T-shirt printing in Vancouver usually takes 3 to 7 business days for most orders. If you need something faster, many local print shops can complete small orders in 24 to 72 hours, and in some cases even same-day printing is possible (depending on the method and workload).
The exact turnaround time depends mainly on:
- printing method
- order quantity
- artwork readiness
- blank t-shirt availability
Typical t-shirt printing turnaround times in Vancouver
Here’s what most customers can realistically expect:
Small orders (1–20 shirts)
- Often 1–3 business days
- Faster if the artwork is ready and the shirts are in stock
Medium orders (20–100 shirts)
- Usually 3–7 business days
- Most common range for business, event, and merch orders
Large orders (100+ shirts)
- Commonly 5–14 business days
- Depends on production schedule, number of print locations, and finishing
Turnaround time by printing method (important)
Different print methods have different production steps:
Screen printing
- Best for bulk
- Often takes longer due to setup
- Typically 3–10 business days
DTF printing
- Great for detailed designs
- Often faster for small/medium orders
- Typically 1–5 business days
DTG printing
- Great for full color on cotton
- Timing depends on pre-treatment and curing
- Typically 2–7 business days
HTV (heat transfer vinyl)
- Can be fast for simple text/names
- Slower for large or layered designs
- Typically 1–5 business days
What slows t-shirt printing down (and how to avoid it)
If you’re trying to get shirts quickly in Vancouver, these are the most common delays:
- low-quality artwork files (needs fixing)
- too many print locations (front + back + sleeves)
- special shirt colors/sizes not in stock
- late approval of mockups
- peak seasons (events, holidays, school orders)
Fastest way to keep it quick:
- send artwork early
- approve proofs fast
- choose in-stock blanks
Quick answer: What should you expect?
If you need a safe estimate without overthinking:
- Standard order: 3–7 business days
- Rush order: 24–72 hours
- Large bulk: 5–14 business days
If speed matters, you’ll get the best results working with a shop that offers clear timelines and method recommendations.
