3 Proven Methods for Launching a Clothing Brand: Presale, Small Batches & Bulk Orders

At Savage Merch, we specialize in custom printed apparel, DTF printing, embroidery services, and professional screen printing services. As a leading clothing printing company, we work with everyone from established fashion brands to individuals who are just beginning their journey in the world of custom t-shirt printing.

One of the most common questions we hear from new brand owners is: “Can I get a sample printed first?”  The honest answer is—it’s not that simple. Each design requires setup time, materials, and labour, which makes producing individual samples costly and inefficient, especially when it comes to screen printing.

Instead of investing in one-off samples, we encourage new clothing businesses to consider three tried-and-tested strategies for launching a brand effectively and cost-efficiently. These strategies are:

1. Presale to test market demand

2. Printing small batches to build a following

3. Going all-in with a bulk order

Let’s explore each approach in detail, outline the pros and cons, and help you determine which path is right for your brand.

1. Presale to Test Market Demand

What is a Presale?

A presale is when you promote and sell your designs before printing any actual garments. Customers place orders and pay upfront, and you only produce what’s been sold. This approach is excellent for new clothing brands that want to validate their concept before committing to production costs.

How it Works

• Design your garments and create mock-ups (we can help with digital previews).

• Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, or Etsy.

• Promote your designs through social media, email marketing, and your personal network.

• Set a timeline for the presale (e.g., 2–3 weeks).

• Once the presale ends, place a bulk order with your clothing printing company based on actual sales.

• We handle the custom t-shirt printing, DTF printing, or embroidery, and then you ship orders to your customers.

Pros of Presale

• No upfront inventory costs – You don’t need to buy stock that may not sell.

• Validates market demand – You’ll know which designs resonate with your audience.

• Minimises waste – You only print what has been sold.

Cons of Presale

• Longer delivery times – Customers may wait 2–4 weeks for their orders to arrive.

• Risk of order delays – If anything goes wrong in production, customers may be disappointed.

• Marketing effort required – You need to drive traffic and convert customers before having a physical product in hand.

Ideal For:

• New brands testing the market

• Influencers or creators with an existing audience

• Entrepreneurs on a tight budget

Savage Merch Tip:

We can work with you to create high-quality mock-ups of your custom t-shirts and apparel so you don’t need physical samples for marketing. Just send us your artwork and we’ll help you present your brand professionally.

2. Printing Small Batches to Build a Following

What is a Small Batch Launch?

Instead of going all-in with a large bulk order, you print a modest quantity of each design—usually between 20 and 50 units—and use those to build hype, engage with your audience, and get real-world feedback.

How it Works

• Choose 1–3 standout designs to start with.

• Order a small run using our screen printing services, DTF printing, or embroidery.

• Promote your brand through content, giveaways, and influencer seeding.

• Use customer feedback to adjust future designs or colourways.

• Gradually scale your brand based on what sells.

Pros of Small Batches

• Quicker delivery – Customers can receive their orders faster than with a presale.

• Inventory control – You can start small and scale as you grow.

• Brand-building – You’ll have physical products for photoshoots, events, or samples.

Cons of Small Batches

• Higher cost per unit – Small runs cost more to produce per item than larger orders.

• Risk of unsold stock – If your designs don’t sell, you’re left holding inventory.

• Limited availability – You may sell out quickly and lose potential customers.

Ideal For:

• Brands with moderate budgets

• Founders who want to test brand identity and messaging

• Designers who value fast feedback and agility

Savage Merch Tip:

Let us guide you on garment selection for small batches. Choosing the right blank tees or hoodies from the start will give your brand a premium feel—even on a small run.

3. Going All-In with a Bulk Order

What is a Bulk Order Launch?

This method involves placing a larger order upfront—usually 100+ units per design or colour—and launching your brand with a full collection of printed garments ready to ship.

How it Works

• Finalise 3–5 strong designs and your brand identity.

• Choose your garments (we can help you source quality blanks).

• Place a bulk order through our clothing printing team at Savage Merch.

• Invest in professional product photography.

• Launch your brand through your online store, markets, or retail stockists.

• Ship orders immediately and restock based on sales data.

Pros of Bulk Orders

• Lower cost per unit – Bulk orders get better pricing, especially with screen printing services.

• Fast delivery – Customers get their items without delay.

• Professional image – A full product range signals that you’re serious and established.

Cons of Bulk Orders

• High upfront investment – You need capital to fund stock, photography, and marketing.

• Storage needs – You’ll need space to store inventory.

• Risk of overstock – If designs don’t sell, your cash is tied up in unsold products.

Ideal For:

• Confident brand owners with a clear niche

• Businesses with upfront capital or investors

• Founders planning wholesale or retail sales

Savage Merch Tip:

We recommend screen printing for large bulk orders—it offers durability, high-quality finishes, and excellent value at scale. If you're unsure how many to print, start with your strongest designs and reorder based on performance.

Choosing the Right Launch Strategy for Your Brand

Each launch method has its place, and the right approach depends on your goals, budget, and audience.

No matter which path you choose, Savage Merch is here to help bring your brand to life with high-quality clothing printing, custom t-shirts, and screen printing services tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Savage Merch as Your Clothing Printing Partner?

We're not just a t-shirt printing company—we’re your creative partner. With years of experience in screen printing, DTF printing, and embroidery, we help new and growing clothing brands create standout apparel that customers love.

Our team will support you through every step of the process, from artwork setup and garment selection to print techniques and fulfilment options.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Fast turnaround times

• Low minimum order quantities for DTF and embroidery

• Expert advice tailored to startup brands

• Custom mock-ups to help with presales and promotions

• A genuine passion for helping local creatives succeed

Let’s Launch Your Brand—Together

Whether you’re testing the waters with a presale or going full throttle with a bulk order, we’ll make sure your prints look amazing and arrive on time. Skip the sample headache and launch your clothing brand with confidence.

Got an idea? Let’s make it real.

📩 Contact us today to get started with your next custom t-shirt printing project.