Giving Serious Thought

Thinking about doing this right and talking to the SBA or SCORE and creating a business plan. It'll be a ton of work and headache but will give me focus and real goals to achieve.
Im having fun finding places to put my link online AND got my first reply to the mailing list, so theres at least one person out there looking forward to my opening besides me.
Also waiting to hear back from my screen print partner. She is looking into creating an American Apparel account which would consolidate some of the process, making it a little easier to order shirts (although probably more expensive). I still have to talk money with her. If this goes the way I hope, we'll both be benefitting from it and I'd like to have a partner willing to share the risk (at least partially at first) by discounting the shirts or printing.
Took another walk yesterday down by the marina and Naval Park-great progress being seen down there and I couldnt believe my eyes: A BOARDWALK IN BUFFALO! Got pics to upload of it.
Spent some time browsing the history of Buffalo and found 2 or 3 interesting facts that will make great shirts! Stay tuned!

Embroidered tags for shirts

I found someone to do some sample embroidered tags for me. Unfortunately, since Im new at this and not very bright, i shoulve looked into exactly what I needed. I got the samples and they look okay. I mean, the buffalo looks good, but the material is a ribbon type of stuff which frankly isnt strong enough to hold thru multiple washes...and a few of the ribbons were really bunched up around the embroidery. Oh, well. the lady was fantastic-very nice, quick turnaround...AND, isnt charging me for the effort...even better. If I ever need embroidery work, she'll be the first I call.
So, what am I looking for then? Im glad you asked. Essentially Im looking for a stitched label. Not something I can get in Buffalo, so Im ordering overseas-yep-mainland china here I come. But for 1200 labels for 200 smackers, its a deal I wont need to make for awhile. Perhaps by that time Ill find someone in buffalo to produce the labels. Check them out if your in need: Lucky Label
If anyone knows of a place, Im all ears!
What else...
Im still searching for a reliable, efficient, quality screen printer in Buffalo, NY to screen my shirts. Fingers crossed, this isnt a major hurdle I have to get over. I also have to make a decision on artwork and color of shirts. I have a dozen designs ready, but only introducing 3 to start....
And oh, yeah, money is running out.
I have pictures to post too. Sorry Im in a rush.

Wholesale Pricing

Heard back from the local screen printer yesterday. He gave a price of $11.50/shirt with American Apparel (AA) tees or 4.50 per if I supply my own shirts. After a little digging and signing up to a few places, I found and qualified for wholesale pricing of 4.13 per for AA shirts that retail for 15.00. Nice. Im not positive on shipping charges though...thats my next inquiry. Also, I applied for wholesale status with AA and am waiting to hear back. Ive heard their price is 3.90 per with no minimum. They are supposed to get back to me today.
Ah, American Apparel ships free (over $50). Hopefully Ill hear back soon from them and get this ship on the water.

The other place for AA shirts is here:
http://www.friedmansactivewear.com