Getting a custom apparel quote is straightforward—comparing them across vendors without wasting hours is the real challenge. You'll encounter wildly different prices, setup fees, minimum orders, and quality standards depending on who you ask. This guide walks you through the exact factors to evaluate so you can spot the best deal and avoid costly mistakes.
Understand What You're Actually Comparing
Custom apparel pricing isn't just about the per-unit cost. A $5 shirt from one printer and a $6 shirt from another might represent completely different value. When you request quotes, make sure each vendor is quoting the same specifications: garment brand and weight, ink colors (full-color direct-to-garment vs. four-color screen print vs. embroidery), placement and size, order quantity, and delivery timeline. Without apples-to-apples specs, you'll end up comparing things that aren't comparable.
Break Down the Pricing Structure
Screen printing and custom apparel quotes typically include several line items. Setup or art fees usually run $25–$75 per color depending on complexity; some vendors waive these on large orders. Per-unit costs drop significantly as volume increases—ordering 50 shirts will cost far more per piece than ordering 500. Blank garment costs vary by brand; Gildan basics start around $2–$3 wholesale, while premium blanks (Bella+Canvas, American Apparel) can run $4–$7 each before printing.
Ask each quote to itemize these separately. If a vendor bundles everything into one vague number, request a breakdown. You need to see where your money actually goes.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) and Hidden Fees
One printer's dream is another customer's deal-breaker. Screen printing typically requires minimums of 12–25 pieces per color, while direct-to-garment (DTG) printing often has no minimum but costs more per unit. Embroidery usually starts at 6–12 pieces.
Watch for hidden fees: shipping (often $15–$50 depending on weight and distance), rush charges (typically 25–50% markup for expedited production), artwork revisions (some allow unlimited changes, others charge after two rounds), and restocking fees if you cancel. Get the full fee schedule before you commit.
Quality Red Flags and Standards
Price alone won't tell you if the apparel will survive five washes or 50. Ask these specific questions:
- Ink quality: Do they use water-based, plastisol, or discharge inks? Discharge and water-based feel softer and last longer than thick plastisol, but cost more.
- Garment weight: Heavier blanks (6 oz. instead of 5 oz.) typically outlast lighter options.
- Print durability: Request a care tag showing maximum wash count. Reputable printers guarantee at least 20–30 washes.
- Color matching: For branded apparel, ask if they can match Pantone colors or if you're stuck with standard screen-print colors.
- Samples: Always request a sample (paid or free) before ordering a large run. A $15–$25 sample investment beats a ruined order.
Timelines and Delivery Windows
Standard production is typically 5–10 business days after artwork approval; rush options compress that to 2–3 days but cost extra. Confirm whether quoted dates include shipping time or just production time. If you need 100 branded polos in two weeks and a printer says "10 days production," you might miss the deadline once shipping is factored in.
Get the production schedule in writing. Ask about their current order backlog—a vendor swamped with holiday orders might push your date back.
Using a Quote Comparison Tool
Rather than copying and pasting specs into 10 different inquiry forms, platforms like Mercoly let you compare custom apparel and screen printing providers side-by-side, access real pricing and turnaround times from trusted local and national vendors, and avoid the email chase entirely.
Create a Simple Comparison Spreadsheet
List vendors down the left column, then create columns for: setup fee, per-unit cost (at your target order volume), minimum order, turnaround time, ink type, estimated total cost, and notes (samples available? payment terms? reviews?). You'll spot the outliers immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the price difference between screen printing and direct-to-garment printing, and when should I choose each? Screen printing costs less per unit at volumes above 50 but requires separate color setups; DTG is better for small runs and photorealistic designs but runs $1–$3 higher per shirt. Choose screen printing for bulk orders with simple logos, DTG for small quantities or complex artwork.
Q: Can I negotiate a better price if I'm ordering multiple times throughout the year? Yes—mention your annual volume upfront and ask about tiered pricing, standing discounts, or net-30 payment terms. Many printers offer 10–15% discounts for repeat customers or volume commitments.
Q: How long do screen-printed apparel designs typically last before fading? Quality screen printing lasts 30–50+ washes with proper care; ask your printer for their specific durability guarantee and get care instructions in writing before placing the order.
Start building your comparison sheet today and request quotes from at least three vendors—you'll spot the real value in minutes.