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In Episode 152 of the CAS Podcast, we explore what it realistically takes to earn $75,000 a year in the custom t-shirt business—and why that number might be your personal sweet spot for financial freedom and satisfaction. This isn’t just about printing shirts. It’s about understanding how to build a profitable, sustainable business around products people actually want.

Why $75K?

The inspiration for this episode comes from the article “How Much Is Enough” on Get Rich Slowly, which references a Princeton study stating that happiness levels plateau around $75,000 per year for many people. That number represents a common benchmark for a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle—free from basic financial stress.

According to PolicyAdvice.net, $75K is also close to the national average income.

For small customization businesses, especially t-shirt decorators, this goal is not only attainable—it’s surprisingly straightforward when broken down.

The $75K T-Shirt Business Breakdown

Let’s start with a typical profit margin.

Assumption:

● Average profit per shirt: $12

(after subtracting costs of goods, materials, and overhead)

Calculation:

● $75,000 / $12 = 6,250 shirts per year

● With 365 days: ~17 shirts per day

● With weekends off and 2 weeks vacation: 25 shirts per workday

Is 25 Shirts a Day Realistic?

Yes, for many single-person or home-based custom apparel businesses, especially with the right setup and routine. The workload can be split into manageable blocks:

● Production – 2 hours

● Sales – 2 hours

● Marketing – 2 hours

● Paperwork/Admin – 2 hours

That’s a full-time day, just like any job—but one that you control.

How Do You Get There?

Marketing

● Set up your business info on Google, Facebook, and Bing

● Join online and local groups, clubs, and forums

● Sell through Etsy, eBay, or your own website

● Focus on niche markets—weddings, sports teams, local businesses

● Ask every customer for referrals

● Leverage your social network—people buy from people they know

Most successful custom t-shirt businesses report that 90% of sales start with word of mouth.

Sales

● Get out of the house with samples and business cards

● Make phone calls to previous customers and warm leads

● Socialize with business owners and community groups

● Wear your own products to show off your work

● Ask for business—don’t assume people know what you do

Paperwork

● Hire a CPA or learn basic bookkeeping

● Track your expenses, income, and taxes from day one

● Stay organized and don’t let it pile up

● Always operate legally and professionally

● Know your numbers—especially your profit per item and monthly overhead

Production

● Design your workspace for speed and efficiency

● Focus on simple, high-margin products (e.g. mugs, can coolers, single-location tees)

● Don’t chase every custom request—specialization scales

● Master your process, then add upsells:

● Extra shirt prints

● Package deals

● Gift-ready bundles

Final Thoughts: $75K Is a Goal—But the System Is the Key

You can absolutely build a $75K/year business from custom t-shirts if you:

● Stick to a focused product line

● Master your production process

● Build strong relationships with customers

● Work consistently on marketing and sales

It’s not about chasing every trend or offering every product. It’s about knowing your numbers, refining your systems, and doing more of what works.