an m-business

Many businesses fit both of these definitions, while other mobile businesses are just one or the other. What all mobile business ideas have in common, though, is that they don’t rely on a traditional brick-and-mortar storefront to connect with customers. 

Types of Mobile Businesses

Even beyond the two broad categories of mobile businesses above, there are many different forms this type of venture can take. Some of the most common include:

  • In-home mobile service business - These mobile businesses travel to a customer’s home to provide a service. Examples include house cleaning, interior designers, private chefs, pet sitting, or other businesses that serve customers in their own homes.
  • Business truck - Running out of a truck or cart is an obvious way to turn a business mobile. This is the best option when the business requires equipment that’s otherwise not easily portable, like a food truck or mobile pet groomer. 
  • Pop-up business - These businesses interact with customers face-to-face outside their homes in a temporary location, like a short-term stay in a commercial space or a booth at a market, fair, or festival. 
  • App-based business - These can be businesses that customers engage with only online, like an SaaS company or a mobile company that allows customers to book a service through an app, such as a shuttle or delivery service business. 

Whatever type of business you open, mobile businesses offer a lot of benefits. They often have a lower initial investment, for one thing, since you don’t need to worry about a commercial space. It’s also very convenient for customers to have a business come to them and lets small business owners go where their customers are rather than needing to attract customers to a specific location. 

Wondering how to start a mobile business? Check out the options on this mobile business ideas list to learn about some of the best mobile businesses to start.

Top 2 Most Profitable Mobile Business Ideas

#1. Mobile Car Detailing

Average Annual Revenue: $73,100
Average Profit Margins: 16.1%
Startup Costs: $500-$5K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
Best for: Car lovers and experts, detail-oriented entrepreneurs with customer service skills

A mobile car wash or detailing business hits the sweet spot for many aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s affordable to start, doesn’t require special licensing or experience, and is a convenient way to offer customers an in-demand service. 

If you want to offer even more value to customers (and diversify the revenue streams in your business plan), you can offer other vehicle services, like a mobile oil change business or on-site car wrapping. 

You can also make substantial revenue from just offering mobile detailing services. GoDetail was started with $500 and now makes more than $900,000 in revenue, with 60% margins. Hear how Alan Tursunbaev started his mobile business in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riTWH_MG6Uc"]

#2. Vending Machine Business 

Average Annual Revenue: $182,100
Average Profit Margins: 4.3%
Startup Costs: $2K-$10K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5%
Best for: People with strong networking and sales skills, system-oriented entrepreneurs who like driving, those looking for flexibility and passive income potential

Vending machines are almost like money printers—as long as you have the right machines in the right locations. Adam Hill, who makes over $58K a month in vending machine revenue, says a single machine can earn upward of $2,000 a month. Now imagine having two, three, four of those.

The best part is you can operate your vending machine business from virtually anywhere. All you need is enough space to store your snacks, drinks, or whatever else you’re selling. Intrigued?

We were, too! We pestered Adam until he agreed to spill the beans and take us behind the scenes of his vending machine empire. The best part? UpFlip readers get free access to his vending masterclass.

You can also hear his insights in this video interview: 

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_Y-O1nosw"]

9 Mobile Service Business Ideas

#3. Mobile Pet Grooming Services

Average Annual Revenue: $73,533
Average Profit Margins: 11.5%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
Best for: Dog lovers and experts, salon and grooming professionals, empathetic and detail-oriented entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills

There are millions of pet owners in the United States, and that number grew substantially during the pandemic. That’s part of what’s grown the pet grooming industry to more than $5.3 billion in 2021, and it’s projected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.09% through 2030. 

A mobile pet grooming business is a unique and convenient way to tap into this fast-growing niche market. It gives busy pet owners an easier way to take care of their animals on their own schedule. Any time you can make customers’ lives easier, you’re on your way to running a successful business. 

There are a few ways to start a mobile pet grooming business. One option is to buy a business truck where you groom the animals. You can also schedule time in an apartment building common area or other communal space close to your customers, which can be one way to save money on the initial investment if you’re starting with a tight budget. 

