The Hidden Costs of Cheap Printing Services

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Printing Services

💸 Why “Cheap” Isn’t Always a Bargain

If you’ve ever been tempted by $4 custom shirts or bulk deals from unknown online printers, you’re not alone. It’s easy to assume you’re getting more for less. But in reality, many cheap apparel printing services come with hidden costs, and are printed overseas, that can affect your business, brand, or event in ways you didn’t expect.

At Paper Street Print Co in Blairstown, NJ, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients who came to us after a low-cost order fell short. Here’s what you should know before choosing a “budget” print shop.

🧵 The 5 Most Common Hidden Costs of Cheap Printing

1. Poor Print Quality

Low-cost providers often cut corners on inks, film, or printing equipment. This leads to:

  • Faded colors after just a few washes

  • Cracked prints and peeling designs

  • Misalignment or missing detail

  • Unapproved garment substitutions

In contrast, high-quality Advanced DTF printing at PSPC uses premium ink and adhesive, offering vibrant colors and long-lasting results. Our proprietary FiberFuse™ Process guarantees that the artwork will outlast the garment, period.

2. Cheap Garments That Don’t Last

Some discount printers use ultra-thin or off-brand shirts to save money. These may shrink, tear, or fade quickly—reflecting poorly on your brand or cause.

Tip: Always ask what brands or styles are being used, and compare fabric quality (not just cost).

3. Limited Fabric Options

Many budget printers only work with cotton or offer limited printing methods like vinyl or screen printing.

DTF printing offers far more flexibility, working on cotton, polyester, blends, and even nylon—without quality compromise.

4. Missed Deadlines

Fast turnaround is often promised—but not always delivered. Cheap printers may overbook or outsource your job, resulting in:

  • Missed event deadlines

  • Delayed shipments

  • No communication when things go wrong

At Paper Street Print Co, all printing is done in-house in Blairstown so we can control timing and quality.

5. Reprints & Replacement Costs

If you receive misprints, wrong sizes, or damaged garments, you’ll often have to eat the cost—or pay again to get it right. This turns a cheap order into a much more expensive one.

📍 Local Printing = Better Value in the Long Run

With a trusted local partner like Paper Street Print Co, you gain:

  • Transparent pricing with no surprises

  • In-house quality control

  • Expert guidance on garment types and designs

  • Faster, more reliable delivery across Blairstown, Stroudsburg, Easton, Newton, and nearby towns

🎯 How to Spot a Cheap Printer (Before You Order)

  • Is their pricing dramatically lower than other quotes?

  • Do they specify the garment brands they use?

  • Can they explain their printing method?

  • Is there support or accountability if something goes wrong?

If the answers are unclear or the quote seems too good to be true—it probably is.

✅ Choose Value Over Volume

You don’t have to break the bank for custom apparel. But choosing reliable, experienced printers ensures your investment pays off—with better prints, longer-lasting garments, and peace of mind.

Get a Quote or Contact Us today for expert apparel printing in Blairstown, NJ and beyond.

Back to blog