Minimum Print Run: Why It Varies by Product
We explain why one product can be ordered as a single piece while another needs 50: set-up costs, technology, and real pricing tiers.
The minimum quantity for printing varies because each technology has its own set-up cost: DTF transfer and stickers have a set-up fee of €0, so we work even with 1 piece, while screen printing requires making screens (a one-off €35.00 fee) and embroidery requires preparing a program (€25.00), so the practical threshold there starts at 20–50 pieces. Business cards are offered in sets of 100 pcs (€25.00/set), as the sheet is divided and cut according to a fixed layout. All prices are excl. VAT and are indicative — the exact amount depends on quantity, material and the number of print positions.
What determines the minimum quantity
In any print job, costs are split into two parts. The first is the one-off set-up: the file needs to be checked, placed on a sheet or screen, the machine needs to be prepared, a test print made, and the colour matched. The second is the cost per piece — material, ink, time.
If set-up is expensive, then for a small quantity it is spread over just a couple of pieces and the price per unit becomes disproportionate. That's why we don't refuse small orders — instead we recommend a quantity at which the price starts to make sense. Formally, the minimum for most items is 1 piece; the economically sensible minimum is different.
Products where 1 piece is enough
Stickers
We make stickers from roll material and calculate by square metre — matte and glossy vinyl, approx. €25.00/m², from 5 m² €22.00/m², from 20 m² €19.00/m². Contour cutting adds €8.00/m². Set-up is €0, so you can order one large sticker for a door or 2000 small ones — the only difference is the area. Details in the stickers section.
Posters
A2 poster (200 g) approx. €6.00/pc for a single copy, from 10 pcs €4.50, from 50 pcs €3.20. A1 is €9.00 / €7.00 / €5.50 respectively. Set-up is €0, as printing is done directly from the file. A single poster for an event is a perfectly normal order.
DTF garment printing
DTF up to A4 size — approx. €6.00/pc, from 20 pcs €5.00, from 50 pcs €4.20. No screens are needed, so a single T-shirt with a name or a single hoodie as a gift is doable. See the garment printing page.
Products with a real minimum threshold
Screen printing
Screen printing, 1 colour, 1 position — approx. €3.50/pc, from 50 pcs €2.50, from 100 pcs €1.90, from 250 pcs €1.50. Plus a €35.00 set-up fee per colour and position. For 10 T-shirts, set-up alone is €3.50 per piece; for 100 T-shirts — €0.35. That's why we recommend screen printing from around 50 pieces; below that, DTF is usually more cost-effective.
Embroidery
Embroidery up to 10,000 stitches — approx. €5.50/pc, from 20 pcs €4.50, from 50 pcs €4.00, plus a €25.00 programme set-up fee. The programme is saved, so for repeat orders with the same logo we no longer charge set-up — the second order can even be just 5 caps.
Catalogues and brochures
A4 catalogue, 8 pages, 170 g — approx. €3.50/pc, from 50 pcs €2.90, from 100 pcs €2.40, from 250 pcs €1.90; A5 is €2.20 / €1.80 / €1.50 / €1.20 respectively. Set-up is €15.00, as it involves preparing the artwork layout, arranging the sheet sequence, and setting up folding and stapling. The practical minimum is approximately 25–50 copies.
Business cards
Business cards 90x55 mm, 300 g come in sets of 100 pcs — approx. €25.00/set, from 3 sets €22.00. Fewer than 100 pcs can technically be made, but the price doesn't change, as the same sheet and cutting cycle are used. Prices and formats — on the business cards page.
Comparison table
| Product | Technical minimum | Recommended quantity | Set-up | Price per pc/m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stickers (matte/glossy) | 1 pc | from 5 m² | €0.00 | €25.00 / €22.00 / €19.00/m² |
| Poster A2 | 1 pc | from 10 pcs | €0.00 | €6.00 / €4.50 / €3.20 |
| Poster A1 | 1 pc | from 10 pcs | €0.00 | €9.00 / €7.00 / €5.50 |
| Business cards 90x55 | 100 pcs (1 set) | from 3 sets | €0.00 | €25.00 / €22.00 per 100 pcs |
| Catalogue A4, 8 pp. | 1 pc | from 50 pcs | €15.00 | €3.50 / €2.90 / €2.40 / €1.90 |
| Catalogue A5, 8 pp. | 1 pc | from 50 pcs | €15.00 | €2.20 / €1.80 / €1.50 / €1.20 |
| DTF up to A4 | 1 pc | from 20 pcs | €0.00 | €6.00 / €5.00 / €4.20 |
| Screen printing 1 colour | 10 pcs | from 50 pcs | €35.00 | €3.50 / €2.50 / €1.90 / €1.50 |
| Embroidery up to 10,000 st. | 1 pc | from 20 pcs | €25.00 | €5.50 / €4.50 / €4.00 |
Promotional products: the minimum is set by stock
For pens, notebooks, bottles, thermal mugs, bags and umbrellas from our catalogue, the minimum works differently — it's determined by the packaging quantity and printing method. Pens with pad printing usually start from 50–100 pcs, mugs from 12–24 pcs, thermal mugs and bottles with laser engraving often from 10–25 pcs. A single mug with a photo can also be printed individually (sublimation), but for a large order the price per piece is two to three times lower. You'll find available models and quantities in the catalogue section.
