Should You Use Print-on-Demand or Print T-Shirts Yourself?
If you’re thinking about starting a t-shirt business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the best t-shirt printing method. Should you go with a print-on-demand (POD) service or handle it all yourself with DIY t-shirt printing?
Both options have their own advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your business goals, budget, and how involved you want to be in the process.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best t-shirt printing methods, compare the pros and cons of POD vs. DIY, and break down the equipment you’ll need if you decide to print your t-shirts yourself.
Personally, I do both! I have my online t-shirt shop with TeePublic and show my designs here on the blog. We also invested in a heat press and sublimation printer, plus supplies for both, to make t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags from home.
My DIY projects are primarily for church events, church friends, family, and close associates. Making these items at home for my local people eliminates the shipping costs for them, so I can keep the prices down and still make a decent profit.
What is Print-on-Demand (POD)?
Print-on-demand services are one of the most popular options when it comes to t-shirt printing. With POD, you simply upload your design to a platform, and the company prints and ships the t-shirt directly to your customer whenever an order is placed. This makes POD a low-risk, easy-to-manage option for many entrepreneurs, but is it the best t-shirt printing method for you?
Pros of Print-on-Demand
1. Low Startup Costs
One of the reasons POD is considered the best t-shirt printing method for beginners is the minimal upfront investment. You don’t need to buy inventory, purchase equipment, or worry about managing stock. All you need is your design, an internet connection, and a POD platform like Printful, TeeSpring, or TeePublic, the service I use for POD.
2. No Inventory Management
With POD, you don’t need to worry about bulk orders or leftover stock. The service prints the t-shirt after the customer makes a purchase, so you only produce what sells. This makes it an attractive option for anyone seeking the best t-shirt printing method without the hassle of inventory management.
3. Easy to Scale
As your business grows, POD makes it easy to scale up. Whether you sell 10 shirts or 1,000, the POD service handles the printing and shipping, freeing up your time to focus on marketing and design.
4. Saves Time
POD services are generally considered the best t-shirt printing method for those who want to save time. Since you’re outsourcing the printing and fulfillment process, you won’t have to deal with the technical aspects of t-shirt printing.
5. Variety of Products
Most POD platforms don’t just offer t-shirts. You can easily expand your product range to include hoodies, tote bags, mugs, and more, without any additional work on your part.
Cons of Print-on-Demand
1. Lower Profit Margins
The convenience of POD comes at a cost. The per-shirt price with POD is generally higher than if you printed the t-shirts yourself, which can lead to lower profit margins. If you’re focused on maximizing profits, POD may not be the best t-shirt printing method for your business.
2. Less Control Over Quality
With POD, you’re relying on the service to maintain consistent quality. Some companies may use lower-grade materials or have inconsistent print quality, which could affect your brand reputation.
3. Shipping Costs and Times
While POD is convenient, the added shipping costs and potentially longer delivery times can deter customers, especially if they’re used to fast shipping.
4. Limited Customization
POD platforms often have limited options for design placement, printing methods, and customization. If you want to offer more unique or personalized products, POD might not be the best t-shirt printing method for you.
Popular Print-on-Demand Services
- Printful: Known for high-quality products and integrations with platforms like Shopify and Etsy.
- Teespring: Great for creators and influencers but sometimes inconsistent in print quality.
- Redbubble: Popular marketplace for artists but lower profit margins due to fees.
- TeePublic (The POD service I use!): Niche-focused and easy to get started, but fewer product options compared to competitors.
What is DIY T-Shirt Printing?
DIY t-shirt printing involves handling the entire printing process yourself. This can involve different methods like heat press, screen printing, or direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Many people consider DIY to be the best t-shirt printing method if they want full control over quality and customization.
Pros of DIY T-Shirt Printing
1. Higher Profit Margins
DIY t-shirt printing can often result in higher profit margins because you’re eliminating the middleman. Once you’ve made the initial investment in equipment and materials, your cost per shirt will be lower than with POD.
2. Complete Control Over Quality
Many business owners consider DIY the best t-shirt printing method because it offers full control over the printing process. You can choose the exact shirts, printing technique, and design placement, ensuring that every product meets your standards.
3. Faster Turnaround Times
Since you’ll be handling the printing yourself, you can ship orders as soon as they’re done, which could lead to faster delivery times for your customers.
4. More Customization
With DIY printing, you have more flexibility to experiment with different designs, printing techniques, and custom options. This can make your products stand out and appeal to a broader audience.
Cons of DIY T-Shirt Printing
1. High Startup Costs
The downside to DIY is the initial investment in equipment and supplies. Whether you opt for a heat press, screen printing kit, or DTG printer, the upfront costs can be significant, making it less appealing for beginners.
2. Time-Consuming
DIY printing is more hands-on, meaning it’s also more time-consuming. You’ll need to handle everything from design prep to printing and shipping, which can limit your ability to focus on marketing and growing your business.
3. Inventory Management
Unlike POD, with DIY printing, you’ll need to manage your inventory, which can be risky if certain designs or sizes don’t sell as expected.
DIY T-Shirt Printing Equipment
If you’re leaning toward DIY, here’s the equipment you may need depending on the method you choose:
- Heat Press: Affordable and beginner-friendly but limited in design complexity. Costs range from $200–$600.
- Sublimation Inkjet Printer: Relatively affordable and needed for doing sublimation prints. Costs start at around $200 and go up depending on the brand and size.
- Screen Printing Kit: Ideal for bulk orders with vibrant prints. Setup costs range from $300–$1,000.
- Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printer: Professional quality but expensive, with costs starting at $10,000.
Conclusion: Which is the Best T-Shirt Printing Method?
Choosing the best t-shirt printing method ultimately depends on your budget, goals, and how much control you want over the production process.
If you want to start with low costs and minimal risk, POD is likely the best t-shirt printing method for you. It’s easy to set up and lets you focus on growing your brand without worrying about inventory or printing equipment.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for higher profit margins and full control over quality, DIY t-shirt printing may be the best t-shirt printing method for your business. Just be prepared for the upfront investment and time commitment involved.
By considering your specific business needs, you can confidently choose the best t-shirt printing method to get your t-shirt business off the ground!
