Print On Demand with DTF: Pros and Cons

July 4, 2025

by Md Abdur Rahman

Print on demand (POD) has changed the game for apparel sellers, entrepreneurs, and creators who want to offer customized merch without holding inventory. But what if you could take full control of your POD business using high-quality DTF transfers? At Printing Maryland, we empower small businesses to produce stunning, long-lasting apparel using direct-to-film (DTF) transfers — and in this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using DTF in your print-on-demand workflow. 💥👕

Let’s break down how DTF works for POD, what makes it a standout solution, and what you should consider before making the switch.

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🎯 What Is Print On Demand with DTF?

Print-on-demand with DTF means you can receive high-quality, press-ready transfers and only press items as orders come in — eliminating waste, reducing startup costs, and maximizing flexibility. You don't need a DTG printer or screen setup — just a heat press and our premium DTF gang sheets.

✔️ Upload your art
✔️ We print & ship your transfers
✔️ You press on-demand — when you sell!

Start here →
https://www.printingmaryland.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet

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✅ Pros of Print on Demand Using DTF Transfers

1️⃣ Low Startup Costs
No need to invest thousands in DTG printers or screen printing gear. All you need is a heat press and DTF transfers from Printing Maryland.

2️⃣ No Minimums
We offer custom-sized gang sheets and individual transfers — order what you need, when you need it.

🛒 Order by Size →
https://www.printingmaryland.com/products/dtf-transfers-transfers-by-size

3️⃣ Print Only What You Sell
With DTF, you don’t waste shirts or materials. Just keep transfers on hand and apply them after an order comes in.

4️⃣ Faster Turnaround Time
Same-day production is available! Great for trending designs, events, or rush customer orders.

🔥 Need it fast?
https://www.printingmaryland.com/products/rush-order-service

5️⃣ High-Quality Finish
DTF prints give vibrant, full-color results with photo-like resolution. Suitable for cotton, polyester, tri-blends & more.

6️⃣ Long Shelf Life
Store your unused transfers for months without losing quality. Perfect for seasonal or low-volume collections.

📦 How to Store DTF Transfers →
https://www.printingmaryland.com/blogs/news/how-to-store-dtf-transfers-for-long-term-use

7️⃣ Easy to Scale
As your business grows, you can expand designs, sizes, and quantities without changing your process.

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⚠️ Cons of Print on Demand Using DTF Transfers

1️⃣ Requires Manual Pressing
Unlike fully automated POD platforms, you must press each item manually. However, this gives you full control over quality and packaging.

2️⃣ Limited to Heat-Safe Materials
DTF works on most fabrics, but not all materials tolerate heat. Avoid pressing on nylon or heat-sensitive blends.

3️⃣ Storage Space
You’ll need a clean, dry space to store your transfers safely for long-term use.

4️⃣ Learning Curve
If you’re new to heat pressing, it may take a few tries to master pressure and peeling for perfect results.

💡 Tip: Use a quality heat press, and test on a sample shirt first!

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🧢 What You Can Sell with DTF POD