Why Minimum Order Quantities Matter in Screen Printing: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering custom screen-printed t-shirts or merchandise, you may have come across the term minimum order quantity (MOQ). At Print Room, we specialise in high-quality, scalable production for bulk orders, and our minimum order for screen printing starts at 24 pieces. But why does this requirement exist, and how does it benefit you as a customer?

We’ll break down the reasons behind minimum order quantities, explain how they impact pricing, and share tips to help you maximise the value of your order.

What Is a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

A minimum order quantity is the smallest number of items you need to order for a specific service, like screen printing. 

Minimum order quantities ensure that the process is cost-effective for both the printer and the customer. For smaller orders, setup costs become too significant to justify the expense per item.

Why Does Screen Printing Have a Minimum Order Quantity?

Screen printing is an efficient and cost-effective method for large orders, but it involves significant upfront preparation. Here’s why:

1. Setup Costs for Screen Printing

Screen printing requires creating a physical screen for each colour in your design. This process involves:

• Design Preparation: Artwork needs to be adjusted and separated into layers, one for each colour.
• Screen Preparation: Each layer is transferred onto a screen coated with emulsion and exposed to UV light to create a stencil.
• Ink Mixing and Printing Setup: Inks are matched (e.g., Pantone colours), and the machine is set up for your specific design.
  
  

These steps are fixed costs, meaning they don’t change whether you’re printing 10 t-shirts or 100. With smaller orders, these setup costs are spread over fewer items, making the cost per shirt significantly higher.

2. Higher Minimums Help Keep Costs Down for Customers

By requiring a minimum order quantity, we can distribute the setup costs across more items, resulting in a lower cost per shirt for you.

Example:

• For an order of 24 t-shirts:

  • Setup cost = $300
  • Cost per t-shirt (setup only) = $12.50

• For an order of 100 t-shirts:

  • Setup cost = $300
  • Cost per t-shirt (setup only) = $3.00
    
    

The more you order, the less each t-shirt costs, making screen printing ideal for bulk orders.

How Minimum Order Quantities Differ for Supacolour and Embroidery

While screen printing requires a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 24 units due to the setup costs of creating screens, other decoration methods have slightly different MOQs and advantages for specific types of orders:

1. Supacolour Transfers

• MOQ at Print Room: 24 pieces
  
  
• Why This MOQ Works: Supacolour transfers are highly cost-effective for smaller orders featuring high-colour, intricate artwork. Unlike screen printing, this method doesn’t require physical screens, which reduces setup time and costs.
  
  
• Best Use Cases: Supacolour transfers are ideal for designs with gradients, fine details, or multiple colours, offering vibrant and precise results.

• MOQ at Print Room: 12 pieces

• Why This MOQ Works: Embroidery involves an upfront digitisation process to convert your design into a stitch file. However, the setup process is less time-intensive compared to screen printing, making it a great choice for smaller runs.
  
  
• Best Use Cases: Embroidery is perfect for logos, smaller designs, or premium branding on caps, polos, and jackets, offering a polished and durable finish.
  
  

Practical Tips to Maximise the Value of Your Order

1. Combine Orders for Cost Savings

If you’re ordering for a team, event, or business, consider combining multiple sizes or styles into a single design order to reach the MOQ.

Example:

• Order 12 men’s t-shirts, 6 women’s t-shirts, and 6 youth t-shirts with the same design to meet the 24-piece minimum.
  
  
  

2. Plan Ahead for Larger Quantities

Think about your long-term needs. If you anticipate needing more t-shirts in the future, it’s more cost-effective to print a larger batch now. This reduces your cost per item and avoids additional setup fees for a second order.

3. Choose the Right Printing Method for Small Runs

If your project requires fewer than 24 items, consider Supacolour transfers or embroidery. These methods are better suited for small runs, offering flexibility without the high setup costs of screen printing.

4. Communicate Your Needs Clearly

Let us know your specific goals and constraints. Our team can help you find the best solution, whether that’s adjusting your design for a lower-cost printing method or finding ways to optimise your order for bulk pricing.

Why Print Room’s MOQs Work for You

Our MOQs are designed to deliver the best quality and value for our customers. By specialising in bulk orders, we ensure that every project meets our high standards for cost-effectiveness and quality.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees—our quotes include all setup costs.
  
  
• Expert Advice: Our account managers guide you to the best method for your order size and design.
  
  
• Premium Quality: Every t-shirt is printed with precision, using top-tier inks and techniques.
  
  

Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk!

Understanding MOQs and setup costs can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Whether you’re printing t-shirts for your team, merch for your brand, or uniforms for your business, we’ll work with you to find the most cost-effective solution.

Contact us today to discuss your project, or request a free sample pack to see the quality of our work for yourself!