I think that an apparel business in the U.S. is definitely an uphill
struggle. However, if you are making a unique product that cannot be "mass
produced", you may be successful.

Yes, the current trade imbalance is really hurting US buisness; and it's not limited to t-shirt buisnesses. I'd suggest you complain to your elected officials and damned action be taken. Hopefully, this administration or a future one will try to protect US buisnesses instead of selling them off to other countries.

I cant imagine the current administration doing anything to help small businesses. The main factor communists seek in establishing their plans is destruction of capitalism. Remember, Obama is a true believer that government and not people is the answer.

Yes you can do something by promoting heavily your web site, generating a lot of traffic and offer better quality embroider. As for your fear about China I think this is an ongoing problem that's why you have to offer better quality.

It is something to consider but you should look at it as a possible advantage. It's unlikely custom shirts will ever be better imported.. but you could actually look into using these factories. Check out WIRED's new article on the Industrial Revolution, they talk about how you can easily use factories in other countries even for small operations!

Absolutely, cheap competition from China is a valid fear, but I would just guarantee a better product and really market your business. I buy shirts that are probably similar to the ones you sell... I get them from a US based company I have been doing work with for a while, and while I think thier prices are good... I would not take my business elsewhere to save a couple bucks a shirt. Lots of business owners think like me. Just market your business, give a great product at a fair price, and success will come.

Ok. I got the answer. The point is the quantity! If you sell average low quantity, the there is no reason for the customer to go to china, vs. when they are seeking large quantity, then they will end up in china Thanks all!

I think your fear is real, but it's not a fear that will end your business. People will always take quality, respected products over the outsourced versions. Your version may have to be knicked down in price and margins make shrink, but to think it's going to be the end of the world is wrong.

I would just ask if you have expertise in this field. Did you pick this business because you have passion for it and have the equipment for the polo shirts? Your fear might be more than just others under pricing you. If you have taken a good look at your business and you know what you are doing, don't worry about other businesses, there is always room at top. Go for quality and enjoy your business.

True even with all the taxes that is impose on any item that comes from China it still dont compesate for the very cheap price they offer. But dont forget you cant buy a piece of this or a piece of that, when dealing with company from china. They tend to entertain bulk order also almost 10-20% of the product they produce is reject but they do compensate by sending you extra item. Also before you start you may consider looking into Vietnam they price is a bit more than China but the quality is a whole lot better. I know a lot of people who have skip China and order in Vietnam because of quality issue and the price is not that much of an issue. (Note - not the polo shirt business but business in general) But bottom line as those who post previously quality is the key. If you produce quality item sooner or later people will prefer your brand name over the other. The hard part is making a name for yourself. my 2 cent worth of opinion