How to Print Merchandise Without Ordering Hundreds

Why Printers Push Big Minimums

Most big online printers are built around volume. They set up their machines to run hundreds of the same thing at once, which only makes sense if you’re ordering large batches. The setup takes time, the clean‑down takes time, and they’d rather do one job of 200 than ten jobs of 20.

That’s why you’ll often see high minimums and cheap prices per unit. It works if you’re a large business or running a big event. It doesn’t work if you’re a local café, club, side hustle, or small team that just wants a small merch order that doesn’t eat your whole budget or fill your storage cupboard.

The trick is finding print options where the setup is lighter, the process is more flexible, and the minimums can come down.

Best Options for Printing Just a Few Items

Not all printing methods are equal when it comes to printing few items. Some are made for big runs, others are perfect for testing ideas or stocking a small shelf.

For apparel, things like digital printing or direct‑to‑film transfers work well for smaller quantities. They let you do full‑colour designs on a handful of shirts or hoodies without needing to hit huge minimums. Screen printing is still great, but it makes more sense once you’re doing larger runs, because the setup is more involved.

For mugs, bottles, and other hard goods, look for suppliers who offer short‑run merch. Often they’ll have certain items—like ceramic mugs, stubby holders, or tote bags—that can be printed in low quantities at a fair price. You may pay a bit more per item, but you’re not stuck with 200 units you can’t shift.

If you’re not sure which method suits your idea, start by telling us what you want to print, how many you realistically need, and when you need them by. We can match you to a process that makes sense for where you’re at.

How Many Should You Actually Order?

When you’re starting out, it’s easy to either over‑order out of optimism or under‑order out of fear. A better way is to think in stages.

For a new design or idea, use small batch printing as a test. Order just enough to:

• Cover your team or regulars

• Have a few extras to sell or give away

• See how people respond in the real world

If it sells or gets good feedback, you can reorder with more confidence. If it doesn’t, you haven’t tied up a pile of cash in boxes of merch that never moved.

For internal use—staff shirts, branded aprons, club gear—you can start with a small merch order as well. Once you know sizes, fit, and comfort are right, you can roll it out wider without any nasty surprises.

Ways to Keep Small Runs Affordable

Short runs will nearly always cost a bit more per piece than big ones. The trick is to keep the total spend sensible.

A few ways to do that:

• Simplify your design. One strong graphic in one position is cheaper than a full front, back, and sleeve print.

• Choose the right products. You don’t need the fanciest garment for a first run. Pick something solid and comfortable that won’t blow the budget.

• Think in tiers. Maybe you do a tiny first batch of 10–20 items. If it works, your second order can be bigger and cheaper per unit.

Being upfront about your budget also helps. Tell us your rough spend and your ideal quantity, and we can show you what’s realistic without upselling you into boxes you don’t need.

When a Small Batch Is the Smart Move

Ordering fewer items isn’t just about saving money. Sometimes it’s the smartest move for your brand.

Small runs are perfect when:

• You’re testing a new logo or design and don’t want to commit big yet

• You’re running a one‑off event and don’t need leftovers

• You’re a small business with limited storage space

• You want limited edition merch to feel special and scarce

Using low minimum printing keeps you flexible. You can learn what your customers actually like, adjust your designs, and grow your range over time instead of guessing from day one.

Ready to Try a Small Merch Run?

If you’ve been putting off merch because you thought you had to order hundreds, you don’t. You just need the right setup and someone who’s happy to work with smaller quantities.

Bring us your idea—rough sketch, finished file, or even just “I want shirts for my team but not a mountain of them.” We’ll help you choose good products, pick a print method that suits small runs, and work out numbers that make sense for your budget.

No pressure to go big, no judgment if you’re starting tiny. We’re here to help Bendigo businesses, clubs, and side projects get quality merch without having to fill a garage to do it.