Understanding Pricing from a Production Method Viewpoint
When it comes to producing custom apparel, Exclaim.gg offers five versatile production methods to suit a wide range of needs: Screen Printing, Embroidery, Cut and Sew Sublimation (All Over Print), Sublimated Blanks, and Direct-to-Film (DTF). Each method has distinct pricing considerations based on factors such as the number of colors, print areas, and order volume. Here's a breakdown of how each production method works and how pricing scales with bulk:
1. Cut and Sew Sublimation (All Over Print)
Overview: This method uses dye sublimation to print vibrant, all-over designs on fabric panels before they are cut and sewn into garments. It's ideal for creating custom jerseys, uniforms, and other full-coverage designs.
Logo Preparation & Cost: For cut and sew sublimation we require vector logos. The reason for this is so we can scale the logo size for different size apparel products as needed.
Pricing Factors:
- Quantity: As cut and sew involves individualized pieces, it has a higher cost for smaller runs. However, pricing scales with larger orders as labor and material costs are distributed across more units.
- Account Status: We have streamlined the cut and sew sublimation print on demand workflow. That means we can reward clients that place small orders frequently by offering an account level discount to reduce costs.
2. Direct-to-Film (DTF)
Overview: Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing allows for highly detailed prints on a wide variety of fabrics. This method involves printing designs onto a special film, which is then transferred to the garment.
Logo Preparation & Cost: Like sublimated blanks, since print size is static, you do not need a vector graphic for this printing process. However, you do need a hi-res raster (jpeg, png). The site will automatically calculate the DPI and logo print size for you. If your logo passes then you will not see a vectorization cost. If it does not pass then you will see the $15.00 vectorization fee.
Pricing Factors:
- Number of Colors: Not a factor
- Print Areas: Pricing is per print area. Additional print areas will increase the price
- Bulk Orders: DTF is ideal for small to medium orders due to its low setup cost and flexibility, but it also scales well with bulk orders. Since there's no need for screen setup, it can handle one-off prints and small runs more cost-effectively than screen printing.
3. Embroidery
Overview: Embroidery involves stitching thread into the fabric to create designs, logos, or text. It's known for its professional look and durability.
Logo Preparation & Cost: Embroidery requires a file type unique for embroidery machines to read. Also, since embroidery is stitch, you are limited to our thread colors. It's best to remove gradients and fine details.
Pricing Factors:
- Number of Stitches: Pricing is typically based on the number of stitches, which is determined by the size and complexity of the design. Larger, more intricate logos require more stitches and will increase the cost.
- Colors: Most embroidery jobs include up to 6-9 thread colors without additional costs, though more colors may affect pricing depending on the design.
- Bulk Orders: While setup fees (such as digitizing the design) are required, embroidery is relatively cost-effective for bulk orders. As with screen printing, the more you order, the lower the per-unit cost becomes, as the setup costs are spread across more items.
4. Sublimated Blanks
Overview: Sublimated blanks use dye sublimation to transfer designs onto pre-made garments, typically with pre-designated areas for printing, such as the chest or back.
Logo Preparation & Cost: Like DTF, since print size is static, you do not need a vector graphic for this printing process. However, you do need a hi-res raster (jpeg, png). The site will automatically calculate the DPI and logo print size for you. If your logo passes then you will not see a vectorization cost. If it does not pass then you will see the $15.00 vectorization fee.
Pricing Factors:
- Print Areas: Limited print areas (e.g., chest, back) reduce complexity, making this method more cost-effective compared to full-coverage cut-and-sew sublimation.
- Number of Colors: Not a factor
- Bulk Orders: Sublimated blanks are priced favorably for smaller and larger orders alike. However, bulk discounts are still common, as setup costs are minimized.
5. Screen Printing
Overview: Screen printing is one of the most traditional methods for custom apparel production. It uses stencils (screens) to apply layers of ink onto the fabric.
Logo Preparation & Cost: Screen printing requires vector graphics and since this production method charges on a per color basis, it is common for logo preparation to include color reduction. 1-3 colors is very common. Beyond that, or in small quantities, it's best to use DTF.
Pricing Factors:
- Number of Colors: The cost increases with the number of colors, as each color requires a separate screen. For example, a single-color print is significantly cheaper than a multi-color design because of the setup costs involved in creating the screens.
- Print Areas: Larger or more complex designs covering multiple print areas (front, back, sleeves) also drive up the price.
- Bulk Orders: Screen printing becomes more cost-effective in bulk due to its setup-intensive process. Once the screens are made, printing large quantities is relatively inexpensive, making it ideal for orders of 50 units or more.
Summary
- Screen Printing: Best for large orders, cost-effective in bulk, but high initial setup for multiple colors.
- Embroidery: Scales well with bulk, with pricing based on the number of stitches and complexity of the design.
- Cut and Sew Sublimation: Ideal for full-color, all-over prints, but bulk orders significantly reduce per-unit costs.
- Sublimated Blanks: Best for designs limited to specific areas of the garment, providing flexibility in order size with competitive pricing.
- Direct-to-Film: Ideal for small runs, no minimum order quantities, and offers competitive pricing even for more intricate designs.
Each of these production methods has been designed to suit different project needs, whether it's large, bulk orders or smaller, one-off custom designs. When choosing the best method for your project, consider your budget, the complexity of your design, and the quantity you need.