How to Start a T-Shirt Business Using DTF Transfers (Step-by-Step)

If you have been thinking about starting a t-shirt business, DTF transfers are one of the easiest ways to get started without buying expensive printing equipment.

You can press professional, full-color designs on demand and build a real business from home, vendor markets, or online.

At Primal Graphx - Charlotte's #1 Premium DTF Provider, we help creators locally and nationwide with premium transfers that are cured properly and ready to press. Here is a step-by-step plan you can follow.

Step 1: Pick a niche and a simple product plan

Start with one clear lane:

• faith and church groups

• school and team spirit wear

• small business uniforms

• line dancing and event shirts

• funny sayings and trending designs

• local Charlotte themes

Keep it simple at first. One niche plus 10 to 20 strong designs is enough to start selling.

Step 2: Choose your sales channel (local, online, or both)

Local options

• vendor markets

• pop-ups

• school events

• community groups

• local business partnerships

Online options

• Shopify

• Etsy

• social media selling (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)

Best move: do both. Local builds fast trust. Online scales.

Step 3: Get the right basic equipment

You do not need a full print shop to start.

Minimum setup:

• heat press

• lint roller

• parchment paper or Teflon sheet

• good blank shirts

Pro tip: a solid all-around press size for most beginners is a 15 x 15 style press.

Step 4: Get your designs ready (and keep files clean)

For the best results, use:

• PNG with transparent background

• high resolution artwork

• bold fonts and clean lines

Avoid screenshots and low-res images.

If your artwork needs help, Primal Graphx offers graphic designing to clean up images, rebuild logos, and make your files press-ready.

Step 5: Order DTF transfers (and use gang sheets to save money)

DTF is perfect because you can order exactly what you need.

If you want to lower your cost per print, use gang sheets:

• multiple designs on one sheet

• multiple sizes of the same design

• enough inventory to press on demand

This is one of the easiest ways to increase profit.

Step 6: Press samples and lock in your settings

Before you sell a design, press one sample and confirm:

• pressure is firm and even

• temperature is correct

• time is consistent

• peel type is correct

• finish press looks clean

Then write down your settings so every shirt comes out the same.

Step 7: Price your shirts for profit

Do not price based on what others charge. Price based on:

• blank shirt cost

• transfer cost

• your time

• packaging

• fees (online platforms)

• profit

If you are selling at vendor markets, build in room for discounts and bundle deals.

Step 8: Start selling with simple offers

Easy offers that work:

• buy 2 get 1 half off

• family bundle pricing

• matching sets (adult plus youth)

• limited drops

• custom name add-ons

Local tip: bring a few best sellers in multiple sizes and press restocks at home.

Online tip: post consistent content showing the press process and finished shirts.

Step 9: Scale with consistency

Once you have repeat sellers:

• reorder your best designs on gang sheets

• add left chest, back, and sleeve options

• build a simple weekly drop schedule

• collect customer photos and reviews

Want to start strong with premium transfers?

If you want transfers that press clean, look vibrant, and hold up, order from Primal Graphx - Charlotte's #1 Premium DTF Provider.

Tell us what you are making and how you plan to sell (local, online, or both). We will help you choose the right sizes and the best way to set up your order.

Primal Graphx Team

Charlotte's #1 Premium DTF Provider