The effectiveness of custom t-shirts as a promotional gimmick can't be denied because for decades top companies have been using them to promote their products and services. However are promotional custom t-shirts for every business? Also, how can they be implemented in a promotional campaign in a cost effective manner.
Sell or Give Away
To begin with, custom t-shirts when used as a promotional device are distributed in one of two ways. That is, that they are either given away or they are sold, preferably at a profit but not necessarily always so. Where they are distributed can have a big impact on whether or not they can be sold or not.
Trade Shows and Fairs
For instance, if you were operating a booth at a trade fair, you may want to consider giving your custom t-shirts away to people who are demonstrating an interest in you product or services or live in a geographic location where exposure may be particularly beneficial. However, a performing rock band, for instance, would always want to sell their promotional custom t-shirts at their shows.
Digital or Silk Screen
Cost per shirt is another big factor in dealing with custom t-.shirts as a promotional item. While digital printing technology has encroached heavily into the traditional silk screen t-shirt business, there is still a place for silk screen. For instance, for smaller orders of custom t-shirts digital is the only way to go, because it is going to give your lowest cost per shirt. However; for larger numbers of custom t-shirts you will reap your greatest savings by going with silk screen.
Color Schemes
Color schemes are still one more consideration. The ink that digital printers use is a thin type of ink and works best when laying darker colors over lighter colored fabrics. However; if your design calls for lighter colors to be laid over darker fabric then you will have to go with silk screening that used a much thicker ink.
