Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Why Do I Have to Pay More For A Custom T-shirt?

"Why does a custom t-shirt cost more than a shirt I buy at the store?" is a question that t-shirt and apparel decorators are frequently asked. I am going to answer that question for you now.

An apparel printing business generally buys the apparel at wholesale prices. So the majority of the cost you are charged is not for the t-shirt. Let me show you what I am talking about. I am using a photo of my mother as an example. The customer emails or texts the printer a photo or an idea with a request of the desired result. The happy and satisfied customer receives a customized and personalized shirt. An example is below.


The photograph below shows what the customer of the above shirt sent to the apparel printer.





Let's look at what went into creating the customized shirt. The printer/decorator had to do some design work. In this case the photo background was removed at the customer's request. The font and edited picture were arranged to create a pleasing design. A mockup was created and sent to the customer for approval. Then the design was made ready for printing. L.A. De Valk Style uses a professional heat press to print apparel. Whatever process your apparel printer uses, it involves time, skill, supplies, and equipment. Some of you may be thinking, but I don't want a photo. I just want a basketball player making a lay-up shot with my number and name on it. I can do that. It still involves time, skill, supplies, and equipment and it is still customized and personalized. You will not find a shirt like yours available at any regular store. It is one of a kind. It is personalized and customized for you. That is what you are paying for when you purchase a custom shirt. You are paying for the time, skill, supplies, and a shirt with customization.


If someone on your gift giving list is tough to buy for--a custom shirt is a good choice. L.A. De Valk Style also does shirts for events, all occasions and even for businesses. You can contact me through L.A. De  Valk Style on the contact page for more information. On a side note, my mother liked the mockup so much that she requested the design be put on a nightgown.

Let me know in the comments below if you found this blog post helpful.