The Cost Of T-Shirt Making: Machine Pricing Explained

If you're thinking of starting a t-shirt business, one of the first things you'll need to consider is the cost of a t-shirt-making machine. The good news is that there are a variety of options available, depending on your budget and specific requirements. For example, if you're just starting out, you might want to opt for a heat press machine, which can start at around $700. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more comprehensive solution, you might want to invest in a heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or screen-printed transfer setup, which can cost upwards of $1,000. Ultimately, the cost of a t-shirt-making machine will depend on the specific features and capabilities you require, but with a range of options available, it's possible to find a solution that fits your budget.

Heat press machines

The cost of a heat press machine varies depending on the type, size, and features. Here are some options available on Amazon and Walmart:

HTVRONT Heat Press Machine:

• Portable 10"x10" heat press machine ideal for T-shirts, hats, bags, and heating transfer projects.
• Heats up fast and distributes heat evenly.
• Prices start from $65.31 for the light green model and $79.19 for the purple model.

Cricut EasyPress Mini:

• Compact and lightweight heat press for small objects like shoes, stuffed animals, hats, etc.
• Features three heat settings and a precision tip.
• Prices start from $39.99.

VEVOR Heat Press Machine:

• 2-in-1 heat press machine for T-shirts and hats with digital temperature and timer control.
• Heats up fast and evenly.
• Prices start from $128.53.

SHZOND 5-in-1 Heat Press Machine:

• 15"x15" multifunction heat transfer machine for T-shirts, hats, mugs, and plates.
• Prices start from $195.99.

Cricut EasyPress 2:

• 9"x9" heat press machine ideal for T-shirts, tote bags, pillows, aprons, and more.
• Features precise temperature control, an insulated safety base, and auto-off function.
• Prices start from $66.61.

HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine:

• 15"x15" smart T-shirt press machine with auto-release.
• Heats up fast, distributes heat evenly, and has intelligent heat press functions.
• Prices start from $226.56.

The cost of a heat press machine can range from around $40 to $300, depending on the features and size. It is important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a heat press machine. Additionally, keep in mind that the cost of starting a T-shirt business includes other expenses such as blank apparel, vinyl rolls, cutters, and more.

Cost of materials

The cost of materials for T-shirt printing can vary depending on the type of printing method, the number of colours used, the size of the order, and the quality of the T-shirts. Here is a breakdown of the costs:

Printing Method

Digital printing is more economical for smaller orders with multi-coloured artwork, with prices ranging from $25 to $50 per shirt. Screen printing, on the other hand, is more cost-effective for larger orders as it reduces the cost per shirt with volume purchases. Embroidery is another option, typically used for small alterations like a logo on the chest area. The price of embroidery depends on the amount of thread used and the number of stitches required.

Number of Colours

The cost of screen-printed T-shirts increases with the number of colours used in the design. Each additional colour requires a separate screen to be burned and set up on the press, increasing the production time and the cost of ink, screens, and other materials.

Size of Order

The cost per item usually decreases as the order quantity increases. Most printing firms offer volume discounts, with prices becoming cheaper at quantities of 12, 36, 72, and 144. Print-on-demand orders, which are typically single-piece or small-volume orders, do not benefit from these bulk discounts and are priced similarly to retail.

Quality of T-shirts

The quality of T-shirts can vary, and this is usually reflected in the price. Premium T-shirts often feature extra embellishments and reinforcements that provide a better fit and longevity. Higher-end luxury shirts are made from Pima or Egyptian cotton, while budget T-shirts are usually made from carded-open-ended cotton, which has a rougher print surface. Ring-spun cotton shirts are softer and smoother for printing and tend to be more expensive.

Additional Costs

There are also some additional costs to consider, such as cutting, sewing, and assembly, which can range from $0.25 to $0.75 per shirt, and packaging, labelling, and shipping preparation, which can add about $0.25 per shirt. Transportation costs between manufacturing facilities can also add $0.05 to $0.25 per shirt.

Labour expenses

The cost of labour for T-shirt manufacturing can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the labour and the scale of production. For example, fast fashion brands often utilise overseas factories with cheap labour and poor working conditions to reduce costs. In contrast, ethical and sustainable production methods may result in higher labour costs.

