Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-11 Origin: Site
When you have a custom t-shirt business, every dollar you spend on your dtg printer changes your profit. You should know every cost, like the printer and the supplies you need for printing shirts. If you learn how dtg printing is different from other ways, you can better control your profit.
Cost Component | DTG Printing | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
Initial Equipment | High ($15,000–$30,000) | Lower ($2,000–$5,000) |
Setup Cost per Design | Minimal (close to $0) | High ($50–$200 per design) |
Best Order Volume | Small runs (1–50 items) | Large runs (200+ items) |
Inventory Risk | Low (print-on-demand) | Higher (bulk production) |
Production Speed | Fast for small orders | Efficient for large batches |
Many companies, like Wallflower Merch, use new dtg printer technology to print when someone orders. This way, you only make what people want, so you do not have extra shirts. It also helps your printing business stay flexible. As you read, think about your own dtg costs and how they change your profit.
DTG printing is good for small orders and custom designs. It helps you skip high setup fees. You also do not need to keep extra inventory.
Ink is a big cost, especially white ink. Pretreatment also costs a lot. If you manage these well, you can make more money.
Pick printers that work well and take care of them every day. This saves you money and stops big repair bills.
Your prices should pay for everything, like labor, supplies, and overhead. This helps your business make money.
Using automation and better workflows makes production faster. It also helps you make fewer mistakes and spend less.
DTG printing uses water-based inks that are better for the environment. Print-on-demand also means less waste.
Change your prices for bigger orders or special services. This helps you compete and give customers what they want.
Buy the right printer and tools for your business size and plans. This helps you get better results and earn more.
When you run a business with a dtg printer, you need to track every cost. The price of ink, pretreatment, and maintenance can change your profit. Some inks, like white ink, cost much more than others. For example, white ink is about twice as expensive as other types. You use it for dark shirts and for keeping your printer in good shape. If you print many shirts, these costs add up fast.
You also need to think about how much you pay for labor. DTG printing takes time. You spend time on sales, shipping, and cleaning your printer. If you do not plan for these hours, your profit drops. Pretreatment and drying take extra time, too. Most setups let you print about seven shirts each hour. If you want to print more, you may need to buy better equipment or hire more help.
Tip: Keep a close eye on your ink and supply costs. Even small changes can make a big difference in your profit.
Here is a table that shows how ink prices compare for different printers:
Ink Type | Percentage More Expensive Than ColDesi DTG Ink |
|---|---|
CMYK Ink | 188% to 329% more expensive |
White Ink | 206% to 270% more expensive |
If you choose a printer with lower ink costs, you keep more money from each shirt you sell. Some dtg printers, let you print more shirts at once. This saves time and boosts your profit.
Your bottom line is the money you keep after paying all your costs. DTG printing can give you higher profit margins if you manage your costs well. Lower ink prices and better workflow help you earn more from each order. If your printer uses less ink or prints faster, you save money.
Consumable costs, like ink and pretreatment, often cost more than the shirt itself.
Labor costs add up, especially if you handle many small orders.
Slow printing speeds can lower your profit, but automation helps if you invest in it.
Customization also helps your business. When you offer custom designs, you can charge more. Customers pay extra for names, dates, or special messages. You can also offer premium options, like glitter or special packaging, to increase your average order value. If you target groups who want unique shirts, like companies or events, you can set higher prices and boost your profit.
Note: Subscription plans or special memberships with custom options can give you steady income and loyal customers.
If you watch your dtg costs and use smart pricing, you can grow your profit over time. Always check your expenses and look for ways to save on ink, labor, and supplies.
When you start with a DTG printer, you face some important decisions. Entry-level models help you begin printing shirts without a huge initial investment. These printers usually cost between $3,495 and $5,000. For example, the Roland DG VersaSTUDIO BT-12 costs about $3,495. The Ricoh Ri 100 ranges from $4,500 to $5,000. These machines work well for small shops or people who want to test the DTG market. You can print custom shirts for local events or small online stores. Entry-level printers keep your upfront costs low, but they may print slower and need more hands-on work.
