Want to turn great designs into a profitable apparel line without huge setup costs? Starting a t-shirt business with DTF is one of the fastest, most flexible ways to launch a brand, fulfill orders, and scale from Etsy dropshipping to wholesale accounts.
Here I’ll walk you through practical steps, equipment choices, pricing tips, and marketing moves that actually work for creators and small shops. If you want to learn how to start a t-shirt business with dtf and get same-day prints in Arizona, this guide lays out a clear, press-ready plan.
Why choose DTF for t-shirts
DTF transfers, or direct-to-film transfers, offer vibrant color, soft hand feel, and compatibility with cotton and polyester. You can print full-color artwork, add glitter or UV DTF sticker-style accents, and press on demand without high minimums. For small brands and Etsy sellers, DTF reduces inventory risk and speeds up fulfillment.
Benefits at a glance:
- Vivid, photo-quality prints on light or dark garments.
- No screen setup fees, perfect for short runs and custom orders.
- Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and hoodies.
- Fast turnaround, same-day pickup available in Tempe, AZ.
Step 1 — Plan your business and niche
Pick a niche and product mix
Decide who you’ll sell to, and what makes your shirts different. Will you target local sports teams, a pop-culture niche, small boutique clothing lines, or corporate swag? Narrowing your niche helps with design, pricing, and marketing.
Basic business setup
- Choose a business name and register it locally.
- Get a simple bookkeeping system and set up a business bank account.
- Check local regulations for resale tax and business licenses in Arizona.
Step 2 — Essential equipment and supplies
You don’t need a fortune to start. Begin with reliable gear that gives consistent, repeatable results.
Must-have items:
- DTF printer with CMYK + white, and good color profiles.
- DTF film rolls and adhesive powders for transfers.
- A quality heat press sized for t-shirts.
- Heat-resistant tape, Teflon sheets, and a heat gun for touch-ups.
- Gang-sheet layout software or RIP that supports DTF profiles.
Tip: Start with a single workhorse printer and a commercial heat press, then scale to gang sheets and multiple printers when demand grows.
Step 3 — Artwork and file prep
Designs should be high resolution and print-ready. Export with correct color profiles and include white underbase where needed.
Quick checklist:
- 300 DPI files, vector where possible for logos.
- Transparent background PNGs for single-layer artwork.
- Use RIP settings recommended for your printer and inks.
- Test print small samples to dial in color and cure settings.
For upload and product ordering, follow our artwork guide at https://fivestardtf.com/instructions/.
Step 4 — Press settings and workflow
Every press and fabric reacts differently, so test widely. Typical settings to start with:
- Temperature: 330-350 F depending on film and garment.
- Time: 10-18 seconds for initial adhesive bond, longer for final cure.
- Pressure: Medium to firm, adjust for garment thickness.
Always press a test garment and write down settings that produced the best wash and stretch results. Our instructions page has press tips and troubleshooting: https://fivestardtf.com/instructions/.
Step 5 — Pricing, fulfillment, and shipping
Price to cover materials, labor, and profit. Factor in:
- Cost of ink, film, adhesive powder, and consumables.
- Machine depreciation and utilities.
- Labor time per shirt (design, print, press, pack).
Offer tiers: single shirts, small batches, and bulk pricing. Promote free shipping over $100 to encourage larger carts, and highlight same-day local pickup in Tempe for local customers.
Order and fulfillment features to advertise:
- No minimum orders, perfect for custom runs.
- Same-day printing and local pickup at 305 S Rockford Dr Ste B, Tempe, AZ 85281.
- Fast nationwide shipping and free shipping on orders over $100.
Step 6 — Marketing and sales channels
- Start with Etsy, Instagram, and a Shopify or BigCommerce storefront.
- Use mockups and lifestyle photos to show fit and color.
- Run local ads targeted to Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale.
- Offer B2B services to local teams and small businesses.
Cross-sell UV DTF stickers and glitter DTF transfers to raise average order value. Link product pages prominently: DTF Transfers, UV DTF Stickers, Glitter DTF Transfers.
Step 7 — Scale smart
When orders increase:
- Move to gang sheets to reduce per-unit cost.
- Add a second printer or outsource overflow while maintaining quality control.
- Create simple SOPs for color profiles, press settings, and packaging.
Common objections and answers
Worried about durability? Properly pressed DTF transfers are washable and stretch with garments, matching the durability customers expect from premium prints.
Think setup is expensive? You can start with a modest investment in printer + press and reinvest profits. Offering print-on-demand services or pre-orders helps cash flow.
Summary
Starting a t-shirt business with DTF gives you color accuracy, fabric flexibility, and fast turnarounds without minimums. Focus on a clear niche, get press-ready files, dial in your press settings, and promote same-day pickup and free shipping thresholds to win local customers in Arizona and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a DTF t-shirt business?
Startup costs vary, but many small shops begin with a DTF printer, heat press, and supplies for under a few thousand dollars. You can scale gradually.
Can DTF transfers be used on both cotton and polyester?
Yes. DTF is compatible with cotton, polyester, and blends, making it ideal for varied apparel lines.
What is the turnaround time for orders?
Turnaround depends on order size. We offer same-day DTF transfers and local pickup in Tempe for many orders, plus fast nationwide shipping options.
Do you offer design help and artwork prep?
Yes, Five Star DTF provides artwork services like background removal, vectorizing, color correction, and gang-sheet layout. See artwork requirements on our site.
Are there minimum order quantities?
No. You can order single prints or larger runs. We specialize in no-minimum DTF printing.
How do I place an order?
Order online or upload artwork at https://fivestardtf.com/product/dtf-transfers/ and choose your shipping or local pickup options.
Ready to launch your brand?
Start printing today with Arizona’s trusted DTF partner. Order online, choose same-day pickup in Tempe, or ship nationwide with free shipping over $100. Order DTF Transfers now: https://fivestardtf.com/product/dtf-transfers/
📍 Local pickup: 305 S Rockford Dr Ste B, Tempe, AZ 85281
About Five Star DTF
Five Star DTF is Arizona’s leading provider of
DTF transfers, Glitter DTF prints, UV DTF stickers,
and Sublimation transfers — offering same-day printing, fast nationwide shipping,
and convenient local pickup in Tempe, Arizona.
We proudly serve Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and all of Arizona,
helping creators, apparel brands, small businesses, and print shops produce premium, press-ready transfers with
vivid color, soft stretch, and long-lasting durability.
There are no setup fees, no minimum orders, and turnarounds are always fast.
Our Top Products
- DTF Transfers
- Glitter DTF Transfers
- UV DTF Stickers
- Sublimation Transfers
- Press Instructions & Tips
- Contact & Local Pickup
Artwork Help
Need your artwork cleaned, fixed, resized, or made print-ready? We offer background removal, vectorizing, color correction, and gang sheet layout.
Ready to Print?
Order DTF Transfers or
Upload Your Artwork to get started today.
All orders over $100 ship free — printed in Tempe, AZ and shipped statewide and nationwide.