Blog

For small businesses looking to create custom apparel, promotional products, or branded merchandise, screen printing is a popular and effective option.

However, managing an in-house screen printing operation can be costly and time-consuming, requiring specialized equipment, skilled labor, and ongoing maintenance. Outsourcing screen printing services allows small businesses to access high-quality prints, reduce overhead costs, and focus on their core operations.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of outsourcing screen printing, from cost savings and efficiency to improved product quality and scalability.

Understanding Screen Printing Outsourcing

Screen printing outsourcing is a strategic business model where companies hire specialized third-party providers to handle their custom apparel production. This allows businesses to create branded merchandise without the need for expensive equipment or an in-house printing facility.

How Does Screen Printing Outsourcing Work?

The process typically involves the following key steps:

• Order Placement: You submit your design specifications and quantity requirements

• Production Planning: The contract printer evaluates the project and schedules production

• Material Selection: High-quality blank garments

• Screen Creation: Custom screens are prepared for each color in your design, a process known as color separation in screen printing

• Quality Control: Each piece undergoes inspection before shipping

Why Are Contract Printers Important?

Contract printers play a crucial role in the custom apparel industry. These specialized providers:

• Maintain professional-grade printing equipment

• Employ skilled technicians with extensive printing experience

• Handle bulk orders efficiently

• Manage inventory and shipping logistics

• Provide technical expertise on design requirements

A reliable contract printer like Deerfield Custom Prints uses industry-standard equipment and follows strict quality control measures. Their production facilities can accommodate various order sizes – from small business needs to large-scale merchandise runs.

This flexibility makes screen printing outsourcing an appealing choice for businesses looking to create custom apparel without the challenges of running a print shop.

1. Cost Efficiency

Screen printing outsourcing delivers significant cost savings for small businesses by eliminating substantial overhead expenses. Setting up an in-house printing operation requires:

• Initial equipment investment ($10,000-$50,000)

• Regular maintenance costs

• Dedicated workspace rental

• Utility expenses

• Employee salaries and benefits

• Training costs for new staff

By partnering with established providers like Deerfield Custom Prints, you gain access to professional-grade equipment and expertise without these financial commitments. The cost savings extend beyond equipment – outsourcing reduces your operational expenses through:

• Bulk material purchasing: Contract printers leverage their vendor relationships for better pricing on inks, screens, and blank apparel

• Optimized production: Experienced printers maximize efficiency, reducing waste and material costs

• Flexible workforce: You pay only for the services you need, avoiding fixed payroll expenses

• Space utilization: Eliminate the need for dedicated printing areas and storage facilities

Small businesses can redirect these saved resources toward growth initiatives, marketing efforts, or improving customer service. The cost-effective nature of outsourcing allows you to maintain competitive pricing while preserving profit margins.

2. Access to Specialized Skills and Equipment

Screen printing requires precision, expertise, and advanced equipment to achieve professional results. When you partner with established providers like Deerfield Custom Prints, you gain immediate access to skilled artisans with 15+ years of hands-on experience in the custom apparel industry.

These professionals understand:

• Color separation techniques

• Ink density control

• Registration accuracy

• Different fabric requirements

• Complex design implementations

Professional screen printing facilities invest in state-of-the-art equipment that small businesses might find too expensive to buy on their own. This advanced machinery includes:

• Automatic screen printing presses

• Flash cure units

• Exposure systems

• Specialized dryers

• Professional color matching tools

3. Focus on Core Business Functions

Running a successful small business requires your attention in many areas. When you do screen printing in-house, valuable time is spent managing equipment, training staff, and overseeing production processes.

Outsourcing your screen printing needs to experienced providers like Deerfield Custom Prints creates space for:

• Strategic Planning: Develop long-term growth strategies

• Customer Relationships: Build stronger connections with your client base

• Brand Development: Craft compelling marketing campaigns

• Product Innovation: Research new designs and market trends

• Sales Growth: Focus on expanding your customer reach

This shift in strategy allows you to focus on what really matters – growing your business and serving your customers. Small business owners who outsource their screen printing often report increased productivity in their core operations. Your marketing efforts benefit from undivided attention, leading to improved campaign performance and stronger market presence.

4. Scalability and Flexibility

Partnering with a reliable contract printer gives your small business the power to adapt quickly to market demands. You can scale your production from 24 pieces to thousands without investing in additional equipment or hiring new staff.

Screen printing outsourcing offers flexible production options:

• Adjust order quantities based on seasonal demands

• Handle rush orders during peak seasons

• Scale down during slower periods without fixed costs

• Mix different product types within the same order

Working with experienced providers enables you to respond to unexpected opportunities. A sudden large corporate order or a viral marketing campaign won’t overwhelm your business operations. Your contract printer manages the production scaling while maintaining consistent quality across all order sizes.

5. Quality Assurance in Outsourcing

Quality control is crucial in screen printing operations. Deerfield Custom Prints have strict quality assurance measures in place at every stage of production:

• Pre-production checks on artwork and materials

• Color matching verification

• Test prints before full production runs

• Multi-point inspection systems

• Post-production quality control

These processes ensure consistent results across large orders and repeat productions. Working with experienced printers gives you access to standardized quality control measures developed through years of industry experience.

Professional print shops maintain high standards through:

• Regular equipment calibration

• Staff training programs

• Premium materials sourcing

• Environmental controls

• Documentation of procedures

The impact on your brand reputation is significant – professional quality assurance eliminates common issues like color inconsistency, poor ink adhesion, or misaligned prints.

6. Reduced Risk Factors & Faster Turnaround Times

Running an in-house screen printing operation exposes your business to multiple operational risks. Equipment breakdowns can halt production for days or weeks, creating costly delays and disappointed customers. Staff absences or turnover can disrupt workflow and compromise quality standards.

Outsourcing to established partners eliminates these vulnerabilities:

• Equipment Reliability: Professional print shops maintain multiple backup machines and preventive maintenance schedules

• Skilled Staff Redundancy: Teams of trained professionals ensure continuous operation without single points of failure

• Production Capacity: Multiple print stations handle rush orders without bottlenecks

The turnaround time difference is significant. In-house operations typically require:

• 3-5 days for setup and testing

• 1-2 days for production per 100 pieces

• Additional time for quality checks and packaging

Professional print shops deliver:

• Same-day setup for standard orders

• 24-48 hour turnaround for orders up to 500 pieces

• Integrated quality control during production

Small businesses gain a competitive edge through faster delivery times and consistent output. A dedicated print partner maintains production schedules during peak seasons, handles rush orders efficiently, and scales operations to meet sudden demand spikes without compromising quality or reliability.

7. Enhanced Productivity & Case Study: Deerfield Custom Prints

Outsourcing screen printing unlocks significant productivity increases for small businesses. With a dedicated printing partner managing production, your business can handle multiple client projects simultaneously without compromising quality or delivery times.

Real Productivity Gains:

• Accept larger order volumes

• Handle rush orders efficiently

• Maintain consistent production schedules

• Scale operations during peak seasons

• Dedicate resources to business growth

Conclusion

Screen printing outsourcing is a smart choice for small businesses looking to grow and succeed in today’s competitive market. It offers cost savings, access to expertise, and operational flexibility – all of which are essential for business success.

The key to increased productivity and business growth lies in forming strategic partnerships. With over 15 years of industry experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and a proven track record of client success, Deerfield Custom Prints are well-equipped to meet your needs.

Take the next step towards growing your business. Explore screen printing outsourcing as a strategic advantage in the custom apparel industry.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)