Everyone considering a printing business asks the same question: "How much do I need to invest and how much can I realistically earn?" The internet is full of "make a million from day one" promises, but real numbers are scarce. In this research, we break down printing business economics from the cost of every gram of ink to a monthly P&L report.
All calculations are based on 2025-2026 Ukrainian market prices and real printing business experience.
Contents
- Three entry levels: startup investment breakdown
- Cost per product: detailed breakdown
- Profit margins by product category
- Operating expenses: what eats your profit
- Break-even analysis
- Scaling model: from garage to $25K/month
- FAQ
Three Entry Levels
▸ Level 1: "Minimum Start" — from $1,000 A3 DTF printer (Epson L1390-based with white ink recirculation), basic 38×38cm heat press, starter consumables kit. Capacity: 20-40 A4 prints/day.
▸ Level 2: "Serious Start" — from $3,000My Print PRO 330/400 DTF printer with 2 printheads, roll feed, shaker-dryer, 40×60cm heat press, exhaust system, full consumables for 1 month. Capacity: 80-150 A4 prints/day.
▸ Level 3: "Production" — from $6,000My Print PRO 600 DTF printer with 2-4 I3200 heads, industrial shaker, automatic heat press, exhaust system, sublimation printer. Capacity: 200-500+ prints/day.
Cost Per Product Breakdown
▸ DTF Print Cost Formula: Cost = (Ink usage × price/ml) + (Film area × price/m²) + (Powder usage × price/kg) + Electricity + Depreciation A4 example: ≈ $1.20 per print
▸ DTF A4 print on T-shirt
- Cost: $1.10-1.35
- Market Price: $5-10
- Margin:300-650%
▸ Sublimation mug
- Cost: $0.85-1.25
- Market Price: $3.75-7.50
- Margin:300-750%
▸ Pin badge (58mm)
- Cost: $0.07-0.15
- Market Price: $0.60-1.50
- Margin:500-1500%
▸ UV DTF sticker
- Cost: $0.12-0.25
- Market Price: $0.75-2.50
- Margin:400-1500%
Break-Even Analysis
Regardless of investment level, break-even typically occurs at 2-3 months. Higher investment = higher capacity = lower per-unit cost, which compensates for the larger initial outlay.
Example (Level 2, $3,000 investment): Average order $7.50 × 63% margin = $4.75 profit per order $3,000 ÷ $4.75 = 632 orders to break even At 8-12 orders/day = 2-3 months
Scaling to $25K/Month Revenue
Phase 1 (months 1-3):DTF starter kit. Revenue: $750-1,500/month.
Phase 2 (months 4-8): Add sublimation + mugs + marketplaces. Revenue: $2,000-3,750/month.
Phase 3 (months 9-18):60cm DTF + UV DTF + B2B. Revenue: $5,000-12,500/month.
Phase 4 (months 18+): Multiple lines, team, white-label. Revenue: $12,500-25,000+/month.
FAQ
How many orders for $2,500/month revenue? At $8.75 average order: ~286 orders/month = ~10/day. Achievable for one operator with proper equipment.
Most profitable technology to start? DTF is the most versatile. For maximum profit, combine DTF + sublimation + badge making.
Should I take a loan for equipment? With 2-3 month ROI, a loan can be justified if you have sales channels ready. Better to start minimal and scale up.