DTG vs. Screen Printing: Which Custom T-Shirt Method Saves Your Small Business More?
The Printing Cost Showdown: When to Choose Each Method
For small business owners and startups, optimizing cost without compromising quality is essential. The choice between Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Screen Printing hinges entirely on your design complexity and order volume.
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Screen Printing (The Bulk King): This method requires physical setup (screens/molds). If your order is 50+ units and your design has fewer than 4 colors, the one-time setup fee is easily amortized, making it the most cost-effective choice for large batches.
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DTG (The Detail Master): DTG printing has zero setup fees and can handle unlimited colors, complex gradients, and photo-quality detail. If your order is under 20 units or your design is highly colorful, DTG is the cheaper choice as you avoid high screen costs.
H2: Leveraging US Factory Efficiency for Small Orders
Because we handle massive volumes through advanced machinery, we minimize the manual labor costs traditionally associated with both printing methods. This efficiency, combined with shipping as low as $2.50, allows small businesses to access high-quality apparel without the prohibitive minimums or excessive fees charged by traditional local shops.
H3: Making the Right Call for Your Brand
Ultimately, the right printing method is the one that delivers the best quality for your specific design at the lowest possible price. Use our customization tool—our system can often recommend the most cost-effective method based on your uploaded design and quantity.
💡 Print Smart: Get expert advice on the best printing method for your next small batch order. Check Pricing for DTG and Screen Printing Here.