That is the question many screen printers are asking.  Let’s take a look at the numbers using an actual example we recently received.

Situation #1 (12 garments)

A local sports team needs 12 t-shirts.  They have a design idea but need help with the artwork.  They want Navy Blue shirts with the logo/design on the front in at least 2 color but would prefer 4.  They want names and numbers on the back and they need it turned around in a week.

Screen Print Costs

Print 4 Color – total cost: $224 / total time: 6 hours 50 minutes / total profit: $76

  • Quote the job – 10 minutes @ $60 per hour cost = $10
  • Artwork design and approval – 2 hours @ $20 per hour cost = $40
  • Four Screens = $60
  • Ink & Chemicals = $8
  • Shirts $2.50 each = $30
  • Numbers (for the back – iron on) = $.5 each = $6
  • Labor @ $15 per hour
    • Screens – 40 minutes = $10
    • Printing and drying the shirts = 2 hours = $30
    • Press clean-up – 40 minutes = $10
    • Iron on numbers only 5 minutes / shirt = 1 hour = $15
    • Fold and package – 20 minutes = $5
    • Total time = 6 hours 50 minutes across multiple people
  • Total Cost:  $224
  • Sell the shirts for $20 each = $240 + $60 set up = $300 / $76 profit

DTG Printed Full Color – total cost: $230 / total time: 1 hour / total profit: $70

  • Send the order to us – we’ll administrate and ship direct to the customer or to you
  • Artwork = Free
  • Shirts $2.50 each = $30
  • Printing – $15 each = $180
  • Shipping – $20
  • Sell the shirts for $20 each = $240 + $60 Set up = $70 profit

Situation #2 (6 Garments)

A local group needs 6 t-shirts for an event.  They have a design idea but need help with the artwork.  They want Navy Blue shirts with the logo/design on the front in at least 2 color but would prefer 4.  They need it turned around in a week.

Screen Print Costs 

Print 2 Color – total cost: $107.50 / total time: 3 hours / total sale: $160 / profit: $53.50

  • Quote the job – 10 minutes @ $60 per hour cost = $10
  • Artwork design and approval – 1 hours @ $20 per hour cost = $20
  • Two screens = $30
  • Ink & Chemicals = $5
  • Shirts $2.50 each = $15
  • Labor @ $15 per hour
  • Screens – 20 minutes = $5
  • Printing and drying the shirts = 1 hour = $15
  • Press clean-up – 20 minutes = $5
  • Fold and package – 10 minutes = $2.50
  • Total time = 3 hours across multiple people
  • Total Cost:  $107.50 or $17.92 each cost
  • Sell the shirts for $20 each = $120 + $40 set up = $160 / $26.67 each = $53.50 profit

DTG Printed Full Color – total cost: $230 / total time: 1 hour / total sale: $160 / profit: $87.50

  • Send the order to us – we’ll administrate and ship direct to the customer or to you
  • Artwork – Free
  • Shirts – $2.50 each = $15
  • Printing – $15 each = $43.50
  • Shipping – $15
  • Total Cost: $73.50
  • Sell the shirts for $20 each = $120 + $40 Set up = $87.50 profit