Saving Money On Blank Apparel

When it comes to ordering customer printed apparel, once of the biggest decisions you'll make is where your blanks come from. Many customers assume it's easiest to purchase their own t-shirts, hoodies, or polos from a retail website and bring them to a screen printer. But what they may not realize is that there are major differences in quality, price and process between buying blank apparel through a screen printing shop and purchasing it retail.

1. Pricing: Wholesale vs. Retail

Retail:

When you buy blank shirts from a store or online retailer, you’re paying retail pricing, which includes a markup for brand, packaging, and distribution. A basic cotton tee might cost $8–$15, depending on where you shop.

Screen Printing Shop:

Screen printing shops have access to wholesale pricing through apparel distributors. That same t-shirt might cost the print shop $2–$4 depending on the brand and style. Even with a small markup added by the shop, it’s almost always cheaper than retail pricing.

Bottom line: You’ll typically save money ordering apparel through the screen printer—especially for bulk orders.

2. Inventory Management and Reordering

Retail:

If you buy from retail, you’re responsible for getting the correct sizes and quantities, ensuring the items are the same style and color, and dealing with out-of-stock items or changes in fabric from batch to batch.

Screen Printing Shop:

The print shop handles the ordering and inventory tracking. They can source consistent garments from reliable suppliers and even reorder more later from the same lot if needed—ensuring consistency in group orders, uniforms, or merchandise.

Bottom line: Letting the printer manage the apparel reduces stress and eliminates errors in sizing, color, or fabric.

3. Liability for Misprints or Damage

Retail:

If you bring your own garments, most print shops will require you to sign a waiver. That’s because they can’t replace or refund shirts that misprint, tear, or get damaged during the process. You carry all the risk.

Screen Printing Shop:

When the shop supplies the apparel, they take responsibility for any errors or misprints. If something goes wrong, they’ll reprint or replace the items at no extra cost.

Bottom line: Buying through the print shop protects your investment.

Final Thoughts

While it might seem like buying your own blanks is the cheaper or easier option, working with your screen printing shop to source the right apparel almost always leads to better results, fewer issues, and more value in the long run.

So next time you're planning a custom t-shirt order, promo event, or team uniform, ask your screen printer for their recommendations. You'll get wholesale pricing, better print results, and peace of mind—all in one place.