#4. Cell Phone and Electronics Repair

Average Annual Revenue: $560,320
Average Profit Margins: 5.7%
Startup Cost: $500-$5K
Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.4%
Best for: Electronics experts, DIY makers and fixers, repair pros, and system-oriented entrepreneurs with a sharp eye for detail

People today rely on their electronic devices more than ever before—and have more of them. This has driven steady growth in the electronics repair and maintenance industry, a sector that’s expected to more than double in value over the next 10 years. 

Operating as a mobile business is an excellent way to stand out in this niche. Instead of customers needing to take their broken phone or device to a shop, you go to them and either fix the device on-site or pick it up and bring it back when it’s repaired.

Joe’s is a device repair service that was started with about $45 and grew to seven figures of revenue in less than five years. Part of this growth was driven by offering mobile repair services in addition to in-store services. Find out how Joe Pilat grew his business in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqce8NAZWYw"]

Another way to grow your repair business revenue is by offering other electronics-oriented services. For example, you could provide mobile tech support for businesses with remote workers, or buy broken electronics then repair and flip them for a profit. 

#5. Mobile Bike Repair Services

Average Annual Revenue: $726,530
Average Profit Margins: 4.5%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.2%
Best for: Mechanics, avid cyclists, hands-on and mechanically minded entrepreneurs

Between rising fuel costs and growing interest in sustainable living, bikes have seen a resurgence in popularity. While cars are still the most common form of transportation, 11% of U.S. commuters biked to work in 2023, roughly double the figures from 2019, and that doesn’t include the millions of people who ride a bike for fun. 

Those figures put a bike repair service among the most profitable mobile business ideas to start today. Bike repair equipment and spare parts are portable enough to offer mobile bike services using a personal vehicle if you don’t have the budget to invest in a truck. 

#6. Airport Shuttle Service

Average Annual Revenue: $1,522,430
Average Profit Margins: 6.9%
Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
Best for: Skilled drivers with strong organization and time management skills

The air travel industry is back in full swing, and that presents an opportunity for prospective mobile business owners: getting people to and from the airport. 

Even people who normally drive or take public transportation often seek out a designated shuttle service for trips to the airport. For longer trips, it’s often cheaper to pay for a shuttle than for parking, while luggage can be a hassle on subways or buses.

The main expense to start an airport shuttle service is the vehicle you’ll use. If you’re just buying one, it’s often best to invest in a passenger van that will accommodate multiple travelers with their luggage. A solo entrepreneur can start off with a single van then reinvest their profits into more vehicles as they grow their mobile business.

#7. Cleaning Business

Average Annual Revenue: $74,880
Average Profit Margins: 6.7%
Startup Costs: $1K-$30K
Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2% 
Best for: Detail-oriented and organized entrepreneurs, neat freaks, people who like working with their hands

The demand for cleaning services has skyrocketed in recent years. Between Airbnb and Vrbo creating an enduring need for rental-specific cleaning services and people’s heightened requirements for hygiene and cleanliness brought on by the pandemic, the industry is on track to be worth more than $10 billion by 2026 (seriously!).

Cleaning services have transitioned from a luxury to a need, and that shift is allowing cleaning business owners to achieve six- and seven-figure earnings quickly. Our friend Chris Mondragon, for example, is pulling in over $125K a month from his cleaning business, Queen Bee Cleaning.

If you’re after a mobile business idea, this is definitely one to look into as you won’t need an office, just enough space to store your cleaning supplies. In collaboration with Chris, we created a free cleaning business masterclass that takes you from A to Z and covers everything you need to get started. Gain free access here.

Chris also talks about starting Queen Bee Cleaning in the YouTube video below:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcYIYdqegGA"]

#8. Clothes Cleaning Services

Average Annual Revenue: $311,220
Average Profit Margins: 22.1%
Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
Annual Market Growth Rate: -0.1%
Best for: System- and detail-focused entrepreneurs

If you’re looking for mobile business ideas with a low barrier to entry, a laundry or dry cleaning service can be a great option. Individuals aren’t the only customers who will appreciate the convenience of pickup and drop-off laundry. You can also find customers in other local businesses that use towels and linens, like restaurants and Airbnbs. 

The cost to start a mobile laundry service can be as low as $2,000 or as high as $35,000 or more, depending on the size of your business and the services you offer. If you have the budget, investing in one or more commercial washers and dryers will allow you to clean more clothes faster, though you can start off using your home equipment or even a public laundromat if you’re starting on a shoestring. 

