← All articles · 2026-06-28
Short answer: If you need fewer than 20–30 shirts or want them in 5–7 days, a no-minimum print-on-demand service fits better; if you need 50+ shirts with full-color or embroidered designs and want the lowest cost per piece, bulk ordering from a dedicated supplier like Togethread is more economical.
“No-minimum” sounds like an obvious win—no commitment, maximum flexibility. But for group orders of 50 or more pieces, the math often works against you. Here’s an honest comparison.
No-minimum services (Printify, Printful, Custom Ink’s small-order tier, Bonfire, etc.) use print-on-demand (POD) technology. Each shirt is printed individually when ordered, which means:
These services are excellent for individual purchases, online storefronts, or one-off gifts. They are not optimized for bulk group orders.
| Factor | No-minimum (POD) | Bulk ordering (50+ pcs) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum quantity | 1 | Typically 50–100 |
| Typical cost per piece (standard tee, 1 color) | $18–$28 | $8–$14 |
| Full-color / multi-color pricing | Per-color charges add up fast | Flat rate regardless of color count |
| Embroidery | Limited availability | Standard option |
| Turnaround | 3–7 days (US) | 15–20 business days after mockup approval |
| Design approval | Instant preview via online tool | Human designer, mockup within 24h |
| Customs / duties (if made overseas) | Usually absorbed in price | Included (DDP—duty-paid delivery) |
| Best for | 1–30 pieces, fast need | 50+ pieces, planned events |
This is where bulk ordering makes the biggest difference. US on-demand printers typically charge a setup fee per color ($15–$35 per color per location) plus a per-color surcharge on each piece. A 4-color front design on 100 shirts at a typical POD provider might cost $3–$5 more per piece than a 1-color design, plus $60–$140 in setup fees.
With Togethread, full-color digital printing has no per-color charge and no setup fee. A 6-color design costs the same per piece as a 1-color design.
For more on how color affects pricing at different vendors, see why multi-color shirts cost more (and when they don’t).
Togethread is a bulk-only service with a 50-piece minimum. It is not a no-minimum self-serve tool—and it’s honest about that. What you get instead:
If your group is under 50 or you need shirts next week, we’d genuinely suggest a POD service for your situation. If you’re at 50+ and have 3 weeks, Togethread will save you money and give you a better result.
Can I split an order across multiple shirt styles to hit the minimum? Yes. The 50-piece minimum applies to the total order, not to each style. You can mix tees, hoodies, and polos in one order.
Is there a per-piece price break at higher quantities? Yes. Pricing improves at higher quantities. Share your target quantity in the quote form and you’ll receive tiered pricing.
What if I’m not sure how many people will participate? Collect size confirmations first—see our guide on how to collect sizes for a group order—then submit your inquiry once you have a firm count.
Related: Why multi-color shirts cost more (and when they don’t) · How much do custom shirts cost for 100 people? · FAQ
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