Chapter 1: Overcoming Doubts in a Saturated Market

Starting a YouTube channel might seem daunting, especially with over 800 million videos already out there. The common belief is that the market is saturated, and success is unlikely. We tend to think there’s always a "best" in every category—be it a restaurant, a ride-sharing app, or a smartphone. However, this "best" is merely a moment in time; it won’t hold that title indefinitely.

The real question is: how long can any product maintain its top position? It could last for decades or just a fleeting moment. If you have an innovative idea, such as a new phone to rival the leading brand, letting fear of competition deter you could mean losing out on a significant opportunity. After all, the current leader could falter at any moment, just as you might be the one to create the next big thing.

Chapter 2: A Journey from Employment to Entrepreneurship

Moe, a childhood friend of mine, moved to the US eight years ago and took a job at a print-on-demand shirt company. While he was initially underpaid, he recognized the potential of this niche. Even when many considered it outdated compared to trends like NFTs, he saw a market yearning for personalized apparel.

A few years later, Moe saved enough to buy his own printing machine and rent a small kiosk in a mall, all while juggling his day job. Although income was slow, the knowledge he gained was invaluable. He learned about copyright issues, business leases, taxes, and how to manage employees.

Chapter 3: Unforeseen Success During the Holidays

Just when Moe was on the verge of discouragement, a surge in demand around Christmas changed everything. This unexpected spike provided him with insights into consumer behavior during the holidays, equipping him for future planning. With newfound knowledge, he dedicated himself to this industry for years to come.

Chapter 4: Financial Growth and Business Expansion

Fast forward to earlier this year, when I caught up with Moe. He had opened a larger store, reporting impressive figures for 2021:

• Revenue: $600K
• Profit: $120K
• Fixed Assets: $150K in printing equipment

Interestingly, about 20% of his revenue stemmed from experimenting with Amazon, a development he hadn't anticipated, while the majority came from direct retail sales.

Chapter 5: A Simple Business Model

Moe’s journey is a testament to the idea that one doesn’t always need a formal business plan or pitch deck to succeed. His strategy revolved around creating custom prints on shirts and mugs. While his venture, WildCustomApparel, may not become a billion-dollar enterprise, he remains focused on incremental growth.

Additionally, should he choose to exit the business, he could sell it for a significant profit on platforms like Flippa.

Chapter 6: Industry Insights and Growth Potential

Previously, I collaborated with a client in the print-on-demand sector, which featured a more scalable model. Their name is Subliminator, and I intend to delve deeper into their entrepreneurial journey in a future article.

During my research, I encountered Printful, a leading player in this field. They facilitate the process for entrepreneurs like Moe by managing logistics, enabling them to concentrate on marketing and product design. Printful's recent valuation of $1 billion, following a $130 million investment, highlights the industry’s growth potential. In fact, reports indicate that the print-on-demand sector has expanded by 12% over the past four years.

Chapter 7: The Importance of Self-Expression

While an analyst might predict a limited future for the print-on-demand industry, entrepreneurs like Moe understand that it extends beyond mere products. People crave avenues for self-expression, whether through social media, meetings, or clothing. As long as this desire exists, the industry will continue to flourish.

Chapter 8: The Power of Belief and Determination

When you share your aspirations with someone, pay attention to their response. If they don’t believe your restaurant could be the best in the world someday, use their skepticism as fuel to push yourself forward. Proving doubters wrong can lead to remarkable accomplishments, much like those achieved by icons such as Steve Jobs, Anna Wintour, and Colonel Sanders.

Moe’s story is just one of many; it’s a reminder that anyone can embark on a successful journey, regardless of how mundane it may seem at first.

I’m Al, a business consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland, dedicated to providing value to readers. If you find my insights helpful, feel free to connect with me on social media. Additionally, I share more content on my startup's blog.

Note: I have no affiliation with or financial ties to WildCustomApparel; my aim is to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.