YC Startup: Pays HN Tees for the cost of the T-shirts and for the service of printing and distributing them to their followers/customers. (make no profit off customers wearing shirts)
HN Tees: Provides the service of processing and distribution for the startup.
HN Tee's member: Pays $15 for a monthly HN Tee because its a high quality t-shirt designed by an awesome Startup, they like and wear a lot of T-shirts, and follow and support YC Startups.
Just to clarify,
YC Startups are NOT profiting whatsoever from people buying their t'shirts from HN Tees. We have found in talking to countless startups that distributing merchandise to existing and potential supporters and appreciated customers is not something that they have a lot of time to handle while running their businesses. HN tees is providing a service to startups, so that people who follow YC startups WORLDWIDE, not just in the SV or SF area can sport a cool t-shirt. It's really meant to be a positive thing for people who like sportin a little tech wear now and then. For those of you who claim to never wear anything with a logo and/or brand name on it, this membership may not be for you.
HN Tees: Provides the service of processing and distribution for the startup.
HN Tee's member: Pays $15 for a monthly HN Tee because its a high quality t-shirt designed by an awesome Startup, they like and wear a lot of T-shirts, and follow and support YC Startups.