[suzieh]

In answer to parts of your post...

$3.54 a shirt is a great screenprinting price even if there is film and screen charges. And especially if they are going more than 2 colors.

If you are getting into quantity, I would personally send out for screenprinting. For me, that means a customer definitely wants more than 24 shirts. Some screenprinters won't even print that low. There's also DTG option (direct-to-garment) with limitations.

If you are a business with a resell permit, oftentimes there are "wholesale only vendors" which charge less. That's so you as a business can make some money too.

HEAT TAPE IS GREAT...I just purchased some with my ink order from personalizedsupplies.com. I have large design that goes on XL and 2XL
shirts so I like I can tape down the design and not have it shift because I have to press in two parts. Just test your heat tape first. I would hate for the tape to discolor or ruin your blank shirt.

Besides a teflon "pad" (like an ironing board cover), get a teflon sheet and Reynold's baking parchment paper from the grocery store.

I'm sure others will post their thoughts as well

I am using heat transfer paper and custom plastisol right now (and cutting vinyl soon) only because I do not want to stockpile screenprinted shirts and be stuck with inventory. When a design hits or I get a large order, then I will send out to a wholesale screenprinter.


Susan

4. Does anyone have any experience using heat tape, for holding transfers in place before pressing? Is there a particular brand better than another?

5. SNIP - I was told that a teflon padding should be used when the press will be under heavy use, but I am not 100% on what it is used for? And will I need it?

6. With my recent large order of shirts, my clients first went to a local screen printer who said he would charge them 850$ for 280 white shirts, 240 youth tees (sizes: sml-lrg) and 40 adult tees (sml-xl) with one line of black text on the front. I first thought I would hire out a screen printer either on-line or locally to do the work for me, and charge them a lower rate (about 700$) as I do not have a screen printer of my own and have just started reading up on the process. I soon found out that 850$ my clients were being charged was a great deal, as all of the screen printers I encountered wanted far more then 850$, leaving heat transfer my best option.

Thanks For Your Time

 

[suzieh]

Not low. But I'm in Los Angeles area with lots of vendors. Some that only do big runs, some small runs, some single color on white only. Plus if you have ongoing business with vendors, they will often comp you or lower the price to just above their actual cost. Susan

I know each area is different but it seems like $3.03 per shirt for only 280 shirts is a bit low.