Yes. DTF printing is one of the easiest ways for a small business to start its own merch line: no minimum orders, full-colour prints on dark or light garments, and a fast turnaround that lets you test designs before committing to bulk inventory. You supply a logo or artwork, and we print it on t-shirts, hoodies, or caps right here in Langley, BC.
Why DTF printing works for small-business merch
Traditional screen printing needs a separate screen for every colour and becomes expensive below a few dozen pieces. DTF (direct-to-film) printing has no setup screens, prints unlimited colours including white ink in a single pass, and costs the same per print whether you order one shirt or one hundred. That makes it ideal for startups that want to test the waters with a handful of designs before scaling up.
DTF transfers also bond well to cotton, polyester, and cotton-poly blends, so you're not locked into one fabric or garment type. One design can go on tees, hoodies, caps, and tote bags.
Step 1: Nail down 1–3 designs
Start with your logo plus one or two simple graphics. Bold, high-contrast artwork prints best. If you want multiple small logos, name tags, or chest prints, nest them on a DTF gangsheet — a single sheet holding several designs — to cut your per-print cost dramatically.
Step 2: Choose your blanks
Pick garments that fit your brand: classic cotton tees for everyday merch, midweight hoodies for higher price points, or structured caps for logo visibility. Ordering blanks in bulk keeps your unit cost down; DTF handles everything from soft cotton to performance polyester.
Step 3: Pressing (or let us do it)
If you press transfers yourself, the standard recipe is 300–320°F (150–160°C) for 10–15 seconds with firm, even pressure, then cold or warm peel depending on your film. Prefer the done-for-you route? We print and press every order in-house, so your shirts arrive ready to wear or resell.
Step 4b: Price your merch to actually make money
A simple pricing formula keeps you profitable: add up your garment cost, your print cost, and a slice of shipping, then multiply by 2.5 to 3 for your retail price. At $10 per printed tee in our 20-piece bundle, a $25–$30 retail price leaves healthy margin while staying competitive. Hoodies cost more to make, so they command $50–$65 retail — and they tend to become the bestselling piece in a small merch line.
Step 5: Keep your merch looking good
Tell customers to wash printed garments inside-out in cold water, hang dry or tumble on low heat, skip the bleach, and wait 24 hours after pressing before the first wash. DTF prints handled this way last dozens of washes without cracking.
FAQ
How much does it cost to start a small merch line?
You can start with a handful of pieces. Small runs have a higher per-piece cost, but bundles bring the price down fast — our 20-tee bundle works out to just $10 per shirt.
Can I mix designs in one order?
Yes. A DTF gangsheet lets you combine multiple designs, sizes, and logos on one sheet with no minimums.
Do I need to buy shirts in bulk first?
No. You can start with as few as one custom piece to check quality, then scale into bundles once you know what sells.
Can I sell DTF-printed shirts as my own brand?
Absolutely — many small businesses, teams, and creators sell DTF-printed apparel under their own brand. We print your artwork; your brand stays front and centre.
Start your merch line with Amritu Customs
Ready to launch? Start small with our $200 for 20 custom t-shirts deal — just $10 per tee, printed with your logo and shipped fast anywhere in Canada. Printing your own transfers? Grab a custom DTF gangsheet with no minimums and same-day shipping. Amritu Customs prints everything in Langley, BC, with fast turnaround — message us for a free quote and let's get your merch line started.