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The Apparel Lab
Pricing

Transparent pricing,
no surprises.

Every project is unique, so we quote individually. Here's exactly what drives your cost. No hidden fees, no guesswork.

/ Sec.02Cost Variables

Four things that determine your price.

Regardless of method, these four factors shape every quote we send. Tune them up or down and we'll show you the impact in real time on the calculator.

  • 01Factor

    Decoration Method

    Screen printing, embroidery, and DTF each have different cost structures. Screen printing is most cost-effective at volume; DTF is better for small runs and full-color designs.

  • 02Factor

    Quantity

    More pieces = lower per-unit cost. Setup costs (screens, digitizing) spread across larger runs. The biggest price drops happen at 72+, 144+, and 500+ pieces.

  • 03Factor

    Garment Choice

    The blank garment is a major part of your cost. A basic cotton tee costs less than a premium tri-blend or a performance polo. We'll help you find the right fit for your budget.

  • 04Factor

    Design Complexity

    Number of colors, print locations (front, back, sleeves), print size, and specialty inks all affect cost. Simpler designs = lower price. We'll always suggest the most cost-effective approach.

/ Sec.03By Method

Price drivers by method.

Each decoration method has its own cost factors. Expand a method to see what affects pricing.

01Screen Printing
  • Number of ink colors (each color = separate screen)
  • Print locations (front, back, sleeve, each priced separately)
  • Print size (oversized prints use more ink and larger screens)
  • Specialty inks (metallic, glow-in-the-dark, puff) cost more
  • Setup fee per color (waived on reorders)

Example: 100 tees with a 2-color front print on a basic cotton blank will cost significantly less per unit than 24 tees with a 4-color front + back print on a premium fashion tee.

Learn more about screen printing
02Embroidery
  • Stitch count (more detail = more stitches = higher cost)
  • Number of embroidery locations
  • Thread colors (standard colors included; specialty threads extra)
  • One-time digitizing fee for new designs (waived on reorders)
  • Garment type (hats and bags may require special handling)

Example: A simple left-chest logo (5,000 stitches) on 50 polos is competitively priced. A large back design (15,000+ stitches) on jackets costs more due to stitch count and garment cost.

Learn more about embroidery
03DTF Printing
  • Transfer size (measured in square inches)
  • No color limits (full-color prints at no extra cost)
  • No setup fees (pay per piece from piece one)
  • Garment type has minimal impact (works on almost any fabric)

Example: DTF is ideal for 12–50 piece runs with complex, multi-color artwork. At higher volumes (100+), screen printing often becomes more cost-effective.

Learn more about dtf printing
04Promotional Items
  • Product selection (drinkware, bags, pens, tech: wide price range)
  • Decoration method on the item (pad print, laser engrave, full wrap)
  • Quantity tiers (most promo items have volume breakpoints)
  • Setup/mold fees for custom shapes or packaging
  • Packaging options (individual boxes, custom kitting)

Example: 200 laser-engraved stainless tumblers cost more per piece than 500 single-color pad-printed pens, but both are cost-effective at their respective volumes.

Learn more about promotional items
/ Sec.04Volume

How quantity affects per-unit cost.

Ordering more doesn't just save a little; it can significantly reduce your cost per piece.

  • 1–23 piecesHighest per-unit cost. Best with DTF (no setup fees).
  • 24–71 piecesScreen printing becomes viable. Setup costs spread across more units.
  • 72–143 piecesMeaningful price drop for screen printing. Embroidery per-unit cost drops too.
  • 144–499 piecesStrong volume pricing across all methods. Best balance of cost and flexibility.
  • 500+ piecesBest per-unit rates. Additional discounts may apply. Ideal for programs and recurring orders.
/ Sec.05Scope
+ Included6 items

In every quote

  • Digital mockup proof with free revisions until approved
  • Art cleanup and color matching
  • Quality inspection on every piece
  • Standard packing and labeling
  • Order tracking and delivery confirmation
  • File storage for easy reorders
+ Add-on6 items

Priced separately

  • Complex design creation or graphic design from scratch
  • Specialty inks (metallic, glow, puff: quoted per project)
  • Individual poly-bagging or custom packaging (available as add-on)
  • Custom tags or relabeling (available as add-on)
  • Rush production fees (quoted per project based on timeline)
  • Shipping costs (calculated based on order size and destination)
/ Sec.06FAQ

Pricing questions.

Why don't you list prices on your website?

Every project is unique. Garment choice, decoration method, design complexity, and quantity all affect cost. Listing fixed prices would be misleading. We provide fast, accurate quotes tailored to your specific project.

How quickly will I get a quote?

We respond quickly during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm ET). For larger or more complex projects, we'll let you know an expected timeline as soon as we've reviewed your request.

Can I get a quote without being ready to order?

Absolutely. Quotes are free and carry no obligation. We're happy to provide pricing to help with your budgeting process.

Which decoration method is most cost-effective?

For bulk orders (72+ pieces), screen printing is the most cost-effective. For small runs, DTF is usually a better fit since there are no setup fees.

Do reorders cost less?

Yes. Screen printing reorders skip the screen setup fee. Embroidery reorders skip the digitizing fee. The per-piece pricing stays the same or may be lower if quantity increases.

Is there a price break for non-profits?

We work with many non-profits and can often offer adjusted pricing. Mention your non-profit status when requesting a quote and we'll see what we can do.

Do you price match?

We price competitively and focus on quality and service over being the lowest-priced option. If you have a comparable quote from another printer, send it over and we'll do our best to match or beat it.

What costs extra beyond the base price?

Potential add-ons include: specialty inks (metallic, glow, puff), oversized prints, individual poly-bagging, custom tags, and rush production. We'll itemize everything in your quote so there are no surprises.

Ready for a quote?

Tell us about your project and we'll send back an accurate, itemized quote. Free, no obligation.