How do I sell my own stuff?
How do I design my own pictures?
Does it have to be bluegrass related?
What kind of stuff can I sell?
Why is everything white or gray?
I already sell my own T-Shirts. How can you help me?
Who sends out the orders and collects the money?
How much do I make on each item?
How do I get paid?
Can I buy stuff from my own store?
Do I get any quantity discount?
How much does it cost to get started?
How long does it take to get started?
Do I need a web site of my own?
How can I make money WITHOUT selling stuff?
Can BluegrassStuff help me sell my stuff?
Can I quit any time?
I have more questions
How do I sell my own stuff?
First, you set up a virtual "store" with a company called Cafe Press. They will set you up with a personalized web page for your merchandise, like "cafepress.com/mystuff". You link to this page from your web site, or just tell your customers where to link directly. All you need to do is upload your design or photo in a standard computer format, then configure your store with prices and how the designs will appear on your merchandise. All the available items can be previewed on this page, so the customer sees exactly what they are getting. If you have more than one design to sell, you just set up additional virtual stores. The only information you give Cafe Press is your name and address, so they know where to send the profits. You do not need a credit card to set up a store, and you will not be asked for any financial information. THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO SET-UP FEES WHATSOEVER!!! REALLY!!!
First, you set up a virtual "store" with a company called Cafe Press. They will set you up with a personalized web page for your merchandise, like "cafepress.com/mystuff". You link to this page from your web site, or just tell your customers where to link directly. All you need to do is upload your design or photo in a standard computer format, then configure your store with prices and how the designs will appear on your merchandise. All the available items can be previewed on this page, so the customer sees exactly what they are getting. If you have more than one design to sell, you just set up additional virtual stores. The only information you give Cafe Press is your name and address, so they know where to send the profits. You do not need a credit card to set up a store, and you will not be asked for any financial information. THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO SET-UP FEES WHATSOEVER!!! REALLY!!!
How do I design my own pictures?
All you need is a logo, photograph or design in a standard computer format, i.e. a BMP (Windows bitmap), JPG (compressed photo) or GIF (graphic interchange format). Any decent PC drawing program can create files in this format. BluegrassStuff's designs are created directly on a computer using Microsoft Word, Paint, and a program called VISIO. If your design is on paper, or you want a photo converted, just take it to a copy shop like Kinko's and they'll do it for you. You can also go to many department stores, like WalMart or K-Mart, that have a self-service scanner in the photo department. You may not use any image you do not hold the copyright to.
All you need is a logo, photograph or design in a standard computer format, i.e. a BMP (Windows bitmap), JPG (compressed photo) or GIF (graphic interchange format). Any decent PC drawing program can create files in this format. BluegrassStuff's designs are created directly on a computer using Microsoft Word, Paint, and a program called VISIO. If your design is on paper, or you want a photo converted, just take it to a copy shop like Kinko's and they'll do it for you. You can also go to many department stores, like WalMart or K-Mart, that have a self-service scanner in the photo department. You may not use any image you do not hold the copyright to.
Does it have to be bluegrass related?
Of course not! BluegrassStuff specializes in music related designs, but you can design anything you want. Photos of Grandma or your favorite pet, business logos, special event souvenirs, team names, family reunions, church or youth organizations. We'll even help rock bands! Since there is no minimum quantity, you can even personalize gifts for family and friends.
Of course not! BluegrassStuff specializes in music related designs, but you can design anything you want. Photos of Grandma or your favorite pet, business logos, special event souvenirs, team names, family reunions, church or youth organizations. We'll even help rock bands! Since there is no minimum quantity, you can even personalize gifts for family and friends.
What kind of stuff can I sell?
Cafe Press currently offers T-shirts in all sizes S through 4XL, sweatshirts, mugs, and mousepads. Coming soon are hats, tote bags, aprons, and many other items. Your on-line store can be configured to sell all of the items, or only the ones you select.
Cafe Press currently offers T-shirts in all sizes S through 4XL, sweatshirts, mugs, and mousepads. Coming soon are hats, tote bags, aprons, and many other items. Your on-line store can be configured to sell all of the items, or only the ones you select.
Here's a complete list of items currently available --
White T-Shirts -- Children S, M, L -- Adult S,M,L,XL,XXL,XXXL,XXXXL
Grey T-Shirts -- Adult S,M,L,XL,XXL,XXXL,XXXXL
Grey Sweatshirts -- Adult S,M,L,XL,XXL
White Long Sleeve Tee -- Adult S,M,L,XL,XXL,XXXL
Women's Baby Doll Tee -- XS,S,M,L,
Coffee Mugs -- 11 oz. and 15 oz.
Mouse Pads
Shirts are 100% cotton Hanes Beefy-T quality wear (sweatshirts are 50/50 cotton/polyester). They are printed using a high quality dye sublimation process, similar to silk screening, and do not fade, crack or peel like iron-ons.
Why is everything white or gray?
