How to Price Custom T-Shirts for Maximum Profit
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How to Price Custom T-Shirts for Maximum Profit
Introduction
Setting the right price for your custom T-shirts can be tricky. Charge too little, and you won’t make a profit—charge too much, and customers won’t buy.
Whether you're selling DTF-printed shirts online, at events, or in a retail store, this guide will help you calculate your costs, set competitive prices, and maximize your profits.
🛠️ Step 1: Calculate Your Costs
Before setting a price, you need to know how much it costs to make each shirt. Consider these expenses:
✔ Blank Shirt Cost – The price of the shirt itself
✔ DTF Print Cost – The cost of each DTF transfer
✔ Labor – Time spent pressing, packaging, & shipping
✔ Overhead – Equipment, rent, marketing, website fees
✔ Shipping & Packaging – Poly mailers, labels, shipping costs
💡 Example Cost Breakdown:
| Expense | Cost per Shirt |
|---|---|
| Blank T-Shirt | $3.00 |
| DTF Transfer | $2.00 |
| Labor (Pressing) | $1.00 |
| Packaging & Label | $0.50 |
| Overhead (Rent, etc.) | $1.50 |
| Total Cost | $8.00 |
💰 Step 2: Choose Your Pricing Strategy
1️⃣ Markup-Based Pricing (Most Common)
A simple way to price shirts is to double or triple your costs.
✔ Example:
- If your total cost is $8.00, you can sell at:
- $16.00 (2x markup) – Budget Pricing
- $24.00 (3x markup) – Standard Pricing
💡 Best for: General T-shirt businesses, event merch
2️⃣ Market-Based Pricing
✔ Look at competitors’ prices in your niche
✔ Set your price to be competitive but profitable
💡 Example Pricing Based on Market:
| Niche | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Tees | $15-$20 |
| Streetwear Brands | $30-$50 |
| Limited Edition Tees | $40+ |
💡 Best for: Businesses competing in specific markets
3️⃣ Premium Pricing for Exclusive Designs
✔ Offer limited edition or custom designs
✔ Add premium finishes (glow-in-the-dark, metallic prints, etc.)
✔ Price $40-$100 per shirt
💡 Best for: Exclusive brands, limited drops
🚀 Step 3: Maximize Profits with Bulk Discounts & Upsells
🔄 Bulk Order Pricing
Offering bulk discounts encourages bigger orders:
✔ 1-5 shirts → Regular price
✔ 6-12 shirts → 10% off
✔ 13+ shirts → 20% off
💡 Best for: Group orders, family reunions, business merch
💡 Upselling & Bundles
✔ Offer bundles (Buy 2, Get 1 Free)
✔ Upsell matching hats, hoodies, or stickers
✔ Add custom personalization for an extra fee ($5-$10 per name or logo change)
📌 Final Pricing Formula:
(Total Cost per Shirt) × (Markup) = Final Price
💡 Example:
- Budget Tee: $8.00 × 2 = $16.00
- Standard Tee: $8.00 × 3 = $24.00
- Premium Tee: $8.00 × 5 = $40.00
🚀 Now, you’re ready to price your T-shirts profitably!
🛒 Need High-Quality DTF Transfers for Your Shirts?
At LegendsDTF, we provide vibrant, long-lasting DTF prints for businesses and brands.