How Much Does Custom Merch Cost? Minimums, Pricing, and Turnaround Explained
How much does custom merch cost? It is the first question almost everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends. The good news is that custom merch pricing follows a few clear rules. Once you know them, you can plan a budget that works.
1. The item itself
The blank garment is the starting point. A basic cotton tee costs less than a premium tri-blend, and a structured cap costs less than a suede or rope hat. Choosing the right blank is the biggest lever on your custom t-shirt cost.
2. Quantity
Per-piece pricing drops as quantity goes up. Setup costs, like screens for printing or digitizing for embroidery, get spread across more pieces. Ordering 100 shirts at once usually costs much less per shirt than ordering 25 four separate times.
3. Decoration method and size
Embroidery is priced by stitch count, so a small chest logo costs less than a large, detailed design. Screen printing is priced by the number of colors and print locations. DTF printing works well for full-color art on smaller runs.
4. Minimum order
Most decoration methods have a minimum order quantity because of setup time. Our standard minimum is 48 pieces. Need something different? Special requests are available, so just ask and we will talk through your options.
5. Turnaround time
Standard production takes 10 business days after proof approval. Rush orders are sometimes possible but can add cost. The best way to save money is to plan ahead for events, onboarding, and holidays.
How much do custom hats cost?
Custom hats follow the same rules: the hat style, the quantity, and the stitch count of your logo. Embroidered hats are one of the best values in branded merch because they get worn for years.
Get a clear quote
At Anchor James, a women-owned branded merchandise company in Fort Lauderdale since 2004, every quote spells out the item, decoration, and quantity pricing. No surprises. Request a quote and we will help you find the best option for your budget.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does custom merch cost per item?
It depends on the item, the quantity, and the decoration. Larger orders and simpler designs lower the cost per piece.
What is the minimum order for custom shirts?
Our standard minimum is 48 pieces, and special requests are available upon discussion.
How long does custom merch take?
Standard production is 10 business days after you approve your proof.
About Anchor James
Anchor James is a women-owned apparel and merch company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since 2004 we have made custom branded apparel for businesses and embroidered wholesale hats for boutiques and gift shops.
Custom orders
Let's make merch people keep
Tell us what you have in mind and our Fort Lauderdale team will recommend the right products, decoration, and timeline.
Keep reading