How to get a lower price without increasing the order
- Combine several jobs into one order — for example, stickers in several sizes within a single m² calculation.
- Choose one colour and one position for screen printing; each extra colour adds a €35.00 set-up fee.
- If the logo stays the same, repeat orders use the already-prepared screens and embroidery programme.
- Submit a correct file: vector graphics (.ai, .eps, .pdf), CMYK, text converted to outlines — this avoids extra hours of artwork preparation.
Turnaround: stickers, banners and posters 2–5 business days, promotional products with printing 5–10 business days after artwork approval; urgent jobs by arrangement. You can view the full range of printing services in the shop section.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order just one T-shirt with printing?
Yes. We'll use DTF (approx. €6.00/pc up to A4 size plus the T-shirt) or sublimation, depending on the material. Screen printing isn't cost-effective for a single piece, as set-up is €35.00.
Why can't I order 40 business cards?
The print sheet and cutting cycle are the same regardless of whether you need 40 or 100 cards, so the smallest unit is a set of 100 pcs for approx. €25.00. From 3 sets, the price drops to €22.00.
How many pieces are needed for screen printing to be cheaper than DTF?
Roughly from 40–50 pieces. At 50 pcs, screen printing is €2.50/pc plus €35.00 set-up, i.e. around €3.20 per piece, while DTF at 50 pcs is €4.20. The larger the run, the bigger the difference.
Do I have to pay the set-up fee every time?
No. We keep screen printing screens and embroidery programmes on file, so for a repeat order with the same logo and position we don't charge set-up again.
What's the minimum for stickers?
Formally, one sticker. We calculate by area: approx. €25.00/m², from 5 m² €22.00/m², from 20 m² €19.00/m², contour cutting +€8.00/m². For a small order we apply a minimum job fee, which we'll state in the quote.
How long do I have to wait for a small run?
Stickers, banners and posters usually take 2–5 business days, promotional products with printing 5–10 business days after artwork approval.
Send us your file and desired quantity to info@attaprint.lv, call +371 25776699, or message us on WhatsApp at the same number — project manager Madara will calculate several quantity options for you. We prepare quotes with exact prices within one business day.</body_md> <faq>[{"a":"Yes. We'll use DTF (€6.00/pc up to A4 size plus the T-shirt) or sublimation, depending on the material. Screen printing isn't cost-effective for a single piece, as set-up is €35.00.","q":"Can I order just one T-shirt with printing?"},{"a":"The print sheet and cutting cycle are the same regardless of whether you need 40 or 100 cards, so the smallest unit is a set of 100 pcs for €25.00. From 3 sets, the price drops to €22.00.","q":"Why can't I order 40 business cards?"},{"a":"Roughly from 40–50 pieces. At 50 pcs, screen printing is €2.50/pc plus €35.00 set-up, i.e. around €3.20 per piece, while DTF at 50 pcs is €4.20. The larger the run, the bigger the difference.","q":"How many pieces are needed for screen printing to be cheaper than DTF?"},{"a":"No. We keep screen printing screens and embroidery programmes on file, so for a repeat order with the same logo and position we don't charge set-up again.","q":"Do I have to pay the set-up fee every time?"},{"a":"Formally, one sticker. We calculate by area: €25.00/m², from 5 m² €22.00/m², from 20 m² €19.00/m², contour cutting +€8.00/m². For a small order we apply a minimum job fee, which we'll state in the quote.","q":"What's the minimum for stickers?"},{"a":"Usually 3–10 business days. A single poster or a couple of stickers can often be made in 1–2 business days, if the machine schedule allows.","q":"How long do I have to wait for a small run?"}]</faq> <seo_title>Minimum Print Run — Why It Varies</seo_title> <seo_description>Why the minimum print quantity varies by product: DTF from 1 pc, screen printing from 20–50, business cards from 100. Prices, tiers and turnaround times.</seo_description> <hero_alt>T-shirts, embroidery, business cards and stickers arranged side by side in different quantities</hero_alt> </invoke>
