The Ultimate Guide to Bulk Custom T Shirts: Everything You Need to Save 40% This Year
- Feb 27
- 6 min read
Hey there! If you are looking to get the BEST deal on bulk custom t shirts this year, you have come to the right place! I’m Penny, and here at Custom T-shirts- Make it your own, we are obsessed with helping you look AMAZING without breaking the bank. Whether you are a small business owner, a marketing manager for a massive corporation, or just the person in charge of the family reunion gear, I have some SUPER exciting news for you.
Did you know that most companies are overpaying for their apparel by as much as 40%? It is true!! Most people order 24 shirts here, 50 shirts there, and maybe a few hoodies when the weather gets cold. But if you play your cards right and consolidate those orders, the SAVINGS are absolutely HUGE!
In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to master the art of bulk ordering so you can keep more money in your pocket while getting the HIGHEST quality prints imaginable. Let’s dive in!
Why "Bulk" is the Magic Word for Savings
When it comes to screen printing, the math is actually pretty simple. Most of the work happens before the first shirt is even printed! We have to prepare the screens, mix the inks, and calibrate the presses. Whether we are printing 12 shirts or 1,000 shirts, that setup time is the same.
This is why bulk custom t shirts are so much cheaper per unit. When you order in higher quantities, that setup cost gets spread out across more items.

Check out how the tiers usually work:
1–12 pieces: This is what we call "Premium" pricing. It is perfect for samples or very small teams, but the per-shirt cost is at its highest.
13–48 pieces: This is the mid-level. You start to see some GREAT discounts here!
49–144 pieces: Now we are talking!! This is where the bulk pricing really kicks in and the margins get thin, which is EXCELLENT for your budget.
145+ pieces: This is the GOLD STANDARD for savings. You are getting wholesale-level pricing that makes retail look like a joke.
If you want to see our most transparent, fair pricing right now, you HAVE to check out our ready-to-go prices. We don't hide behind "quotes only": we want you to see the value immediately!
The Secret Strategy: Consolidate to Save 40%
This is the big one, you guys!! If you want to save that 40%, you need to stop ordering "on demand" and start planning your year.
Most businesses need shirts for multiple events. You might have:
New hire uniforms for Q1.
Summer event tanks for Q2.
Trade show giveaways for Q3.
Staff holiday hoodies for Q4.
If you order these separately, you are paying the "small order" price four different times. But if you group those orders together into one BIG bulk run, you can jump from the 50-piece price bracket all the way to the 200 or 500-piece bracket. The difference in price is STAGGERING!
By consolidating your annual apparel needs, you aren't just saving money on the shirts: you are saving on shipping and administrative time. It is a total WIN-WIN! We love helping our clients map out their year. If you want to see what kind of bundles we offer, take a look at our packages page for some inspiration!
Keep It Simple: Design Tips for Maximum Savings
I know, I know: everyone wants a 10-color masterpiece on their chest. But if your goal is to save the MOST money possible, the design is where you can really cut costs.
In screen printing, every color requires a different screen. More screens = more labor = higher cost. If you can stick to a 1-color print, you are going to get the absolute BEST price point. A crisp, white logo on a black shirt or a bold black logo on a grey shirt looks incredibly professional and timeless!

If you absolutely need more pop, try to limit it to 3 colors. This keeps your design vibrant while still keeping the production costs low enough to maintain those bulk savings. Remember, sometimes "Less is More" when it comes to branding!
Mix and Match Within Your Bulk Order
One of the questions we get all the time is: "Does it have to be 100 of the exact same shirt?" The answer is: NOT NECESSARILY!
As long as the ink color and the design stay exactly the same, many printers (including us!) will let you mix and match styles. You could do 50 standard t-shirts, 25 tank tops, and 25 hoodies. This allows you to hit those high-volume price breaks while still giving your team variety!
Imagine getting the 100-piece price on everything just because you combined your summer and winter gear. It’s a SMART move that most people don't even think to ask for!
Don't Forget the Big & Tall!
Nothing kills team spirit faster than someone not having a shirt that fits. When you are ordering bulk custom t shirts, make sure you are looking at a provider that offers a full range of sizes. We pride ourselves on being inclusive!
Whether you need 2XL or even 4XL sizes, we’ve got you covered. Having a single source for all your sizes makes the bulk ordering process so much smoother and ensures everyone on your team feels GREAT in their new gear.

The "Make It Your Own" Difference
At Custom T-shirts- Make it your own, we aren't just some giant faceless corporation. We are a team that cares about your project! We know that for a small business, every dollar counts. That is why we offer the most FAIR and LOW-COST pricing in the industry. We want to build a relationship with you, not just a one-time transaction.
When you work with us, you get:
FAST Turnaround: We know you need your gear yesterday!
RELIABLE Quality: Our prints are made to last, wash after wash.
EXCELLENT Communication: We will walk you through every step of the process.
If you are looking for something specific like uniforms or specialized dri-fit options, we have a massive collection to choose from.
Case Study: How One Client Saved $1,200
Let me tell you about a local gym we worked with. Originally, they were ordering 30 shirts every other month as they ran out. They were paying about $15 per shirt because of the low volume and repeated setup fees.
We sat down with them and looked at their data. They were using about 200 shirts a year. By switching to a single bulk order of 200 shirts at the beginning of the year, their price dropped to under $9 per shirt!
They saved $1,200 just by changing their ordering frequency! That is money they were able to reinvest into new gym equipment. You guys, this is REAL money!

Final Checklist for Your Bulk Order
Before you hit that "order" button, run through this quick checklist to make sure you are getting the absolute BEST deal:
Have I checked all my upcoming events? (Consolidate!)
Is my design optimized? (Try to stick to fewer colors for BIGGER savings.)
Do I have the right size breakdown? (Don't forget the 4XL folks!)
Am I getting bulk pricing? (Check our ready-to-go prices to be sure.)
Am I working with someone I trust? (Pick a partner who values your business!)
Let’s Get Started!
There is no better time than right now to start planning your custom apparel. Whether you need short t-shirt sets for a youth camp or premium beanies for a winter promotion, we are here to help you make it happen.
Bulk ordering doesn't have to be scary or complicated. It should be EXCITING because you are getting AMAZING gear at a fraction of the cost!
Thank you so much for trusting us with your brand. We don't take it lightly! We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work for YOU. Head over to our featured products to see what's trending, or reach out to us directly if you have questions.
Let's make this the year you finally save that 40% and look SUPER professional doing it! YOU deserve the best, and we are here to deliver it. 👏👌
Custom T-shirts- Make it your own ( where your vision meets our passion for printing!)

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