Introduction
Starting a custom printing reseller business in Calgary has never been more accessible. With no minimum order requirements, fast turnaround times, and multiple printing methods available, you can build a profitable print-on-demand business without massive upfront investment, warehouse space, or inventory risk.
At DTG Printing Corp in Calgary, we partner with resellers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want to offer custom printed products without owning printing equipment. Whether you’re selling band merch, corporate apparel, promotional products, or online merchandise, we provide the printing expertise while you focus on sales and customer relationships.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to build a successful custom printing reseller business in Calgary.
Why Start a Custom Printing Reseller Business?
Low Startup Costs
No need to invest in expensive printing equipment, warehouse space, or bulk inventory. Start with minimal capital and scale as you grow.
No Inventory Risk
Print-on-demand means you only order what you’ve already sold. No unsold inventory sitting in storage, no wasted capital on products that don’t sell.
Flexible Business Model
Work from home, set your own hours, scale at your own pace. Perfect for side hustles or full-time businesses.
Multiple Revenue Streams
Serve diverse markets—bands, businesses, events, sports teams, online stores—without specializing in one niche.
High Profit Margins
Mark up products 50-100%+ depending on your market and value-added services (design, fulfillment, customer service).
Custom Printing Services for Resellers
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing
Best For: Cotton t-shirts and hoodies, detailed designs, small batch orders.
Reseller Advantages:
- No minimums—order 1 or 100
- Fast turnaround for quick fulfillment
- High-quality, soft prints
- Perfect for testing new designs
Learn more about DTG printing.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing
Best For: Polyester apparel, athletic wear, performance fabrics, maximum durability.
Reseller Advantages:
- Works on any fabric type
- Superior durability for active wear
- Vibrant colors that last
- Ideal for sports teams and athletic markets
Learn more about DTF printing.
Compare methods in our DTG vs DTF guide.
Custom Embroidery
Best For: Hats, polo shirts, corporate apparel, premium merchandise.
Reseller Advantages:
- Higher perceived value
- Premium pricing justified
- Professional appearance
- Ideal for corporate clients
Learn more about embroidery services.
Vinyl Sticker Printing
Best For: Promotional items, product packaging, merchandise add-ons.
Reseller Advantages:
- Low cost, high margins
- Easy to ship and store
- Popular add-on product
- Viral marketing potential
Learn more about sticker printing.
Laser Engraving
Best For: Corporate gifts, awards, personalized items, premium products.
Reseller Advantages:
- Unique product offering
- High perceived value
- Premium pricing
- Differentiation from competitors
Learn more about laser engraving.
Profitable Reseller Markets in Calgary
Band & Musician Merchandise
Why This Market: Bands need merch but lack printing expertise or capital for bulk orders.
Your Value: Design services, inventory management, show fulfillment, online store setup.
Products: T-shirts, hoodies, hats, stickers, posters.
Profit Margins: 50-100%+ markup.
See our band merch printing guide.
Wrestling & Sports Merchandise
Why This Market: Wrestlers and athletes need branded gear but can’t afford bulk minimums.
Your Value: Design, on-demand printing, event fulfillment, online sales.
Products: Entrance tees, athletic wear, hats, promotional items.
Profit Margins: 50-100%+ markup.
See our wrestling merch printing guide.
Corporate & Business Apparel
Why This Market: Businesses need branded apparel but lack time and expertise.
Your Value: Professional design, bulk ordering, employee sizing, delivery coordination.
Products: Polo shirts, hoodies, hats, embroidered apparel, promotional items.
Profit Margins: 30-75% markup.
Online Merchandise Stores
Why This Market: E-commerce entrepreneurs want to sell custom products without inventory.
Your Value: Print-on-demand fulfillment, blind shipping, quality control.
Products: T-shirts, hoodies, stickers, accessories.
Profit Margins: 50-150%+ markup.
Event & Fundraiser Merchandise
Why This Market: Event organizers need commemorative items but can’t predict demand.
Your Value: Pre-order management, on-demand printing, event delivery.
Products: Event t-shirts, hoodies, hats, commemorative items.
Profit Margins: 50-100%+ markup.
How to Build Your Reseller Business
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Focus on one or two markets initially (bands, corporate, online stores). Specialization builds expertise and reputation faster than trying to serve everyone.
Step 2: Set Up Your Business
Register your business, create a simple website or social media presence, develop pricing structure (cost + markup + value-added services), and set up payment processing.
Step 3: Create Sample Products
Order samples of your most popular products to show potential clients. Invest in 5-10 sample pieces showcasing different printing methods and products.
Step 4: Market Your Services
Networking: Attend local events, connect with bands, businesses, sports teams.
Social Media: Showcase your work on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Referrals: Offer referral incentives to existing customers.
Local Partnerships: Partner with event organizers, venues, business associations.
Step 5: Provide Value-Added Services
Graphic Design: Offer design services for clients without artwork. Check our graphic design services.
Inventory Management: Store and manage inventory for repeat clients.
Fulfillment Services: Handle shipping and delivery logistics.
Consultation: Help clients choose the right products and printing methods.
Step 6: Scale Your Business
As you grow, increase your product offerings, expand into new markets, build a team (designers, sales, fulfillment), and automate processes with online ordering systems.
Pricing Strategies for Resellers
Cost-Plus Pricing
Calculate your cost (product + printing + shipping), add your desired profit margin (50-100%), and include value-added services (design, fulfillment).
Example:
- T-shirt cost: $15
- Your markup: $15 (100%)
- Selling price: $30
Value-Based Pricing
Price based on the value you provide, not just product cost. Design services, convenience, expertise, and customer service justify premium pricing.
Example:
- Same t-shirt with design services: $40-50
- Corporate bulk order with sizing and delivery: $35-45 per shirt
Volume Discounts
Offer tiered pricing to encourage larger orders while maintaining healthy margins.
Example:
- 1-11 shirts: $30 each
- 12-24 shirts: $25 each
- 25+ shirts: $22 each
Reseller Success Tips
Start Small: Test your market with small orders before scaling.
Focus on Quality: Your reputation depends on print quality—partner with reliable printers.
Communicate Clearly: Set realistic timelines and manage customer expectations.
Build Relationships: Repeat customers are more profitable than constantly finding new ones.
Offer Design Services: Many clients need design help—this adds value and increases margins.
Stay Organized: Track orders, timelines, and customer communications carefully.
Leverage Volume Discounts: Orders of 12+ units eliminate premium charges and reduce costs.
Why Partner with DTG Printing Corp for Reselling?
No Minimums: Order exactly what you’ve sold—no inventory risk.
Multiple Printing Methods: Offer diverse products without multiple suppliers.
28 Years of Experience: Reliable quality and consistent results.
Fast Turnaround: Quick production keeps your customers happy.
Local Calgary Service: Easy pickup, personalized support, relationship-based partnership.
Transparent Pricing: Clear costs help you price competitively and profitably.
Quality Guarantee: Your reputation is our priority.
Get Started as a Custom Printing Reseller in Calgary Today
Ready to build a profitable print-on-demand business? Partner with DTG Printing Corp and start offering custom printed products without the overhead.
Contact DTG Printing Corp:
- Website: https://dtgprinting.ca
- Submit Order: https://dtgprinting.ca/submit-your-order/
- Pricing: https://dtgprinting.ca/pricing/
- Contact Us: https://dtgprinting.ca/contact-us/