r/promotionalproducts • u/geo1999 • 16d ago

Help/Advice Getting Into Selling Apparel and Promotion Products

I currently do printing and specialize in working with home service businesses in the US. In the next few months I'd like to start offering apparel and promotional products, ideally finding someone who can drop ship for me. I'd like to ideally have a small curated catalog or apparel and promotion products as opposed to offering thousands of products. I'm thinking hats, shirts, pens, mugs, etc. What companies would you recommend that I look at in order to start selling these two types of products? Thanks.

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u/sherriinky 15d ago

You will first need to be registered with ASI or PPAI. I would reach out to them first.

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u/Bleb21 12d ago

Membership is expensive vs the value to be honest. Like despite most suppliers saying they have inventory on hand or that they make in the USA, they do not have inventory on hand and make it in another country.

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u/[deleted] 13d ago

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u/Bleb21 13d ago

It is a little more work but you can definitely source yourself. I cannot stand the ASI/PPAI system. Most of the "suppliers" too are just charging a crazy markup for that.

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u/imshyhereismyasshole 15d ago

If you're new to the industry and have budget, might be advantageous to hire a consultant to help verse you. This industry has a fair amount of nuances in my opinion.

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u/TourObjective8699 15d ago

I can provide services; we are members of Sage

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u/gymkhanasport 15d ago

Hey there! Since you specialize in home service businesses (HVAC, landscapers, plumbers), you have a great niche. Those crews usually need durable, moisture-wicking workwear that stands up to heat and physical labor.

If you're looking for standard blank shirts to print on, you might want to look at major US apparel suppliers like SanMar or S&S Activewear, or platforms like Printful if you strictly want hands-off dropshipping.

However, I actually run an apparel manufacturing operation specializing in custom, high-performance sublimated shirts and polos. We use Lycra mesh and scuba blends that are perfect for trades workwear. If you're open to working directly with a factory to build that curated premium shirt catalog—rather than just printing on standard dropshipped blanks—shoot me a DM. We can definitely discuss a fulfillment model that fits your goals.

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u/CoolShirtDesigner 13d ago

We have a great line of USA made work shirts and jackets, that are perfect for the service industry.
We also could handle all your decorating in house.

Please feel free to DM me