If you’ve ever asked for a sublimation quote and gotten wildly different answers, you’re not alone. In reality, there’s no one-size-fits-all pricing model, and any print shop that tells you otherwise probably isn’t telling you the full story.

At Scrappy, we believe in clarity. After 18+ years in apparel production, we know exactly which variables drive cost and how brands can quote smarter, scale better, and avoid mid-run surprises. 

This guide breaks down the key factors that impact sublimation pricing and shows you how to build a cost estimate that matches your project. We also share our own sublimation pricing guide so you can see it for yourself!

Ready to See What Your Drop Really Costs?

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Why Cost Transparency Matters

Margins get tight. Timelines shift. And if you don’t have full visibility into your costs, you’re flying blind.

When you understand which factors actually move the numbers, like garment type, design complexity, and order size, you gain total control over your budget, product, and outcome.

When you know the real cost drivers behind sublimation, you can:

• Quote with precision and back it up
• Spot red flags in vague or lowball estimates
• Make smarter decisions on run size, finishes, and fulfillment
• Build trust with your customers, your team, and your supply chain.

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Sublimation 101 (A Quick Refresher)

Sublimation is a full-color printing method that uses heat to fuse dye directly into polyester fibers. Instead of sitting on top of the fabric, the ink becomes part of it, resulting in breathable, long-lasting designs that won’t crack, peel, or weigh you down.

This process is ideal when you want:

• Bold, full-color artwork with photoreal detail
• Lightweight, all-over designs
• Fast turnarounds on polyester-based apparel

If your vision includes gradients, neons, or edge-to-edge coverage, sublimation is probably your best friend.

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The Five Core Drivers of Sublimation Cost

Sublimation cost isn’t just the ink and the shirt. It’s the sum of every choice you make along the way. Here’s what actually goes into the number:

1. The Blank (Your Canvas)

Garment style, fabric type, and construction complexity all influence your starting point. Lightweight poly tees, cut-and-sew jerseys, and performance hoodies all hit the press differently. 

More material, more stitching, more prep? That affects cost… and don’t forget that raw material prices (especially polyester) can fluctuate seasonally or globally. Planning ahead gives you an edge.

2. Ink Coverage & Artwork Complexity

A small chest logo doesn’t take the same setup or press time as a full-front or all-over design. While color count doesn’t impact cost the way it might in screen printing, print size and placement absolutely do.

The more surface area you cover, and the more locations you want to print, the more time and material it takes. Want neck labels or sleeve details added? Those count, too.

3. Quantity (a.k.a. Your Run Size)

This is one of the biggest levers in the cost equation. Small-batch runs require the same setup, labor, and logistics as larger ones, but those fixed costs get spread across fewer units. As your quantity increases, unit cost typically decreases. The trick is knowing when you hit your next cost break. 

That’s where a good pricing calculator (and an experienced partner) makes a difference.

4. Labor, Turnaround, and Workflow

Every order moves through production: design setup, print alignment, heat pressing, cooling, quality control, folding, and packing.

Faster turnarounds often require overtime, reallocation, or production prioritization. That doesn’t mean rushing is bad. It just means time is a variable.

When you build a realistic timeline, you open up more efficient (and often more affordable) production options.

5. Finishing, Fulfillment & Shipping

Neck label prints. Hang tags. Poly bags. Delivered straight to your warehouse or straight to your customer. These final touches add value, but they also add time, materials, and coordination.

Bundling fulfillment under one roof keeps the process smooth and cost-effective, but they’re still real line items. The more complex your post-press needs, the more they factor into your total cost.

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Your Cost Framework: Think Like a Calculator

You don’t need pricing figures to start thinking strategically about your production cost. Every sublimation project is made up of a few key components. Understanding how each one contributes to the final number helps you plan smarter and avoid budget surprises.

Here’s how to break it down:

1. Blank Garments × Quantity:  Start with your base product. The style, fabric, and construction of your blank garment will shape your production path. A lightweight poly tee has different preparation than a heavyweight hoodie or a cut-and-sew jersey. Multiply that by your order size to understand the scale of materials and sourcing required.

2. Ink and Transfer Materials Based on Design Coverage: Design matters. A small chest logo takes far less time and material than an all-over print that covers every inch of the garment. Consider how much surface area your design covers, how many placements you want, and whether any of it requires extra setup like neck labels or sleeve prints.

3. Labor Time Based on Order Complexity and Turnaround: Production isn’t just printing: it’s prepping files, aligning artwork, pressing, cooling, inspecting, and packing. More complex jobs or faster timelines require more hands-on time and tighter coordination. The smoother your workflow and the more realistic your timeline, the more efficient your cost structure becomes.

4. Finishing Add-ons and Fulfillment Requirements: If you’re adding finishing touches like neck prints, hang tags, folding, or bagging, each step adds labor and materials. The same goes for fulfillment, whether you’re shipping in bulk to a warehouse or drop-shipping to customers, those logistics impact the final workload.

5. Shipping Based on Weight, Packaging, and Destination: Shipping costs depend on how much you’re moving, how it’s packaged, and where it’s going. Tees and jerseys pack differently than hoodies or mugs. Domestic vs. international delivery can also change your cost picture fast, so it’s smart to factor this in early.

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Let’s Turn Your Design Into a Drop That Delivers

View our sublimation pricing below to get an idea of what it will cost to make us your manufacturing partner. Once you’re ready to roll, you can submit your order!