quick question from a newbie

3830 Views 16 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Comin'OutSwingin, Oct 6, 2006

Evil Genius Dan

Discussion Starter · Sep 30, 2006

Hello all, I've got a quick and admittingly vague question. I'm new to this, and I haven't got a clue about anything. Ok, could any one give me some ballpark figures for how much local screenprinters charge. I understand the rate would vary with the quantity of tees, the number of colors, + setup fees, etc. But I need some clue of how much to expect. Sooner or later, I will go around and get some quotes from all the local printers, but i'd just like to have an idea in advance.

Btw, hi everyone! I'm Dan, looks like a pleasant and very helpful community you guys have got here =]

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

binki

· #2 · Sep 30, 2006

This is almost impossible to answer. Each screen printer will give you a different amount, minimum, setup charge, art charge, etc.

Evil Genius Dan

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 30, 2006

I understand prices will vary and that there a multitude of factors that go into calculating cost. But surely someone at the very least could give me an example of rates.

binki

· #4 · Sep 30, 2006

Here is an example.

48 shirts, printed back and front, 5 color on back, 4 on front, <$8 per shirt. Art charge was $180. He makes $50 profit for 48 shirts.

Another screen printer charges 110% of the cost of his shirts.

Rodney

· #5 · Oct 2, 2006

I understand prices will vary and that there a multitude of factors that go into calculating cost. But surely someone at the very least could give me an example of rates.

Without knowing your factors, an example would't do you any good

We could say $5 or $14 (which are both examples), but without knowing your specifications, it doesn't help much.

A quick call to a local screen printer will give you all the info you need (they will be able to answer questions you have about it as well).

Evil Genius Dan

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 3, 2006

Hm ok thanks guys. Lemme just throw out a hypothetical.

Print 40 shirts, 1 color on the front only. What would you say would be an acceptable price for this. Even though I fully intend to get some quotes from local printers in the area, I'd like to know enough to understand that I am not getting ripped-off.

Thanks though. Appreciate your time =]

tcrowder

· #7 · Oct 3, 2006

If you have to worry if you are getting RIPPED OFF, don't deal with the printer. By the by, why would you worry or think a printer would try to rip you off?

neversatisfied

· #8 · Oct 3, 2006

i understand the concern.. NEVER under any circumstance should one under estimate another. I've seen a lot and regardless or color or creed or business, friend or foe.... ANYONE CAN RIP YOU OFF!!

RAHchills

· #9 · Oct 3, 2006

Evil Genius Dan said:
Hm ok thanks guys. Lemme just throw out a hypothetical.

Print 40 shirts, 1 color on the front only. What would you say would be an acceptable price for this. Even though I fully intend to get some quotes from local printers in the area, I'd like to know enough to understand that I am not getting ripped-off.

Thanks though. Appreciate your time =]

Dan, you'll be able to answer this question by calling at least three shops in your local area. You can call all the shops in your local area if you want to get crazy with it.

But three should give you the ballpark you're looking for... Have a notepad with your questions and write down the answers to each shop. Then compare them. It will be extremely easy to tell who is pricey and who isn't from there.

I would even recommend "being dumb" on the phone to see how they treat you. That will show you how they treat their customers and help you decide if you want to give them your work.

Things you should know before you call:

How many shirts are you looking to make? (Ask if there are any price cuts around your number, prices go down as quantities go up)

What kind of shirts you want? (Prices will vary depending on brand and style)

Designs on the front, the back, or both? (Looks like you said just the front)

How many colors on your design? (Looks like you said one)

Turnaround time? (A great deal two months from now may not be such a great deal if you want to start selling shirts tomorrow)

Again, if you call at least three screenprint shops in your local area you should easily be able to determine a decent price point and be able to go from there. The more the merrier though.

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Cestlavie

· #10 · Oct 4, 2006

Im in the So Cal area, and have been looking for screenprinters (currently waiting on samples) and here is my experience in this area:

Setup fees cost anywhere from 20-50 (usually per color/image)
T-shirt printing itself costs from 1.50-6 (depending on who supplies the shirts, and what type of shirts)

Basically what they all are trying to do is get you to buy in large quantities the way the pricing is tiered, at least around here. I have talked to a few that set flat rates and such, but as everyone else said before there are other factors such as the size of your image, the color of your t-shirts, front and back, etc...

The range per shirt of a 25 shirt run 2 color one sided for us ranged from 5 to 11 dollars per shirt (all inclusive).

Hope that helped somewhat, and your experience might be different,
Sing

Rodney

· #11 · Oct 4, 2006

Basically what they all are trying to do is get you to buy in large quantities the way the pricing is tiered, at least around here.

That's actually standard for I would say 99% of screen printers.

All pricing is tiered based on how many shirts of the same design you want to print.

This is because it directly correlates to the time/money/setup for the printer. The more they print, the more their setup time and costs get paid for.

The printers costs go down as they print more shirts, so your costs go down as well.

John S

· #12 · Oct 5, 2006

I sell screen printing through 2 retail stores. It took a while to find a good contract printer who would deliver quality on time.

When you go shopping in your area, ask them if they do "contract" work. They will give you a different (lower) price list if they want your business.
Price components will be screen setup, flash, quantity and color changes in a run. Color matching or specialty inks will cost extra.

I bring in my own shirts and art work, making sure the art is color separated and easy to print. My screen printer loves me.

I mark up the shirts and printing, charge extra for art work, flash and color changes in a print run.
In my area, 24 Gildans, 2 color on one side sell retail for $10.87 plus tax. Dark T's with flash add $.50 each. Your mileage may vary.

RyanMB79

· #13 · Oct 5, 2006

Dan, 40 1-color prints at my screen printer would be $25 set-up, $0.80 per shirt.

RyanMB79

· #14 · Oct 5, 2006

Above is assuming you bring your own shirts (of course), which I do.

Fluid

· #15 · Oct 5, 2006

Contract pricing (not including shirts)
36-71 T's $1.25 per shirt $10 screen fee ($5 on reorders)

Evil Genius Dan

Discussion Starter · #16 · Oct 6, 2006

Again, thank you guys. One question - what exactly is "contract" pricing? as opposed to just making an order? Sorry, please excuse my ignorance.

And Ryan, .80 cents a shirt? That's pretty awesome =]

Comin'OutSwingin

· #17 · Oct 6, 2006

Evil Genius Dan said:
Hm ok thanks guys. Lemme just throw out a hypothetical.

Print 40 shirts, 1 color on the front only. What would you say would be an acceptable price for this. Even though I fully intend to get some quotes from local printers in the area, I'd like to know enough to understand that I am not getting ripped-off.

Thanks though. Appreciate your time =]

I am in TN.

My printer would charge $1.40/shirt for the printing, $56. Plus $24 art charge.

Set up fee of $10 per color is waived on orders of 36 pieces or more.

So a total of $80, providing you are supplying the shirts.

Welcome!

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