Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Sublimation Business
Date Posted:16 April 2026
Starting a sublimation business is an exciting way to turn creativity into income. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or planning to build a full-time business, sublimation offers low setup costs, high customisation, and strong demand across many markets.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the essentials — from choosing your niche to pricing your products correctly.
Choose Your Niche
Identify a specific market segment to focus on, such as personalised pet accessories, custom sportswear, or corporate promotional items. Specialising helps you stand out and cater to a targeted audience.
Acquire Essential Equipment
To get started with sublimation, you’ll need a few key tools:
- Sublimation printer – Designed specifically for sublimation inks
- Sublimation inks – Must be compatible with your printer
- Heat Press – Chosen based on the products you plan to make
- Flat-bed press (apparel, panels, mouse pads)
- Mug press (mugs and drinkware)
- Cap press (hats and caps)
- Sublimation Paper - Transfers ink from print to blank
- Design Software:
- Most sublimation printers include their own beginner-friendly design software (such as Artspira by Brother or Sawgrass Creative tools).
- Advanced programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW to create your own custom designs.
Source Blank Products
Purchase blank items compatible with sublimation printing, such as polyester t-shirts, ceramic mugs, or aluminium panels. These products must be polyester-based or sublimation-coated to achieve the best results.
Always confirm blanks are sublimation-ready before purchasing.
View our range of Sublimation Blanks →
Develop Your Designs
Create unique and appealing designs that resonate with your target audience. Staying aware of trends, seasons, and holidays helps keep your products fresh and relevant.
Offering customisation options — such as names, dates, colours, or wording — can add extra value and make your products more appealing to customers.
Make sure you test your designs regularly and refine them based on real-world results, as what looks good on screen doesn’t always translate perfectly to fabric or hard surfaces.
Price Your Sublimation Products
One of the biggest challenges for new sublimation businesses is working out what to charge.
Pricing isn’t just about covering the blank — it needs to include:
- Ink, paper, and consumables
- Equipment wear and electricity
- Design time and labour
- Packaging and platform fees
- Business overheads and profit
For a full breakdown, formulas, and examples, see What to Charge for Dye Sublimation Products.
Set Up an Online Presence
Establish an online store using platforms such as Etsy, Shopify, or your own website. Use social media channels to showcase your products, engage with customers, and build your brand.
Market Your Business
Consistent marketing is what turns a hobby into a business.
Effective strategies to consider include:
- Social media advertising – Targeted ads to reach your ideal customer
- Email marketing – Newsletters, promotions, and product launches
- Collaborations – Partnering with influencers, creators, or local businesses
You don’t need to do everything at once — start small, test what works, and build from there.
Manage Orders and Customer Service
Smooth operations matter just as much as great products. Ensure orders are processed accurately and on time, maintain clear communication around turnaround times, and respond promptly to customer enquiries.
Strong customer service encourages repeat business, positive reviews, and word-of-mouth referrals.
Starting a sublimation business is an ongoing learning process. Staying informed, refining your workflow, and listening to your customers will help your business grow over time.
- Stay updated – Keep up with industry trends and continue improving your skills.
- Quality control – Regularly check your products for consistency and finish.
- Customer feedback – Listen to feedback and use it to make meaningful improvements.
With the right setup, pricing, and processes in place, sublimation can grow from a creative hobby into a sustainable business.
