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DTF PRINTING PRICING

DTF Printing Prices (Guide & Examples)

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:

  1. Quantity
  2. Garment style/brand
  3. Print locations (front/back)
  4. Print size (cm)
  5. Required date
  6. Pickup or delivery
  7. 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.

Useful links 

  • DTF Printing (Foundation Page)
  • Screen Printing vs DTF
  • DTF vs DTG
  • Printing Methods Overview
  • DTF Pricing Calculator
  • How to Order DTF Printed Shirts
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