I N K J E T T E X T I L E P R I N T E R S

Consumers and markets are ever increasingly demanding more customisation,

flexibility and only want the exact number required. DTG printers can deliver on
these demands as well as opening up new markets and product lines that can
make a positive impression on your bottom line.

WHAT EXACTLY IS DTG PRINTING?

Direct to garment printing is really a straightforward process. Generation of great artwork
is the beginning, proper selection of print settings is second along with consistent
operation of the machine, finish the process with a quick press under your heat-press and
you are ready to deliver high quality, durable, DTG printed garments.
Ever improving technology utilising inkjet printing, piezo print heads and water based
eco friendly inks is allowing high quality printed garments to be produced without messy
preproduction processes or highly skilled, extensively trained employees.
 I N K J E T T E X T I L E P R I N T E R S

BENEFITS OF DTG PRINTING SOME OF THE MARKETS YOU CAN SERVE

OUTSTANDING REPRODUCTION VALUE - high resolution, WITH A DTG PRINTER OR WHO BUYS ONLINE.
crisp, creative, graphic, detailed and full colour capability
Field days Golf courses
including photography - traditionally very hard to do
Fund raisers Banquet halls
PRODUCE SHORT AND MEDIUM RUNS WITH EASE AND Art Departments Internet service providers
EFFICIENCY - No minimum quantities, customised one-offs Amusement parks
Class shirts
to wide-ranging production runs, meeting customer budgets.
Clubs Exhibitions and fairs
Repeat sales from the capacity to creatively customising
purchases Band & Choir Tourism destinations
Drama/Theatre Garment designers
GET TO MARKET FASTER - with no traditional artwork Team apparel Trial prints for volume
preparation and setup times - you can react to trends and
Campus clubs production
current events in minutes - set up at sporting events, festivals
Band & Choir Youth groups
and rallies. Tap into social media phrases, hashtags or memes
Drama/Theatre Police departments
PRINT WHERE YOU NEVER COULD BEFORE - print over Car dealerships Fire departments
seams, zippers and pockets as printheads do not make direct
Boat/RV dealers Correctional facilities
contact with the garment. You could even customise an entire
Marinas Public works departments
outfit. Your only limit is your imagination!
Radio stations Parks and Recreation
EQUIPMENT THAT FITS JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE - departments
Landscape companies
relatively small amount of space is required. You simply Festivals and parades
Restaurants
need space for a computer/design station, the DTG printer, Walks and runs
automatic pre-treater and curing device. Easily fitting into a Pet stores Fairs and celebrations
standard sized room. Car washes Wedding parties and
Day care centres Anniversaries
DTG HELPS YOU OPEN NEW MARKETS? You no longer Bachelor and Bachelorette
Contractors
need to mass-produce large quantities of a single design in parties
Gift shop
order to gain entry into a single market or sales channel. DTG Music festivals
printers afford the flexibility that allow you to explore a virtually Health clubs
Holiday parties
unlimited number of market options without a significant Night clubs/bars Converts
commitment of time or inventory. Museums Company parties/outings
Dance studios Family reunions

WITH DTG PRINTERS, YOU HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES. THOSE OPPORTUNITIES

CAN LEAD TO LARGER JOBS THAT COULD GENERATE SALES USING OTHER DECORATING
TECHNIQUES YOU MAY ALREADY HAVE WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS.

www.g4dtg.com
DTG PROCESS

DESIGN
Direct to garment printing the work generally begins at the
computer. Good clean professional artwork produced with quality
graphics software such as, CorelDRAW, Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator
is required to produce the best prints on your garments. Photographic
images taken from a digital camera should be at least at least 4
megapixel– generally this isn’t a problem with modern digital cameras,
but can be a concern with lower specification camera phones.
By following a few basic resolution and artwork guidelines, you will
find it easy to design or edit graphics that will produce commercially
acceptable printed garments. If required a number of clipart and
template programs are available online that will streamline the process
for you.
The general rule for direct to garment printing is as follows; if the image
looks good printed at true size on a desktop printer, then the image will
look good on a t-shirt.
Developing your graphics skills can only benefit you and will see your
business evolve to greater heights. There are many aides available such
as books, tutorial DVD’s, webinars and even community colleges often
run part time graphic design courses. Make the old adage “if you want
to earn more, learn more” your motto.

