When it comes to maximizing profit margins in the custom apparel market, efficiency and cost are essential. The most overlooked opportunity for profit is the decision to either buy DTF gang sheets or bring the process in-house. The difference in cost, speed, flexibility, and ROI makes in-house printing the smarter choice for serious print shops.
This article breaks down the full cost comparison between outsourcing DTF gang sheets and printing them in-house. You will gain a clear understanding of the financial and operational benefits of owning your own DTF printer.
The True Cost of Buying DTF Gang Sheets Online
- Shipping and handling
- Rush fees for faster delivery
- Setup charges for custom layouts
The cost can rise to $35 or more per sheet when adding design services or rush turnaround.
As demand increases, reliance on outside suppliers can delay production and reduce control over quality and timelines.
Material Cost of Printing DTF Gang Sheets In-House
The estimated material cost of producing one 24” x 60” DTF gang sheet in-house is:
|
Material
|
Estimated Cost (per sheet)
|
|---|---|
|
DTF Ink
|
$1.00 to $2.50
|
|
DTF Film |
$1.00 to $2.00 |
|
Adhesive Powder |
$0.50 to $1.00
|
|
Total |
$2.50 to $5.50 |
Speed and Productivity Advantage
ColDesi 24H5 prints the same sheet in just 1.88 minutes.
- Design approval and file setup can take hours or days
- Printing, packing, and shipping adds another 2–3 days
- Rush orders cost significantly more
Profit Margin Breakdown
- Cost per 10.75” x 11.5” graphic: $2.20 (average)
- Sell price: $7.00
- Profit per graphic: $4.80
- Cost per 10.75” x 11.5” graphic: $0.40 (average)
- Sell price: $7.00
- Profit per graphic: $6.60
Difference: $1.80 more profit per graphic in-house
Now apply that to 100 graphics per day:
- Online: $480 profit
- In-house: $660 profit
- Daily profit difference: $180
- Monthly profit gain (20 workdays): $3,600
The math makes the case.
Greater Flexibility and Customization
In-house printing gives you full control over:
- Design layout
- Color matching
- Reprinting errors immediately
- Customization for small batch orders
- Emailing support
- Waiting for a reprint
- Delays in production
Scalability and Long-Term ROI
Bringing DTF printing in-house is a capital investment, but one that pays off fast:
- The more you print, the faster you break even
- You eliminate dependency on third-party timelines
- You control quality, output, and profits
ColDesi printers offer scalability without sacrificing quality.
Reliability and Support
- Exclusive access to volume discounts on all consumables, parts, and shipping
- World-class onboarding
- U.S.-based technical support (for the lifetime of your equipment)
- Training resources to shorten the learning curve
- Trusted equipment with real-world performance metrics
Should Your Business Bring DTF Printing In-House? breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision—from potential cost savings and faster turnaround times to quality control and business scalability. Gain insight into how in-house DTF printing could transform your custom apparel operation. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if it’s the right move for your business.
Strategic Business Control
By printing DTF gang sheets in-house, your shop becomes more agile:
- No delays from third-party vendors
- Faster turnaround time means better customer retention
- Custom pricing for high-volume clients becomes more profitable
Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Category
|
Buying Online
|
In-House
|
|---|---|---|
|
Cost per Gang Sheet
|
$15 to $30 |
$2.50 to $5.50 |
|
Cost per Transfer
|
$1.50 to $3.00
|
$0.25 to $0.55
|
|
Turnaround Time
|
2–4 days (avg)
|
Minutes
|
|
Design Flexibility
|
Limited
|
Full Control |
|
Profit Margin |
Lower
|
Higher
|
|
Dependency
|
High |
None
|
|
Quality Control |
Outsourced
|
Shop-Managed
|
|
Scalability
|
Limited
|
High
|
Real-World Application
Printing 500 transfers per week:
Online: $2.20 cost per transfer x 500 = $1,100
In-house: $0.40 cost per transfer x 500 = $200
Weekly savings: $900
Annual savings: Over $46,000
That is the cost of a printer paid off—and significant ongoing profit.
The Smart Move for Print Shops
Bringing DTF printing in-house is a smart, strategic move for print shops looking to increase profitability, speed, and control. You reduce per-print costs, accelerate turnaround times, and eliminate reliance on third-party vendors. For shop owners committed to growth, the difference is undeniable. ColDesi supports your success with exclusive volume discounts on consumables, lifetime U.S.-based technical support, expert onboarding, and proven training resources. With over 2,000 printers in the field and a reputation for reliability, ColDesi delivers the tools and expertise to help your business thrive.
Don’t outsource your margins. Bring DTF in-house. ColDesi can help. Fill out the form below or call 877-793-3278 to learn more.
