T-Shirt Printers: Costly Investment Or Affordable Opportunity?

T-shirt printers vary in price depending on the type of printer, its features, and whether it is new or used. Direct-to-garment printers, for instance, can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $25,000. Dye-sublimation printers, on the other hand, are a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $600 to $4,000. If you're looking for something more advanced, the Mimaki DTF TxF150-75 printer, which offers a wide 31.5-inch print area, is a top choice but will likely come at a higher cost. For those on a budget, used printers are available on sites like Quipdealio, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay, with prices potentially starting at $1,500.

Cost of a T-shirt printer

The cost of a T-shirt printer varies depending on the printing technology, features, and specifications. Here is an overview of the cost range for different types of T-shirt printers:

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printers:

DTG printers are widely considered the gold standard for T-shirt printing. They offer high-quality, direct printing onto T-shirts without the need for transfers. DTG printers typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, with some models featuring a printing area of up to 16" x 20". The Epson SureColor F2270 is a versatile hybrid printer that supports DTG and DTF printing, delivering outstanding image quality.

Dye-Sublimation (Dye-Sub) Printers:

Dye-sublimation printers offer an inexpensive entry point into the custom T-shirt printing business. They use heat to transfer dye onto a wide range of materials, including T-shirts, mugs, and keychains. Prices for dye-sublimation printers vary from $600 for entry-level models to $4,000 for complete bundles. While these printers offer stunning image quality and durability, they are limited to printing on white or very light-colored polyester or pre-treated fabrics.

White Toner Transfer Printers:

White toner transfer printers, such as the OKI pro8432WT or UniNet i550, offer the ability to print on a wider range of fabrics, including cotton, poly, and blends, as well as dark-colored garments. These printers typically start at around $4,000, but the complete system can cost up to $11,000, depending on the model. The advantage of these printers is the ability to produce high-quality transfers with professional software and a wide range of transfer paper choices.

Screen Printing Machines:

Screen printing machines are mechanical devices that offer the ability to customize almost any fabric and color at a low per-print cost. However, the initial cost, setup time, and mess involved in creating screens make this option feasible only for larger print runs of 36 or more shirts.

Heat Press Machines:

Heat press machines are used in conjunction with T-shirt printers to apply designs to the fabric. They range in price from around $70 to $3,000, depending on features and specifications. Some popular models include the VEVOR Heat Press Machine and the Cricut EasyPress 2 Heat Press Machine.

When choosing a T-shirt printer, it is essential to consider your specific needs, such as the volume of T-shirts you plan to produce, the types of fabric you will be printing on, and your budget. Additionally, don't forget to factor in the cost of supplementary equipment, such as pre-treatment machines and heat presses, which can further enhance the quality and durability of your prints.

Cost of printing on white vs coloured shirts

The cost of printing on white versus coloured shirts can vary depending on several factors, including the printing technology, order quantity, and desired print quality. Here is an overview of the cost considerations for printing on white and coloured shirts:

Printing on White Shirts

Printing on white shirts is generally more cost-effective for several reasons. Firstly, white shirts typically have a lower base price than coloured shirts, making them more affordable to purchase in bulk. Additionally, white shirts do not require any pre-treatment before printing, as the ink can be printed directly onto the fabric without any additional preparation. This simplifies the printing process and reduces costs associated with pretreatment materials and labour.

When it comes to printing costs, white shirts can be more economical, especially when using direct-to-garment (DTG) printing technology. With DTG printing, there is no need for a white ink underbase, which is typically required when printing on darker garments. As a result, printing on white shirts can be faster and use less ink, leading to lower overall printing costs.

Printing on Coloured Shirts

Printing on coloured shirts, especially darker colours like black, can incur additional costs. Coloured shirts often require a special pre-treatment layer to ensure that the ink adheres properly and produces vibrant colours. This pre-treatment process adds to the overall cost of each shirt and can vary depending on the specific colour and fabric type.

When using DTG printing on dark-coloured shirts, a white ink underbase is usually necessary to make the colours stand out. This additional layer of ink increases the printing time and ink consumption, resulting in higher printing costs per shirt. However, it is important to note that the profit margin on dark-coloured shirts can still be significant, even with the added costs.

Order Quantity and Other Considerations

The quantity of shirts ordered also plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost per shirt. Purchasing smaller quantities often results in higher prices per shirt, while bulk orders can drive down the unit cost. It is important to strike a balance between maximising your purchase and avoiding over-ordering to minimise losses.

Other factors that can impact the cost include additional features such as multiple ink colours, front and back designs, and custom embroidery. Shipping costs should also be considered, as some companies may offer free shipping but incorporate these charges into the cost of the shirt.