PREPRESS
Before printing you will need to prepress your t-shirt to remove any
wrinkles and moisture and, in the case of images requiring white ink,
pretreat the shirt and press the shirt again before loading it onto the
shirt platen and loading it into the machine.
All DTG branded machines use removable shirt platen systems to
speed up the production process. With additional platens you can have
the next garment loaded and ready to go into the printer to create a
more productive workflow. If you have to remove a freshly printed shirt
before loading a new one onto a fixed platen you are wasting time –
wasting valuable time means less profit.

PRINT
Direct to garment printers generally require a specialised software
package called a Raster Image Processor (RIP) to print. The RIP
generates the white ink underbase required to print on dark garments,
controls the amount of white and color ink laid down, it creates
appropriate colour spaces as well as other functions such as multi-shirt
image placement and ink cost calculation. Your DTG printer will come
with a RIP configured with the most common settings for the printer.
Your DTG training sessions will cover in detail the process of creating
specific print settings for your application.
The RIP software is easy to use and can be configured to greatly
simplify the process for even the least knowledgeable of end users.
 I N K J E T T E X T I L E P R I N T E R S

PRESS
Once the print process is complete, curing the garment to set the
inks for maximum wash-ability is required. Cure times range from
1-2 minutes at 170º Celcius (340º F), some garments may allow
you to cure at slightly higher temperatures for shorter periods of
time – but you will need to test them individually – remember – the
way a shirt washes will often impact future sales!
The easiest and most reliable way to avoid a bottleneck in
your production due to cure times is to add an additional heat
press. Every DTG printer will out-produce a single heat press
– especially when running smaller graphics (a pocket print
takes much less time to print than a full back, but the same
amount of time to cure).
You will learn in your DTG training about
different finishes you can get on your prints based on the type of
curing sheet you use – Teflon, parchment, release sheets, even
embroidery backing material will all give different results.

PROFIT
A number of factors can determine how much profit you make with your DTG printer
Blank garments cost - stocking the most common colors and sizes to take advantage of better pricing and reduced
shipping costs
Output cost - Get to know how much it costs to print images based on size, coverage and amount of ink used. Analyse
the true cost of production and set your profit margin accordingly. Chances are that you are printing for a customer not
so much because of pricing, but more likely because you can offer them what they want – full color, customized, low
quantity, etc.
Business Model - Your success will depend on developing a good business model, working that model and being
willing to adapt when you see opportunities to grow in areas not included in your original plan

SHOP SETUP
Setup 3m x 3m Either work from homeor added to an existing business it is
worthwhile planning for future growth and a dedicated print space.
COMPUTER Workflow is important to running a successful direct to garment
printing operation. Consider the room required to load and unload
garments while also minimising the amount of steps to transition
from pretreatment to print to press.
It is not a bad idea to consider putting the tables that you are using
in your direct to garment printing shop on rollers. This will allow you
to get the most out of your space, especially if you offer multiple
PreTreat types of apparel decoration that will demand use of limited space at
different times. It is also important to make sure you work out your
Heatpress
electrical needs in advance – heat presses and electronic equipment
need to be on separate circuits and the presses draw fairly high
amps.
You can learn more about shop setup ideas as well as other
important pre-purchase expectation in the DTG Customer Success
Formula.

