Print on Demand vs. Scrappy Apparel’s Bulk Manufacturing Solutions: Comparing Quality and Cost

27 Jul, 2024 By Samantha Warren 288 Views

Want to produce a retail-soft t-shirt that your customers will love?

Then you’ll want to do your research on the differences between print-on-demand (POD) and bulk manufacturing solutions.

While POD may seem like a convenient option for small-scale production, it often falls short in terms of quality and cost efficiency. On the other hand, Scrappy Apparel’s bulk manufacturing solutions offer brands the opportunity to produce high-quality apparel at a lower cost per unit.

We’re about to break down each approach so you can make the right decision for your brand.

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Is Convenience a Trap? The Downside of Print on Demand

With the rise of e-commerce platforms and dropshipping, POD has become a popular choice for entrepreneurs looking to start their own clothing line. While POD may offer convenience in terms of low upfront costs and no minimum order quantities, there are several downsides to consider.

Inconsistent Quality Control

One major concern with POD is the lack of control over product quality. As most POD companies use third-party printers, you have limited oversight over the production process. This can result in inconsistent color accuracy, print placement, and overall product quality.

Also, most POD companies use direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which can result in a lower quality print compared to traditional printing methods used by bulk manufacturers. Remember, a dissatisfied customer can do serious damage to your brand’s reputation and revenue.

Higher Per-Unit Costs

Another drawback of POD is the higher cost per unit. Since you are not ordering in bulk, you miss out on the economies of scale that come with bulk manufacturing. This means that the more products you order through POD, the higher your overall costs will be compared to producing in bulk.

If you’re looking to scale your brand and produce lots of garments, this can become a significant financial constraint.

Limited Print Size Options

POD also has limitations when it comes to print size options. Most companies have a maximum print size of 12″ x 16″, which may not accommodate all designs. POD can limit your brand’s creative potential.


Bulk Manufacturing with Scrappy Apparel

Need high-quality prints that represent your brand in the best light?

At Scrappy, we have spent the last 17+ years refining our manufacturing processes. Today, we employ the best printing techniques available, including screen printing and sublimation.

  • Screen printing is ideal for larger runs and designs that require vibrant colors and durability. This technique allows for a wide range of ink choices and consistency across each piece produced, making it perfect for bold graphics that stand the test of time.
  • Sublimation printing shines when it comes to all-over designs and intricate patterns. This method uses heat to transfer dye onto the fabric, resulting in vibrant and lasting prints that are embedded into the material itself. With no limits on colors or complexity, sublimation opens the door to endless creative possibilities.

By combining these advanced printing techniques, Scrappy Apparel can deliver superior quality and consistency, setting your products apart in the competitive apparel market.

Benefits of Buying in Bulk

According to The European Business Review, bulk purchasing in B2B offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, reduced administrative efforts, and improved supply chain management.

Let’s take a closer look at how these benefits translate to bulk manufacturing with Scrappy.

Cost Savings

As we mentioned earlier, ordering in bulk allows for economies of scale, resulting in lower costs per unit. At Scrappy Apparel, we offer price breaks at higher order quantities. This means you can produce more garments for less money, increasing your profit margins and allowing for future growth opportunities.

Consistent Quality Control

We have strict quality control measures in place to ensure every garment meets our high standards. With bulk orders, we have the ability to consistently produce top-quality garments that reflect positively on your brand.

Increased Scalability

Bulk manufacturing also allows you to meet increasing demand without sacrificing profit margins. The level of scalability you can achieve depends on the manufacturer you choose. When you work with Scrappy, you can rest assured that you’ll never outgrow us. Our extensive network of suppliers and factories will support your business as it scales.

Print Larger than Life with The Monster Print

The Monster Print by Scrappy empowers our clients to create larger-than-life designs with impressive dimensions. With this method, you can print up to 17″ by 22″, allowing for striking graphics that truly capture attention.

Most screen printing companies have a max. print size of 14″ by 17″. Our expanded print size gives you the freedom to experiment with more intricate designs and bold imagery.

Why Brands Choose Scrappy

Here are some examples of the clients we serve and how we help them:

Lifestyle Brands

Many of our lifestyle brand partners choose Scrappy’s bulk manufacturing due to its significant advantages for their bottom line. We work with YouTubers, influencers, and other types of content creators to produce merch their fans love.

In an industry where margins can be tight, these brands recognize the importance of a solution that aligns with their financial goals. Bulk manufacturing enables them to achieve lower per-unit costs, which is crucial when operating on limited budgets.

This cost efficiency allows brands to invest more in marketing, design, and other essential areas, enhancing overall profitability.

By selecting Scrappy’s reliable bulk production methods, these lifestyle brands not only improve product quality but also ensure they have a dependable and economically sound foundation to grow their businesses.

Corporate Businesses and Franchises

Scrappy Apparel specializes in producing sublimation uniforms that meet the needs of corporate businesses and franchises. We serve many industries, but we specialize in producing uniforms for home service businesses.

What sets us apart is our ability to manufacture these uniforms in bulk, allowing businesses to outfit their staff with consistent quality that withstands the test of time.

We also offer a comprehensive fulfillment service across multiple business locations throughout the USA. Regardless of where you operate, we guarantee that each order maintains uniform quality and consistency, simplifying the management of your brand’s representation across various sites.


Ready to Scale Up Production for Your Apparel Brand?

With our advanced printing techniques, cost savings, and scalability opportunities, we can help you take your apparel brand to new heights.

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