All the merchandise is printed by computer. Unfortunately, computer printers can't print the color white (check your ink jet printer -- see any white ink?). The only way to get white is to let the background show through. So any white in your design is converted to "transparent", allowing the shirt color to show through as white or gray.
All the merchandise is printed by computer. Unfortunately, computer printers can't print the color white (check your ink jet printer -- see any white ink?). The only way to get white is to let the background show through. So any white in your design is converted to "transparent", allowing the shirt color to show through as white or gray.
Cafe Press is currently investigating various methods of printing on colored items, but so far no method has met their high standards.
I already sell my own T-Shirts. How can you help me?
This is perfect way to expand your product line without investing any more money. You can offer additional sizes, styles or items you don't have available now to augment your physical inventory. Example -- next to your physical inventory display, post a sign or hand out flyers saying "Additional sizes and items available on-line" and give your URL or Cafe Press store address. Or you can use printed order forms, have your customer fill in their address and credit card numbers (or give you cash or a check), then collect the forms and place the orders for them. Orders are then shipped to their door within 3 weeks. Your on-line store can be configured to sell only the items you choose -- you do not need to sell every item available.
This is perfect way to expand your product line without investing any more money. You can offer additional sizes, styles or items you don't have available now to augment your physical inventory. Example -- next to your physical inventory display, post a sign or hand out flyers saying "Additional sizes and items available on-line" and give your URL or Cafe Press store address. Or you can use printed order forms, have your customer fill in their address and credit card numbers (or give you cash or a check), then collect the forms and place the orders for them. Orders are then shipped to their door within 3 weeks. Your on-line store can be configured to sell only the items you choose -- you do not need to sell every item available.
You can also use Cafe Press for special event and one-of-a-kind items in additional to your regular line of merchandise. Remember, no set up cost and no minimum quanities!.
Who sends out the orders and collects the money?
You don't handle any money or merchandise. Orders are custom printed after they are received. You do not need to stock any inventory, and there are no set-up fees and no minimum quantities required. Cafe Press will print your customer's order, collect the money, and send it via Priority Mail. Delivery time is usually 2 weeks. Cafe Press accepts VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and of course checks or money orders. Cafe Press also handles returns and offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
You don't handle any money or merchandise. Orders are custom printed after they are received. You do not need to stock any inventory, and there are no set-up fees and no minimum quantities required. Cafe Press will print your customer's order, collect the money, and send it via Priority Mail. Delivery time is usually 2 weeks. Cafe Press accepts VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and of course checks or money orders. Cafe Press also handles returns and offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Cafe Press is a large company in California with over 80,000 different on-line stores selling merchandise.
How much do I make on each item?
YOU determine your profit! Cafe Press sets a base price for each item, and you decide the actual selling price. Cafe Press makes all their overhead and profit (and pays the commissions) out of the base price. The difference between the base and the selling price is your profit-- usually $3-5 per item. You call sell at NO profit, or sell one T-shirt for $1,000,000 and retire. You can also buy as much stuff as you like from your own store at the base price, if you want your own inventory.
YOU determine your profit! Cafe Press sets a base price for each item, and you decide the actual selling price. Cafe Press makes all their overhead and profit (and pays the commissions) out of the base price. The difference between the base and the selling price is your profit-- usually $3-5 per item. You call sell at NO profit, or sell one T-shirt for $1,000,000 and retire. You can also buy as much stuff as you like from your own store at the base price, if you want your own inventory.
How do I get paid?
Once a month, Cafe Press will send you a check for the profits from your store. Your current sales figures are available on-line at any time. If your accumulated monthly profit is less than $10, you get no check and the profit rolls over to the next month.
Once a month, Cafe Press will send you a check for the profits from your store. Your current sales figures are available on-line at any time. If your accumulated monthly profit is less than $10, you get no check and the profit rolls over to the next month.
Can I buy stuff from my own store?
You can always buy as much merchandise as you want from your own store, at the item base price.
You can always buy as much merchandise as you want from your own store, at the item base price.
Are there any quantity discounts?
Sort of, but not exactly. Starting March 1, 2001, CafePress has changed their pricing structure. They raised the single base price, but if you sell 20 or more of an item each month you get a discount. Check here for pricing details. If you are interested in quantity sales or a large inventory, you should look into conventional silk screen printing --check your Yellow Pages. Then you can expand your sales by using Cafe Press for additional sizes and items.
Sort of, but not exactly. Starting March 1, 2001, CafePress has changed their pricing structure. They raised the single base price, but if you sell 20 or more of an item each month you get a discount. Check here for pricing details. If you are interested in quantity sales or a large inventory, you should look into conventional silk screen printing --check your Yellow Pages. Then you can expand your sales by using Cafe Press for additional sizes and items.
How much does it cost to get started?
NOTHING, ZIP, NADA, ZILCH, GOOSE-EGG, NIL, ZERO!!!!. Cafe Press charges NOTHING to open a virtual store. All you need is a design to upload and you're ready to go!
