When Outsourcing Print Production Makes More Sense Than Buying Equipment

Thinking about buying your own printer for your apparel brand?

It’s a big decision. And most people get it wrong.

Printing everything in-house sounds ideal. You have control over quality, timing and costs. However…

The printer is just the beginning. You need a heat press, a powder shaker, ink, film, space and tons of time to learn how to use the machine.

Outsourcing is just a no-brainer for the majority of small shops. Particularly now that there are no minimum custom transfers so you can order only what you need.

Here’s how to figure out which path is right for you…

Inside This Guide:

1. The Real Cost Of Buying Print Equipment
2. Why No Minimum Custom Transfers Change The Game
3. 4 Signs Outsourcing Is The Better Move
4. When Buying Equipment Actually Makes Sense

The Real Cost Of Buying Print Equipment

Most people look at the price of the printer and stop there.

Big mistake.

 An entry level DTF printer and powder shaker combo can range from $2,500-$4,000. Production-ready setups will run $7,000-$15,000+. And this is before purchasing your first roll of film.

Then come the hidden costs:

• Ink, film and powder (often $200 to $500 in the first 3 months)
• Daily maintenance to stop the print heads from clogging
• Repairs and replacement parts
• The hours spent learning the machine instead of selling

That last one is the real killer.

One hour spent unclogging a print head is one hour NOT doing marketing, sales or design. The things that actually help grow your business.

Plus there’s customers for you to chase. The worldwide custom t-shirt printing industry is expected to hit $12.4 billion by 2036. Big. Market. Opportunity. …But only if you choose to spend your time pursuing it.

Why No Minimum Custom Transfers Change The Game

A few years ago outsourcing had one big catch.

Minimum order quantities.

Copy shops wanted you to order quantities of 50, 100 or even 500 at a time. If you just wanted 12 shirts for a neighborhood team or wanted to try just one new design you were out of luck. Buying your own equipment seemed like the only solution.

That is no longer true. With no minimum custom transfers you can order just one design or a full run with no up-front cost for excess stock. Try out a new design by ordering a small batch of Custom DTF Transfers, pressing them onto blanks with your regular heat press, and see which designs fly off the shelves before ordering more.

Pretty cool, right?

This gives you the best of both worlds:

• Low risk: You only pay for what you actually use.
• Fast testing: Try new designs without wasting money on bulk stock.
• Professional quality: Transfers are made from commercial machines operated by staff that print transfers all day.

You still iron the shirts yourself. You just avoid the costly (and messy) step.

4 Signs Outsourcing Is The Better Move

Can’t decide which direction to turn? These are the most straightforward reasons outsourcing is better.

Your Orders Are Small Or Unpredictable

If you receive 20 orders one week and only 2 the next, printers will be sitting idle much of the time. Idle DTF printers are bad… white ink can dry up in the heads and cause clogs.

No minimum custom transfers means no-cost quiet weeks. You just place your order when your sales arrive.

You Don’t Have The Space

An efficient print set up requires space. Space for your printer, shaker, curing station and ventilation. Most home businesses and small studios lack this.

You Want To Focus On Growth

Here’s the thing…

Most successful apparel brands didn’t win by owning a printer. They won by having great designs and knowing how to sell apparel.

Small business owners are starting to realize this. One survey by Clutch showed that 90% of small businesses reported they will outsource at least one task. The idea is pretty straightforward — save time for the stuff that’s most important.

Your Cash Flow Is Tight

Buying equipment for $4,000 or more is money invested in equipment vs. stock, ads or new designs. When you outsource it, you take one large expense and make it cost per order.

That’s much easier on your bank balance.

When Buying Equipment Actually Makes Sense

To be fair, outsourcing isn’t the right answer for everyone.

Buying your own printer can make sense when:

1. You print high volumes every single day
2. You have steady, predictable orders
3. You have the space (and staff) to run the machine
4. You’ve already tested your market and know what sells

Even then, there’s a smart way to do it.

First, contract print. Validate your designs, move and establish consistent orders. When your volume gets large enough that you would run a printer every day…consider buying one.

That way you make the decision with real numbers. No guesses.

Tip: Keep track of how much you spend each month on transfers for at least 3-6 months. When it begins to approach what you would spend each month on a printer, supplies and maintenance you may want to crunch those numbers again.

The Bottom Line On Outsourcing vs Buying

Printing equipment is the “adulting” decision. Except for most independent brands it’s a costly way to hold yourself back.

Outsourcing lets you:

• Save money — no big upfront cost for machines and supplies
• Save time — no learning curve and no daily maintenance
• Remain flexible — buy more when sales increase and less when they decline

Plus, with no minimum custom transfers you never have to worry about the old bulk order problem again. Test. Launch. Grow. Without fear.

To quickly recap:

• Work out the full cost of owning equipment (not just the printer)
• Start with outsourced transfers to test your designs
• Put your time into sales and marketing
• Only buy equipment once your volume proves you need it

Keep it simple. Let someone else handle the printing while you build the brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

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