Low-quantity printing that still looks professional
Small run work is for orders where buying in bulk does not make sense, but the finish still has to look sharp. We print for pilots, one-off events, new staff uniforms, start-up clothing labels, sports trials, school fundraisers and niche teams that only need 6, 12 or 25 items. Every order gets the same attention to colour, placement and finish, even when the quantity is small.
Because short runs often have mixed sizes and names, we check artwork, garment type and print position before production starts. That helps avoid waste and keeps costs under control. In Bloemfontein and surrounding areas like Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu and Hamilton, many clients use small runs to test a design before placing a larger order later on.
- Ideal for 6 to 50 garments
- Suitable for t-shirts, golf shirts, hoodies and workwear
- Good for sample batches, launches and replacement items
- Available for pickup in Hamilton or couriered nationwide
What is included in a small run order
Small run printing is more than just putting ink on fabric. We can help with artwork setup, colour matching, size sorting and individual bagging so the final order is ready to hand out or issue straight away. If your design needs a tidy redraw, we prepare it for screen printing and confirm the print size before the job goes ahead.
For garments with mixed sizes, we keep the bundle organised by size and label where needed. This saves time for schools, clubs and companies that need to distribute items quickly across departments or teams. If the order is being sent to Welkom, Bethlehem, Kroonstad or Parys, the packing is done carefully so each box arrives in order.
- Artwork preparation and basic layout checks
- Screen setup for small batch production
- Colour matching for logo consistency
- Size sorting and individual bagging on request
- Courier dispatch across South Africa
How the small run process works
The process is kept simple so that short orders do not drag on. First, you send through your enquiry and artwork through the contact form. We then confirm garment type, quantity, print positions and the best print method for your order. If the artwork needs adjustment, we sort that out before anything goes to press.
Once the proof is approved, production is booked in. Our team in Hamilton handles printing, checking and packing, while dispatch coordinates collection or courier. For clients in the Free State, delivery times depend on location and whether the garments are in stock. For urgent work, smaller quantities are usually easier to turn around, especially when the order is simple and the artwork is ready.
- Step 1: Send your enquiry and order details
- Step 2: Confirm artwork, sizes and garment selection
- Step 3: Approve the layout and print placement
- Step 4: Printing, quality check and packing
- Step 5: Pickup in Bloemfontein or courier delivery
Turnaround times for short print runs
Turnaround depends on quantity, garment availability and artwork readiness, but small runs are usually quicker than larger production batches. Simple one-colour orders can move faster than jobs with multiple print positions or special size mixes. If the garments are already sourced and the art files are clean, the job can often be booked sooner.
For businesses in Bloemfontein and nearby towns, local collection can reduce waiting time. For couriered orders to the rest of the country, delivery time is added after production. We also factor in load-shedding planning, especially on busy days, so print schedules stay realistic and orders are not promised too early.
Most small runs are quoted with a practical lead time instead of a vague promise. That way, schools, event planners and small businesses can plan handovers, launches and staff issue dates properly.
Pricing that suits small quantities
Small run pricing is calculated with the setup time, garment type, print size, number of colours and quantity in mind. Short orders carry a different cost profile from bulk printing because the preparation per item is higher. That said, we keep the quote straightforward so you know what is included before production starts.
Where possible, we help clients make sensible choices that keep the order affordable without compromising the result. For example, using a standard print position, keeping the artwork to fewer colours or grouping sizes efficiently can help bring the total down. If you only need a pilot run before ordering more, we can quote for a small batch first and plan the repeat order later.
- Quote based on quantity, garment choice and print details
- No unnecessary add-ons on short orders
- Options for plain garments supplied by us or client-supplied stock
- Clear pricing for reprints and repeat batches
Care and maintenance for printed garments
Printed apparel lasts longer when it is washed and stored properly. We advise clients to wash garments inside out, use cold or lukewarm water and avoid harsh bleach on printed areas. Tumble drying on high heat can shorten the life of the print, especially on workwear and sportswear that gets frequent use.
For maintenance intervals, most printed garments should be checked after the first 3 to 5 washes to make sure the print is holding as expected. If the items are used daily, a visual check every month is sensible for uniforms and team wear. For seasonal events or once-off functions, inspect the garments before packing them away so any issues can be picked up early. In humid coastal conditions or damp storerooms, it helps to keep garments dry and folded neatly to avoid musty smells and fabric stress.
- Wash inside out at a gentle temperature
- Do not iron directly over the print
- Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight
- Check wear after the first few washes for busy workwear
Key facts
| Minimum quantity | From 6 items, depending on garment and artwork |
|---|---|
| Print method | Screen printing for short and repeatable runs |
| Garment types | T-shirts, golf shirts, hoodies, uniforms and sportswear |
| Artwork support | Setup, colour matching and print placement checks |
| Fulfilment area | Bloemfontein, Hamilton, Free State and nationwide |
| Packing options | Size sorting and individual bagging available |
