Expert Tips on What Drives Custom Merchandise Prices

When it comes to custom merchandise, pricing can sometimes feel confusing. You might see the same item quoted at different price points or wonder why a small change suddenly shifts the cost.

The good news is there are a few key factors that consistently drive pricing. And once you understand them, you'll have a lot more control over your budget!

1. Quantity (and Why it Matters More Than You Think)

One of the biggest drivers of price is quantity. This includes not only how many items you order, but how many designs you’re splitting that order across.

For example, ordering 100 shirts with one design will almost always be more cost-effective than splitting those into four designs of 25 each. This comes down to production minimums, setup time, and overall efficiency.

Pro Tip: If you’re working within a budget, consolidating designs or slightly increasing quantity can often lower your cost per piece.

2. Decoration Method

How your design is applied has a big impact on cost.

• • Screen printing is typically the most cost-effective for larger runs
  • Embroidery adds a premium feel but comes with higher setup and stitch costs
  • Specialty methods, like patches or dimensional prints, can elevate the look but increase pricing

There’s no single right choice. It comes down to your goals. A small change in decoration can make a noticeable difference in your overall cost.

3. Setup, Shipping, and Timing 

Behind every order are a few fixed costs that are easy to overlook:

1. • Setup charges for screens or embroidery files
   • Freight and shipping
   • Rush production or expedited delivery

These can add up quickly, especially on smaller orders.

At College Hill, we try to simplify this where we can. On most apparel orders, setup and standard shipping are already included, which helps remove some of those extra line items and makes pricing more straightforward from the start.

Pro Tip: Planning ahead gives you more flexibility and helps avoid rush charges, which can keep overall costs down.

4. The Details That Add Up

Small decisions can have a bigger impact than expected. Things like:

• • Number of print colors
  • Design size or placement
  • Individual packaging or special requests

Individually they may seem minor, but together they can shift pricing in a noticeable way.

A Simple Way to Stay in Control

The best way to manage cost is not to cut corners. It is to make informed decisions early.

When we can talk through your goals, budget, and timeline upfront, we can recommend options that give you the most impact without unnecessary spending.

At the end of the day, it's not about finding the cheapest option, but about getting the best value for what you are trying to achieve!

Reach out to our team today and let's start building something remarkable together.