How much does T-shirt printing cost? What decides the price
The cost of T-shirt printing depends on six things: quantity, the number of colours in the design, the print technique, the number of print positions, the T-shirt you choose and how soon you need it. The more T-shirts you order with the same design, the lower the price per piece.
At Marmalade Co. we price every print order by hand, because no two orders are quite the same. That is why we have no fixed price per piece. You get the exact price in a personal quote within 24 hours on weekdays, showing the price per piece and the total.
| Factor | How it affects the price |
|---|---|
| Quantity | Set-up work is spread across more pieces, so the price per piece falls as the quantity rises |
| Number of colours | In screen printing each colour needs its own screen, so more colours cost more. With DTG the number of colours rarely matters |
| Technique | Screen printing is usually cheapest for larger runs, DTG for small runs with many colours, and embroidery is priced by the size and detail of the logo |
| Print positions | Every extra position, such as the back, sleeve or neck, is an extra step |
| T-shirt | The garment itself is part of the price, so the style you choose affects the total |
| Deadline | A tight deadline can mean rush production. Mention it in your request and we will find a solution |
How much does it cost to print T-shirts?
Printing costs less per piece the more T-shirts you order with the same design, and you get the exact price in a personal quote within 24 hours on weekdays.
We do not publish a fixed price per piece, because the price depends on the combination of quantity, design, technique and garment. A one-colour chest logo on 200 T-shirts is a completely different job from a photo print on the back of 15 T-shirts, so every quote is calculated individually.
How does quantity affect the price?
Quantity has the biggest effect on the price per piece, because preparing a print takes the same work whether it is spread across 10 or 200 T-shirts.
We print from 10 pieces. From 10 to 49 pieces you get a good price, from 50 to 199 pieces a better price, and from 200 pieces our best price per piece.
If several departments, teams or classes need the same design, it usually pays to combine them into one order.
Why do colours and technique affect the price?
Colours and technique matter because they decide how much preparation the print needs. In screen printing a separate screen is made for each colour, so a one- or two-colour design costs less than a design with many colours.
With DTG the design is printed digitally straight onto the fabric, so the number of colours rarely changes the price. That makes DTG a good fit for small runs and for full-colour or photo designs.
We recommend the technique that gives the best result at the best price for your design and quantity. Our screen printing vs DTG guide explains the difference.
What about print positions, the T-shirt and the deadline?
Every extra print position raises the price, because it is an extra step. A chest logo plus a large back print counts as two prints.
The T-shirt itself is part of the price too, so choosing between, say, the light Valueweight T and the heavier Iconic 195 Premium T affects the total. Our Fruit of the Loom garments are covered by our price guarantee.
A tight deadline can affect the price if the order has to be produced faster than usual. Production normally takes 5-10 working days after you approve your mock-up, followed by delivery in 2-3 business days.
How to get an accurate quote
You get the most accurate quote when you tell us the quantity and sizes, the T-shirt style and colour, where the print should go and when you need the T-shirts. Attach your logo or a sketch if you have one.
Within 24 hours on weekdays you receive a personal quote with the price per piece and the total. You then get a free digital mock-up of your design on the T-shirt to approve before we print. If you want to see the print for real first, a sample print is possible, with the price included in your quote.
If the finished print differs from the mock-up you approved and the error is ours, we reprint it.
How to keep the cost down
- Combine everything into one order to reach a higher quantity.
- Use fewer colours in the design if it will be screen printed.
- Keep the number of print positions down.
- Order in good time so rush production is not needed.
Frequently asked questions about printing costs
How much does it cost to print a T-shirt?
It depends on quantity, number of colours, technique, print positions and the T-shirt. We have no fixed price per piece, but you get a personal quote with the price per piece within 24 hours on weekdays.
What is the minimum order for printing?
We print from 10 pieces. Need fewer? Contact us and tell us about your project.
Is it cheaper if I order more?
Yes. The price per piece falls with quantity: 10-49 pieces get a good price, 50-199 pieces a better price and 200 pieces or more the best price.
Does the mock-up cost anything?
No. You receive a free digital mock-up of your design on the garment to approve before we print.
Can I get a sample print before ordering the full run?
Yes, a sample print is possible. The price is included in your quote.
How long does T-shirt printing take?
Production typically takes 5-10 working days after you approve your mock-up. Delivery then normally takes 2-3 business days.
Get your printing price
Send us the quantity, T-shirt and design, and you will receive a personal quote with the price per piece within 24 hours on weekdays. The mock-up is free.
Get a printing quote