#9. Delivery Services

Average Annual Revenue: $131K
Average Profit Margins: 3.6%
Startup Costs: $100-$9.5K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
Best for: Organized and system-driven entrepreneurs with strong communication and customer service skills

Online shopping exploded during the pandemic, and while the eCommerce share of the retail sector has cooled from its 2020 peak, consumers still appreciate the convenience of at-home delivery. 

Starting a mobile business in delivery services isn’t just a way to capitalize on this trend, but it also lets you help other local businesses get their products to customers. That was Adam Haber’s goal when he started Trellus, and in less than two years they’ve made more than 35,000 deliveries for their more than 300 merchant partners. Hear how he built his company in this podcast:

There are also lots of unique mobile business niches that you can focus on as a delivery company. Some of the most in-demand options include: 

  • Becoming a personal shopper 
  • Grocery delivery business
  • Courier service for packages and important documents
  • Print delivery service
  • Newspaper or magazine delivery

#10. Party Bus Business

Average Annual Revenue: $689,656
Average Profit Margins: 8.8%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.7%
Best for: Outgoing and social entrepreneurs, people with event planning and party planning experience

Do you like to party? Why not take that on the road? Starting a party bus is a unique mobile business idea with the potential to be very profitable. The average party bus rental costs about $700 for a four-hour trip, and you can grow that revenue even further if you have multiple buses people can rent. 

You can have a lot of fun getting creative with a party bus business. If you live in a city with an active nightlife, you can offer bar crawls or brewery tours as part of the package. You can also change up the decorations to offer theme parties, or partner with other local businesses like wineries or distilleries for mobile tastings. 

#11. Mobile Yoga Business

Average Annual Revenue: $243,063
Average Profit Margins: 7.2%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
Best for: Yogis, fitness instructors, physical fitness trainers

Yoga and Pilates are popular forms of exercise for many Americans. Tech companies, music festivals, and affluent people all have yogis come out to their sites to help people stay in shape in a manner that helps build self-control and confidence without straining the body too hard.

The average studio makes $143K per year, according to IBIS World Report OD4185.

6 Mobile Truck Business Ideas

#12. Mobile Coffee Business

Average Annual Revenue: $865,800
Average Profit Margins: 5.8%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
Best for: Baristas, customer service pros, morning people, coffee lovers with strong time management and communication skills

A good portion of the population starts every day with coffee, so why not start a business that brings their favorite beverage right to them? Like a food truck, a coffee truck or coffee cart is much cheaper and easier to start than a brick-and-mortar cafe and can be a great small mobile business on its own or as a gateway to starting your own permanent space.

The main expense to start a mobile coffee business is the truck itself. You can save money by instead starting with a coffee trailer, which you can get for as little as $10,000 if you buy one used.

#13. Truck Delivery Service

Average Annual Revenue: $131K
Average Profit Margins: 3.6%
Startup Costs: $100-$9.5K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
Best for: Commercial drivers, people with strength and stamina who like physical work

We mentioned delivery services as a business idea earlier, but doing it with a full truck expands your options and is enough of an industry on its own to warrant a separate section. 

A trucking service can be either local or nationwide, depending on the scope and size of your business. Having a large truck lets you haul heavy, large objects that most people can’t move on their own—things like heavy machinery, appliances, or furniture. 

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to start a trucking business, either. Mikael Sant started Sant Lines when he was just 19 and brought in $150,000 in revenue in his first three months. Hear how he got started in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8TnsjDRXUE"]

#14. Mobile Billboard Trucks

Average Annual Revenue: $697,840
Average Profit Margins: 13.5%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: -7.3%
Best for: People with sales and marketing skills, proficient networkers, advertising professionals

Cars are still the most popular way to get around in the United States. People spend a lot of their time on the road. This is what makes billboard trucks a great mobile business idea, giving other local businesses a new way to get their brand in front of customers.

Outdoor advertising, like mobile billboard trucks, has seen an 11% increase over the past five years, and that trend shows no signs of stopping. The best part is you can combine a billboard business with another mobile business idea, like a delivery service, to get even more revenue out of every trip your drivers take.

