Looking for feedback - Balloon tire bicycles shirts

[Deville.bicycles.montreal]

I recently started designing and selling shirts of balloon-tire era companies and really thought the community here would be into it but people mostly view the stuff but aren't buying all that much. I'm not making much on these but I've put in countless hours to recreate, redesign, and build complicated designs from scratch, and it would be cool to actually see these on people. I spent so much time on the E.A. Labs collection and it was viewed a bunch on eBay but no one is buying. Personally I think the designs are awesome but I have no way of telling what people actually think about it.

I've loved this stuff for a while and could really use the encouragement to keep going and doing more designs but I fear as though the effort is pointless and people don't actually want shirts like these.

Can I please get some feedback from my fellow Cabers on this?
Good or bad is fine.

Thanks everybody!

E.A. Labs Collection:

Link to my eBay to see all of the designs so far:
www.ebay.com/usr/twiy.threads

Current collections:
AS&Co
Delta Electric Co.
New Departure
Person/Majestic
Torrington

Other collections I want to do:
Seiss
Mesinger
Morrow
U.S. Royal Tire
Ranger
Lodbell
and more

 

[Deville.bicycles.montreal]

Also wanted to say thanks to all of the people who have purchased and left me amazing feedback on eBay!

 

[SJ_BIKER]

First of all I commend you for all your efforts and hard work so far. I can attest that people are noticing your work. As some one who has recently dabbled in this endeavor I can honestly say that not only is it hard work to make the sale but it may have always been this way. I have found recently that if someone appreciates what you are doing they will throw ideas your way or give you friendly advice. One thing that I have been doing is watching YouTube how to videos ranging from layout sizing to color techniques to random types of inking process to old tried and true screening techniques. It is hard to know what anyone will really want to buy at any given time and all we can do as a designer/creator is put out the best work possible. People have approached me about DTF iron ons and whether or not they will stand the test of time and abuse from wear and tear and general washing that they need to do.
And to be honest cost is a big factor. A few years ago 20-25 dollars was the best price in my not to distant younger years. For the shirts I have put out recently I ask 30.00 (shirt costs money, the print shop needs to get their service paid and a little for me for the effort too and shipper gets a cut too-always changing those shippers). Until I can print them myself materials and equipment still costs money. Like you said there is time spent on setting up a design and tinkering with settings on the programs or devices we use. Still though I imagine you enjoy the process and would do it regardless, like, I do as well enjoy creating. The more I watch old music videos and think about it like the music business those who decide to get into this world have to grapple with just pumping them out and when a hit comes out (one that you would never think of as a hit) people will ask to get one. People are noticing your work I can attest, there is talk and only time will tell how it goes. Once again I approve of your work and wish you well in your journey. Keep biking till the pedals fall off!!
Best
Jose
P.s.
Continuous advertising and marketing at events even from the trunk of your car does wonders!!
P.s.s. be careful if producing copy written/trade mark work. A small batch may not do much harm but if you sell in masses you may get a cease and desist letter ordering you to stop or risk getting sued.
Good luck

 

[Deville.bicycles.montreal]

Thank you Jose! Your words are greatly appreciated!

I do enjoy the process thoroughly, but between my main business and a two-year old with Type 1 Diabetes there is little to no time unless I’m losing sleep. It’s a passion project and I’m hoping that I can finish the designs and leave them up for a while and hope people would discover them over time. I’m hoping to bring “younger people” (I’m 38) into the older bikes and hopefully see them also rocking these shirts at some point.

One thing is for sure, when I have my own storefront shop in the next few years (post my current business) I will have tons for sale locally. For now it’s online only, and the cost is quite high compared to what I’m selling. I even opted for the cheapest shipping option so us cabers can get it as cheap as possible.

I will most likely continue at a slower pace and hope that it picks up at some point, at least enough to make it worth the late nights. I may also have to raise prices slightly just to make sure I’m not losing on the back-end.

Thanks again for the feedback Jose!
I hope you also keep making some really cool shirts!!

 

[Freqman1]

Some cool designs and I like the color variety. I'm not really into the product stuff though and tend to buy shirts that depict models of bicycles that I own. The other problem for me is I probably have at least 30 bicycle shirts and about 250 Harley Davidson shirts and about another 40 from places I've been so having over 300 t-shirts its got to be something that really blows me away before adding another garment. Best of luck with your sales.

 

[Deville.bicycles.montreal]

Some cool designs and I like the color variety. I'm not really into the product stuff though and tend to buy shirts that depict models of bicycles that I own. The other problem for me is I probably have at least 30 bicycle shirts and about 250 Harley Davidson shirts and about another 40 from places I've been so having over 300 t-shirts its got to be something that really blows me away before adding another garment. Best of luck with your sales.

Wow 300 t-shirts???? That’s pretty crazy, especially the 250 HD shirts.

