HOW TO CALCULATE THE TRUE COST PER SHIRT WHEN ORDERING CUSTOM APPAREL

Introduction

Ordering custom apparel such as custom t-shirts is an excellent way to promote your brand, event, or team. However, understanding the true cost per shirt can be a bit tricky. Beyond the item price, factors like setup fees, printing methods, shipping, and order quantity play a significant role. This guide from Underground Printing will help you calculate the true cost per shirt so you can budget effectively and make informed decisions.

Key Components of Custom Shirt Pricing

Before diving into calculations, it’s important to identify all possible costs involved:

• Base Garment Cost: The price of the blank shirt or apparel item, which varies by fabric, brand, and style.
• Decoration Setup Fees: Fees associated with preparing your design for printing or embroidery. These are often flat fees per design or per color and apply especially to techniques like screen printing and embroidery.
• Decoration Cost Per Shirt: The cost to print or embroider each shirt. This price typically depends on factors like print complexity, number of colors, and the printing method used.
• Shipping Charges: The cost to get your order delivered. It may depend on order size, weight, destination, and urgency. Underground Printing offers options including rush delivery.
• Additional Fees: Charges for special requests such as custom tags, specialty inks, or reorders.

Step 1: Determine Your Base Shirt Price

Start by selecting the style and brand of shirt you want, as this sets your base garment cost. Whether you choose a soft t-shirt, a moisture-wicking performance tee, or a long sleeve shirt, each option has a different price point. Bulk ordering typically reduces the price per shirt, which you can learn more about from our bulk ordering options.

Step 2: Understand Setup Fees

Setup fees cover the initial work to prepare your design for application. For example:

• Screen Printing: Requires creating a screen for each color, often a flat fee.
• Embroidery: Involves digitizing the design; fees depend on complexity and size.
• DTG (Direct-to-Garment Printing): Setup fees are usually minimal or waived due to digital print technology.

Setup fees may impact smaller orders more significantly, as they're divided across fewer shirts.

Step 3: Calculate Per Shirt Decoration Cost

This cost varies by the printing method and number of colors used. For example, DTG printing can offer more color flexibility but may cost more per shirt than simpler screen prints, especially for large runs. Embroidery costs increase with stitch count and design size.

Step 4: Factor in Shipping Costs

Shipping costs depend on your order size, destination, and speed of delivery. Options like our 2-day rush delivery can speed up your order but add to the cost. We recommend checking available rates and factoring shipping into your overall budget.

Step 5: Calculate Total Cost and Per Shirt Price

Once you have all components, use this formula to find the true cost per shirt:

\( \text{True Cost per Shirt} = \frac{\text{(Base Garment Cost}\times\text{Quantity}) + \text{Setup Fees} + \text{(Decoration Cost per Shirt}\times\text{Quantity}) + \text{Shipping}}{\text{Quantity}} \)

This calculation ensures you are accounting for all fees spread evenly over your order quantity.

Example Calculation

Imagine ordering 50 t-shirts with the following estimated costs:

• Base garment cost: $7.00 each
• Setup fee: $50.00
• Decoration cost: $4.00 per shirt for screen printing
• Shipping: $30.00

Calculate:

• Total base cost: 50 × $7.00 = $350.00
• Total decoration: 50 × $4.00 = $200.00
• Sum costs: $350.00 + $50.00 + $200.00 + $30.00 = $630.00
• Divide by quantity: $630.00 ÷ 50 = $12.60 per shirt

This gives you a clearer picture of your full investment.

Tips to Reduce Cost Per Shirt

• Increase Quantity: Larger orders reduce the impact of setup and shipping fees per shirt.
• Simplify Designs: Limit the number of colors and print locations to lower decoration costs.
• Choose Efficient Printing Methods: For example, DTG is ideal for small, colorful runs; screen printing is cost-effective for large orders.
• Plan Ahead: Avoid rush fees by ordering early.
• Bulk Order Options: Explore our bulk pricing for better deals.

How Underground Printing Can Help

At Underground Printing, we provide transparent pricing and comprehensive advice to help you understand costs upfront. Our team can guide you through choosing the right apparel and printing methods for your budget and needs. Visit our contact us page to request a quote or ask about pricing details.

FAQ

Do setup fees apply to every order?

Setup fees usually apply per design or printing method and may waiver for reorders or digital prints like DTG.

How can I find out the exact shipping cost for my order?

Shipping costs vary by location and order details. Contact us via our contact page or check estimated rates during checkout.

Can I order just one shirt to avoid setup fees?

Yes! We offer no minimum orders, but keep in mind that setup fees still apply and will increase the cost per shirt.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept multiple payment options. You can find details on the contact us page or during checkout.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the components that make up your custom apparel order cost is essential. By following this step-by-step approach, you can calculate your true cost per shirt and make smarter purchasing decisions. We encourage you to browse our collections and explore options that fit your needs.

Ready to get started or have questions? Request a quote or contact us today!