Custom T-Shirt Printing Business Overview

Custom t-shirt printing businesses transform plain shirts into personalized apparel through various printing methods, including screen printing, digital printing, and heat transfer techniques. These businesses serve customers ranging from individuals wanting a single custom shirt to organizations needing thousands of matching uniforms. The printing process involves taking artwork or designs from customers, preparing them for production, and applying them to garments using specialized equipment.

The main business models in this industry include:

• Print-on-Demand Service: A company prints and ships t-shirts as orders come in, eliminating the need for printing equipment or inventory storage
• Local Print Shop: A physical store that offers in-person design consultations and printing services
• Online Design Platform: An internet-based business where customers create designs through web tools before ordering
• Wholesale Printing: Companies that handle large volume orders for organizations, events, and other businesses

Related: Checklist To Start A Business

How Do Custom T-Shirt Printing Businesses Make Money?

Custom t-shirt printing businesses earn money by charging customers for the combination of blank shirts, printing services, and design work. The pricing structure typically includes the base cost of the shirt, a printing fee based on the number of colors and design complexity, and the quantity ordered.

Industry Statistics

The custom t-shirt printing industry combines artistic design with garment manufacturing to produce personalized apparel. This industry falls under NAICS code 323113: Commercial Screen Printing. Here are the statistics that show how this industry has developed and grown.

Custom T-shirt Printing Industry Size & Growth: The custom t-shirt printing industry generated $5.2 billion in revenue last year. The industry has shown steady expansion with a projected annual growth rate of 11.5% through 2030. This growth is largely driven by rising corporate branding needs and the growing popularity of personalized fashion. (Grand View Research)

Number of Custom T-shirt Printing Businesses: The market structure is fragmented, with numerous small to medium-sized businesses operating alongside larger established companies. The industry includes both traditional brick-and-mortar print shops and online-based businesses, with no single company controlling a dominant market share. (Grand View Research)

Custom T-shirt Printing Profit Margin: Profit margins vary based on printing technique and order volume. Screen printing operations typically achieve higher margins on bulk orders, while digital printing services maintain steady margins through quick turnaround times and lower setup costs. The industry profit averages between 30-50% depending on the printing method and materials used. (Printful)

Costs To Start a Custom T-shirt Printing Business

Starting a custom t-shirt printing business can cost between $500 and $50,000. The lower end represents a home-based dropshipping setup, while the higher range includes a retail location with professional printing machinery.

Here are some of the main costs to consider when starting a custom t-shirt printing business:

Printing Equipment: The core machinery needed depends on your business model. While dropshipping requires no equipment, a basic screen printing setup might cost $3,000-$7,000, and professional digital printers range from $15,000-$30,000.

Location Setup: Initial costs for a retail print shop include the first and last month’s rent and a security deposit. Additional expenses cover basic renovations, lighting, and counter space modifications. These expenses could range from $8,000-$15,000.

Initial Inventory: No inventory is needed for a print-on-demand service. For traditional printing operations, basic supplies include blank t-shirts in various sizes and colors, inks, cleaning supplies, and basic packaging materials. Starting inventory expenses often range from $2,000-$5,000.

Design Software and Computer Equipment: Professional design software licenses and computers capable of handling high-quality graphics processing can cost between $500-$4,000, with the lower end representing basic online design tools.

Heat Press and Curing Equipment: Additional equipment for finishing printed shirts and ensuring design durability ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.

These estimates provide a general idea of startup costs, but actual expenses will vary.