From Blanks to Bold Prints: Apparel, Printing, and Packaging that Sells

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Angie Meese of That Shirt Shack. She is a blank apparel enthusiast turned DTG and DTF print pro who’s redefining custom printing with creativity and speed. Angie shares what’s working now in apparel marketing, why not all blanks are created equal, and how to match the right print method to your project. Plus, she dives into the often-overlooked role of packaging and shipping in building loyal customers. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your custom business, Angie brings real-world strategies to help you pick the right products, print with confidence, and keep customers coming back. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/d5EJLrTEht8 Dad Joke Aaron:  I was on a diabetes awareness site, and it asked me if I accepted cookies. Is that a trick question? Blanks to Bold Prints Aaron: Tell our listeners a little about yourself and your journey in the industry. Terry: Over the past year, what changes have you noticed in how custom apparel businesses are marketing themselves effectively? Aaron: Where are you seeing the best ROI right now—email lists, vendor markets, local collaborations, or something else? Terry: How have platforms like Instagram Reels and user-generated content shifted the way you reach and engage customers? Aaron: What’s your process for helping customers choose the right blank apparel for their project? Terry: Can you share an example where the wrong blank choice caused issues and what you learned from it? Terry: How do you explain the differences between DTG and DTF to customers who don’t know the technical side? Aaron: What are some misconceptions people still have about these print methods? Terry: Why do you think packaging plays such a big role in branding and repeat orders?Aaron: If a new decorator came to you today asking, “What’s one piece of advice that will save me headaches down the road?”—what would you tell them? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/aT5cmkX-ejc OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! – Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, Nov. 1-2. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ – September 12-13, 2025 Impressions Expo Dallas, TX – October 2-4, 2025 Uncommon Mindset, Uncommon Results: How to Stop Operating Like Everyone Else – – October 3, 2025 at 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Cutting Through the Noise: Finding Success in the Wild West of DTF – October 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Printing United Orlando, FL – October 22-24, 2025 Chaos to Clarity: The Mindset Shift That Transforms Everything – October 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM The Time Myth: Why Work-Life Balance Is a Lie and What to Do Instead – October 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM Setting and Achieving Goals Yet This Year: Making the Most of 2025 and Beyond – October 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM Graphics Pro Charlotte, NC – November 6-8, 2025All dates and events are subject to change