I appreciate the compliment! I want to do some specific models at some point, just need to make a list

 

[cyclingday]

Silk screen on the back of the T shirt, with a small logo in the pocket position on the front, is the way to go.
The heavy iron on plastic rehash of an old advertisement just looks and feels like a cheap plastic rehash of an old advertisement.
I realize that the cheap plastic iron on is the quick and dirty most cost effective way to go, so it involves the least amount of actual work to produce.
But, the silk screen process is a much better looking, and wearing product.
Quality ink on a quality shirt, with a quality graphic will exude quality.
Will it sell for $25 dollars and still leave a small margin of profit for the creator?
Probably not.
So, that is the dilemma as far as I can see it.
I did some Indian shirts a few years ago, because I wanted a particular look and design.
I made a batch while I was at it, so I kept a few for myself, and sold the rest at cost.
It was worth it to me, because I wanted a particular shirt that didn’t exist, but it would most definitely not be a lucrative operation by any means.
Do it for fun, and make what you like.
The market will decide if it feels the same way.

 

[Deville.bicycles.montreal]

First of all I commend you for all your efforts and hard work so far. I can attest that people are noticing your work. As some one who has recently dabbled in this endeavor I can honestly say that not only is it hard work to make the sale but it may have always been this way. I have found recently that if someone appreciates what you are doing they will throw ideas your way or give you friendly advice. One thing that I have been doing is watching YouTube how to videos ranging from layout sizing to color techniques to random types of inking process to old tried and true screening techniques. It is hard to know what anyone will really want to buy at any given time and all we can do as a designer/creator is put out the best work possible. People have approached me about DTF iron ons and whether or not they will stand the test of time and abuse from wear and tear and general washing that they need to do.
And to be honest cost is a big factor. A few years ago 20-25 dollars was the best price in my not to distant younger years. For the shirts I have put out recently I ask 30.00 (shirt costs money, the print shop needs to get their service paid and a little for me for the effort too and shipper gets a cut too-always changing those shippers). Until I can print them myself materials and equipment still costs money. Like you said there is time spent on setting up a design and tinkering with settings on the programs or devices we use. Still though I imagine you enjoy the process and would do it regardless, like, I do as well enjoy creating. The more I watch old music videos and think about it like the music business those who decide to get into this world have to grapple with just pumping them out and when a hit comes out (one that you would never think of as a hit) people will ask to get one. People are noticing your work I can attest, there is talk and only time will tell how it goes. Once again I approve of your work and wish you well in your journey. Keep biking till the pedals fall off!!
Best
Jose
P.s.
Continuous advertising and marketing at events even from the trunk of your car does wonders!!
P.s.s. be careful if producing copy written/trade mark work. A small batch may not do much harm but if you sell in masses you may get a cease and desist letter ordering you to stop or risk getting sued.
Good luck

I just saw your updated comment! I have been doing everything legal up until now to avoid that possibility. Any that I don’t have yet, like Schwinn and Troxel for example, I will have to have an agreement with them. I have a friend who secured an agreement with Schwinn, but I haven’t on my end due to structural changes that the company is going through but should resolve in time.

I also plan to organize a swap meet here in the city this summer and will take the opportunity to sell some and get the name out there!

Thanks again for the valuable tips!

 

[Deville.bicycles.montreal]

Silk screen on the back of the T shirt, with a small logo in the pocket position on the front, is the way to go.
The heavy iron on plastic rehash of an old advertisement just looks and feels like a cheap plastic rehash of an old advertisement.
I realize that the cheap plastic iron on is the quick and dirty most cost effective way to go, so it involves the least amount of actual work to produce.
But, the silk screen process is a much better looking, and wearing product.
Quality ink on a quality shirt, with a quality graphic will exude quality.
Will it sell for $25 dollars and still leave a small margin of profit for the creator?
Probably not.
So, that is the dilemma as far as I can see it.
I did some Indian shirts a few years ago, because I wanted a particular look and design.
I made a batch while I was at it, so I kept a few for myself, and sold the rest at cost.
It was worth it to me, because I wanted a particular shirt that didn’t exist, but it would most definitely not be a lucrative operation by any means.
Do it for fun, and make what you like.
The market will decide if it feels the same way.

Thanks for the feedback!

I would prefer screen printed but it’s simply not an option. After the costs, including what eBay takes, I have no room as it is. As for the quality, I’ve had plenty of things made for myself with my supplier over the years and have always been happy with the results and quality. Everyone who has already bought a shirt has been happy and said that the quality is exceptional as well.

Here is a photo of a Schwinn hoodie I made for myself. It has been washed at least 20 times over the past two years. It looks bright, solid and un-cracked.

Here is my personal shop hoodie, it’s had about 75 washes over the past 5 years. Still clear, bright and uncracked. The fabric dies before the graphic, which is pretty incredible.

I find that the product stands the test of time so will likely just stay with what I’ve been doing.

As for the front pocket tee, I will definitely make some of those asap, it’s a great idea so thank you!!

- Gianni

 

[elginkid]

I love your designs, but I mostly hate wearing T-Shirts. If there was an option for a ringer tee with contrasting collar and cuffs, or a raglan style tee with contrasting sleeves (short or 3/4) I’d definitely bite. Or better still, a button down, with graphics like the hoodie. I would wear a hoodie, but in the south, I don’t need them very often.