How to Start a T-Shirt Business with Just $20 (No Skills or Equipment Needed)

Dreaming of starting a t-shirt business but feel overwhelmed by challenges like no money, no skills, and no equipment? Maybe you're thinking, “I don’t even have space or artistic talent!” You’re not alone, but here’s the good news: these are no longer excuses. In this guide, I’ll show you how to start a t-shirt business with just $20 and a laptop or computer. No expensive equipment, no graphic design experience, and no hidden costs.


This isn’t about print-on-demand services either. Let’s dive into a step-by-step process that gives you more control and better profit margins.

What Is Print-on-Demand, and Why I Don’t Recommend It

Print-on-demand (POD) is a service where third-party companies handle printing, packing, and shipping your products. While it sounds convenient, there are downsides:

  • Higher costs: POD companies take a significant cut, leaving you with thin profit margins.
  • Less control: You can't guarantee print quality, fabric feel, or delivery times.

Personally, I like to control the entire process, ensuring my customers (especially family and friends) get great products that feel good, look good, and stand the test of time. This approach also helps me build a stronger brand identity.

Meet Your Guide

Hi, I’m Milo! I’ve been printing t-shirts for over four years and studying the industry for five. I love sharing everything I’ve learned—how to start on a tight budget, scale up, and build a brand that stands out. Whether you have $500 or just $20, there’s a way to start.

Today, I’ll focus on how you can get started with the bare minimum. Ready? Let’s go!

Step 1: Designing Your T-Shirts

The first step in creating your t-shirt business is coming up with designs. Don’t worry—you don’t need artistic talent or expensive design software. We’ll use Kittle, a free, user-friendly design website with thousands of templates. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Visit Kittle: Sign up for free and explore their extensive template library.
  2. Select a Template: Browse the "T-shirt" section for a design you like. Look for something simple yet eye-catching.
  3. Customize the Design: Make the design uniquely yours by:
    • Changing colors.
    • Modifying the text or font.
    • Adding personal touches to reflect your style or brand.

For example, I found a graffiti-style design called "King." I customized it by replacing the text with something meaningful to me: “Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Personal touches like this help you create products that resonate with your audience.

Step 2: Printing Without Equipment

Once your design is ready, it’s time to print. This is where Kittle's Print feature comes in:

  1. Export Your Design: Click “Export” and select the “Print Your Design” option.
  2. Choose Your Product: Kittle offers a selection of t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. For this guide, we’ll focus on t-shirts.
  3. Select Colors and Sizes: Pick your preferred color and size options.

Cost Breakdown: A single t-shirt, including shipping, costs around $20. If you order multiple shirts, shipping costs are distributed, reducing the per-shirt price.

Pro Tip: Always start with small quantities to test print quality and ensure you’re happy with the final product.

Step 3: Calculating Your Profits

Let’s break down the math:

  • Production cost per t-shirt: $20
  • Selling price per t-shirt: $30
  • Profit per t-shirt: $10

Selling to family, friends, and local networks is a great way to begin. Using free platforms like social media keeps your overhead low. If your goal is to make an extra $500 a month, you’ll need to sell 50 t-shirts.

It’s simple, right? But here’s the catch: success isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about getting people to buy. That’s where marketing comes in.

Step 4: Marketing Your T-Shirts

Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here are three proven strategies:

1. Pre-Sales

Pre-sales allow you to collect funds before printing your t-shirts. Here’s how to run an effective pre-sale:

  • Create Digital Mockups: Use Kittle’s mockup tools to generate realistic previews of your designs.
  • Share on Social Media: Post the mockups on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp.
  • Engage Your Audience: Run the pre-sale for a week, encouraging family and friends to place orders in advance.

You can even offer multiple designs during the pre-sale, increasing your chances of success.

2. Photo Shoots

High-quality images make a big difference. After receiving your first printed shirts:

  • Do a small photo shoot to showcase your designs.
  • Use Kittle’s background removal tool to create professional-looking product photos.
  • Share the photos across your social media channels.

3. Brand Your T-Shirts

Branding makes your products stand out. Here are two easy ways to do it:

  • Remove Brand Tags: Most t-shirts come with two tags—the brand tag and the size tag. Remove the brand tag for a clean, professional look.
  • Use Poly Bags: Package your shirts in poly bags for an added touch of professionalism. You can buy 100 bags for about $15 on Amazon (just 15 cents per bag).

Step 5: Scaling Your Business

Once you’ve established a customer base and built some momentum, it’s time to scale up. Here’s how:

  1. Reinvest Profits: Use your profits to invest in equipment like a heat press or a vinyl cutter. This reduces production costs and increases profit margins.
  2. Expand Your Product Line: Add hoodies, tote bags, or other apparel to your catalog.
  3. Create Video Content: Videos are one of the most effective ways to market your products. Showcase your process, share customer testimonials, and highlight new designs.

Why This Method Works

Starting small allows you to:

  • Test the market with minimal risk.
  • Build confidence in your products.
  • Develop marketing skills without a big budget.

As your business grows, you can scale up without taking on debt or significant financial risks.

Final Thoughts

Starting a t-shirt business with just $20 is not only possible but also practical. By focusing on design, marketing, and customer satisfaction, you can create a profitable side hustle—or even a full-time business.

If you found this guide helpful, let me know in the comments! Remember, success comes from small steps taken consistently. Have a great day, and may God bless your journey.

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