NOTHING, ZIP, NADA, ZILCH, GOOSE-EGG, NIL, ZERO!!!!. Cafe Press charges NOTHING to open a virtual store. All you need is a design to upload and you're ready to go!
How long does it take to get started?
It takes about 2 minutes to sign up with Cafe Press, and about 15-30 minutes to upload your design, configure the style (front or back printing, alignments, etc.) and set your prices. That's it--then you're ready to sell! You can set up as many stores as you like -- 1 design per store, or each item in your store can have a different design.
It takes about 2 minutes to sign up with Cafe Press, and about 15-30 minutes to upload your design, configure the style (front or back printing, alignments, etc.) and set your prices. That's it--then you're ready to sell! You can set up as many stores as you like -- 1 design per store, or each item in your store can have a different design.
Do I need a web site of my own?
No web site is required! If you have a web site, you can add a link to your Cafe Press store. If you don't have a web site, just tell you customers to connect to "cafepress.com/mystore" (or whatever your store name is). If you like, BluegrassStuff would be glad to make you a BluegrassStuff Associate and add YOUR design to our store -- YOU keep ALL the profits! Then just direct customers to BluegrassStuff.com and they will see the complete line.
If you would like to set up a web site for your band or business, contact our sister company 360 Technical Services for help. 360 Tech can design, host and maintain a web site for you for a small monthly fee. Also, many Internet Service Providers allow their customers to set up their own web sites for free -- check with your ISP for details.
No web site is required! If you have a web site, you can add a link to your Cafe Press store. If you don't have a web site, just tell you customers to connect to "cafepress.com/mystore" (or whatever your store name is). If you like, BluegrassStuff would be glad to make you a BluegrassStuff Associate and add YOUR design to our store -- YOU keep ALL the profits! Then just direct customers to BluegrassStuff.com and they will see the complete line.
If you would like to set up a web site for your band or business, contact our sister company 360 Technical Services for help. 360 Tech can design, host and maintain a web site for you for a small monthly fee. Also, many Internet Service Providers allow their customers to set up their own web sites for free -- check with your ISP for details.
How can I make money WITHOUT selling stuff?
REFERRALS! When you sign up with Cafe Press, you are asked who referred you. Hopefully you will answer "bgstuff" (that's us -- this will happen automatically if you link to Cafe Press from our site). We then make a small referral commission on every item you sell. This commission does not affect your profit in any way --Cafe Press pays it out of the base price. Your on-line store doesn't have to actually SELL anything -- it's just your way of getting Cafe Press to recognize you. Here's the good news -- if YOU refer someone from your store, WE BOTH get a commission! It pays to tell as many people as possible about this great opportunity -- but make sure you get the referral credit! The more people you sign up, the more money you make! Your referral commission gets added to your monthly profit check.
REFERRALS! When you sign up with Cafe Press, you are asked who referred you. Hopefully you will answer "bgstuff" (that's us -- this will happen automatically if you link to Cafe Press from our site). We then make a small referral commission on every item you sell. This commission does not affect your profit in any way --Cafe Press pays it out of the base price. Your on-line store doesn't have to actually SELL anything -- it's just your way of getting Cafe Press to recognize you. Here's the good news -- if YOU refer someone from your store, WE BOTH get a commission! It pays to tell as many people as possible about this great opportunity -- but make sure you get the referral credit! The more people you sign up, the more money you make! Your referral commission gets added to your monthly profit check.
You could easily build up your referral list by advertising locally, handing out flyers and business cards, and sending your own e-mails to potential customers (no spamming, please-- it's rude and sometimes illegal). Then tell your new customers to put your store name as the "referred by" name. As long as you put "bgstuff" as your original "referred by" to Cafe Press, we will both benefit. Using "bgstuff" as your original "referred by" will not affect your earnings in any way -- all commissions come directly from Cafe Press.
Can BluegrassStuff help me sell my stuff?
Bluegrass Stuff will gladly make you a BluegrassStuff Associate and display your original designs for sale on our web site. YOU keep ALL the profits, and retain full rights to your design. We just make a small commission from Cafe Press on every sale, which DOES NOT affect your profit in any way. If you would like to set up a web site for your band or business, contact 360 Technical Services for help. They can design, host and maintain a web site for you for a small monthly fee. Also, many Internet Service Providers allow their customers to set up their own web sites for free -- check with your ISP for details.
Bluegrass Stuff will gladly make you a BluegrassStuff Associate and display your original designs for sale on our web site. YOU keep ALL the profits, and retain full rights to your design. We just make a small commission from Cafe Press on every sale, which DOES NOT affect your profit in any way. If you would like to set up a web site for your band or business, contact 360 Technical Services for help. They can design, host and maintain a web site for you for a small monthly fee. Also, many Internet Service Providers allow their customers to set up their own web sites for free -- check with your ISP for details.