Why Screen Printing Requires Minimum Orders and Works Best in Bulk

👕 Why Small Orders Aren’t Ideal for Screen Printing – And Why Minimums Matter
By Rocky Road Printing

If you’ve ever asked for just a couple of custom screen printed t-shirts and been told there’s a minimum order — you’re not alone. Many customers are surprised to learn that screen printing isn’t designed for small orders. At Rocky Road Printing, we want to break down why that is and help you understand why screen printing is absolutely worth it — when done in volume.

🛠️ The Setup Behind Screen Printing

Screen printing is a high-quality, professional method of decorating garments. But it’s also labor- and setup-intensive. Each color in your design requires:

• A custom screen to be created

• Ink to be mixed and aligned

• Equipment to be calibrated

• Test prints to be run for accuracy

Whether we’re printing 12 shirts or 1,200, the setup time is nearly the same — which is why small orders aren’t cost-effective.

📦 Why We Require Minimum Orders

At Rocky Road Printing, like most professional shops, we have minimums for screen printing — usually starting at 12 shirts or more. Here’s why:

• 👕 Production efficiency: Bulk orders make the best use of time, materials, and equipment.

• 💰 Cost savings: The cost per shirt drops significantly as the quantity increases.

• ⚙️ Quality control: Large runs ensure consistent results across every shirt.

Smaller orders are better suited for other methods like DTF (Direct to Film) or vinyl, which are designed for low-volume, fast-turnaround jobs.

💸 Screen Printing = Big Savings in Bulk

While small orders may not be ideal, screen printing truly shines when you’re ordering in volume. Here’s what makes it worth every penny:

• ✅ Lower cost per shirt

• ✅ Durable, long-lasting prints

• ✅ Professional-grade finishes

• ✅ Perfect for uniforms, merch, teams, events, and resale

Whether you’re printing for a business, a school, a nonprofit, or a brand — screen printing delivers unmatched quality and affordability when you scale up your order.

🧠 Pro Tip: Plan Ahead & Print More

If you’re considering a small batch of shirts now, ask yourself:

“Will I need more soon?”

By printing more at once, you:

• Get a better deal

• Save on setup fees

• Have extra inventory for new hires, events, or sales

✅ The Bottom Line

Small orders + screen printing = not a great match. But if you’re ready to buy in volume, screen printing is the most cost-effective and professional option out there. At Rocky Road Printing, we help you get the most for your money — without sacrificing quality.

📩 Got a big idea? Let’s turn it into a bulk order that makes your brand shine.

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