How much to charge for custom t-shirts
Custom shirts are priced per shirt, and the method changes everything: screen printing rewards volume while print-on-demand suits one-offs. Setup costs spread over a big run, so small orders should cost more per shirt, not less.
You should charge
$19
per shirt · typical $8–$40
Why this number. Charge more per shirt on small orders and reward volume on big ones. Screen printing has real setup cost per color, so a one-off priced like a bulk run loses money; make the price reflect where the work actually is.
Typical custom t-shirts prices
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single custom shirt (DTG / vinyl) | $15 – $35 |
| Bulk screen print (per shirt, 50+) | $8 – $18 |
| Embroidered (per item) | $15 – $40 |
Also common: Screen printing usually carries a setup fee per color, often $20-$40 each.
What changes the price
- Print method (screen, DTG, vinyl, embroidery)
- Quantity (bulk lowers per-unit cost)
- Number of colors and print locations
- Garment quality
The pricing move most people miss
Charge more per shirt on small orders and reward volume on big ones. Screen printing has real setup cost per color, so a one-off priced like a bulk run loses money; make the price reflect where the work actually is.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for custom t-shirts?+
Most custom t-shirts is priced $8–$40 per shirt, with a typical rate around $18 per shirt. Where you land inside that range comes down mainly to print method (screen, DTG, vinyl, embroidery) and quantity (bulk lowers per-unit cost). Use the range as your anchor, then adjust up for experience, strong demand, and a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the best way to price custom t-shirts?+
Most custom t-shirts is priced per shirt, which is easy for clients to understand. Set a clear minimum so small jobs still cover your time and travel, and bundle add-ons into packages to lift the average ticket rather than discounting. Screen printing usually carries a setup fee per color, often $20-$40 each.
How much should I charge for custom t-shirts as a beginner?+
Starting out, price near the lower end of the range, roughly $8 to $18 per shirt. Resist going below that to win work: a price that is too low attracts price-shoppers, signals low quality, and is hard to raise later. Once you have a few happy clients and reviews, move toward $40.
How do I price custom t-shirts without underselling myself?+
Price from a formula, not a feeling. Screen printing usually carries a setup fee per color, often $20-$40 each. Count every hour, including design, sourcing, and packaging, and pay yourself a real wage for them. Charge more per shirt on small orders and reward volume on big ones. Screen printing has real setup cost per color, so a one-off priced like a bulk run loses money; make the price reflect where the work actually is.
How do I quote custom t-shirts so the client says yes?+
Charge more per shirt on small orders and reward volume on big ones. Screen printing has real setup cost per color, so a one-off priced like a bulk run loses money; make the price reflect where the work actually is. Put the quote in writing with exactly what is included, state the price once without apologizing for it, and give one clear next step. A confident, well-structured quote wins jobs at a higher price than a vague one at a lower price.