Why Knowing Your Cost Per Shirt Matters
Before you quote a client or set a wholesale MOQ, you need a real cost per print. DTF is cheap per unit at volume — but only if you account for every consumable. Here is a practical breakdown for a standard left-chest logo on a cotton tee.
The Four Cost Buckets
| Item | Typical cost (A4 sheet / small logo) |
|---|---|
| DTF PET film | ~$0.03–0.08 per print |
| DTF ink (CMYK + White) | ~$0.02–0.05 per print |
| Hot melt powder | ~$0.01–0.02 per print |
| Labor + power (press + cure) | ~$0.05–0.15 per print |
At small-batch pricing that is roughly $0.11–0.30 per left-chest logo. Full-A3 designs scale with film area, not linearly — a full-front print typically lands $0.40–0.90.
Where Wholesale Buyers Save
- Buy film and powder by the roll instead of sheets — up to 40% lower per-meter cost.
- Batch ink orders to one supplier for consistent color and fewer clogs (clogs waste more than ink).
- Standardize sizes (30cm / 60cm rolls) so you are not overbuying niche widths.
A Quick Sanity Check
If your landed cost per shirt looks high, the usual culprits are: film waste from wrong width, white-ink overuse, or buying retail-priced consumables. Sourcing direct from a factory flips all three.
Want a tailored cost model for your volumes and target market? Send us your monthly print count and FRZ will price film, ink, and powder as a consolidated wholesale bundle.
Explore our DTF PET film and hot melt powder for wholesale factory-direct pricing. Most orders ship DDP with MOQ from 50 pcs / 20 rolls — contact us to request a quote.