Guides

Choosing a print method

The right method depends on your artwork, the product, the quantity and your budget. Availability varies by print partner.

Direct-to-garment (DTG)

Ink is printed straight onto the fabric, much like a desktop printer. It handles detailed, full-colour artwork well and suits small runs. It usually works best on cotton.

Screen printing

Ink is pushed through a stencil, one colour at a time. Prints are bold and durable, and the cost per item falls as quantity rises. Each colour adds set-up work, so it suits simple designs in larger quantities.

Embroidery

Thread is stitched into the item. It gives logos a premium look on caps, polos and jackets, but very fine detail does not stitch well.

Sublimation

Dye is transferred with heat into polyester or coated items such as mugs. It gives vibrant, all-over prints that do not peel, but it works only on suitable materials.

A quick way to decide

• Detailed, many colours, small run: DTG
• Simple design, large run: screen printing
• Logo on a cap or polo: embroidery
• Mugs or all-over polyester prints: sublimation

Preparing artwork for print

• Use vector files for logos (SVG, AI, EPS or PDF) so they stay sharp at any size.
• For raster images use PNG with a transparent background, at about 300 DPI at the final print size.
• Design at print size rather than enlarging a small web image.
• Avoid very thin lines and tiny text, which may not print or stitch cleanly.
• Keep key elements inside the safe area, away from seams and edges.
• Share exact brand colours (Pantone or hex values) if matching matters.
• Check your rights. Only send artwork you own or have permission to use.

Your print partner may have specific requirements, which we will confirm with your quote.

Pricing your products

A simple way to think about it: your profit per order is what the customer pays, minus what it costs you to fulfil the order.

• Item cost: the price on your quote for the product and print.
• Shipping: what you charge the customer, and what it costs you.
• Fees: payment processing and platform fees, usually a percentage.
• Profit: price plus shipping charged, minus item cost, shipping cost and fees.

Try your own numbers in the margin calculator. Start with a price that leaves room for returns, discounts and advertising, then adjust as you learn what customers will pay. Test with a small range of products before you expand.