Many small businesses use custom merchandise to get the word out. Small things like personalized pens or magnets are good, but something that raises brand awareness a lot more is T-shirts. Custom shirts turn an article of clothing into a potential advertisement, with people wearing these comfortable and well-designed shirts throughout their daily business.
While T-shirts aren’t the most expensive custom items out there, there are ways to stretch your dollar even further when it comes time to begin production. Eagle Custom Apparel has some money-saving tips for T-shirt screen printing that you may want to consider to get the most out of the shirt-making process.
Start With a Clear Design Plan
Many businesses spend a lot of time and money revising or modifying their designs. You should take the time and carefully finalize your design before you bring it to a printer. Try to think about how the colors can work, that the design isn’t too complex, and if it’s the right size for a T-shirt.
If you’re working with a designer, clearly communicate your expectations and goals right from the beginning. The fewer revisions you need to make, the less you spend on design services. A clear plan saves money on rework and ensures the production process flows smoothly.
Limit the Number of Colors
While screen printing is a great way to design and make T-shirts, it works better when fewer colors take up space. You can save a lot of money by working with an effective but limited color palette.
Monochromatic or two-toned designs can still deliver high visual impact while keeping costs low. By creatively working with fewer colors, you can significantly reduce printing expenses while still having a logo that pops and works with the shirt.
Purchase Blank T-Shirts in Bulk
Another way to save money when making custom T-shirts is to order in bulk. Many suppliers offer significant discounts for larger orders, so while the cost of ordering 100 T-shirts is likely higher than ordering a dozen, you might be saving a lot of money on the cost of individual shirts.
Stock up on popular sizes and neutral colors that are more versatile and likely to sell. You should also check the material of the shirt before placing an order since certain materials are less effective with print adherence or may fade and shrink over time. Bulk purchasing reduces the cost per unit and creates a more cost-efficient supply chain for your business.
Optimize Your Screen Usage
Screens are among the most expensive parts of the screen printing process, especially if you’re working with multiple new designs. You can save money by working with the same supplier and reusing screens for repeat orders.
Cleaning and storing screens properly also extends their lifespan, allowing you to get more mileage out of the same screens. Some companies have had success with consolidating prints and creating batch orders to spread the cost of screen preparation across more shirts, lowering the cost per unit in the long run.
Choose the Right Type of Ink
You can choose from a wide range of inks when it comes to screen printing, but different inks come with different costs. While flashier options like metallic or glow-in-the-dark options seem fun, they can crank up the overall costs a lot more.
Most projects work well with a standard plastisol or water-based ink that offers a high-quality finish at a much lower cost. Coordinate with your printer to make sure you’re using an ink that works with your design and fabric type to avoid wasting materials or needing misprints. Paying attention to ink usage can make a dramatic difference in your overall budget.
Streamline Your Printing Orders
Another money-saving tip for T-shirt screen printing is to have a wider schedule when placing your order. Giving your supplier a tighter deadline or a larger order in a short amount of time can greatly increase the costs. Suppliers appreciate having time to work and finalize things. This may save you time and get you a better product, as they have time to run things by you and make any necessary corrections without worrying about deadlines.
By consolidating your orders into fewer, larger runs, you can negotiate better pricing with your printer. Eliminating the risk of rush fees, which some vendors add, can help you stay organized and have enough time to keep costs predictable, manageable, and consistent.
Select the Right Printing Partner
Working with a professional printer who understands your budgetary constraints is key to saving money on T-shirt screen printing. Different printers offer their own pricing structures, so compare quotes from several vendors before committing. You may want to ask about details like setup costs, bulk order quantities, and any additional services they may provide.
Finding the right printer or supplier is incredibly helpful in the long run because you’re likely to work with the same company on repeat orders or to help you with new designs. Some printers may offer discounts to small businesses or for long-term client relationships. Partnering with a printer who shares your commitment to quality and cost efficiency can make a huge difference in managing your expenses.
Prioritize Quality Control
The best way to save money throughout your T-shirt production is to remain as hands-on as possible throughout the process. The most costly aspect of this production is needing to go back and make corrections if you notice an error too late in the process.
Take the time to perform quality checks during each stage of production to avoid reprints. The fewer mistakes you encounter along the way, the more money you can save.
Training staff or working with professional suppliers can reduce these misprints. Spending a little extra money on quality control helps save money on costly fixes that you didn’t catch early enough.
Looking to take your business to the next level with professional T-shirt screen printing in Houston? Eagle Custom Apparel is here to help! Contact us today to get high-quality, budget-friendly screen printing that showcases your brand perfectly. Let’s create something amazing together!
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