Printer Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
Entry-Level | $3,495 to $5,000 |
Mid-Range | $10,000 to $50,000 |
Industrial-Grade | $70,000 to $800,000+ |
If you want to grow your business, you may look at mid-range or industrial DTG printers. Mid-range models cost from $10,000 to $50,000.
Industrial-grade printers cost much more. Prices start at $70,000 and can go over $800,000.
Tip: Choose a printer that matches your business size and growth plans. A bigger investment can lead to higher roi if you have enough orders.
Your initial investment does not stop with the printer. You also need setup equipment and supplies. Most DTG printers need a pre-treatment machine or spray system. This step helps ink stick to the shirt and keeps colors bright. Pre-treatment equipment can cost from $1,000 to $5,000. You also need a heat press or conveyor dryer to cure the ink. A basic heat press costs about $300 to $1,000. Conveyor dryers for bigger shops can cost $3,000 or more.
You must buy supplies like pre-treatment fluid, cleaning kits, and extra platens for different shirt sizes. These items add to your upfront costs but help you get the best results from your DTG printer. When you plan your investment, include all these costs to get a clear picture of your roi.
Note: Tracking every part of your investment helps you set the right prices and reach your profit goals.
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When you run a DTG business, you need to know the cost of direct to garment printing for each shirt you make. These costs can change your profit. You must look at every part of the process, from the ink you use to the time you spend on each order. Let’s break down the main variable costs in dtg printing and see how they affect your cost per unit.
Ink is one of the biggest costs in DTG printing. You use special DTG ink for each shirt. White ink costs more than colored ink. If you print on dark shirts, you use more white ink, which raises your cost per unit. For most jobs, ink costs range from $0.75 to $1.50 per print. Some printers use ink more efficiently, so you save money if you choose the right machine.
Tip: Print on lighter shirts when you can. This lowers your ink costs because you use less white ink.
Pretreatment helps the ink stick to the shirt. You must pretreat every dark shirt before printing. You can use a machine or do it by hand with a sprayer and roller. Pretreatment solution costs about $0.10 to $0.30 per shirt. If you use a machine, you pay more up front, but you save time. Hand pretreatment costs less, but it takes longer.
Maintenance keeps your printer working well. You need to clean the print heads, flush the lines, and check for clogs. If you skip maintenance, your printer can break down. This leads to expensive repairs and lost time. You should spend about $100 to $200 each month on cleaning kits and fluids. Regular maintenance also helps you avoid bigger problems later.
Note: Clean your printer every day. This simple step can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Here is a table that shows real-world cost examples for DTG printing:
Cost Component | Estimated Cost Range | Notes/Details |
|---|---|---|
$5,000 – $18,000 | Initial equipment investment | |
Heat Press | $200 – $800 | For curing prints |
Pretreatment Machine | $2,000+ | Optional; can be avoided by hand pretreating |
Pretreatment Solution | $50 – $100 per gallon | Consumable for preparing shirts |
DTG Ink (CMYK + White) | $400 – $1,000 | Ink cost, significant for per-print expenses |
Maintenance & Cleaning | $100 – $200 | Tools and fluids to maintain printer |
Recommended Blank Shirts | Bella+Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600 | Shirts optimized for DTG printing |
Labor is another key part of your cost per unit. You spend time setting up the printer, loading shirts, and finishing each print. You also need to count the time for pretreatment and curing. If you pay workers, labor costs can add $1.00 to $2.00 per shirt. If you do the work yourself, you still need to value your time.
Overhead includes things like rent, electricity, and supplies. You use power for the printer, heat press, and lights. These costs may seem small, but they add up over time. For each shirt, overhead might add $0.25 to $0.50 to your cost per unit.
Callout: If you want to lower your costs, keep your workflow simple and organized. Print shirts in batches to save time and energy.
When you add up all these costs, a typical DTG print can cost between $6.50 and $8.00 per shirt. This includes ink, pretreatment, maintenance, labor, and a blank shirt (which often costs $5.50 or more for a good brand). Your total cost per unit depends on your choices and how well you manage your shop.
