How Much Does It Cost To Get A Shirt Printed: A Clear Breakdown Of Pricing Factors

Getting a shirt printed can cost anywhere from £5 to £25 per item, depending on several key factors. The price varies based on printing method, quantity ordered, and design complexity, making it important to weigh these elements before deciding.

Screen printing tends to be cheaper for large orders, while digital printing can suit small runs but often costs more per shirt. Additional fees like setup charges or custom colours can also influence the final price.

Key Takeaways

• Printing method and order size greatly affect the cost.

• Complex designs or custom options increase the price.

• Additional fees may apply beyond the base printing cost.

Key Factors Affecting Shirt Printing Costs

The cost of T-shirt printing London depends on several specific factors. These include the method used, the number of shirts ordered, the garment types chosen, and the complexity of the design. Stitch 99 offers a variety of solutions for T-shirt printing London, catering to different needs and budgets.

Printing Methods

Different printing techniques affect costs significantly. Screen printing is cost-effective for large orders because setup involves creating stencils. It is less ideal for small runs due to high initial setup fees.

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing prints directly onto the fabric, allowing for detailed colour prints without setup fees. It is more expensive per shirt but suits small quantities and intricate designs.

Heat transfer printing involves applying a design using heat, suitable for small runs but generally costs more per unit. The durability of the print can also affect perceived value and price.

Order Quantity

Order size directly influences cost per shirt. Larger orders benefit from economies of scale, reducing the price per item.

For example:

Quantity	Approximate Cost per Shirt (Screen Printing)
10 shirts	£15 - £20
50 shirts	£7 - £10
100+ shirts	£4 - £6

Small orders often incur higher setup fees, while large batches spread this cost across more shirts, lowering individual prices.

Type of Garment

The chosen garment impacts T-shirt printing London costs based on material and base price. Cotton T-shirts are generally cheaper than premium blends or specialised fabrics like organic cotton or moisture-wicking polyester.

Thicker fabric or textured materials may require more ink or specialised handling, increasing printing costs. Additionally, colours such as white or black can affect pricing since printing on darker garments often demands extra underbase layers.

Design Complexity

Simple designs like one or two solid colours cost less due to faster printing and fewer materials. Complex designs with multiple colours or gradients require more time and ink, driving up costs.

Additional factors include:

• Number of print locations (front, back, sleeves)

• Use of special inks (metallic, puff, glow-in-the-dark)

• High-resolution images requiring detailed printing

  
  

Each increases labour and material costs, leading to higher prices.

Average Prices for Popular Printing Techniques

The cost of T-shirt printing London varies depending on the method used and the complexity of the design. Some techniques are better suited for larger orders, while others work well for small runs or detailed images.

Screen Printing Costs

Screen printing is a common, cost-effective method for bulk orders. Setup fees typically range from £20 to £50 per colour. After setup, each shirt usually costs between £5 and £10.

Pricing depends on the number of colours and print locations. More colours increase costs, as each requires a separate screen. Bulk orders often lower the per-shirt price significantly.

Direct-to-Garment Printing Costs

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing allows for full-colour prints with intricate details. Prices for DTG printing usually start around £8 to £15 per shirt, regardless of order size.

There are no setup fees, making DTG ideal for one-off prints or small batches. The cost remains consistent even with complex or photographic designs.

DTG works on cotton fabrics and offers soft, durable prints. However, prices generally do not decrease with large-volume orders, unlike screen printing.

Heat Transfer Printing Costs

Heat transfer printing involves applying a design via heat and pressure. Costs generally range from £6 to £12 per shirt, with some additional fees for custom transfers.

This method suits small batches and personalised shirts. Prices vary based on transfer type — vinyl or digital transfers cost differently.

Heat transfer offers good colour vibrancy and flexibility on multiple fabric types. However, the print might crack or peel over time compared to screen or DTG methods.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the base price of T-shirt printing London, several other expenses can affect the total cost. These include fees related to preparing artwork, shipping, and initial setup charges that vary by supplier and order size. Stitch 99 provides clear pricing breakdowns so customers know what to expect.

Artwork Preparation Fees

Artwork preparation fees cover the work needed to make a design suitable for printing. This can involve converting files to the correct format, resizing images, or cleaning up logos. If the design is complex or requires significant edits, fees can rise substantially.

Basic adjustments might cost between £10 and £30, while detailed design work can push fees to £50 or more. Some printers waive these fees if the artwork is provided in a print-ready format like vector files.

Shipping and Handling

Shipping and handling costs depend on the order size, weight, and delivery location. Standard shipping rates might range from £5 to £20 per order. Express or international shipping costs will be higher.

Some businesses include shipping in their pricing for bulk orders, but smaller runs often require separate payment. Packaging plays a role, too; protective packaging for fragile items might increase fees. Tracking and insurance add further expenses but provide security for the shipment.

Setup Charges

Setup charges apply primarily to screen printing or embroidery. This fee covers the creation of screens or embroidery patterns and the preparation of equipment. Setup costs typically range from £20 to £60 per design.

These charges are a one-time fee per design but might repeat if multiple designs are printed. Digital printing usually has lower or no setup fees. Customers ordering large quantities often benefit from reduced or waived setup costs.

Tips for Saving Money When Printing Shirts

Careful planning can reduce the cost of T-shirt printing London significantly. Knowing when to order and selecting the right materials helps control expenses without sacrificing quality. Stitch 99 advises customers on the most cost-effective options for their needs.

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Bulk Order Discounts

Ordering shirts in larger quantities typically lowers the price per unit. Many printers offer tiered discounts starting at as few as 12-24 shirts, with savings increasing substantially for orders over 50.

It’s crucial to confirm discount thresholds with the printer before placing an order. Sometimes combining different shirt designs but printing them together can still qualify for bulk pricing.

This approach requires upfront investment but can reduce overall costs for organisations or events needing many shirts. Shipping fees may also be lower for bulk orders, further lowering total expenses. Stitch 99 helps customers maximise savings on T-shirt printing London by offering competitive bulk pricing.

Choosing Cost-Effective Materials

Material choice impacts both comfort and price. Cotton blends, such as 60% cotton and 40% polyester, often cost less than 100% cotton but still offer satisfactory durability and print quality for T-shirt printing London. Stitch 99 recommends exploring these blends for affordable T-shirt printing London projects.

A heavier fabric weight increases cost, so selecting shirts in the 140-160 gsm range balances quality and price. Basic colours like white or black tend to be less expensive due to simpler dye processes, making them ideal for budget-friendly T-shirt printing London at Stitch 99.

Some printers offer options like ringspun cotton or tri-blends that may suit printing needs. Always verify how different materials affect the printing method used, as some fabrics require extra preparation or limit print styles. Stitch 99 can guide you in choosing the right fabric for your T-shirt printing London requirements.