How to Order Custom Screen Printed T-Shirts

What Is Screen Printing Cost Based On?

You want to order screen printed shirts for an upcoming event but you don't understand how they are priced.  What is the pricing based on?  Screen printing pricing is based on a number of factors:

• Shirt style
• Shirt color
• Number of shirts
• Number of prints per shirt
• Sizes ordered
• Screen/ film charges
• Artwork charges

 Number of Screen Printed Shirts

First, get a general idea of how many shirts you need.  You'll have to order at least a minimum quantity.  This quantity will vary among printers, some will require 24 pieces while others will want 36 or more items with the same printing. 

Style of T-Shirts Printed

Next decide what style T-shirt you need.  If you want basic T's you must decide if you want cotton or a cotton/ polyester blend.  Cotton T's will be cooler but a blend will be more wrinkle, shrink and fade resistant.  If you decide to use a cotton T, you might want to choose a Hanes Beefy T.  Although these T's are more expensive, the Beefy T's are made form ringspun cotton, a cotton that is softer to the touch and will last longer because it is made from longer fibers.

Number of Colors Printed

Next determine how many colors are in each print.  You'll be charged for each color in printing and screen /film charges.  So, if you're trying to keep your cost down, its better to eliminate unnecessary colors.  If you're uncertain about what to eliminate ask your printer. 

Light Or Dark Shirts?

Another factor in your pricing is whether you are using light or dark colored shirts. If you're printing a light color on dark shirts expect to pay more to have a white underbase printed underneath your design.  Without this underbase, your colors will look faded against the dark shirt.

Extended Sizes

Another factor that effects pricing is whether you need extended sizes.  Sizes 2X and larger will be more expensive.

Screen Printed Quantity Breakdown

After you've determined your general needs, check your printer's quantity price breakdowns to determine what is your best buy.  For example, if you need 69 shirts and the price breakdown is a 72 shirts, it may be more economical to order 72 shirts because your cost will be cheaper per shirt.

Screen Printing Artwork

Don't forget artwork fees.  Don't assume that you printer can print from any computer file.  Unless you have a realistic design that can be taken directly from a photograph or a high resolution bitmap most likely your artwork will need to be converted into vector format (line art).  Charges for vectorization can vary greatly depending on how detailed your design is. 

Screen Printing Set-Up Charges

Set-up charges, otherwise know as screen/film charges, must also be considered.  Printers have a given charge per screen with the total amount determined by the number of colors or screens needed to print a design.

Your Final Screen Printing Cost

Its important to remember to total all your charges when ordering screen printed T-shirts.  Some printers will charge for every item while others will the roll the costs into a per shirt charge.

J. DeRosa, 12/18/07

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