DTG printing gives you more flexibility for small orders. You do not need to pay high setup fees like screen printing. This makes DTG a smart choice for custom jobs and short runs. If you keep your variable costs in dtg printing low, you can offer better prices and still make a profit.
You need to set the right price for each shirt you print. DTG pricing depends on several factors. The size of the print, the number of colors, and the complexity of the design all play a role. Larger prints use more ink and take more time, so they cost more. If you print a simple logo on a white shirt, your costs stay low. When you print a full-color image on a dark shirt, you use more white ink and pretreatment, which increases your cost.
Most shops use a formula to set dtg printing prices. You start with the cost of the blank shirt, then add ink, pretreatment, labor, and overhead. Many businesses double the cost of the blank shirt and supplies, then add extra for labor and shop expenses. For example, if your blank shirt costs $5.50 and your supplies add up to $2.00, you might charge $16.50 for a basic shirt. If you use a higher-quality blank or a more complex print, you can charge $21.00 or more.
You also need to think about your market. Retail customers often pay $20 or more for custom printed t-shirts. Wholesale dtg printed t-shirts usually cost less per shirt, so retailers can make a profit. Your location and customer type can change what people are willing to pay.
Tip: Always check your costs before you set your dtg pricing. Make sure you cover your expenses and earn a fair profit.
Print Type | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Basic (simple, light shirt) | $15 – $18 | Small logo or text, standard blank |
Premium (complex, dark shirt) | $20 – $25+ | Full-color, large print, premium blank |
Wholesale (bulk orders) | $12 – $16 | Lower price for retailers, less profit/unit |
DTG printing prices stay steady, even when you print just one shirt. You do not need to pay setup fees like you do with screen printing. This makes dtg pricing perfect for small orders or single items. You can offer one-off designs or small batches without losing money.
Order size does not change your cost per shirt much. Whether you print one shirt or fifty, your costs for ink, pretreatment, and labor stay about the same. This is different from screen printing, where large orders lower the price per shirt. With dtg printing prices, you can serve customers who want just a few shirts or many different sizes and colors in one order.
Seasonal changes and fast fashion trends can affect your order sizes. During busy times, you may get more rush orders or requests for small batches. You need to keep your workflow flexible and adjust your dtg pricing to match demand. Dynamic pricing and special promotions can help you stay profitable during slow or busy seasons.
You can print the same design on different sizes and colors in one order.
Small batch orders are cost-effective with dtg pricing.
Callout: Offer flexible order sizes to attract more customers to your custom t-shirt business.
You may need to charge extra fees for special services. Rush orders, same-day printing, or overnight delivery all require more work and faster turnaround. You can add a rush fee to cover the extra labor and materials. If a customer needs a shirt by tomorrow, you might charge $5 to $10 more per shirt.
Complex designs or special requests can also increase your price. If a customer wants glitter, metallic ink, or special packaging, you should add these costs to your dtg pricing. Always explain extra fees to your customers before you start the job.
Some shops charge fees if the order details are not clear. For example, if the total sizes do not match the total quantity, you may need to spend extra time sorting the order. You can charge a handling fee to cover this extra work.
Additional Service | Typical Fee | When to Charge |
|---|---|---|
Rush Order | $5 – $10 per shirt | Same-day or next-day delivery |
Special Effects | $2 – $5 per shirt | Glitter, metallic ink, or foil prints |
Handling/Correction | $2 – $5 per order | Order changes or unclear instructions |
Note: Clear communication about additional fees helps you avoid confusion and keeps your custom apparel pricing fair.
When you price dtg printed t-shirts, you need to look at every detail. Print size, design complexity, order size, and extra services all affect your final price. By understanding dtg pricing, you can set prices that cover your costs and help your custom apparel business grow. Most operators earn $12 to $20 profit per shirt, so you need to keep your costs low and your prices competitive. If you manage your dtg printing prices well, you can build a strong business in the custom apparel market.
When you look at DTG printing prices and screen printing, you notice big differences. DTG printing is great for small orders and custom shirts. You do not pay high setup fees or make screens for each design. This means you can print just one shirt or a few shirts without extra costs. With screen printing, the price per shirt drops if you order a lot. You pay more at first for setup, but big orders make each shirt cheaper.