#15. Mobile Hair Salon Truck

Average Annual Revenue: $51,380
Average Profit Margins: 5%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9%
Best for: Beauticians, barbers, hair stylists, style and fashion experts

If you love cutting and styling hair, starting your own mobile salon can be an excellent mobile business idea. Running your business out of a truck lets you use the same chairs, sinks, and other equipment you would in a brick-and-mortar while also giving you the flexibility to go to customers where they are. 

A mobile salon can also operate in a range of niches. For example, you can specialize in doing hair for special events, like proms or weddings. 

Now, unlike many of the mobile business ideas on this list, you do need a cosmetology license to legally operate a mobile salon. Make sure to research the licensing requirements for your state when you’re writing your salon’s business plan.

#16. Mobile Farmers Market Truck

Average Annual Revenue: $112,644
Average Profit Margins: 3.4%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
Best for: People with strong networking skills, entrepreneurs passionate about sustainability and farm-to-table food

Turning a truck into a mobile farmers market lets you bring people fresh vegetables, fruit, and meats straight from the farm, and that’s a win-win. You can support local farmers, help people eat healthier, and grow your own business, all at the same time. 

The first step to starting a mobile farmers market is to connect with the local farms that will provide your inventory. While you’re writing your business plan, decide if you’ll buy their products wholesale or sell their products on a commission basis.

#17. Mobile Clothing Boutique

Average Annual Revenue: $141,492
Average Profit Margins: 5.3%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5%
Best for: Fashion designers, stylists, people with retail experience, business acumen, and communication skills

The eCommerce fashion industry is booming, especially resale and secondhand apparel, a sector that grew by 24% just in 2022. The main downside of online fashion stores is that customers can’t feel the clothes or try them on before they buy. 

Mobile boutique stores are the best of both worlds. Customers can get up close to the clothes and make sure they fit, just like in a brick-and-mortar retail boutique store. At the same time, operating as a mobile business means you don’t have to rent or buy a storefront in a high-traffic area to connect with buyers. 

The first thing to decide when you’re writing your business plan is whether you’ll focus on new or second-hand clothes. You can also make your items available for people who can’t get to your truck by pairing your mobile boutique offerings with an eCommerce storefront. 

Mobile Businesses for Corporate Events

#18. Food Truck Business

Average Annual Revenue: $41,040
Average Profit Margins: 6.4%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 3+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
Best for: Chefs, bakers, cooks, and others with restaurant industry experience, foodies with customer service skills

Like catering, food trucks are a more affordable way to start your own business in the restaurant industry. While a new food truck can cost $100,000 or more, you can find used trucks for half that price or less or start with a food cart if that’s still outside your budget. 

Kyle Gourlie started his food truck, the Vet Chef, in 2016, and within a year was already one of the most popular trucks in Western Washington. Learn how he grew his food truck business in this interview: 

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCnE13BaQlk"]

#19. Mobile Photography Services

Average Annual Revenue: $50K
Average Profit Margins: 7.3%
Startup Costs: $1K-$10K
Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.3%
Best for: Photographers, videographers, and visual artists who are excellent communicators

A photography business is a natural fit for a mobile business model because most of the things people want to have photographed don’t happen in a studio. Running a mobile business lets you keep costs low while meeting your customers where they need you. 

Like other options on this list, there are a lot of niches you can focus on in this industry. The event photography business has rebounded from its 2020-21 slump, and taking photos for weddings and corporate events can be a highly lucrative business in 2024. 

Another way to differentiate your photography business is to offer drone photography services that let you take sweeping panoramas and overhead shots. This opens up potential clients like real estate agents who need full shots of properties they’re listing. 

Mile High Productions turned their expertise with drone photography into a $35,000-a-month business. You can hear how they started and grew in this YouTube interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUcv1HAAbns"]

#20. Catering Services

Average Annual Revenue: $124,410
Average Profit Margins: 5.5%
Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
Best for: Cooks, chefs, and foodies with strong communication and customer service skills

When people need to feed the attendees at corporate events or special events like a wedding, a catering service is the go-to way to do it. It’s also one of the most affordable ways to start your own business in the food industry. The average initial investment for a catering business is $30,000—not chump change, by any means, but much lower than the 6- or 7-figure investment to start a brick-and-mortar restaurant. 

