Should I Start a T-Shirt Printing Business in 2020?

2020 could be a great time to launch a t-shirt business start-up. There are several reasons behind this. In general, 2020 looks like it could be a good year for small business. However, there are also some good signs that apply specifically to t-shirt printing.

As the owner of a business that makes and sells custom t-shirts, many of your customers are likely to be young people. The younger generation is socially conscious and they are often willing to pay a little more to invest in small businesses as opposed to a major company.

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During 2020, it can be expected that there will be many young people that will be starting their careers. As they do, they will have more money to spend on discretionary products such as custom t-shirts, which could contribute growth of t-shirt printing businesses in general.

The economy has made measurable progress in many sectors since and it is expected to continue to grow in 2020. Assuming economic progress continues, it can be expected that the general population will be willing to spend money on various items, such as t-shirts and other custom printed apparel. This will serve to create a good marketplace for anyone in the t-shirt and garment decoration business. ​

Many more people are looking to spend money on custom printed items these days. This includes custom screen printing for t-shirts. While people have always been drawn to custom printed items, they have become increasingly more popular in recent years, due in part to the accessibility of custom products through the internet. This trend will continue through 2020.

While it is uncertain how the recent changes in the political climate will impact small business owners, it is virtually certain that there will be a lot of new debates and controversies developing in 2018. This could create a solid marketplace for any t-shirt business start-up that does screen printing for political and social causes, as 'statement shirts' are always popular.

If you launch a t-shirt business start-up, it will be easy to partner up with other businesses in 2020. Technology in the apparel printing and computer sectors are likely to continue to advance in 2020 and this will make forming business partnerships increasingly easier. These partnerships can help you to more effectively sell your product.

E-commerce is expected to increase it's growth trend in 2020 and custom t-shirts are a commonly purchased item online. If you are a skilled screen printer with an effective website for selling products online, it is likely that your t-shirts will sell well in the online marketplace. Moreover, it also is becoming increasingly common for people to use mobile devices for e-commerce, and this makes it possible for people to purchase items from anywhere. The increased use of mobile devices will also contribute to the growth of e-commerce, and this could directly benefit your t-shirt business start-up.

Lastly, there is strong growth in what is often referred to as the 'gig economy'. Defined as 'an economic sector consisting of part-time, temporary, and freelance jobs', this includes one-time jobs that are contracted by companies and organizations. In fact, the 'gig economy' has grown by fifty percent in the last 10 years. It can be expected that this segment of the economy will keep growing in 2020. As the owner of a t-shirt printing business, you will be operating within this 'gig economy'. The growth is being driven by increased usage of the internet and developments in technology, which are expected to continue in 2020 and beyond.

Thom Robson reporting for American Screen Printing Association 

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