DTG printing uses water-based, biodegradable inks. These inks are better for the environment than plastisol inks in screen printing. You also save water because you do not wash screens. Print-on-demand with DTG printing helps you avoid making too many shirts. This reduces waste and saves money. Screen printing often leads to extra shirts and more waste.
Tip: Use DTG printing for small, colorful, or custom orders. Pick screen printing for big, simple designs when you want the lowest price per shirt.
DTG and sublimation both make high-quality prints, but they work best for different jobs. Here is a table to help you compare them:
Cost Aspect | DTG Printing | Sublimation Printing |
|---|---|---|
Initial Setup Cost | Relatively low; minimal setup; lower upfront investment | Higher upfront investment due to specialized printers and heat presses |
Material Cost | Water-based inks; relatively costly; approx. $2 to $10 per T-shirt | Cost-effective for large batches |
Labor Cost | Higher due to skilled operation and maintenance | Higher initial expenses due to equipment |
Production Efficiency | Moderate; best for small to medium orders | High; excels in large-scale production |
Suitability for Order Size | Ideal for small batches and custom orders | Best for large-scale production |
Fabric Compatibility | Works well on cotton and blends | Best for polyester fabrics |
DTG printing prices stay about the same for small orders. You can print on cotton and blends, so you have more choices for custom shirts. Sublimation works best on polyester and for big orders. If you print many shirts with the same design, sublimation makes each shirt cheaper.
You should use DTG printing for small batches, custom designs, or colorful artwork. DTG printing prices are good for up to 100 shirts, especially if each shirt is different. You get soft prints and high quality on cotton shirts. DTG printing lets you print on sleeves or tags, which adds value for your customers.
Sustainability is important in shirt printing. DTG printing uses energy-saving machines and water-based inks. You only print what you sell, so you do not waste shirts. This makes DTG printing a smart choice for eco-friendly brands.
DTG printing uses water-based inks that are safe for the environment.
Print-on-demand stops overproduction and landfill waste.
Automated DTG machines help you avoid mistakes and save materials.
If you want to sell unique, high-quality shirts or custom apparel with less waste, DTG printing gives you the best mix of price, flexibility, and sustainability.
You need a clear plan to set your dtg pricing. Most DTG businesses use markup or margin methods. Markup shows how much profit you make compared to your cost. For example, if a shirt costs $20 and you sell it for $30, your markup is 50%. You find this by using the formula (price – cost) / cost. This method helps you adjust your dtg pricing when your costs change, so you keep your roi steady.
Margin is another way to set your dtg pricing. Margin looks at profit as a part of the selling price. Using the same example, your margin is 33.33%. You get this by using (price – cost) / price. Many DTG shops like margin because it matches how customers see value. Margin also fits well with accounting. If your costs go up, you can use the formula cost / (1 – margin) to find your new price. This keeps your dtg pricing fair and helps you reach high profit margins.
Tip: Learn both markup and margin. This helps you pick the best dtg pricing for your business and keeps your roi strong.
You must include every cost in your dtg pricing. Some costs are easy to see, like ink or blank shirts. Others, like training or repairs, can hide in your budget. If you miss these, your roi drops and you lose money.
Here is a table to help you track all your costs for dtg pricing:
Cost Component | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
Initial investment, depends on your business size | $5,000 to $100,000+ | |
Pretreatment Machine | Needed for ink to stick to shirts | $2,000 to $5,000 |
Heat Press | Used to cure ink after printing | $500 to $2,000 |
Ink Consumables | Ongoing, changes with design complexity | $0.50 to $2.00 per garment |
Pretreatment Solution | Recurring, needed for each shirt | $0.10 to $0.50 per garment |
Maintenance & Repairs | Cleaning, parts, and servicing | $500 to $1,500 annually |
Training & Learning Curve | Time and resources to improve productivity | Variable |
You should review this list often. Add up all your costs before you set your dtg pricing. This helps you cover every expense and protect your roi.
Order size changes your dtg pricing. When you print more shirts in one order, you can lower the decoration price. This is because printing many shirts at once saves time and makes your process more efficient. You do not need to change the price of the blank shirt, but you can give a better deal on the decoration part.