www.g4dtg.com
SUCCESS FORMULA

Digital Printing can be a very lucrative process when done correctly. It is important to consider the following criteria
to make sure you are comfortable with the knowledge that you need to have and or attain to do the DTG process
successfully as well as things to consider when implementing direct to garment printing into your business. Please
review and feel free to discuss the points in detail with your local DTG dealer.
Computer literacy is necessary to perform the graphic and printing functions associated with the DTG printing
process. Attending training to learn the software, proper usage and maintenance for your DTG printer is strongly
recommended to give yourself the best start possible and to limit potential replacement of printer’s parts. 
Daily, Weekly, and Monthly maintenance steps are
required in order to keep your printer operating at peak
performance. These steps are easy and take just minutes
to perform and are covered in the training session, listed on
the maintenance decal on the printer itself and documented
in the training materials, contact your dealer for the printed
maintenance chart.
Your printer should only be used in a dust free, clean
environment. Also, humidity and temperature need to be
at moderate levels for optimal printing. Check manufacturer
recommendations for optimal operational temperature and
humidity. Investing in a hygrometer and keeping near your
printer will help verify your humidity levels. You can help
control the humidity level by adding a humidifier to your
print area. Both of these items (hygrometer and humidifier)
can be purchased online or at your local home improvement
store.
NOTE: The DTG Digital G4 has an inbuilt humidity and
temperature setting display.
Plan to allow up to 30-60 days to become familiar with your DTG printer so that you can be printing profitably
in a business environment. Combined with the formal training from your DTG dealer will maximize success with
your new DTG printer.
DTG printers love to print! If you are not using your printer regularly it should be flushed
properly to prevent clogging. This is not a guarantee that your printer will not clog if left sitting idle for a period of
time, but the best method to mitigate clogging. Your DTG dealer can
provide you with documentation on properly flushing your machine.
Invest in commercial grade graphic software for optimal
performance. Recent versions of Adobe Photoshop or Corel Draw
are recommended. Image quality that is produced by the printer
is directly proportional to the quality of the graphic file used. If
you are unsure of which package to purchase – consult your DTG
dealer to get a better idea of which graphics package would be
best for you.
 rinting on dark shirts (that require a white ink underbase) is
P
recommended to be done on 100% cotton. While it is possible
to experience success with garments that are less than 100%
cotton – it takes experimentation with these garments to get the
best result before offering them to your customers.
 on-textile printing is possible, but should be considered a
N
secondary function.
 I N K J E T T E X T I L E P R I N T E R S

DTG printers are designed to be operated using specially formulated Genuine DTG inks. Using other brands
of inks may lead to premature failure of the machine’s ink delivery components as well as causing colour matching
issues.
The printer should be no further than 3m from the computer that is being used to operate the printer. The
connecting USB cable needs to be 3m or less – if you replace the cable that comes with your DTG printer make
certain the replacement is no longer than the cable included.
DTG printers and the RIP software only operate on Windows operating systems (Win 7-10); they are NOT
compatible with Macintosh platforms. If you have concerns about your current computer configuration or need
advice on purchasing a new computer for your DTG printer – please contact your DTG dealer.
The primary method of support on your new printer is via phone, web, go2meeting, YouTube, you need to be
comfortable with verbal troubleshooting to resolve unforseen issues.
It is important to allocate the proper space required to operate your DTG printer. A well thought out work space
will greatly increase the throughput of your DTG printer.
When printing dark garments with white ink you will need to pretreat the garments prior to printing. You can
do this with an automatic pretreatment machine or with the powered hand held sprayer. It is important to allocate
space for pretreating garments and we strongly suggest discussing this with your DTG dealer.
NOTE: the DTG Digital G4 is delivered with the DTG PTM automatic pretreat machine.
You will need a heat press to cure your DTG printed garments. It is critical that your heat presses are on a
separate circuit from your DTG printer and your computer.
Placing your DTG printers, presses and work tables on wheels will allow you to easily modify your work area to
allow for optimal work flow.
The best way to sell direct to garment printing is to actually show the product. Don’t be shy about providing
samples of the process to potential customers (or existing customers for your other products). Accentuate
the benefits of direct to garment printing – no minimums, no setup costs, infinite customisation options, quick
turnaround.
Have fun! Being able to provide your customers with high quality, short run garments – tailored to their
specifications – is exciting and profitable. Your customer gets what they want and you have the tools to offer
it to them.

www.g4dtg.com
DTG PRINTING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - JUST STARTING OUT

WEB BASED
Web generated sales are increasing at an exponential rate. The
direct to garment business is ideal for internet sales and building
of customer databases and mailing lists. A lot of orders printed on
direct to garment printers are short run, the average order being 5
garments or less per sale. Have a look at online t-shirt sites like Zazzle
or Cafépress to name a few. Multi million dollar business who all use
DTG printers. A professional website created by people who know our
business is available from DTG Digital and customised to your brand
and look. The site incorporates and online designer and webshop
facility plus a host of professional features to help boost sales.

