Upsell Your Apparel: 3 Pro Heat Press Placements That Boost Sales
If you want your custom t-shirts to look like they came straight from a boutique instead of your spare bedroom, placement is everything.
Most new t-shirt businesses focus only on the classic center chest print. It’s safe, but predictable. If you want to stand out, sell more, and charge more, you need to get creative with your designs, and that starts with where you place them.
In this guide, we’ll show you three creative t-shirt ideas using Goof Proof® transfers for t-shirt printing that elevate your merch and help you upsell apparel like a pro.
1. Back Shoulder Branding
Adding a small logo or phrase to the back shoulder instantly gives your tees a high-end retail feel.
It’s perfect for minimalist branding or short taglines, and it catches attention when your customer walks away.
Pro tip: Use a Goof Proof® screen printed transfer for bold color and long-lasting durability. It applies in just 4 seconds and stands up to countless washes.
This small detail lets you add perceived value to your shirts without adding much cost.
💡 Upsell idea: Offer back-shoulder prints as a “premium branding add-on” for a few extra dollars per shirt.
2. Front Rib Cage Print
For something bold and unexpected, try placing your design along the front rib cage.
It’s ideal for giving your shirts a streetwear edge that appeals to trend-conscious buyers.
When you use gang sheets (multiple designs on one transfer sheet), you can print multiple placements from a single transfer, cutting production costs and boosting your profit margin.
💡 Creative t-shirt idea: Combine a main logo on the chest with a smaller rib cage slogan to create a “layered” look.
This kind of styling helps your brand feel intentional and elevated — and helps justify a higher price point.
3. Hemline Accent
The smallest details often make the biggest difference.
Adding a logo or repeating pattern right above the hemline gives your shirt a finished, boutique-quality look. It’s subtle but exactly the kind of retail touch customers associate with premium brands.
This spot is perfect for branding marks, taglines, or even limited-edition identifiers.
💡 How to make more money from your t-shirt business: Create “signature series” shirts with a hemline logo to build brand identity and loyalty. You can even use this small design as a collector’s detail for limited drops.
Why These Placements Work
All three of these placements can be done with the same Goof Proof® transfer, so your production stays fast, consistent, and cost-effective.
By rethinking placement instead of increasing material costs, you can:
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Add new upsell options to your apparel line
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Make your t-shirts look boutique-quality
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Create more perceived value (and charge more per piece!)
Start Upselling Your Apparel Today
Whether you’re a startup clothing brand or a new t-shirt business looking to grow, creative placements are one of the easiest ways to differentiate your brand.
You don’t need new equipment or a huge budget, just smart design strategy and the right transfers for t-shirt printing.
Experiment with these three pro placements, take creative photos for your shop or social media, and watch how small details lead to bigger profits.
For tips on how to achieve these print placements, watch the video below.