The DTF printing market is booming—and with more businesses entering the space, competition is tighter than ever. With “production-friendly” printers now available for under $15K, it’s easier to start a t-shirt business than it’s ever been. But that also means you may be feeling squeezed on price, overwhelmed by competitors, or unsure how to grow.

In this episode of the CAS Podcast, we tackle the real challenges of operating in a crowded market and share proven strategies to help your business rise above the noise. From setting yourself apart with strong differentiators to tightening production and elevating the customer experience, you’ll discover how to compete smart—without racing to the bottom.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

● Why it feels crowded: From side hustlers with Cricuts to social media “busy-ness,” customer expectations are shifting.

● The good news: Most hobbyists don’t last—quality and persistence still win.

● Traps to avoid: Undercharging, poor systems, racing to the bottom on price, and trying to do it all yourself.

Smart competition strategies:

● Find your differentiator (service, designs, speed, or garment quality).

● Identify your niche and stick to it.

● Charge what you’re worth with confidence.

● Streamline production to reduce waste, mistakes, and delays.

● Customer experience as a superpower: From handwritten thank-yous to reorder reminders, small touches that win loyalty.

● Growth strategies: Get referrals working, upsell and bundle, invest in efficiencies, and focus on mastering your craft.

Why it matters:

You don’t need to be the cheapest or the biggest—you just need to be efficient, excellent, and dialed-in for your customers. This episode will show you how to stop competing on price, start delivering real value, and carve out your own space in the booming DTF market.