Starting a small business in the crafting world is always exciting, but it often comes with questions: Where do I start? How much should I spend? What products should I sell? These questions become even more pressing when you’re working with a relatively new medium like UV DTF.
In this post, we’ll walk through the process of setting up a UV DTF-based side hustle. From choosing a name and logo to sourcing blanks and pricing products, we’ll cover the first key steps in building a business that is manageable, affordable, and fun.
It’s about creating a realistic business model that works in a few hours a day, without requiring years of trial and error. By following along, you’ll learn how to start strong and avoid common pitfalls.
Before diving into the business side, let’s talk about why UV DTF is worth considering.
Most crafters are familiar with sublimation, vinyl, or heat transfer vinyl (HTV). While all of these methods are popular, they come with limitations:
sublimation requires special blanks, HTV involves weeding and pressing, and vinyl can be prone to peeling.
UV DTF transfers, by contrast, are durable, versatile, and easy to apply. Think of them as high-quality, permanent decals that can be added to nearly any hard surface. They are glossy, scratch-resistant, dishwasher safe, and weatherproof. Best of all, you don’t need expensive equipment to get started.
Instead of investing in printers, inks, or presses, you can order pre-printed UV DTF gang sheets.
You can order DTF from DTFPrinter.com if you are located in the USA
Apply them directly to blanks like:
This makes UV DTF an attractive option for a small side hustle, especially if you want to create giftable products that customers can buy right off the shelf.
When we decided to launch a UV DTF side hustle, the purpose wasn’t to build a massive company or compete with established businesses. Instead, it was about:
1- Testing Feasibility: Could UV DTF realistically support a small business model?
2- Sharing the Journey: Documenting the process so other crafters can learn without trial and error.
3- Keeping It Manageable: Building a business that works in a few hours a day, not a full-time operation.
We also wanted to make the process approachable. Many people hesitate to start because they feel they don’t have enough resources or experience. But with UV DTF, the barrier to entry is much lower than other crafting methods.
Before we go further, a quick disclaimer: this is not legal or tax advice. Every region has its own rules about sales tax, permits, and business registration. If you’re serious about turning this into a side hustle, research what’s required in your area.
At minimum, check:
Sorting this out early will give you peace of mind as your business grows.
The first tangible step in starting any business is choosing a name and creating a logo. This isn’t just about having something pretty on a business card, it sets the tone for your entire brand.
For us, we wanted something memorable, fun, and tied to the idea of gifting, since the products we planned to sell (keychains, ornaments, bookmarks) are all items people often give as presents.
During the brainstorming process, we tested different names using AI tools to spark ideas. Some were playful but too focused on decals or stickers, which didn’t match our vision. Others leaned heavily on printing terminology, which might confuse customers into thinking we were selling raw transfers instead of finished products.
After several iterations, we landed on: 'Fawntastic' Gifts Co.
Why this name works?
The logo design process also went through multiple refinements. We experimented with script fonts for 'Fawntastic' and hand-lettered styles for “Gifts,” balancing elegance with a handmade touch. Adding a mascot gave the brand personality and made it more recognizable in a crowded market.
Once the name and logo were set, the next step was deciding what products to sell.
We wanted to avoid t-shirts and apparel because they come with sizing headaches. You can have the perfect design, but if you don’t stock the right size, you lose a sale. Instead, we focused on small, versatile items that appeal to a wide audience and are always in demand at craft fairs or online:
Bookmarks: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to sell in sets.
Keychains: Great impulse buys and popular as gifts.
Ornaments: Seasonal but highly profitable during the holidays.
Glass cans and mugs: Trending products with everyday usability.
Acrylic signs: Perfect for personalized décor.
By keeping the product line small but diverse, it’s possible to appeal to different customers without overwhelming yourself with inventory.
A common mistake when starting a craft business is overspending on supplies. We wanted to keep costs low while still making quality products.
Since many UV DTF transfers cost about $1 per decal, it’s easy to calculate costs upfront. For example:
If you sell that keychain for $6–$8 at a craft fair, you’re making a solid margin. The same math can be applied to mugs, bookmarks, and ornaments, adjusting for the cost of blanks.
We also factored in booth rental fees for local craft fairs, which can range from $30–$100 depending on location. Tracking these expenses ensures you’re not just making sales but also turning a real profit.
Blanks are the foundation of UV DTF crafting. While you can order from established suppliers, it’s also worth looking locally to save money.
Some ideas for sourcing blanks:
Thrift shops: Glassware and mugs can often be found for pennies.
Amazon or wholesale sites: For Libbey glass cans, acrylic keychains, and ornaments.
Local suppliers: Some small businesses sell blanks in bulk at discounted prices.
Starting small is key. Instead of buying hundreds of blanks, start with 10–20 pieces of each product. This minimizes risk and helps you learn what sells best in your area.
A business name and logo are just the start of branding. The overall customer experience is what makes your products memorable. For us, leaning into the gift-focused theme meant considering:
These small details add value and make your products feel special, which allows you to charge higher prices.
With the name, logo, product ideas, and budget framework in place, the foundation of the business is set. The next steps will focus on:
The goal isn’t to spend thousands upfront or overwhelm yourself. Instead, it’s about creating a manageable, profitable side hustle that brings joy to both you and your customers.
Starting a UV DTF business doesn’t have to be complicated. With low equipment requirements, affordable supplies, and versatile products, it’s one of the easiest ways to dip into the crafting business world.
By starting small, focusing on giftable items, and keeping costs under control, you can create a side hustle that’s fun, flexible, and profitable. Whether you’re selling at local craft fairs or online marketplaces, UV DTF offers the perfect combination of creativity and simplicity.
In the next installment of this series, we’ll cover sourcing blanks and setting a budget. Stay tuned to learn how to stretch your resources while building a professional, market-ready product line.
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