Why Threadless?

I discovered Threadless when I was looking into merchandise platforms for Bellingham Game Company’s logo and pending game releases. After reading many reviews, I was hesitant, but thorough research has shown me that Threadless had a rough patch when switching from printing in runs and printing on demand (Introducing: Artist Shops!). This bump in the road is completely understandable to me, especially since they were quick to respond and begin repairing their business and reputation.

Nickel and Dime Up

The profit margin isn't great on Threadless because the base costs are a little high per item, but I set my margin fairly low... so it is also a my fault. I would much rather see my stuff out there than make a bunch of money; although, some money is nice. The Red Press brand is just a hobby and an outlet for me to create graphics, order prints of my own graphics, and click a box for others to wear the same design if they wish.

Artist Shops

It is fairly easy to set up an Artist Shop on Threadless. Create an account and upload a design. You can mess around with logos and banners, or you can skip those. There are simple templates for layout, fonts, and colors of the shop so you can keep the setup simple and get to what you want: put mah stuff on shirts!

They have an interesting mix of products: typical shirts & hoodies, coffee cups, stickers, skateboards, phones, duffel bags & backpacks, towels, pillows, shower curtains, stretched canvas and other wall mounts. Once your image is uploaded (per the specs clearly laid out or any of the supplied templates), select the items and colors you want available. This can all be changed at any time, but the image placement editor is quite a bit buggy. Remember to slate a little extra time and be patient for this part.

Work Together

Threadless also has the option to list another account as a "collaborator" on a particular design.  This means you and a buddy can each have shops, but also work on something together and give each other credit. Have great ideas, but not the right software and know-how to add the finishing touches? Work with a buddy, agree on a profit split, and have them list you as a collaborator! Threadless will then deal with splitting the profits each time a sale is made. Teamwork made easy!

Show Me Yours?

Do you have an artist shop? On Threadless or Cafepress or another platform? Comment below and link your shop! Free advertising! :)