Your first merch order is a gamble: too few and you run out of shirts at the best show, too many and you end up with boxes in the basement. Here’s how we advise the bands that come through the shop.
How many to order
For a first order, 24 to 50 shirts is a good starting point. That’s enough to get screen printing prices without tying up too much money. If you’re not sure about your design, start with a few pieces in DTF to test it.
Which sizes
M and L sell fastest. Here’s a breakdown that works well for 50 shirts:
| S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 8 |
Good news: we can give you one price for every size, 2XL included. Easier to handle at the table.
The design
- One or two colours cost less to print and read better from a distance, on a badly lit stage.
- The band name should be readable. People also buy to show what they listen to.
- The design has to be yours, or you need the go-ahead from the artist who drew it.
- Send a vector file (AI, EPS, PDF) or a 300 dpi PNG at actual size.
Working out your selling price
Start from the real cost. For example, 50 basic tees with a two-colour front print cost around $11 to $12 each, before taxes. Sell them for $30 at the table and you keep about $18 per shirt for gas, studio time or the next order. Our printing prices help you run the numbers for other quantities.
When to order
Count 8 to 14 business days of production after proof approval, plus time to prepare the artwork. For an album release or a tour, place your order four to five weeks ahead. If it’s tighter than that, we have rush options, with fees depending on the deadline.
Beyond the t-shirt
- Tote bags: cheap to make and easy to sell.
- Embroidered caps and toques: from 12 pieces, they sell all year round.
- Hoodies: pricier, but often the first thing to sell out in fall and winter.
Want to see what we do for bands? Check out our band merch page and the portfolio.