Looking to print custom t-shirts? Here’s the key takeaway:
- Bulk orders (100+ shirts): Cost $5-$10 per shirt, thanks to lower setup fees and economies of scale.
- Single orders: Cost $20-$30 per shirt, ideal for personalized designs but significantly more expensive per unit.
Quick Overview:
- Bulk printing: Best for events or large teams; spreads setup costs across many units.
- Single printing: Great for testing designs or one-time needs; flexible but costly.
| Feature | Bulk Printing (100+ units) | Single Order Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per shirt | $5-$10 | $20-$30 |
| Setup fees | $0.30-$0.65 per shirt | $30-$65 total |
| Turnaround time | 7+ business days | As quick as 1 hour |
| Printing method | Screen printing | Direct-to-Garment |
Tip: Bulk orders save 60-75% per shirt compared to single orders. Choose based on your needs – cost efficiency for bulk or flexibility for single printing.
DTG vs. Screen Printing: Pros, Cons, and Cost Analysis
1. Bulk T-Shirt Printing Costs
The cost of bulk t-shirt printing drops as order sizes grow. Here’s a quick breakdown of pricing based on quantity:
| Order Size | Cost Per Shirt |
|---|---|
| 24-71 units | $11.50-$12.50 |
| 72-144 units | $9.50-$10.50 |
| 300-499 units | $7.50-$8.50 |
| 500+ units | $6.50-$7.50 |
Setup fees are another expense to factor in, especially for screen printing. These fees usually fall between $15 and $30 per color used in the design [1].
The type of material also plays a big role in pricing. While base costs for materials apply to both bulk and single orders, buying in bulk often means better savings on higher-quality fabrics. Common options include:
- Basic 100% cotton (like Gildan 5000)
- Premium cotton blends
- Performance fabrics [1]
Design complexity can push costs higher. For example:
To keep costs manageable, you might want to focus on:
- Choosing the right printing technique
- Simplifying the number of colors
- Limiting the number of print locations
Bulk printing is perfect for events or team uniforms, while smaller orders are better for personalized designs. Check out the next sections for more on deciding between these options.
2. Single Order T-Shirt Printing Costs
Printing a single custom t-shirt usually costs between $25 and $40 per shirt [1]. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is often the most affordable option for small orders, with pricing as follows:
| Quantity | White Garment | Dark Garment |
|---|---|---|
| 1-11 pieces | $20.50 | $22.50 |
| 12-23 pieces | $16.50 | $17.50 |
For single orders, setup fees range from $20 to $100 and are charged in full. In contrast, bulk orders spread these fees across many shirts, significantly lowering the per-shirt cost [4].
Several factors can increase the final price of a single t-shirt:
- Rush fees: Add $10-$20 for expedited service.
- Design services: Professional designs may cost $20-$50.
- Size surcharges: For sizes 2XL and above, expect an extra $2-$4 per shirt [4].
- Shipping: Typically ranges from $5-$15 per shirt.
To save money on single orders:
- Stick to simple, single-color designs.
- Provide artwork that’s ready to print.
- Order a few shirts (2-3) instead of just one.
- Compare prices from local and online providers.
While print-on-demand services offer base prices as low as $15-$25 per shirt, they often come with limited customization options [3]. This makes them a good choice for basic designs but less ideal for more intricate projects.
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Advantages and Disadvantages
Your choice depends on what matters most to you. Let’s break down three important factors:
When considering costs, per-unit pricing can vary significantly. For bulk orders, setup costs are spread across the total production, reducing the cost per item.
Production Methods
Screen printing is the go-to option for bulk orders, known for its durability and vibrant colors. On the other hand, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing shines for single orders, offering flexibility without requiring a minimum order size [1].
Key Comparisons
Screen printing and DTG each cater to different needs. Here’s how they stack up:
| Factor | Bulk Printing | Single-Order Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per unit | $5-$10 (100+ units) | $25-$40 |
| Setup costs | Spread across units | Charged in full |
| Design changes | Limited after printing | Flexible |
| Storage needs | Significant | None |
| Quality consistency | Very consistent | May vary between orders |
These differences influence how each method is used:
- Screen printing is ideal for bulk production due to its consistent quality and lower per-unit cost.
- DTG printing is better for small, customized orders with no storage hassle.
- Your decision should align with your order size and need for customization.
Conclusion
Choosing the right printing method depends on balancing per-unit costs with your specific needs. The $20-40 price difference per shirt between bulk and single orders translates to a 60-75% cost advantage when ordering more than 50 units.
Here’s how to align these options with your goals:
When to Choose Bulk Screen Printing:
- Perfect for large events or ongoing merchandise runs.
- Requires storage space (about 15 square feet per 100 shirts).
- Best suited for large-scale, multi-color designs.
When Single-Order Printing Makes Sense:
- Ideal for testing designs.
- Great for limited edition or personalized items.
- Works well when storage space is limited.
- Allows for frequent design changes.
To save even more, consider these tips:
- Get quotes from at least three vendors. [1]
- Negotiate for bulk setup fee waivers. [2]
- Use standardized shirt colors across orders. [2]
Ultimately, your printing choice should align with both your budget and operational needs. Bulk orders bring cost savings, while single-order printing offers flexibility for specific situations where higher costs may be worth it.
FAQs
How much does it cost to have t-shirts printed?
The cost of custom t-shirt printing varies based on order size, design complexity, and materials. For single orders, prices typically range from $25 to $40 per shirt (including shipping). For bulk orders of 100 or more, the cost drops to $5 to $8 per shirt. If you’re working with intricate designs or specialty fabrics, prices can exceed $100 per shirt [1].
Here are some additional charges to keep in mind:
- Dual-side printing: Adds around $5 per shirt [2].
- Colored garments: Costs an extra $1 to $5 per shirt [2].
The printing method you choose also plays a big role in pricing:
- Screen printing: A cost-effective option for larger orders.
- DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing: Ideal for smaller batches or more detailed designs [1].
Key factors affecting the cost include:
- The size of your order
- The type of printing method
- The quality of the fabric or material [1]
To get the best deal, align the printing method and order quantity with your specific needs. Bulk orders can save you money per shirt, while smaller runs are great for testing designs or creating limited editions.