You can use quantity breaks in your dtg pricing. For example, you might charge $20 for one shirt, but $18 each for ten shirts. This makes your pricing clear and encourages customers to order more. You keep your markup on the blank shirt low and put most of your margin in the decoration price. This method helps you stay flexible and competitive.
Callout: Adjust your dtg pricing for bigger orders. This keeps your customers happy and helps you reach your roi goals.
If you use smart dtg pricing strategies, you can cover all your costs, keep your roi high, and build a business with high profit margins.
You can save money on ink and maintenance by making smart choices every day. Choose a DTG printer that uses ink efficiently. Some printers waste less ink during cleaning cycles, which lowers your costs. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning schedule. This keeps your printer in good shape and prevents expensive repairs. Use high-quality ink and cleaning supplies. Cheap products may cause clogs or damage, which leads to more downtime and higher costs.
Track your ink usage for each job. If you notice that some designs use too much ink, adjust your artwork or printing settings. Printing on lighter shirts also helps you use less white ink, which is often the most expensive. Keep your work area clean and organized. This reduces mistakes and helps you spot problems early.
Tip: Regular maintenance and careful ink management can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
You can lower your costs and boost efficiency by improving your workflow. Many successful DTG businesses use automation to handle orders and production. Here are steps you can follow to optimize your workflow:
Set up web-to-print tools to collect orders from different online stores.
Connect these order sources to automation systems that sort and batch jobs for cost and time savings.
Group small orders into larger batches to make production more efficient.
Use automatic picking lists and barcode tags to track shirts through each step.
Scan barcodes at the printing station to start each print with the correct design.
Check quality with barcode scans and reprint any shirts that do not pass.
Pack and verify orders with barcode checks to avoid mistakes.
Automate shipping labels and tracking to speed up delivery.
This kind of workflow can help you work up to 30% faster. You make fewer mistakes and keep your costs low, even when you print just one shirt at a time. Automation lets you handle more orders without hiring more staff.
When your business grows, you need to manage costs to keep your profits strong. Invest in new technology and automation to print more shirts in less time. For example, some companies have grown from 6,000 to 25,000 items each month by using software that automates order processing and product sourcing. This reduces manual work and helps your team focus on quality.
Build a strong supply chain so you always have the materials you need. As your order volume increases, add new team members carefully. Use automation to help your staff work smarter, not harder. Keep your customers happy by offering fast service and custom options. Use several online sales channels to reach more buyers and grow your brand.
DTG printing gives you the flexibility to handle both small and large orders. You do not need to invest in a lot of inventory. This makes it easier to scale your business and stay profitable as you grow.
You need to understand every part of your DTG print costs. When you review your expenses often, you can spot ways to improve your dtg pricing. Smart dtg pricing helps you stay ahead of your competition. Try new dtg pricing models to see what works best for your shop. You can also run a cost audit to find hidden expenses. With careful dtg pricing, you will protect your profit and grow your business.
You add up the cost of the blank shirt, ink, pretreatment, labor, and overhead. Always include maintenance and any extra fees. This gives you the real cost per shirt.
White ink uses more pigment and special chemicals. You need it for dark shirts and underbase layers. This makes it more expensive than colored ink.
Yes. Light shirts use less white ink and pretreatment. You lower your ink costs and speed up production. This helps you keep more profit from each sale.
DTG works best for small to medium orders. You can print one shirt or a few dozen without setup fees. Large orders may cost less with screen printing.
You should clean your printer daily. Follow the manufacturer’s schedule for deeper maintenance. Regular care prevents clogs and costly repairs.
You get the best results with shirts made for DTG. Look for 100% cotton or blends labeled “DTG ready.” These shirts hold ink better and give brighter prints.
Track your ink use, print in batches, and keep your equipment clean. Choose efficient printers and buy supplies in bulk. Review your costs often to find new savings.
DTG uses water-based inks and prints on demand. You avoid extra inventory and waste. Many shops choose DTG for its lower environmental impact compared to traditional methods.
