In Pakistan, the print-on-demand T-shirt business is rapidly growing. The young generation demands unique and customised design T-shirts. The print-on-demand business model offers significant flexibility, allowing you to start a T-shirt brand without needing a huge investment or inventory.
In this article, you will get to know about everything from Machines like the Heat Press machine, DTF, and Sublimation Printers to how to sell your shirts on online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. This guide will help you build your online T-shirt brand.
What is Print on Demand (POD)?
Print on Demand is a Business model that allows you to print unique and customized designs on shirts (or other products) only when a person places an order. In this business model, the required investment is very low, and there are no worries about stock or bulk buying. The risk in this business is minimal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a POD T-Shirt Business in Pakistan
1. Pick a Niche & Design Your Shirts
In Pakistan, there are a number of prominent niches where you can start a print-on-demand shirt business. These are the niches:
- Jokes and Urdu Quotations
- Islamic Calligraphy
- Shirts for Couples
- Slogans and local memes
- Unique and Customised Designs
- Cricket and Sport themes
- Personalised name and numbers
You can use a free tool like Canva to create unique and amazing designs for your customers.
2. Printing Methods
Two types of printing methods are essential for Demand Shirts. These Methods are as follows:
🔹 DTF Printing (Direct to Film)
The direct-to-film printing method is used to print such types of stickers that will be applied to shirts with the help of a heat press machine. Consider buying a DTF printer if you have enough money. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can find local vendors to print DTF stickers on their machines and apply them to your T-shirts, or you can apply them by yourself using your heat press machine.
Why DTF?
- Works on cotton and polyester, and mixes
- Prints that last and colors that stand out
- Simple to adjust for small or big orders
🔹 Sublimation Printing – For Polyester Shirts Only
Sublimation Printing is the second printing method used to print stickers with the help of Sublimation Printers like L805 or Epson L3250. You can buy Sublimation Printers easily, and they are budget-friendly, but if you don’t want to buy a printer, then there are a lot of shops that can print your custom design with the help of their sublimation printer. You can use your heat press machine to apply those prints to your polyester T-shirts.
Why Sublimation?
- Prints that are bright and last a long time
- Great for all-over printing
- Works best with white or light-colored shirts
3. Heat Press Machine
In the print-on-demand business, the Heat Press machine is a crucial tool, as it applies heat and pressure to transfer designs from paper, film, stickers, or vinyl onto shirts. The Ideal size is 15×15Â inches for T-shirts. You can also use this size to print on hoodies or tote bags. A digital control panel is essential for accuracy. In a heat press machine, the time should be set for 30 to 40 seconds for pressing, depending on the material.
4. Branding Your Shirts
You can build your trust by branding your orders. Here is how you can add value:
- You can add Neck labels with your brand name on your shirts.
- You can also include branded tags and stickers
- Use custom packaging for your order
- Include thank-you notes for every buyer to turn them into your loyal customers
5. Build Your Online Store
There are two main ways you can sell your t-shirts:
✅ Create Your Own Store on Shopify or WordPress
- Shopify:Â You can easily make your store on Shopify. Shopify is easy to set up. There are many beautiful and eye-catching themes that you can use. You have to pay monthly.
- WordPress+ WooCommerce:Â You can also make your store on WordPress+ WooCommerce. There is more flexibility, and you also have to create your store without any templates. The WooCommerce store is cheaper and is used for the long term.
Benefits:
- Complete control over branding
- Payment gateways like Easypaisa and JazzCash are easy to connect to through plugins.
- Order tracking is built in.
✅ Sell on Social Media Platforms
You can use your social media platform to sell your shirts. Social media is where your audience lives:
📌 Facebook Page & Shop
- Post Designs every day
- Run ads that are specific to your audience (age, region, interests)
- Offer Messenger chat assistance
📌 Instagram
- You can use Instagram to showcase the Designs of your Shirts through reels
- You can also post a lifestyle shot of your shirts
- Use hashtags like: #UrduShirts, #PakistanStreetwear, #PODPakistan
📌 TikTok
- TikTok can be used to make short, funny, and trending videos
- You can also show behind-the-scenes printing or a mini vlog
- TikTok is a good platform to attract customers through your engaging videos
6. Accepting Orders & Payments
There are the following options for the Pakistani market:
- Cash on Delivery (COD):Â You can use couriers like Leopord, TCS, and M&P for the Cash on Delivery service.
- You can ask for Bank Transfer, Easypaisa, and Jazzcash from the Customer.
7. Fulfill and Ship Orders
Once you get an order, you can fulfill the order with the given criteria:
- First, you need prints from DTF or Sublimation Printers. Then, apply the print on shirts with the help of a heat press machine.
- Check the quality and print on the shirt.
- Pack the shirts with your branding, your tag, label, stickers, and a thank-you note.
- Use a courier partner to deliver your order
Final Decision
Yes, a print-on-demand T-shirt is a good idea to make money in Pakistan. You also need tools such as a Heat Press Machine, a DTF printer, and a Sublimation Printer, if possible. You can build a successful clothing brand with great branding and social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Consistency, hard work, design quality, and social media presence are the main keys. So, you can start small, think big, and start today!