A mobile catering business can take a few forms. Many mobile caterers rent commercial kitchen space to prepare the food. Others may use on-site kitchens in event spaces or at customers’ homes, or use mobile kitchens similar to food trucks.

The right option for you will depend on your startup budget, the type of food you make, and the kinds of events you plan to cater. These are all questions to ask yourself as you’re writing the business plan for your new mobile food business. 

#21. Event Planning

Average Annual Revenue: $34,380
Average Profit Margins: 12.2%
Startup Costs: $500-$5K
Time To Revenue: 3 months
Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
Best for: Strong networkers, great party planners, outgoing and social entrepreneurs

Event planning is a great mobile business. An event planner can organize music events, corporate events, sporting events, weddings, and other parties. The largest segment of the industry is corporate events. Make sure you have connections with other professionals in the corporate events sector if you are going to plan events, as you’ll be responsible for hiring them.

Hit the Road and Make Some Money

Now that you have some mobile business ideas, it’s time to take one of them and turn it into a career. Check out our business hub or courses for more in-depth walkthroughs on how to start a mobile business.

Which mobile business idea sounds best for you?

Business ideas

The 11 Best Print-on-Demand Companies of 2024

Are you planning to start your own online store? One of the easiest ways to fulfill your orders is by working with one of the best print-on-demand companies.

We’ve talked to numerous small business owners in the clothing industry, and they all agree that on-demand T-shirt printing is the easiest way to start an online business. So we reviewed the best print-on-demand companies for you to work with, whether you’re printing T-shirts, mugs, or something else.

We’ll explore the features of the top print-on-demand companies of 2024, discuss the importance of quality and shipping times, and explain how to start a small business using a print-on-demand model.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]Learn how to start your own successful print-on-demand business with this step-by-step guide. Click on any of the links below to jump straight to that section.

What is print-on-demand?

Custom UpFlip t-shirt on a press

Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model that provides custom designs without carrying inventory. This has caused an upsurge of POD services suited to various interests and customer demands.

A suitable print partner will offer plenty of products, including T-shirts, wall art, phone cases, and more. Manufacturing happens within several days at a reasonable rate, even when the products are personalized to customers. That means it’s ideal for starting an online store!

How does print-on-demand work?

Print-on-demand is a technology that allows businesses to create unique and attractive designs for their products without the need for inventory management. This process involves third-party companies, which handle printing and shipping.

It’s essential to select an appropriate print-on-demand provider, as it impacts product quality, shipping times, fees charged, and customization options.

Providers also offer eCommerce platform integrations that help improve profits while reducing upfront costs. This can allow sellers to offer goods at competitive prices.

Top 11 print-on-demand companies

Concept of miniature storefronts representing merch by Amazon, gooten, JetPrint, and other POD companies

To help you decide which print-on-demand solution your business should use, we have compiled a list of the top print-on-demand companies in 2024. These include:

  1. Merch by Amazon
  2. Printful
  3. Printify
  4. Gooten
  5. SPOD
  6. TPop
  7. JetPrint
  8. Teelaunch
  9. CustomCat
  10. Gelato
  11. Apliiq

The following sections will outline the features of each print-on-demand platform so you can select the best partner for your business needs. Once you’re done reading the following sections, you’ll be prepared to make an informed decision about which company you want to work with.

Merch by Amazon

Merch by Amazon is an exclusive POD platform with generous royalties, fast delivery services, and access to Amazon’s large user base.

It gives sellers a unique advantage in the print-on-demand sector by providing swift shipping and allowing sellers to adjust profits and set their margins. The site allows people to design prints for clothing but has limited branding choices (e.g., no branded packaging or product labels).

Merch by Amazon requires acceptance into the program, and many get denied for Amazon print-on-demand.

Printful

Printful is renowned for its customization possibilities, connections to well-known eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, and its extensive selection of items. Companies can personalize their product offerings with custom labels, uniquely designed packaging, and personalized packing slips.

By integrating 17 different eCommerce outlets and five online marketplaces into one system, Printful presents a hassle-free solution for enterprises aiming to broaden their market share.

Printify

Printify home page on a laptop

Printify is one of the highest-rated print-on-demand solutions available for businesses of all sizes.

Thanks to its network reaching over 200 global printing partners, Printify offers a wide selection of custom-designed products—such as apparel, homeware, and accessories—at competitive prices.

