Custom t-shirt printing is a simple and inexpensive method of printing your custom designs or logos onto a t-shirt. How does custom t-shirt printing work? The image is inkjetted onto a paper transfer sheet using specific dyes. The press operator later puts the t-shirt on the platen in the heat press, puts the transfer sheet on top then closes the heat press.
Custom t-shirt printing is an excellent way to promote your brand or create unique clothing for the attendees of events or special occasions like weddings, graduations, burial ceremonies, and others. On the other hand, people prefer to wear custom T-shirts as a way of speaking their minds.
Some think that custom t-shirts are expensive. But did you know that you can avail yourself of custom t-shirt printing without breaking the bank? Check out the following tips below to learn how.
1. Have A Clear Vision In Mind
Before proceeding with custom t-shirt printing, you need to have a clear vision in mind. Why? If you haven’t set everything clearly from the beginning, you’re prone to ask for changes during the custom t-shirt printing process. This will incur you additional costs along the way.
2. Vet Different Custom T-Shirt Printing Companies
To save on custom t-shirt printing, you need to compare different custom t-shirt printing companies and their service packages in order to find the best deal possible.
Look for different custom t-shirt printing companies like MeowPrint.sg over the web and ask for a quotation from each one of them. Then, make a table containing crucial details about the custom t-shirt printing job, such as pricing, t-shirt material, printing timeline, and so on, from the custom t-shirt printers you’ve contacted for comparison. Determine which one is best suited for your needs and budget.
3. Place Your Order With The Custom T-Shirt Company Ahead Of Time
Avoid the rush. When availing of custom t-shirt printing, it’s best that you place your order weeks or even months ahead. How will this help you save money?
First, if you place a rush order, you’re likely to be charged extra for the expedited custom t-shirt printing service. Next, if you place a bulk order for custom t-shirts during a custom t-shirt company’s low season, they’ll be more than glad to accommodate your business.
Lastly, if you already have established a strong business relationship with a custom t-shirt company like MeowPrint corporate gifts and you place an order months ahead, chances are they’ll offer you discounts on your future orders, particularly if you add more giveaways to your custom t-shirt like personalized mugs, figurines, and others.
4. Choose White T-Shirts For Customization
The color of the t-shirt significantly affects the cost of custom t-shirt printing. Typically, dark-colored t-shirt printing calls for a base layer print which accounts for additional charges. Conversely, white-colored t-shirts are relatively cheap because they don’t require more layers of ink intended for custom t-shirt printing.
5. Work On Simple Print Designs
One effective way you can save on custom t-shirt printing is by picking a simple print or logo design to employ. Think of it this way: if you want to push through with a highly complex t-shirt print design, you’ll have to use more inks or dyes, more fabric, and so on – leading to a significant increase in production costs your custom t-shirt printing company will bill you.
Simplifying your t-shirt design prints is relatively easy and achievable. This can be done by utilizing simpler graphics, decreasing the number of colors used in the print design, and the like. Furthermore, if you don’t need a big logo design, stick with a small yet easily distinguishable print design for your custom t-shirts.
6. Pick A Printing Technique That Suits Your Budget
Did you know that there are various printing methods available out there? Below are some methods you can use depending on your budget.
- Direct To Garment Printing
The direct to garment t-shirt printing method, as the name suggests, refers to where the image is ink jetted onto a transfer sheet and placed direct onto a t-shirt. This method is more suitable for complex designs and animated images. Plus, it’s effective for small orders since inkjet printers don’t have any set-up costs.
- Direct to Film Printing
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has emerged as an innovative technique in the custom t-shirt printing industry. This method allows designs to be directly printed onto a film, which is subsequently transferred onto the fabric. By bypassing traditional multi-step processes, the DTF transfer method not only saves time but also presents an opportunity to reduce costs associated with custom t-shirt printing.
- Screen Printing
With the screen printing method, the ink is applied through a mesh screen. It’s a method that has been there for decades, and it was done using hands. Yet due to improved technology, screen printing is now done using printing machines. The ink used is thicker than in the direct-to garment printing method and is suitable for designs with fewer colors.
The screen-printing technique is said to be the fastest and most efficient printing method for large amounts of t-shirts.
Other custom t-shirt printing techniques include dye sublimation method, heat transfer printing, and so on. Consult with your preferred custom t-shirt printing provider to find out about their service offering package prices and the like.
7. Only Select One Area Of The T-Shirt Where You’re Going To Place The Print
Where do you want to place the logo or print design on your custom t-shirts? Do you want to have them plastered prominently on the front, back, or both?
If you want to lower down custom t-shirt printing costs, you need to only choose one specific area you’re going to place the print design on the shirt’s surface e.g. only on the front surface of the shirt.
8. Order In Bulk
When you order t-shirts in large quantities, you’re more likely to be charged a lower price per unit by the custom t-shirt company.
Many custom t-shirt companies work directly with material suppliers. If you place a large batch of orders to your preferred custom t-shirt maker, they’ll be able to negotiate for lower prices with their business partners including t-shirt supplier, inks supplier, and others. Then, they can pass on these savings to their customers like you.
9. Negotiate With The Custom T-Shirt Maker
Before signing up with a specific custom t-shirt maker, don’t hesitate to negotiate the final price tag you’re going to pay. Remember, be reasonable with the discount you’d want to get.
Bottom Line
Coming up with your very own shirt design is key in handing out giveaways for special events. It works well for corporate gifting too. Custom t-shirt printing doesn’t have to be expensive. To help you cut down on custom t-shirt printing, the feature above has listed down different tips you can check out.
