DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing prices vary depending on quantity, artwork size, number of print positions, garment choice, and turnaround time.
This page provides real completed job examples to help you understand how DTF pricing works. These examples are provided as a guide only and are not fixed price offers.
How DTF Pricing Works
DTF pricing is influenced by:
Quantity of garments
Number of print positions (front only vs front + back)
Size of the print areas
Garment brand and style
Turnaround time (standard vs urgent)
Artwork readiness (vector vs raster)
Unlike screen printing, DTF pricing does not drop sharply at high volumes because each garment still requires an individual transfer and press.
DTF Pricing Examples (Real Jobs)
Please note that the prices listed below are a guide for you, these do not reflect prices for a job you may be considering. Prices are based on quantity size, position and size of image/logos to be printed and tuirnaround time frames. Please ask for a quote when you are considering custom printed T-shirys/polos/hoodies with DTF printing.
Example 1 - Urgent Order (100 Shirts)
Overview
Printing method: DTF
Garment: JBS Wear 1HT
Print positions: Front (10cm × 10cm) + Back (35cm × 35cm)
Turnaround: Urgent
Shipping: Express from (Brisbane → Melbourne)
Cost Breakdown
Item
Details
Quantity
100 shirts
Cost per shirt
$25.93 + GST
Print total (inc GST)
$2,852.30
Vector artwork (2 logos)
$66.00
Express shipping
$103.00
Final total
$3,021.30
Example 2 - Standard Turnaround (30 Shirts)
Overview
Printing method: DTF
Garment: JBS Wear 1HT
Print positions: Front chest only (10cm × 10cm)
Turnaround: Standard (~2 weeks)
Order type: Pickup
Cost Breakdown
Item
Details
Quantity
30 shirts
Cost per shirt (inc GST)
~$23.34
Print total (inc GST)
$667.20
Vector artwork (1 logo)
$33.00
Final total
$700.20
Example 3 - Urgent Bulk Order (163 Shirts)
Overview
Printing method: DTF
Garment: AS Colour Block Oversized Tee (5052)
Print positions: Front (10cm × 10cm) + Back (30cm × 30cm)
Turnaround: Urgent
Order type: Pickup
Cost Breakdown
Item
Details
Quantity
163 shirts
Cost per shirt
$21.67 + GST
Print total (inc GST)
$3,956.92
Vector artwork (2 logos)
$66.00
Final total
$4,022.92
Understanding the DTF Pricing Ladder
DTF pricing behaves differently from screen printing:
20–40 shirts: Higher per-shirt cost, ideal for small runs
50–120 shirts: Per-shirt pricing stabilises
150+ shirts: Small efficiency gains, but no sharp price drop
This is because each DTF print is produced and applied individually.
👉 If your goal is the lowest possible cost per shirt at high volume, screen printing may be a better option.
DTF PRICING LADDER (HOW COSTS MOVE)
This ladder explains why prices don’t always drop linearly with DTF, unlike screen printing.
🪜 DTF Pricing Ladder Explained
Small Quantities (20–40 shirts)
Higher per-shirt cost
Ideal for:
Small groups
Samples
Club orders, Cycling groups, small business printing
Example:
30 shirts → ~$23–24 per shirt
Medium Quantities (50–120 shirts)
Slight efficiency gains
Per-shirt cost may stabilise rather than drop sharply
Often influenced by:
Print size
Number of print positions
Example:
100 shirts (urgent) → ~$25–26 per shirt
Larger Quantities (150+ shirts)
Better material efficiency
Labour still applied per transfer
Per-shirt price improves, but not dramatically
Example:
163 shirts → ~$24–25 per shirt
🔍 Key Insight (IMPORTANT)
Unlike screen printing:
DTF does not benefit as strongly from economies of scale
Each shirt still requires:
Individual transfer
Individual pressing time
This is why:
DTF is excellent for flexibility and urgency
Screen printing becomes cheaper for large, repeated designs
What DTF Pricing Is Best Suited For
DTF printing offers excellent value when you need:
Full-colour artwork
Urgent turnaround
Flexibility across garment types
Small to medium quantities
Get a Personalised DTF Quote
For accurate pricing, please provide:
Quantity
Garment style/brand
Print locations (front/back)
Print size (cm)
Required date
Pickup or delivery
Artwork files (vector preferred)
We’ll reply with a detailed quote and mockups before production.
Important Pricing Disclaimer
All pricing shown on this page is indicative only. Final pricing depends on artwork, garment selection, quantity, and turnaround requirements.
