Stolen Credit Card Order Nearly Costs Shelby Man His Business

John Mansfield's business got off to a rough start.

The Shelby Township resident got burned by a stolen credit card from Indonesia and lost his condo and his screen printing equipment. He kept his business together, however and runs IP-Sportswear.

Mansfield recently submitted information about the business through the Small Business Spotlight.

Here are his answers.

How did your business come to be? 

I lost my job at US Manufacturing because I was 60 years old and would not travel to Mexico or stay weekends at Bad Axe.

I taught myself how to build a web site (from books), learned Photoshop, Corel Draw and others. I had screen printing equipment from what was previously a hobby. I started a web site selling sportswear, hats and a number of other items. Started to make some money when I got a large order from Indonesia - 500 jackets. I was told by the bank that issued the credit card that the card was good and shipped the order. 5 weeks later I was told that the card was in fact stolen and I had to pay back the money to the bank. 

What does your business offer? 

Now, I run a web site that specializes in terrycloth headbands and wristbands. I offer many colors and supply them blank, with numbers (for teams), with logos (full color embroidered), with Awareness Ribbons (embroidered) for a number of causes and much more. Also, direct embroidery on headbands. I have sold these items to customers in all 50 states and many countries including Australia, Canada and Europe. My website is www.ip-sweatbands.com My friend has a screen printing business in River Rouge and I can offer sportswear an t-shirts etc. through him. I also have a friend in Ray who takes care of my embroidery orders.

What's your most popular product or service? 

Wristbands with logos for special events and wristbands with Awareness Ribbons, wristbands for teams with individual numbers.

What do you want your business to be best known for?

The fact that I can offer headbands and wristbands in team colors with full color logos, mascots and more at reasonable prices. No minimums on blank items

When was the business founded?

Jan. 2001

Why did you choose the area you did?

I have lived in Shelby Township since 1975. After the fiasco with the Indonesia order I lost my condo and all my equipment. I had to move to a Mobile Home Park and, luckily chose Shelby Forest. I am quite content in Shelby Twp.

Contact information:

Web: www.ip-sweatbands.com

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