Possibly A Fashion Industry Network T-shirts

Should we develop a fashion industry network t-shirt? Imagine each year we develop one t-shirt that represents the fashion industry network. Possibly, allow design submissions from members and then we take a vote to determine which shirt design to produce. Actually, I do not really have a voting mechanism on the network (but I am sure we can figure something out). One problem with this experiment would be that someone would have to front the money to produce the t-shirts. I have a funny feeling that I would be stuck with that obligation... Actually, I would not be totally against buying the blank t-shirts and paying a printer to print the shirts. However, I would have a bit of a problem if I made the shirts and then no one wants them... Yes, I am not the first person to face the dilemma of possibly manufacturing product that is unwanted. Most people would be willing to take such a risk if they have the opportunity to make a profit if all goes well. Unfortunately, I would not be in this to make a profit. Therefore, I would have possible risk but no reward... That is a tad dangerous to say the least. Currently, I am thinking about three possible options. Option # 1: produce the fashion industry network t-shirts and display the actual manufacturing cost directly on the site. Show how much it cost to buy the blank t-shirts, printing charges, freight, etc. I could then possibly sell the shirts at the exact cost. Option # 2: use the same method as option # 1 above, but add a little more to the cost of the shirt and put that toward a Fashion Industry Network Party (or some sort of special event). Option # 3: use the same method as option # 1 above, but add a little more and use that money as a prize for the designer that submits the best t-shirt design for the following year. I am still brain storming so I may come up with other ideas. Actually, I may determine that this is crazy and that it would be too risky of me to pay for shirts with out the potential for earning a few bucks for the risk of being stuck with the shirts... Anyway, I certainly need to put more thought into this project. Here are a few potential concerns to think about: Issue # 1 Gender : If I were to produce Fashion Industry Network t-shirts, I do not think that I would be able to make them for both the male and female gender (if I produce for both genders I have twice as much risk if none of them sell...). If I were to proceed with this experiment, I think I would first focus on women's t-shirts. Good news for the ladies, and bad news for us guys... Issue # 2 Sizes : For this experiment, I do not think that I would print up a full range of sizes. Therefore, I would most certainly have to exclude petites and plus sizes. I would actually like to go with size M, L only, but would most likely produce a size range of S,M,L,XL (not sure exact size scale). Again, my thought process is that if I make too many sizes, I risk being stuck with more units if nothing sells. Issue # 3 Time : I do not know if I have time for this project... I know where to find blank t-shirt suppliers and t-shirt printers. However, I currently do not have a direct relation with any of them. Not sure if any would hook me up with good pricing for this project... Do you think it is a good idea to develop a Fashion Industry Network t-shirt?