How a screen printing shop can increase margins by offering DTF printing

Screen printing is a classic and highly valued technique, but more and more workshops are looking for new revenue streams and faster processes .
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has become one of the best alternatives for expanding services, reducing costs, and increasing profit margins without sacrificing quality.

1. Less preparation, more speed

  • Without screens or emulsions : DTF eliminates development and cleaning times.

  • It allows printing from a single unit to large runs without start-up costs.

  • Ideal for urgent jobs or custom designs.

2. Lower initial investment

  • To offer DTF, a screen printing workshop does not need large additional machines if it works with DTF by the meter .

  • All you need is a heat press and a supplier of quality transfers.

  • This reduces risk and accelerates the return on investment.

3. More variety of supports

  • DTF adheres to cotton, polyester, blends, and even difficult fabrics where screen printing sometimes fails.

  • It opens the door to products such as technical sweatshirts, bags, lightweight jackets, and more.

4. Increased margin per order

  • Less production time means fewer labor hours.

  • Option to charge premium screen printing rates for full customization.

  • Higher margin on small orders, which were previously not profitable.

5. Perfect complement, not a substitute

  • Screen printing remains ideal for large volumes of a single design.

  • DTF functions as an additional service , attracting customers who are looking for speed, short runs, or multi-color designs.

6. How to get started step by step

  1. Find a reliable provider of DTF by the meter.

  2. Train the team in the application of transfers (temperature, time and pressure).

  3. Promote the service on your website and social media: “Screen Printing + DTF Express”.

  4. It offers packages: t-shirt + personalized transfer in 24 hours.

Case study

A workshop that previously rejected orders of fewer than 20 t-shirts can now accept individual units at an attractive price, gaining B2C customers and small brands that then repeat with larger orders.

Conclusion

Incorporating DTF by the meter is a simple and economical way for a screen printing workshop to increase margins and expand its catalog .
At DTF Spain we supply DTF by the meter with 24h delivery , so you can start offering this service without complications.

➡️ Discover our DTF meters and take your workshop to the next level. Buy here

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