Use the calculator below to compare a budget graphic with a premium design. Enter the cost of each design, then adjust your retail price, production quantity, blank garment cost, printing cost, and estimated full-price sell-through. You can also account for the discount required to move leftover inventory.
The results show how much additional profit the premium design could generate, its estimated return on investment, and how many additional full-price sales are needed to recover the higher design investment. A creative fee becomes an investment when the work helps generate profit, strengthens the brand, and gives customers a reason to return for future purchases. If your graphics are not helping your products sell, building recognition, or encouraging repeat business, then they are functioning as a cost rather than an investment.
1. Design Investment
The only upfront cost that changes
Additional Design Investment: $725
2. Product Economics
Shared by both designs
3. Full-Price Sell-Through
The share sold before leftovers need a discount
120 shirts sell at full price.
225 shirts sell at full price.
Remaining shirts are estimated to sell for $16.00 each.
This model assumes every printed shirt eventually sells, either at full price or at the leftover discount.