1. Overview
Customized T-shirts are always in demand for events, businesses, schools, clubs, promotions, and personal style. A T-shirt printing business allows you to create personalized apparel for individuals and organizations.
This business is home-based, creative, and low-capital, capable of generating ₦120,000 monthly with proper marketing and consistent orders. By offering unique designs, high-quality prints, and timely delivery, you can establish a loyal customer base.
With social media, WhatsApp, and local events as marketing channels, this business taps into Nigeria’s growing fashion and personalization market.
2. Market Opportunity
- Target customers: Students, corporate organizations, churches, clubs, event planners, and fashion-conscious individuals.
- Trend: Increased demand for personalized clothing for promotions, gifts, and personal expression.
- Competition: Moderate; competition exists, but creative and high-quality designs help stand out.
- Growth potential: High; expand into bulk orders for schools, organizations, and events, or online sales.
Clients value timely delivery, quality fabric printing, and unique designs, making repeat orders common.
3. Startup Cost Breakdown (₦)
| Item | Cost (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat press / screen printing kit | 50,000 | Small desktop press or starter kit |
| Blank T-shirts | 20,000 | Cotton T-shirts of various sizes |
| Design software | 5,000 | Canva, Photoshop, or CorelDRAW |
| Ink & transfer paper | 10,000 | For printing designs |
| Marketing & branding | 5,000 | Flyers, social media promotion |
| Workspace setup | 5,000 | Table, ironing board, storage |
| Miscellaneous | 5,000 | Packaging, scissors, tape |
| Total Startup Cost | 100,000 |
Tip: Start with a few popular sizes and colors, then expand inventory based on customer demand.
4. How to Earn ₦120,000 Monthly
Revenue comes from custom T-shirt sales.
- Pricing example:
- Standard T-shirt print: ₦1,500–₦2,500
- Bulk orders or premium designs: ₦3,000–₦5,000
- Customer base calculation:
- 50 T-shirts/month × ₦2,000 average = ₦100,000
- Add 10 premium or bulk orders × ₦2,000 profit each = ₦20,000
- Operating costs:
- Blank shirts, ink, and consumables: ~₦40,000
- Net monthly profit: ₦80,000–₦120,000
- Scaling potential:
- Offer online designs and home delivery
- Collaborate with schools, clubs, and organizations for bulk orders
- Expand into hoodies, caps, and tote bags
5. Step-by-Step Business Guide
- Acquire equipment: Heat press or screen printing kit and essential tools.
- Learn design techniques: Use Canva, Photoshop, or CorelDRAW to create custom designs.
- Source T-shirts: Purchase high-quality cotton blanks in popular sizes and colors.
- Set up a workspace: Home-based table with proper ventilation and lighting.
- Market your service: Social media, WhatsApp, local events, and word-of-mouth.
- Offer packages: Individual, bulk, and event-based orders.
- Maintain quality: Ensure prints are durable, colors vibrant, and packaging neat.
6. Challenges & Tips
Challenges:
- Meeting tight deadlines for bulk orders
- Maintaining print quality over multiple runs
- Competition from other printing services
Tips:
- Offer pre-order and delivery schedules to manage workload
- Use quality inks and heat press settings to ensure long-lasting prints
- Focus on niche markets, such as schools, clubs, and local businesses
- Showcase designs online for visibility and credibility
7. Profit Projection
| Metric | Value (₦) |
|---|---|
| Monthly revenue | 120,000 |
| Operating costs | 40,000 |
| Net monthly profit | 80,000–120,000 |
| Break-even timeline | <1 month |
| ROI first month | 120% |
With bulk orders, events, and online marketing, net profit can rise to ₦150,000–₦180,000 monthly.
8. Feasibility Verdict
Feasibility: High
- Moderate startup cost (~₦100,000)
- Consistent demand for personalized apparel
- Home-based and scalable
- Easy to expand into complementary products and bulk sales
9. Conclusion
A customized T-shirt printing business is a profitable, creative, and scalable venture in Nigeria. By offering quality prints, unique designs, and reliable service, you can earn ₦120,000 monthly while catering to schools, businesses, and individuals.
This business is ideal for creative entrepreneurs seeking low-capital, high-demand side hustles with growth potential in Nigeria’s fashion and event markets.

