1 (edited by zonabi 2005-01-15 12:13:22)

Topic: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

first thanks to Andy for showing me this site.

if you've ever wanted to sell your own merchandise, but could never afford the manufacturing and distribution of it all, here's your answer:

CafePress.com

its a *FREE* service that will help you sell your own "merch" (thats the slang term for merchandise) with *NO UPFRONT COSTS*

"how does it work?"

- you sign up for an account, and in that account u can create a store. the store can be either a *FREE* membership or a *PAID* membership. I've only delved into the FREE types, and under one main account u can make multiple stores. u can also upgrade stores later etc...

- you pick product(s) you want to make, then upload graphics for the products; and put them together. simple as that. easy interface lets u put designs on fronts, backs, pockets, etc...

****just be sure to make your graphics at least 200 DPI

- then you set the price. whatever Cafepres says the Base Price is, thats what they will take. Setting it higher than Base price will earn you *PROFIT*

thats pretty much it. of course theres some restrictions with using the FREE store types, but i found ways around some of the limitations which i will discuss in another post.

well, theres nothing to loose if u try a free account, so heres where ill shamelessly plug my own stores for you all to visit;

http://www.cafepress.com/zonabi
http://www.cafepress.com/flaxx
http://www.cafepress.com/flak

if you do decide to signup at http://www.cafepress.com - please refer store ID zonabi

peace
z

"...i was taken by the hand, from the ocean to the sand..."
nitin sawhney - 'eastern eyes'

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

i believe you can even sell your own books on here...
<winks @ lyra>

"...i was taken by the hand, from the ocean to the sand..."
nitin sawhney - 'eastern eyes'

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

zonabi wrote:

well, theres nothing to loose if u try a free account, so heres where ill shamelessly plug my own stores for you all to visit;

http://www.cafepress.com/zonabi
http://www.cafepress.com/flaxx
http://www.cafepress.com/flak
peace
z

I like that bright green on in the flaxx store!  We're still working on ours.  I thought of a pretty good slogan at 2 this morning.  What do you all think:
"Don't let life pass you by. Trash your TV!" Along with the picture on our home page.

Or can anyone help us with more slogans?

Thanks,
Kathy

Never Give Up!

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

That slogan sounds pretty good.
make that one shirt.

u can always use other slogans on other shirts.

if i think of something, ill let you know here.

here's one idea:

"The Boston TV Party"
(play off "the boston tea party")

have a comical cartoon of people throwing TVs off of a boat.

or something like that

wink

"...i was taken by the hand, from the ocean to the sand..."
nitin sawhney - 'eastern eyes'

5 (edited by SednaSphere 2005-01-15 22:53:58)

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

Do you take money orders in this corner of the galaxy? I need (or am) a little "Escape From Reality." Wink.

6 (edited by freeme 2005-01-16 10:37:50)

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

The Boston TV Party, thats a good one! smile  Thanks, Z.

Never Give Up!

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

zonabi wrote:

here's one idea:

"The Boston TV Party"
(play off "the boston tea party")

have a comical cartoon of people throwing TVs off of a boat.

or something like that

wink

That's hilarious!  I like it!

Here's another, in the spirit of zonabi:

"Booo!  Boo your TV!   Booooooooo!!!"

big_smile big_smile

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy shit ... what a ride!"  - Anonymous
-----
"I get by with a little help from my (higher density) friends."
-----

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

zonabi wrote:

here's one idea:

"The Boston TV Party"
(play off "the boston tea party")

have a comical cartoon of people throwing TVs off of a boat.

or something like that

wink

Sounds cool. You know any talented comic artists that could draw something like that? ;-)

"Fear is the great barrier to human growth. Unknowns create fears. When these Unknowns become Knowns the fears diminish and disappear, and we are able to cope with whatever confronts us." - Robert A. Monroe

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

Zonabi, we've looked into making a composite image, and the truth is we can't do it.  I have some artistic ability, but not enough to draw something like this, and it is really a good idea.  It would work great on the main page and would make a hilarious t-shirt.  I really admire your work.  Would you please consider drawing this?  We would really appreciate it, and you could use it in your store certainly.
Thank You,
Kathy

Never Give Up!

10 (edited by zonabi 2005-01-16 22:21:56)

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

ill try to make some sketches in the next few days and scan them in to show you guys.
glad i can help!

ive made a portal for my three current stores:

http://shop.zonabi.com
*edit - if your using Mac or even FireFox this portal may not display properly... still working some bugs

z

"...i was taken by the hand, from the ocean to the sand..."
nitin sawhney - 'eastern eyes'

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

just had an idea for trashyourtv...

well its kind of just a design idea, havent really thought the whole thing out.... but maybe u should get a picture of the Snowy-White Static Screen (You know ... when the TV is on a channel thats not in service - the crazy snow static screen thingymabob) and work something with that....

"...i was taken by the hand, from the ocean to the sand..."
nitin sawhney - 'eastern eyes'

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

I can wear the shirt here in downtown Boston. I'll even go to the docks where the real thing happened, and stage a "happening." I could throw a tv in the trash in an obvious way while wearing the shirt.

I used to work near that area. I'd take the bus, the t, etc. And if I wear that shirt on the public system and just walking around Boston, I guarantee a BUNCH of people will ask where I got it. I've got no doubt about it.

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

Cool Sednasphere! And thanks, Zonabi!
Kathy

Never Give Up!

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

SednaSphere wrote:

Do you take money orders in this corner of the galaxy? I need (or am) a little "Escape From Reality." Wink.

i dont think that CafePress offers to accept a money order....

BUT... if you want to send me the money order via snail mail, and once i get it i can order the shirt with a CC and have it shipped off to you...

i know its a bit of a runaround but its all i can think of to accomodate you.

I really want to get u the shirt !!

-----------------

ive added alot to my different stores, so check'em out !

"...i was taken by the hand, from the ocean to the sand..."
nitin sawhney - 'eastern eyes'

Re: CafePress - starting your own Merchandise E-Company

Okay, thanks! That sounds like a plan!