In summary, printing on white shirts is generally more cost-effective due to lower base prices, no pre-treatment requirements, and reduced printing costs with DTG technology. However, printing on coloured shirts, especially dark colours, can be more expensive due to pre-treatment needs and the additional use of white ink. When planning your order, it is essential to consider the desired quantity, desired print quality, and any additional features that may impact the overall cost.

Cost of printing with multiple ink colours

The cost of printing with multiple ink colours depends on a variety of factors, including the number of colours used, the quantity of shirts ordered, and the company providing the service. Generally, using two or more colours can increase the cost of a T-shirt by $2-3.

For example, let's consider the pricing structure of CustomInk.com. They offer a range of products, including the popular Hanes Tagless T-shirt, which comes in various colours and sizes. The price per shirt varies depending on the number of colours used and the quantity ordered. For instance, with one ink colour on one side, prices range from $10-$25 per shirt. Adding an additional ink colour will likely increase the price within this range.

Another factor to consider is the base colour of the T-shirt. Printing on coloured shirts can be more expensive, with a price difference ranging from $5 in low quantities to $1 in higher quantities. It's worth noting that not all companies charge extra for coloured shirts, so it's important to compare prices before placing an order.

The quantity of shirts ordered also significantly impacts the price. For instance, purchasing a small number of custom T-shirts can cost around $20-$30 per shirt, which is a typical retail price. However, when buying in bulk (50 or more), the price per shirt decreases to $5-10, and for orders of 100 or more, it can be as low as $5 each.

When considering the cost of printing with multiple ink colours, it's essential to keep in mind that extra features, such as printing on both sides or adding custom embroidery, will further increase the price. Additionally, while many companies offer free shipping, this cost is often incorporated into the price of the shirt. Therefore, it's crucial to calculate all costs, including shipping, before making a decision.

Cost of printing on both sides of a T-shirt

The cost of printing on both sides of a T-shirt depends on the printing technology used, the number of T-shirts printed, and any additional features requested.

DTG Printing

DTG (Direct to Garment) printing is a popular method for printing on both sides of T-shirts. It involves printing designs directly onto the fabric, eliminating the need for transfers. DTG printers can range from $15,000 to $25,000, and the printing process is fairly simple. However, DTG printers require regular maintenance, and improper care can result in costly repairs.

Dye-Sublimation Printing

Dye-sublimation, or dye-sub printing, is a comparatively inexpensive way to get into the custom T-shirt printing business. Printers can range from $600 to $4,000, and they offer the advantage of printing on various items besides T-shirts, such as mugs, keychains, and coasters. However, dye-sublimation printing is limited to white or very light-colored fabrics made of polyester.

White Toner T-Shirt Transfer Printers

White toner printers, such as the OKI pro8432WT or UniNet i550, offer the ability to print on almost any fabric, including cotton, polyester, and blends. These printers produce high-quality images on both light and dark garments. However, they are more expensive, with complete systems costing between $6,000 and $11,000.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a traditional method of T-shirt printing that involves creating a "screen" for each unique design. While it offers the ability to customize almost any fabric and color, the setup and cleanup costs are significant, making it suitable only for large print runs of 36 or more T-shirts.

Cost per Shirt

The cost of printing on both sides of a T-shirt can vary depending on the quantity ordered and the company providing the service. For small orders, the price per shirt can range from $20 to $30. When ordering 50 or more shirts, the cost decreases to $5 to $10 per shirt, and for bulk orders of 100 or more, the price can be as low as $5 per shirt. Printing on the front and back typically adds an additional $5 per shirt.

Cost of printing in bulk

The cost of printing T-shirts in bulk depends on several factors, including the number of T-shirts, the number of colours used, the number of sides printed on, and the type of T-shirt.

The price per T-shirt decreases as the quantity increases. For example, a small order of custom T-shirts can cost around $20-$30 per shirt, whereas an order of 50 T-shirts can cost between $5-10 per shirt, and an order of 100+ T-shirts can cost as little as $5 each. Some companies also offer quantity-based discounts, so the more T-shirts you buy in bulk, the higher your discount.

Printing on coloured T-shirts is usually more expensive than printing on white T-shirts, with a price difference of around $1-5 per shirt depending on the quantity. Additionally, using multiple ink colours can increase the cost by $2-3 per shirt. Printing on both sides of the T-shirt can also add $5 to the cost per shirt.

Different types of T-shirts, such as tank tops, polo shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies, may have upcharges, typically ranging from $6 to $25 per shirt.

It's important to consider all these factors when determining the cost of printing T-shirts in bulk, as well as any additional costs such as shipping or setup fees.

Frequently asked questions