What Should You Pay Attention to When Opening a DTF Printing Customization Store

Starting a DTF printing shop is one of the easiest ways to enter the custom apparel business right now. Demand is high, startup costs are lower than DTG or screen printing, and almost anyone can learn it in a few weeks. However, many new store owners lose money in the first six months because they miss some key points. Here is everything you need to watch before and after you open your doors.

1. Pick the Right Location and Space

You don’t need a big store on the main street. Most DTF orders come from Instagram, TikTok, Facebook groups, and local sports teams. A small 200–400 sq ft space in a low-rent area works fine. Just make sure you have:

• Good airflow and a window or strong exhaust fan (powder and heat create dust)
• 220V power for the printer and shaker
• A clean table at least 4 ft × 8 ft for curing and pressing
• Space for packing and storage

Many successful shops start in a garage or basement and move to a real store only after hitting $8,000–$10,000 monthly sales.

2. Choose Reliable Equipment That Won’t Break Every Week

Cheap $2,000 printers from unknown brands look tempting, but they clog fast and waste film and ink. Spend a little more on proven models. Good DTF printers with Epson printheads (I3200 or XP600) cost $4,000–$9,000 and run all day without problems.

Also buy:

• Automatic powder shaker and dryer ($2,000–$4,000)
• 24-inch or larger heat press
• Small oven for final curing (optional but helps durability)
• Computer with RIP software (Cadlink, EKPrint, or free versions)

Total startup equipment cost: $8,000–$15,000 for a setup that lasts years.

3. Learn the Full Process Before Taking Real Orders

DTF looks simple, but small mistakes ruin shirts. Practice at least 100 test prints on old t-shirts first. Pay attention to:

• White ink circulation – run it every day to avoid clogs
• Correct powder amount – too much makes the print stiff
• Right temperature and time (usually 320–340°F for 12–15 seconds)
• Pre-press shirts to remove moisture

Watch free YouTube videos and join Facebook DTF groups. Most problems have already been solved there.

4. Source Good Film, Ink, and Powder

Bad supplies kill your reputation fast. Cheap film peels after five washes. Use only PET film with good release coating (0.75 mm thickness is standard). Buy TPU hot-melt powder from known brands – fine powder (80–200 micron) sticks better and feels softer.

Start with 1–2 rolls of film (24 inch × 100 meters) and 5 liters of ink. That is enough for the first month.

5. Set the Right Prices from Day One

Many new shops price too low and lose money. Here is a simple rule that works in 2025–2026:

• 1–24 pieces: $25–$30 per shirt (front only)
• 25–99 pieces: $18–$22
• 100+ pieces: $12–$15

Your cost per print (film + ink + powder + shirt) is usually $4–$7. Always keep at least 60–70% gross profit. Customers who only want $10 shirts will waste your time.

6. Focus on the Right Customers First

The easiest money comes from:

• Local sports teams (parents love fast turnaround)
• Schools and clubs
• Small online brands on Etsy or Shopify
• Event shirts (family reunion, company outings)

Post every day on local Facebook groups: “Same-day custom tees – bring your design, pick up in 4 hours.” That single line brings steady walk-ins.

7. Build a Simple Online Ordering System

Most orders now come online. Set up a free website with Canva or Shopify ($29/month). Add:

• Price calculator
• Upload design button
• Turnaround time (24–48 hours is normal)
• WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger chat

Take 50% deposit for all online orders. This stops no-shows.

8. Keep the Workspace Clean and Safe

DTF powder is very fine and can float in the air. Wear a mask when shaking powder. Clean the printer head every day. Run white ink circulation for 5 minutes before printing. A dirty shop leads to clogged heads and bad prints – customers notice and never come back.

9. Offer Extra Services to Make More Money

Once you run smoothly, add:

• Hoodies and sweatshirts (+$10–$15 per print)
• Hat and sleeve prints
• Tote bags and pillow cases
• Direct-to-film transfers only (sell sheets to other shops)

Many stores make 30–40% of income from selling transfers to screen printers who don’t own DTF machines.

10. Save Money for the Slow Months

January and February are always quiet. Save at least 3 months of rent and supplies from your busy season (September–December). Keep $3,000–$5,000 in the bank as backup.

Final Checklist Before You Open

□ Good printer + shaker + heat press □ 2 rolls of film, 5 liters ink, 20 kg powder □ 200 blank shirts in popular sizes and colors □ Simple price list printed and posted □ Instagram and Facebook pages ready □ Google Business profile with photos □ First 10 test prints perfect

Start small, take only orders you can finish same-day or next-day, and never stop posting new work online. Customers trust shops that stay active.

Opening a DTF store in 2025–2026 is still very profitable if you avoid the common mistakes above. Focus on quality, speed, and happy customers – the money follows fast.