First Order Screen Printing Discount: A Buyer’s Starter Guide

Ordering custom apparel for the first time can feel like a lot, especially when you are balancing budget, timelines, and brand standards. The good news is that you do not have to “figure it out the hard way.” This guide breaks down how first-time discounts work, how to qualify, and how to use your first order to set your business up for repeatable, stress-free reorders. 😊

At 24 Hour Tees®, new customers can get 20% off their first bulk screen-print or rush order when the order includes 20+ apparel items. It is a simple way to try our process while keeping your first run cost-effective.

Why first-time discounts matter for startups and growing brands

Startups and retail brands typically order custom apparel for one of three reasons: brand awareness, team consistency, or revenue. In all three cases, your first print run is a test. You are testing artwork, sizing, garment quality, and how fast you can move from idea to delivered product.

  • Lower risk on your first run: A discount helps you prove the concept without overcommitting.
  • Room for smarter choices: The savings can go toward higher-quality garments, extra sizes, or a second color.
  • Cleaner budgeting: For early-stage teams, every line item matters, especially marketing and onboarding expenses.

If you are building a retail product, it also helps to think like a merch planner. Many apparel brands use initial runs to validate demand before scaling up. Shopify’s guide on discount strategy highlights how discounts can help acquire new customers when they are used intentionally, not constantly. Shopify: Discount strategy.

How our first-time buyer discount works (and who it fits best)

Here is the deal in plain language:

  • Who: New customers (first-time buyers with 24 Hour Tees®).
  • What: 20% off your first bulk screen-print order or rush order.
  • Minimum: 20+ apparel items on the order.
  • How to claim: Visit our discount page to receive the coupon code.

Graphic of our 20% first time customer discount

This offer is a great fit for:

  • Startup teams ordering employee shirts, event shirts, or launch-day apparel.
  • Retail and consumer goods brands testing a first merch drop or adding branded apparel to an existing product line.
  • Businesses on a deadline that need a rush order and want to reduce the initial cost.

Bulk screen printing vs. rush orders, what should you choose?

Most first-time buyers pick one of these two routes:

  • Bulk screen printing: Best for consistent designs and larger quantities. Screen printing is built for repeatable results once your art is set.
  • Rush order: Best when time is the priority. This is common for pop-up events, trade shows, grand openings, team travel, or last-minute hiring surges.

If you are unsure, start with your deadline and quantity. Those two details usually make the right option obvious. ⏱️

Step-by-step: How to claim your 20% off coupon code

We keep the discount claim process simple:

  1. Confirm you qualify: You are a new customer, and your order will be 20+ apparel items.
  2. Get the coupon code: Go to our Bargain Hunters discount page to claim your discount and receive the code.
  3. Plan your order details: Choose garment type, sizes, ink colors, and print locations (front, back, sleeve).
  4. Apply the code: Use the coupon code during checkout or when placing your order, depending on how you are ordering.
  5. Proof and production: Approve your proof promptly so production can begin without delays.

Tip: If you are ordering for a team, collect sizes before you order. A quick size form saves time and reduces costly reprints.

How to make your first order count (so you do not waste the discount)

A first-time discount is most valuable when your first order is planned well. Here are the practical moves we recommend for startups and growing businesses.

1) Order with a purpose: team uniform, promo, or retail

  • Team uniform: Prioritize comfort and consistency. A clean, simple logo is usually best.
  • Promo giveaway: Choose broad-appeal colors and fits. Keep the design readable from 6 to 10 feet away.
  • Retail item: Focus on blank quality and print durability. Consider neck labels or tag branding if it fits your plan.

2) Pick the right garments for your audience

Garment choice affects how people feel about your brand. For retail and consumer goods companies, this matters a lot because the shirt becomes part of the product experience.

  • Value tees: Good for large events and giveaways.
  • Premium tees: Great for brand loyalty and retail sales.
  • Hoodies and crews: Higher perceived value, great for cooler seasons and higher price points.

If you are new to printing, ask yourself one simple question: “Will someone wear this again next week?” If the answer is yes, you are choosing well.

3) Keep the art simple, then scale up

First runs are smoother when artwork is clean. Simple designs also tend to print more consistently across sizes and garment colors.

  • Use high-contrast colors for readability.
  • Avoid tiny text, especially on dark garments.
  • Decide on print placement early (left chest, full front, full back).

If you need help prepping files, the most reliable starting point is a vector format (like AI, EPS, or PDF). For non-vector images, a high-resolution file is important so the print comes out crisp.

4) Build in time for proofs and approvals

Many first-time buyers underestimate how important the proof stage is. Approving quickly keeps your schedule on track. If you have multiple decision-makers, pick one person to sign off so you do not lose days in back-and-forth.

For time-sensitive orders, it also helps to know where delays typically happen. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, planning and cash flow discipline are core parts of operating a small business, and the same idea applies to ordering marketing materials like apparel. A simple plan prevents last-minute spending and rushed decisions. U.S. SBA: Plan your business.

Common first-time buyer questions (quick answers)

What counts as “20+ apparel items”?

It means your order needs at least 20 total garments. Many businesses mix sizes within the same style to reach the minimum.

Can I use the discount on a rush order?

Yes. New customers get 20% off their first bulk screen-print or rush order when the order includes 20+ items.

What if I am ordering for a pop-up or product launch?

That is a common use case. Choose your garment first, then build the design to match the fabric and shirt color. If you have a hard deadline, share it upfront so your order can be planned correctly.

How do I avoid over-ordering for a first run?

Start with realistic use: staff count, expected giveaway volume, or a conservative retail batch. If it is for retail, consider a smaller first drop, then reorder your best-selling sizes and colors once you see demand.

Ready to place your first order? Here is your next step ✅

If you are a startup or growing business and want a clean first run without friction, use the first-time buyer discount to get started. New customers get 20% off their first bulk screen-print or rush order with 20+ apparel items.

Claim your coupon code here: Bargain Hunters discount page. Once you have your code, gather sizes, finalize your artwork, and place your order so we can move it into proofing and production. 🎉

Group Orders

If you’ve got time to spare, our standard production is the best value. You’ll have access to a much wider variety of garment types, colors, and printing options—all at a more affordable price. While production and delivery take longer, this option is ideal for planning ahead and getting exactly what you want without paying the premium that comes with rush production. Patience pays off with more choices and lower costs.

Standard Production

If you’ve got time to spare, our standard production is the best value. You’ll have access to a much wider variety of garment types, colors, and printing options—all at a more affordable price. While production and delivery take longer, this option is ideal for planning ahead and getting exactly what you want without paying the premium that comes with rush production. Patience pays off with more choices and lower costs.

Rush Production

Our rush production option is designed for speed—perfect for last-minute events or tight deadlines. While it's our fastest service, please note that it comes with limitations: you'll have fewer choices in garment styles, colors, and print colors. Due to the quick turnaround, rush production is significantly more expensive than our standard option, but it's the right choice when time is critical and you need your order delivered fast.

Need Super-Rush?

We’ve got you covered. Check out our line of fast production shirts and start your order today!