Custom Prints Business

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Custom Prints Business? (In 2024)

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Updated: July 19th, 2024

Looking to start a custom prints business?

But curious about:

how much it costs to start a custom prints business?
what are the typical custom prints business startup costs?
or the actual cost of starting custom prints businesses?

Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real custom prints businesses and how much they actually cost to start.

Let's go over it.

What is the average cost of starting a custom prints business?

Based on our data reported by actual custom prints business founders, the average cost of starting a custom prints business is between $999 and $400,000.

Additionally, our data shows that the the median startup costs for a custom prints business are around $9K.

Remember, though, not all custom prints businesses are the same - and neither are people's budgets. It's important to distinguish between different levels or types of custom prints businesses

Real World Examples: How much does it cost to start a custom prints business?

We asked real custom prints business founders and business owners how much it actually cost to get started?

Here is what they said:

Sarim Nadeem

Founder of Dexpel ($120K/month)

"We started the company with a mere budget of $2,000 and bought ourselves a small A3 printer, a laminator, and a cutting system."

Sarim Nadeem is the founder of Dexpel, a custom print store business that started in 2009 and specializes in a wide variety of customizable apparel and merchandise.

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Starting a custom prints business - what you should know:

When starting a custom prints business, there are several key factors that can significantly influence your startup costs.

Initial Equipment Investment

The type of printer you choose is a crucial cost factor. Entry-level direct-to-garment (DTG) printers can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. High-end models, designed for larger-scale operations, can exceed $250,000. If you're opting for screen printing, a manual setup might cost around $1,000 to $5,000, while an automatic setup can cost upwards of $50,000. Additionally, consider the cost of a heat press, which can range from $300 to $3,000.

Material Costs

The cost of blank garments like T-shirts, hoodies, and other fabric items varies based on quality and supplier. Typically, bulk buying reduces costs; expect to pay between $3 to $10 per T-shirt. Specialty items or premium materials will be more expensive. Don't forget to factor in the cost of inks or dyes, which can range from $100 to $500 per liter, depending on the type and quality.

Design Software and Licensing

While there are free graphic design tools available, premium software like Adobe Creative Cloud can enhance your design capabilities significantly. A subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud can cost around $52.99 per month. Make sure to also account for any licensing fees if you're using third-party designs.

Labor and Production Time

Labor costs will depend on whether you are running a solo operation or hiring staff. For example, hiring a skilled designer or print technician could cost between $15 to $30 per hour. Efficient production planning can optimize labor use and lower overall costs.

Shipping and Fulfillment

Shipping costs can vary widely depending on the volume and geographic reach of your orders. Domestic shipping might range from $3 to $7 per item, whereas international shipping can cost $10 to $20 or more. Consider partnering with third-party logistics services for bulk shipping discounts.

By carefully planning each aspect of your custom prints business, from initial equipment to ongoing material costs, you can better manage your budget and set yourself up for success.

Potential Costs of Starting a Custom Prints Business

Starting a custom prints business involves several initial and ongoing costs, ranging from purchasing equipment to covering labor and marketing costs.

Expense Category	Cost Range	Description
Printing Equipment	$5,000 - $10,000	Includes printers, heat presses, and cutting machines required for producing custom prints on various materials such as t-shirts, mugs, and posters.
Design Software	$20 - $50/month	Monthly subscription to professional design software like Adobe Creative Cloud or CorelDRAW.
Website Hosting	$100 - $300/year	Annual fees for hosting services such as Bluehost or SiteGround.
Domain Name	$10 - $20/year	Cost to register a domain name for the business website.
E-commerce Platform	$30 - $70/month	Subscription fees for e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, which facilitate online sales and inventory management.
Website Development	$500 - $5,000	One-time cost for professional web development services, if not building the site independently.
Marketing & Advertising	$200 - $1,000/month	Costs for digital marketing efforts such as social media ads, Google AdWords, and email marketing campaigns.
Business License & Permits	$50 - $500	Fees for obtaining necessary business licenses and permits, which vary depending on location.
Insurance	$500 - $1,500/year	Annual premiums for business insurance to cover liabilities, property, and employee-related risks.
Office/Workspace Rent	$500 - $2,000/month	Monthly rental fees for a dedicated office or workshop where production will take place.
Utilities	$100 - $300/month	Monthly costs for utilities such as electricity, water, and internet.
Raw Materials	$200 - $1,000/month	Cost for purchasing raw materials like blank t-shirts, mugs, posters, ink, and transfer paper.
Packaging Supplies	$50 - $200/month	Monthly budget for packaging materials including boxes, envelopes, and protective padding.
Labor Costs	$1,500 - $4,000/month	Salaries or wages for employees or freelancers involved in production, design, or administrative tasks.
Shipping Costs	$100 - $500/month	Monthly expenses for shipping supplies and services to deliver custom prints to customers.
Payment Processing Fees	2% - 3% per transaction + fixed fee	Fees for processing payments via online payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe, usually a percentage of each transaction plus a fixed fee per order.
Miscellaneous Expenses	$100 - $500/month	Additional miscellaneous costs that may arise, including unexpected repairs, office supplies, and subscription services.

Total startup costs can vary widely based on the scale of the business and specific choices in suppliers and service providers. Initial setup could range from as low as $7,000 to well over $20,000, with ongoing monthly costs from $2,500 to $10,000.

Part of

Starting A Custom Prints Business: Everything You Need To Know

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