STORE FRONTS
Have been around for many years - properly planned and executed,
a shop front based businesses can be highly successful, especially
when you add online sales and instant prints.
Many have evolved from some form of complimentary business –
such as a sewing store or large screen printers with a retail location
adding DTG printing to compliment their other products.
Recently highly custom (oftentimes one-off) t-shirt printing has
become a viable entry into this marketplace.
To maximise the potential for your business consider 3 things –
location, location, location.
A good amount of your business traffic comes from people passing
by your shop and returning when they have the need.
A “destination” such as an amusement park, or tourist destination.
Or a store or kiosk in a shopping mall where individuals may make an
impulse purchase because of the store front.
Supplement your new business with alternative methods of
advertising and special shopfront offers – yellow pages, direct mail,
sponsorships and the like. 
DTG printing is ideal for walk in traffic as a garment decorator. The
ability to quickly go from computer screen to garment in a matter of
minutes allows you to either fulfill the order or get a commitment on
the spot – try doing that with screen printing.
One of the biggest advantages of having a retail storefront is the
opportunities to add-on to the original order – be it beach towels,
hoodies or sweats. Add this to the desire of a good percentage of
consumers who want a more personalized experience when they
spend their hard earned money and you have a good recipe for a
successful business.
 I N K J E T T E X T I L E P R I N T E R S

FASHION/STRIKE OFF
The fashion industry are now turning to DTG printing methods to
create limited but very high margin product ranges.
Fashion ranges can be branded for specific events and inventory
can be controlled by producing limited numbers for certain shops
only - particularly in the street wear industry.
One of the biggest growth areas is instant stike-offs. A surfwear
company that wants to submit a few hundred designs to their
retail outlets to create the next summer or winter range of retail
clothing can now print samples on demand at a very low cost.
Adopting of digital technology eliminates the high cost of creating
films, screens etc.
With the freedom to make instant design changes - a design can immediately be printed and adjusted if the results are
not satisfactory, this was a complete impossibility before the arrival of DTG technology.
Increasing demand for panel prints with white inks for fashion companies is now available for medium to large
production platforms.

CONTRACT PRODUCTION
DTG printing does not have to be solely about retail or B2B sales or online.
Consider all your local, embroidery, screenprint, promotional, signage, trophy, uniform, streetwear, workwear and even
event management businesses. It is unrealistic to think that they would all run their own DTG machine.
Make contact with them, offer your services and develop relationships - there could be a huge opportunity for a
reciprocal business relationship that can generate a stable income.

AN EXISTING BUSINESS - ADDING A NEW PROFIT CENTRE

SCREENPRINTING BUSINESSES - STOP TELLING YOUR CUSTOMERS “NO”

Example 1 – a customer comes in and wants a dozen shirts, full color, for an event in three days. The first thing that the
screen printer does is to start counting screens and figuring out how he is going to convince his client how to reduce
the artwork down to two or three colours and make the job manageable. Ultimately he simply decides to tell the client
that he can’t do the job – telling them “No, sorry, I cant help you”.
Add a direct to garment printer to your business and now you can
offer your customer a choice. Print the shirts digitally for a given
price per shirt (probably higher than he usually pays for screen
printing), screen print the shirts as they are (with numerous screen
charges & lower per shirt pricing), or reduce the artwork to a couple
colors (lower screen charges and lower per shirt pricing). Now the
customer has the opportunity to make a decision on how he wants
them printed – the screen printer did not tell him “No”.
Example 2 – a customer comes in and places a large order that
is perfect for screen printing – large number of shirts, moderate
number of colours. When the customer comes in to pick up the order (or it is delivered to them) – show them a digitally
printed version of the same garment with a per shirt price for additional small quantity orders, at the same time let him
know the costs associated with setting the job up again to screen print and the minimum order. Again, this gives the
customer a choice, don’t say “No”.