When it comes to customisation and printing, the labour expenses will depend on the type of printing or customisation technique used. For instance, digital printing is typically more cost-effective for smaller quantities and multicoloured artwork, while screen printing is more economical for larger volumes as it reduces the cost per shirt. Embroidery is another customisation option, and the price is determined by the amount of thread used, which is influenced by the size and intricacy of the design.

Additionally, the number of print locations on the T-shirt also impacts the labour expenses. For example, a T-shirt with prints on the front, back, and both sleeves will cost significantly more than a shirt with only one print location.

Printing methods

There are several methods for printing designs on T-shirts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Screen Printing is a traditional method that involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto a T-shirt, and it is repeated for each colour in the design. It is cost-effective for bulk printing with simple designs and a small number of colours. However, it can be time-consuming and inefficient for small orders or intricate designs with many colours.
• Dye-Sublimation (Sublimation) is a newer method where the dye is embedded into the T-shirt material, resulting in a durable and smooth print. It is perfect for complex designs and relatively cheap to start, but it is limited to light-coloured fabrics with a high polyester content.
• Direct to Garment (DTG) printing is similar to printing on paper, where the T-shirt is inserted into a DTG printer and sprayed with ink. It is ideal for small orders and can produce complex designs, but it is very expensive to set up and not suitable for polyester shirts.
• Heat Transfer Printing is similar to Sublimation but produces a stiffer design. It is inexpensive and suitable for any material but not as durable as other methods.
• CAD Cut Vinyl is a unique method that doesn't use ink. Instead, a design is cut from vinyl by a machine and then heat-pressed onto the T-shirt. It is one of the fastest methods, works on most materials, and is good for small, simple designs. However, it is uncomfortable for larger designs, and combining colours can be challenging.
• Inkjet/Laser Iron-on Transfer uses a special heat transfer paper and an inkjet or laser printer to transfer the design onto the T-shirt. It is popular for multicolour designs and digital photographs but is less durable than other methods and not suitable for dark-coloured T-shirts.
• Plastisol Transfers use high-quality heat transfer paper to achieve results comparable to screen printing. It is a good option for small orders and is cost-effective, but it requires a good heat press machine.
• Dye Sublimation Printing works best on white or light-coloured polyester T-shirts. The dye turns into vapour and is absorbed into the fabric, resulting in a durable print. However, it does not work on cotton T-shirts.
• Other methods include discharge printing, variations of screen printing, cut and sew, stencil printing, tie and dye, Batik, embroidery, and more. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some are more suitable for specific fabrics or design types.

Cost of a t-shirt business

The cost of starting a t-shirt business varies depending on the scale of production, labour expenses, materials used, and whether you are manufacturing or simply printing t-shirts.

If you are looking to manufacture t-shirts, you can expect to pay anywhere from $11.48 to $17.50 per shirt for bulk orders of 100 shirts. This price includes the cost of materials, labour, shipping, and other overhead costs. The price of manufacturing a t-shirt also depends on the country of production, with Asian countries like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam offering significantly cheaper rates compared to the USA.

On the other hand, if you are planning to print designs onto blank t-shirts, the cost of starting your business will depend on the printing method you choose. Here are some options:

• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): This method requires a heat press machine and a cutter. Heat presses can range in price from $700 for a good-quality press to as little as $300 for a lower-quality option. Craft cutters can be purchased for around $200-$300, while commercial cutters used for larger volumes can be more expensive. The cost of vinyl rolls is relatively inexpensive, and you will need one roll for each colour you plan to use.
• Screen Printed Transfers: This method also requires a heat press, which can be purchased for around $700. The transfers themselves can be ordered from a company that prints them, and the price depends on the quantity ordered. For example, five sheets of standard ink transfers start at about $36, while the price per sheet drops to $2.03 each if you order 50 sheets.
• Direct Screen Printing: This method is more expensive and requires a lot of space and equipment. It also has a lengthy learning curve and is time-consuming. However, it gives you more control over the printing process.
• Print-on-Demand Platforms: This option is less costly upfront, but it may not offer as much control over your business.

In general, the cost of starting a t-shirt business from home using either HTV or screen-printed transfers is around $1,000. This includes the cost of a heat press and, in the case of HTV, a cutter.

It is important to consider other factors besides the initial investment when starting a t-shirt business, such as the quality of work, material options, communication with manufacturers, customization capabilities, production capacity, lead times, and ethical practices.

Frequently asked questions