This extensive catalog also includes integrations with leading eCommerce platforms. Keep in mind that Printify does not manage labels or pack-ins itself, nor can you store goods there. You might need to test each Printify supplier before outsourcing to them; otherwise, quality control and customer service could be an issue.

Gooten

Gooten provides a vast selection of customizable goods, fast turnaround times for manufacturing and shipping, and rewards through its loyalty program.

Its fulfillment network links up more than 30 producers in 70+ international locations, which allows businesses to have prints generated swiftly and received promptly by customers.

Although Gooten offers many product options and customization possibilities, the print quality of prototypes may not match those provided by other print-on-demand companies.

SPOD

SPOD is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable POD service, competitive prices, and white-label items. More than 90% of orders are fulfilled in 48 hours or less.

Businesses that desire control over shipping rules for upselling and cross-marketing may lean toward SPOD. Unfortunately, the company has fewer print-on-demand products than other POD companies on the list.

TPop

TPop homepage on a desktop computer

TPop is a European POD provider that specializes in environmentally friendly items and practices, custom designs, and sustainable delivery services.

Its broad range of customization allows you to add pockets or patches to clothing and design the inner linings of hoodies. You might want to choose this print-on-demand service if you are an eco-friendly brand.

Learn more about TPop.

JetPrint

JetPrint offers a comprehensive selection of distinct print-on-demand products like shoes, watches, and jewelry. Plus they have stunning product images and free or express delivery options. With these features, JetPrint allows businesses to build striking visuals and stand out in the print-on-demand marketplace.

Production times may extend from three up to five days, which could affect customer satisfaction levels if you do not adequately disclose the print-on-demand terms in your own store.

teelaunch

Teelaunch is an attractive option for those looking to bring luxury products to their customers. The teelaunch mockup tool produces professional images. Plus their list of goods may enhance your brand and customer loyalty.

Features include an artist bio, follow button, profile pictures, headers, and product personalization.

Like other print-on-demand companies, teelaunch production times range from three to six business days.

CustomCat

Screenshot of CustomCat homepage in background with a young man wearing an UpFlip logo custom printed tee in the foreground

CustomCat offers customers an expansive selection of over 550 print-on-demand products, competitive price plans, and a straightforward design tool to create engaging designs.

Businesses that use CustomCat benefit from product variety as well as an affordable paid plan. But some POD companies provide more customization options than CustomCat currently has available.

Gelato

Gelato is a well-known print-on-demand company with an array of impressive features. It has 100+ partners across over 200 countries for speedy production and delivery. Meanwhile, its cost-effective local printing options are attractive to customers.

Gelato’s mobile application allows for easy ordering while its tracking capabilities provide updates on shipment progress. Basic analytics offer insight into performance.

Unfortunately, the downside lies in the variable quality, which may undermine customer satisfaction levels. This could be improved upon moving forward.

Apliiq

Businesses can create unique, high-quality custom products with Apliiq. These include digital printing, screen printing for bulk orders, plus cut and sew, appliqué, and embroidery services. This gives entrepreneurs a competitive edge.

Unfortunately, other print-on-demand companies have lower prices than Apliiq.

Choosing the right print-on-demand company

Casually dressed man looking over documents with a magnifying glass and miniature model storefronts stacked up on the table he’s sitting at

Now that you’ve gained an understanding of the top POD companies, it’s time to pick one suitable for your business. Consider criteria such as:

  • Product quality
  • Shipping times
  • Fees
  • Pricing schemes
  • Customization options
  • Platform integrations

A reliable partnership between your business and a print-on-demand company will help cultivate customer satisfaction and improve profit margins (since you won’t have the upfront costs associated with carrying inventory).

Picking out the right POD supplier can make all the difference. Choosing the right customization solutions and pricing points can delight your customers and your pocketbook.

Product quality

You should test product quality from potential print-on-demand partners before choosing to go with them. Print-on-demand work can vary dramatically, which affects customer satisfaction, revenue, and profit.

Evaluate samples from different companies to find the print-on-demand partner that meets your quality standards. A great design combined with top-notch direct-to-garment printing results will make all the difference!

Premium custom-printed products will help protect your brand and prepare you for long-term success.