www.g4dtg.com
Example 3 – Same scenario as above – when the order is picked up, hand the client a different type garment or item,
maybe a golf towel with the same artwork digitally printed on it and offer to digitally print the logo on other items or
garments without minimums or setup charges. That’s right – ADD ON TO THE SALE!
Example 4 – how powerful would it be to be able to produce a real sample to help win a potential client? DTG allows
you to do exactly that. Samples sell over two dimensional mock-ups on paper nine times out of ten.

EMBROIDERY BUSINESS
As the decorated apparel marketplace has matured and are
expanding their in-house decorating abilities, they are effectively
becoming a ‘one stop shop” - exactly what the today’s customers
demand, one destination for all their decorating needs.
Why would a traditional embroiderer want to add direct to garment
printing to their business?
First off – they are getting requests for printed garments –
Secondly – they are either simply telling their customers “No” and referring them to a screen printer or leaving it up to
the customer to find their own printer, or they say “Yes” and then outsource the job out to a screen printer fulfillment
source.
The core reason for most embroiderers to add DTG machines to their business is to control the customer, the sale and
the processing of the order. It’s not just about how much money you make on each job so much as knowing the job will
be done when it needs to be done and with the same care you always provide when doing other jobs for your customer.
A customer who goes to another apparel decorator is likely to inquire with them about other methods of decoration –
potentially moving his embroidery business to the more diversified decorator.
Most embroiderers find direct to garment printing easy to implement into the workflow of their business. Much like
embroidery, DTG requires work upfront to get the artwork optimised for output and then simply sending the design
to the output device and going about your business. A DTG printer
can become like a single head embroidery machine – load it, start it
decorating the garment and head on to the next piece of equipment
to get it decorating and so on.
Another upside to offering direct to garment printing in your
embroidery business is that you can offer the service to other shops
who have not yet realised the benefits of the DTG process – allowing
you to now become the fulfillment house for other apparel decorators.
Essentially reversing the situation you began with when you were the
one saying “No” and outsourcing orders.

PRINT SHOP OR SIGN BUSINESS

As an existing print shop or sign business you are dealing on a daily basis with customers who are trying to get a
message across. That message may be merely informational, but the majority of the time it is advertorial. T-shirts and
other apparel are a natural extension of your business. In many cases your customers are taking the same artwork
that you printed for them to an apparel decorator to have garments printed. By the addition of a DTG printer to your
business you can capitalize on a large portion of the business that walks out your door every day.
The most important aspect of any graphics based business is the mastery of the graphics themselves. As a proven
professional in this realm you have already won the trust of your customer base – making the addition of garments to
your line almost academic. Besides, it is always easier to sell new products to existing, satisfied customers than it is to
find new customers for your existing products.
Marketing the DTG process is easier if you have an existing business as well. When your customer picks up, or you
deliver an order, include a sample t-shirt that includes their logo, your logo and some info on the new service you are
now offering. With a little creativity you can craft a design that is attractive enough that your client will not only be led to
consider purchasing garments from you – they might even give you some free advertising by wearing the shirt in public!
 I N K J E T T E X T I L E P R I N T E R S

A SUCCESSFUL DTG BUSINESS NEEDS... MORE THAN A GREAT PRINTER

You’ll need
a reliable
DTG Printer
Support and Superior
training by pretreatment
the largest and
producer of
heat press
DTG printers
globally

Designs that A good looking

people will easy to navigate
BUY and webstore with an
keep coming online designer
back for

HELPING CUSTOMERS SUCCEED FOR OVER A DECADE

DTG Digital has a mission to help companies with the most diverse range
of textile printing requirements to become more profitable.

www.g4dtg.com
www.g4dtg.com