WHAT IS THE MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY FOR CUSTOM SCREEN PRINTED COMPANY SHIRTS?

Understanding Minimum Order Quantities for Custom Screen Printed Company Shirts

When considering custom company shirts, one common question businesses ask is, "What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?" The minimum order quantity is the smallest number of shirts a decorator requires for a single printed design order. This is especially relevant when choosing screen printing as your customization method.

Knowing MOQs helps businesses balance costs with inventory needs. You don't want to over-order shirts that might not get used, but ordering too few could lead to higher expenses per unit or even make some screen printing processes unavailable.

Factors Affecting Minimum Order Quantities

The MOQ depends on several factors, including the printing technique, type of apparel, and the manufacturer’s capabilities. For screen printing, MOQs tend to be higher than for other methods like direct-to-garment printing (DTG) because screen printing requires creating custom screens for each color in the design.

• Setup Costs: Screen printing typically involves setup fees, meaning it's more cost-effective to print larger quantities.
• Number of Colors: More colors can increase setup effort, potentially raising MOQs.
• Garment Type: Different shirt styles like short sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, or custom polos might have different MOQ requirements.

Typical Minimum Order Quantities for Screen Printed Shirts

Typical MOQs for screen printed shirts often start around 12 to 24 pieces per design, depending on the printer. Some decorators may require a minimum of 50 or more shirts for a single design to justify the setup involved.

If you need fewer shirts, you might want to consider options like no minimum t-shirts or DTG printing, which typically handle small batch orders with less setup.

Benefits of Meeting or Exceeding MOQs

Ordering at or above the MOQ for screen printing can unlock benefits such as:

• Lower Cost per Shirt: Bulk orders reduce the unit price by spreading setup fees over more items. Check out our bulk ordering options for competitive pricing.
• Consistent Quality: Producing shirts in one batch ensures uniform color and design quality.
• Faster Turnarounds: Larger orders streamline production scheduling, sometimes offering options like 2-day rush delivery to meet tight deadlines.

Alternatives for Smaller Quantities

If your company only needs a handful of branded shirts, consider these alternatives to standard screen printing MOQs:

• DTG printing: Ideal for small to medium quantities and designs with many colors or photographic detail.
• No minimum apparel collections: These offer pre-selected shirts that can be customized even if you order just one piece.
• Screen print transfers: Transfers allow printing in bulk with the flexibility to apply to individual shirts later, lowering minimums on certain orders.

Choosing the Right Apparel for Your Company Shirts

Besides quantity, apparel selection impacts your project. Popular options include:

• Soft t-shirts made with comfortable materials for daily wear.
• Dri-fit performance tees ideal for active employees or outdoor work.
• Custom polos, which offer a professional appearance.

Explore our full range of custom shirts to find a style that fits your business needs.

Planning Your Order Efficiently

To make the most of your custom screen printed shirts:

• Estimate the number of employees or event attendees to avoid excess inventory.
• Consider seasonal needs, such as custom sweatshirts and hoodies for cooler months.
• Account for size variations and reorder needs by discussing options with your screen printing partner.

Why Choose a Professional Custom Apparel Decorator?

Working with experienced custom apparel decorators ensures quality and service. Companies like Underground Shirts provide expert help with apparel selection, design approval, and recommend the best printing method for your MOQ and budget.

They also offer related options like custom business apparel and can support group orders through custom printing online stores for simplified ordering and distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum order quantity for screen printed company shirts?

MOQs usually start around 12 to 24 shirts per design but can be higher depending on the printer and complexity.

Can I order just one shirt with screen printing?

Screen printing typically requires larger runs due to setup, but DTG printing or no minimum shirts are better choices for single or small quantities.

Do different shirt styles have different minimum orders?

Potentially yes. MOQs may vary for styles like long sleeve shirts versus short sleeve shirts due to availability and supplier rules.

How do setup fees affect minimum orders?

Setup fees are fixed costs for preparing screens in screen printing, making smaller orders disproportionately expensive, which leads printers to set MOQs to cover these fees.

Where can I get a quote for custom screen printed shirts?

You can contact us or get started with your order to receive a personalized quote and advice.

Get Started with Your Custom Company Shirts Today

Ready to find the perfect quantity and style for your custom screen printed company shirts? Visit Underground Shirts to explore your options. Whether you need t-shirts, polos, or custom sweatshirts, we’re here to help you get started with an easy process, expert advice, and options for bulk orders or small batches. Contact us today to request a quote or learn more!