Episode 163 – How Much Does it Cost? 2022 T-Shirt Printer Options (Part 1)

How much does it cost to start a t-shirt printing business?That machine is WAY too expensive.Why would I buy that when a cricut can do the same thing?It only cost that much to own a business? I thought it was so much more.What is the best t-shirt printer?These are the comments you will read on social media posts about the t-shirt business. As you can see, there are assumptions people are making or just a lack of in depth knowledge about the t-shirt printing business.In this episode we are going to jump into .. what does t-shirt printing equipment cost?This episode was inspired by an article, on ColDesi... which was inspired by the questions and comments from people above. (Click here to read the article)Keep in mind all of these prices and estimated financing costs are as of when we wrote this podcast and probably will change over time. However, for the time being we can assume all of this data will still be reasonably accurate for some time. Heat Transfer Vinyl BrandsGraphtecRolandCostStarting around $2400 or about $65 a monthProsOne of the easiest to learn / simplest machinesVery versatile - lights, darks, cotton, poly, stickers, t-shirts, signsLittle-to-no maintenanceNice quality finished goods10x faster than a cricut / hobby cutterConsYou aren't digital printingStoring and investing in rolls of materialRange of production speed varies a lot (1 color, simple design VS 4 color complex design) Sublimation Brand: SawgrassSG1000SG500Cost$600 - $6000 or $45 - $165 financedProsRelatively easy to learnExtremely versatileFinished print is now "a part of" the t-shirt (or mug or mousepad or totebag)ConsOnly meant for white / light colored itemsPolyester or sublimation coated items onlyInk systems require some maintenanceInk can get expensive over time Print & Cut Brand: RolandBN-20BN-20ACost$6000 - $8000 or starting about $165 a month financedProsFull Digital PrintsVery versatile - t-shirts to signs to window clings to car decalsCan do the same as a vinyl cutter above, but can also printBIG prints about 20" x HUGEVersatile - lights, darks, cotton, polyConsInk and Printable vinyl has a higher supply cost than other methodsCan be considered slow when comparedRequires a bit more graphics knowledge to set up prints and cuts White Toner Transfer Printers Brand: DigitalHeat FXUninet & Crioi560, 8432wt, i650, 9541wtCost$3700 - $15000 or about $100 - $400 a monthProsFull color digital printsVery fast print timeLittle-to-no maintenanceVersatile lights, darks, cotton, poly.Can be used on hard good with no special coatings requiredConsMore precise learning process, requires practiceToner and transfer paper is not as soft as alternatives like DTG, Sublimation, DTFCost per print higher than other methods like DTG or DTF Direct to Garment Printing Brand: DTGCost$15000 - $24000 or about $350 - $600 a month financedProsAmazing colors and full digital printsWashes and wears beautifullyNo transfer required, more detailsLow cost per printConsLight colors - cotton & poly - Darks - Best for cotton onlyLiquid ink systems requires maintenanceGood knowledge of graphics really helps to get the best prints DTF - Direct to Film Brands: DTF / Coldesi - DigitalHeat FXCostStill a growing field of printers but right now about $25k or $690 a month financed.ProsAmazing quality digital printsWears, washes and looks greatSuper fastVery low supply costConsLiquid and film system requires maintenanceInitial cost to invest is one of the highestIt's bigger and louder than anything on the list Hopefully this information helps you to understand what it costs to invest in a t-shirt printing system and which one is best for you. Be sure to click the link and read the article for more information: How Much Does It Cost? Comparing Pricing and Payments on Custom T-Shirt Printing Equipment - ColDesi