No Minimum Order Printing: How It Works (and Why It Saves Small Businesses Money)

If you’ve ever tried to order uniforms, promo gear, or branded gifts for a small business, you’ve probably hit the same wall: minimum quantities.

At Plus Printing, we do no minimum order printing — which means you can order one item, a small top-up, or a mixed bundle without being forced into a big spend.

This post breaks down how it works, when it’s the best option, and how it can save you money (and headaches).

What “no minimum order” actually means

“No minimum order” means you can order:

  • 1 item (a single tee, hoodie, mug, stubby cooler, etc.)

  • Small batches (2–10 items for a team, family, or event)

  • Top-ups (add one new staff shirt without re-ordering 20)

  • Mixed products (for example: 3 polos + 2 hoodies + 5 caps)

You’re not locked into a supplier’s minimum run just to get your logo on something.

How no-minimum printing works (in plain English)

Traditional bulk printing often relies on set-ups that are only cost-effective when you order large quantities.

We use modern print methods that make short runs practical, including:

  • DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing for apparel and many fabric items

  • Sublimation for products like mugs, drink bottles, and other coated items

  • UV DTF stickers for durable decals and branding applications

Because the set-up is streamlined, we can produce small runs without the “bulk-only” pricing structure.

Bonus: no-minimum laser engraving (ready to go)

We also offer laser engraving with no minimums, so you can personalise one item or do a small run for staff, gifts, or an event.

Laser engraving is ideal when you want a premium, long-lasting finish on items like:

  • drinkware and gift items

  • plaques and keepsakes

  • branded products and signage

If you’ve got an idea you’d love engraved, send it through — we’ll tell you what’s possible and the best way to get it done.

Why it saves small businesses money

No minimum order printing isn’t just convenient — it can be cheaper overall for small businesses because you avoid the hidden costs of bulk ordering.

1) You don’t overbuy (and waste stock)

Ordering 20 shirts when you only need 6 ties up cash and leaves you with:

  • wrong sizes

  • outdated branding

  • staff turnover leftovers

  • boxes of stock you’ll never use

With no minimums, you buy what you need now.

2) You can trial before you commit

Not sure if a hoodie will be too warm? Unsure about colour? Want to test a new logo layout?

Order one first, approve it, then scale up.

3) You can keep branding consistent as you grow

Small businesses grow in stages. No minimums means you can:

  • add one new staff uniform when someone starts

  • top up a best-selling promo item

  • refresh a design without writing off old stock

4) You can split your budget across more items

Instead of spending your whole budget on one bulk run — you can mix and match:

  • a few uniforms

  • a few gifts for VIP customers

  • a few promo items for an event

That’s often a smarter use of marketing dollars.

When no-minimum orders are the best choice

No minimum order printing is ideal for:

  • New businesses getting started with branding

  • Trades and construction teams that hire casually or grow seasonally

  • Cafés and retail that need a consistent look without bulk storage

  • Events and community groups doing small runs for plays, dance comps, art shows, and fundraisers

  • One-off gifts (birthdays, Christmas, staff thank-yous)

What you can order with no minimums

Here are a few popular options we do every week:

  • Apparel: tees, hoodies, polos, singlets, hats, workwear

  • Gifts: mugs, drink bottles, coasters, keyrings, slate rock prints

  • Promo: stubby coolers, tin signs, magnets, bookmarks, bottle openers

  • Branding: UV DTF stickers and decals

  • Laser engraving: personalised gifts, branded items, plaques and more

If you’re not sure what suits your use case, we can recommend the best option based on how it’ll be worn or used.

A quick note on pricing (and how to keep it cost-effective)

With no minimums, the per-item price can be higher than a massive bulk run — but for most small businesses, the total cost ends up lower because you’re not buying extras.

To keep things cost-effective:

  • Choose garments that suit your work environment (we’ll guide you)

  • Keep artwork clear and print-ready where possible

  • If you’re ordering 11+ items, ask about our bulk/wholesale discount options

Artwork tips: how to get the best result

To make your order smooth and your print crisp:

  • Best file type: PNG with a transparent background

  • Also accepted: JPEG, PDF, EPS, AI, SVG, PSD

  • Aim for 300 DPI where possible

  • If you’re sending a PDF, ensure fonts are outlined/embedded

Don’t stress if you’re not sure — we can check your file and let you know what will (and won’t) work.

Ready to order one (or a few)?

If you want to start small, top up uniforms, or test a new idea, no minimum order printing is made for you.

To get a quick quote, send an enquiry via our website and include:

  • what you want to print or engrave

  • how many you need (even if it’s just one)

  • when you need it by

  • your logo/artwork (if you have it)

We’ll come back to you with the best option for the job.

www.plusprinting.com.au

Previous
Previous

Supporting Local: Why Victor Harbor Businesses Choose Plus Printing

Next
Next

Custom T-Shirts in Victor Harbor: Pricing, Turnaround & Artwork Tips