Shipping times

Consider the standard shipping times when you choose which print-on-demand site to use for your online stores.

The time to print and ship can vary dramatically. Using a U.S. factory will be more expensive for each item, but it is far quicker than free global shipping from China.

You’ll also want to pay attention to fulfillment center locations. The shorter the distance between the fulfillment center and the customers, the easier it is to build brand loyalty. Competitive shipping rates can also please potential buyers.

Pricing and fees

The best print-on-demand offerings can last for years, while cheaper products may be destroyed after a couple of washes. To understand where a prospective POD company falls on that scale, check their prices and fees.

Low fees and prices may mean low-quality items, while higher figures often mean better print-on-demand results.

It will take some trial and error to balance quality and affordability, but don’t worry. Everyone goes through that when selecting print-on-demand sites.

Customization options

Screenshot of a decision fatigue study published by Symend

Customization capabilities impact how unique your products are. Search for a POD provider with the specific features you want, including personalization services, product options, and logo branding.

Offering an array of modification choices allows you to create items that consumers feel are more personal. Just don’t go overboard because decision fatigue can cause customers to leave your site.

Platform integrations

Connecting the online store with your POD partner makes life simpler by seamlessly integrating these systems. Then your print-on-demand service can efficiently provide support for multi-channel selling.

Print-on-demand marketplaces

Woman looking at Society6, Zazzle, and Redbubble logos on a tablet

Print-on-demand marketplaces are specifically designed for artists to promote their creations and sell their products in one place. You’ll want to consider:

  • Redbubble
  • Society6
  • Zazzle

Let’s look at each print-on-demand marketplace.

Redbubble

Redbubble is a POD eCommerce platform that prioritizes artists who make custom designs. You can create an online store with lots of products and adjustable pricing. You can also set your own profit margins, which some other platforms do not allow.

Other platforms offer better royalties, so it’s vital that creatives consider the pros and cons before choosing Redbubble.

Society6

Society6 offers many printed art options and an online community for independent artists to collaborate and receive feedback. It allows artists to design, market, and make money from their artwork (such as wall art or apparel) without worrying about manufacturing and fulfillment.

By joining this print-on-demand marketplace, you can focus solely on honing your craft while growing a faithful customer base that will enable you to profit from what you create.

Society6 carries various unique items, like home decorations, which helps put artwork in front of buyers who love it!

Zazzle

A great benefit of using Zazzle is its personalization and associate programs, offering the ability to customize products with designs in addition to selling artwork you made elsewhere.

Despite these advantages, other print-on-demand marketplaces provide more significant royalties than this platform, so it’s essential to consider all options before committing.

How to start a print-on-demand business

Man comparing the quality of two UpFlip t-shirts

Now that you know about different print-on-demand companies and marketplaces, it’s time to discuss starting your own business with a print-on-demand model. You’ll want to follow the steps below to create your brand.

  1. Choose a niche.
  2. Create eye-catching designs.
  3. Set up online stores.
  4. Calculate shipping costs.
  5. Market your products.

Choose a niche

Before you can start a successful business with a print-on-demand model, you’ll need to identify a niche that reflects your passions and interests. It’s easier to generate your own designs when you are interested in the products your target market wants.

You might narrow your target market by:

  1. Their interests: Eco-friendly products might be important to some people, while low-cost products might be more important to other target markets.
  2. Type of product: When you create your own brand, you might want to narrow the types of products you sell. If you split your efforts between wall art, digital products, and print-on-demand T-shirts, you might have a hard time developing authority for each.
  3. Competition: Less competition can be a good thing, but it may also mean that there is no demand for the type of products. If there is high search volume and low competition, you may have found a winner.

Once you’ve chosen your niche, it's time to start designing.

Create designs

You’ll have to create designs using tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or Illustrator. Creating nice-looking, legible graphics may take some time. Most print-on-demand companies provide design guidelines to make it easier to create quality prints.

Quality products can make it easier to improve product sales and grow your business.

Set up your online stores

Concept of a young man business owner looking at a laptop next to a box and rack of clothing with a Shopify screenshot hovering in the background

Once you have your designs ready to go, the next step is setting up your online store. To do this, choose an eCommerce platform such as:

  • Shopify: The print-on-demand or dropshipping business model works particularly well on Shopify because of its built-in marketing tools that help you integrate with Amazon, Facebook, and other major eCommerce platforms.
  • WooCommerce: The WordPress eCommerce solution, WooCommerce, is also an acceptable option for setting up your online store.
  • Etsy: You can use print-on-demand companies with Etsy, but you’ll need to get a production partner and set up estimated delivery dates to make sure customers understand the delivery time frame.

Next, you’ll want to integrate your print-on-demand partner into your eCommerce platform. You’ll sync your products, and they’ll appear in your store. This simplifies inventory management, ordering, payments, and customer service.

You can also construct product listings that show off each of your own designs correctly while providing necessary details, like sizing info, material type, and shipping information.

Calculate shipping costs

Your shipping costs depend on factors including:

  • Products: The size and weight of products impact shipping rates.
  • Customer location: Some print-on-demand or dropshipping companies may charge different rates for different distances from the company.
  • Print-on-demand company location: You may have shipping and fulfillment costs if you choose to store any inventory on site to speed up delivery times.
  • eCommerce site: Many eCommerce sites charge a fee based on the cost of the product plus the shipping. Etsy fees are between 6.5% and 21.5%, which means if you sell T-shirts that cost you $16.50 to make and ship, you won’t even break even until you make $20.05. Make sure to check the break-even point on each site you sell, then price your shipping based on the most expensive platform.
  • Shipping discounts: Many print-on-demand companies offer free shipping depending on the size of the order. When you offer free shipping, you need to include it in your product cost, which would use the same calculation we used in the example above.

Cost-effective shipping can be a selling point, so make sure to spend some time figuring out the best way to handle your shipping costs.

Market your products

Marketing concept showing a hand with megaphone and two envelopes emerging from a laptop screen

Online sales strategies will normally combine social media, paid ads, and email collection to reach new customers and sell products. You’ll want to use strategies like a loyalty program, subscription boxes, email marketing, and remarketing campaigns to encourage repeat business.

Print-on-demand FAQ

Next, we’re going to answer some of the frequently asked questions about print-on-demand sites.

Which print-on-demand companies work with Etsy?

Several companies that specialize in print-on-demand services integrate with Etsy to give their customers an easier way to manage orders, inventory, and customer service.

Gelato, Printful, Printify, and AOP+ are some of the print-on-demand companies that work with Etsy. By using a POD company compatible with Etsy, you can easily keep track of your products without stressing over order fulfillment or timely delivery.

Which print-on-demand companies work with Shopify?

Shopify "print-on-demand" app options loaded on a tablet next to a potted plant and a cup of coffee

There are over 450 Shopify print-on-demand apps. Shopify print-on-demand apps include:

  • Zendrop: 6,322 reviews with a 4.7-star rating
  • Printful: 4,634 reviews with a 4.6-star rating
  • Printify: 1,960 reviews with a 4.4-star rating
  • ShineOn: 769 reviews with a 4.8-star rating
  • SPOD: 709 reviews with a 4.1-star rating

Which print-on-demand companies work with Amazon?

Merch by Amazon is directly integrated with Amazon and allows people to add custom branding to quality products. You have to be approved, though.

For those with their own website, any print-on-demand companies that are integrated with Shopify can also sell products on Amazon through the Shopify integration.

Is print-on-demand profitable?

The print-on-demand industry can be extremely profitable. According to the business research firm IBIS World, the average online store makes about $90K per month.

Logo Unlimited makes $170K per month. Find out how below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJRWc1ZPCpQ

Effective SEO and brand positioning can help entrepreneurs reap potentially lucrative rewards from print-on-demand businesses.

Start using print-on-demand services

The print-on-demand business model is an amazing way to start a business with no money. You should thoroughly research on-demand printing services to find one that meets your standards for product quality, shipping time, pricing, customization options, and platform integrations.

After you’ve decided which of the print-on-demand services best meet your needs, start designing and selling your products. You can get started with print-on-demand companies in a day and start making money fast.

Have you created print-on-demand shirts? What do you think are the best print-on-demand companies?

Business ideas

Comments

Chloe@ 2021-05-05 21:52:51

In Covid-19 situation now the main challenge is how can I gather the capital for my business. As if I collect the capital, but what if I loss in business that time what I'll be done in peradonimic situation.

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