Selling custom decals can transform a side hustle into steady revenue, but only when your product is pro-ready, durable, and priced for resale. This guide walks you through creating, producing, and selling high-margin direct to film decals for resale, with practical tips for packaging, pricing, quality control, and shipping.
Why Direct To Film Decals Work for Resale
Direct to Film decals, or DTF decals, are uniquely positioned for resellers. They deliver full-color prints, soft hand, and strong adhesion on many fabrics and surfaces. That flexibility means you can offer ready-to-press transfers for t-shirts, hoodies, hats, tote bags, and even hard goods when paired with UV DTF stickers.
Here are the advantages that matter when you resell:
- Full-color, photo-quality prints with fine detail. Great for niche designs and licensed art.
- Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and more, which widens your product catalog.
- No weeding, press-ready transfers reduce labor and speed fulfillment.
- Durable, washable prints that stand up to resold apparel expectations.
Product Types to Offer
Standard DTF Transfers
Offer small runs and custom sizes, ideal for Etsy sellers and local boutiques. Link to order professional prints and same-day service on the DTF Transfers product page.
Glitter DTF Transfers
Add a sparkle line for event wear, youth apparel, and seasonal collections. These premium transfers justify higher price points and upsell opportunities.
UV DTF Stickers
Perfect for merch, packaging seals, and value-add freebies to increase perceived order value and repeat sales.
Production Workflow for Resellers
Consistency is everything. Use a repeatable workflow to minimize defects and returns.
- Artwork Prep: Ask customers for high-resolution PNGs or vector files, flattened at the intended print size. Provide an artwork checklist or offer preset templates. If you need help, point customers to your instructions page for file specs.
- Proofing: Always send a quick digital mockup and confirm size and placement with the buyer before printing.
- Printing & Curing: Print on PET film, apply adhesive powder, cure properly. Batch similar sizes and colors to save time.
- Quality Control: Wash-test a sample every production batch, check white underbase coverage, and confirm peel adhesion.
- Packaging: Use breathable, branded poly mailers for apparel. Include washing and pressing instructions inside every order.
Packaging, Pricing, and Margins
Price smart to compete while staying profitable. Consider these quick rules:
- Cost-per-transfer: include film, ink, adhesive, labor, and overhead. Track per-sheet costs.
- Retail markup: 2.5x to 4x production cost for single items, lower for wholesale bundles.
- Offer gang sheets for volume buyers, reduce per-design cost, and increase margin.
Bundle ideas:
- 3-pack decal bundles at a slight discount for resellers.
- Mix-and-match gang sheets for small boutiques.
- Add a small sticker or care card to improve perceived value.
Best Fabrics and Applications
DTF decals press well on cotton, polyester, poly blends, denim, and canvas. They are excellent for:
- T-shirts and hoodies, for apparel resale.
- Athletic wear that needs stretch and durability.
- Tote bags and canvas goods for retail displays.
- Hard goods when using UV DTF stickers for branding.
Follow the press settings in the instructions section to keep returns low and longevity high.
Fulfillment: Local Pickup, Same-Day, and Shipping
Fast fulfillment boosts conversions. If you’re local to Arizona, offer same-day prints and local pickup to attract boutiques and event sellers. For wider reach, streamline shipping and label automation.
- Five Star DTF highlights: same-day printing for many orders, local pickup in Tempe, and free shipping over $100.
- Create flat-rate shipping tiers or real-time carrier quotes for nationwide buyers.
Marketing & Sales Tips for Resale
- Niche-first approach: sell to specific audiences like pet-lovers, local sports teams, or craft boutiques.
- Offer mockups and lifestyle photos, so resellers can list products faster.
- Use small MOQ-friendly options to appeal to new entrepreneurs and Etsy sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How durable are DTF decals after repeated washes?
When pressed correctly, DTF decals last 50 to 100+ washes depending on fabric and aftercare. Always recommend cold wash, gentle detergent, and inside-out drying for best life.
Can I resell DTF decals on t-shirts and hoodies without special equipment?
Yes, buyers need only a heat press to apply transfers properly. Offer application instructions and link to your press instructions page so resellers get perfect results.
What sizes and formats should I offer for resale?
Provide standard sizes (small chest logo, full-front 10–12 inch) and gang sheet options. Offer custom sizes at a premium for brands.
Do glitter or specialty decals wash well?
Glitter DTF transfers are durable when pressed properly, but care instructions and correct press settings matter. Test samples before bulk runs.
How should I package decals for dropshipping or wholesale?
Use flat mailers with a cardboard stiffener for single transfers, and poly sleeves with printed care cards for apparel bundles. Include a simple press guide to reduce support inquiries.
Can I white-label transfers for other brands?
Yes, offer blank-branded or neutral packaging for wholesale clients who want to resell under their own label.
Ready-To-Start Checklist for New Resellers
- Finalize three product SKUs: standard transfer, glitter transfer, sticker pack.
- Create printable templates and a one-page artwork submission guide.
- Set competitive pricing with at least a 2.5x markup.
- Offer sample packs and low-cost test bundles to attract first-time buyers.
Order Now, Fast Production
Printed in Tempe, Arizona, with same-day options and fast nationwide shipping. Get professional, press-ready transfers that help you scale resale lines quickly.
Order online: https://fivestardtf.com/product/dtf-transfers/
📍 Local pickup: 305 S Rockford Dr Ste B, Tempe, AZ 85281
If you need help preparing artwork or want rush turnaround, visit the DTF Transfers product page, see Glitter DTF Transfers for premium sparkles, or add UV DTF Stickers to your merch pack. For production questions, see our press instructions or contact the team directly.
Conclusion
Direct to film decals for resale are one of the fastest ways to scale an apparel or merch business with low overhead and high perceived value. With consistent artwork prep, repeatable press settings, and fast fulfillment, you can build reliable margins and happy customers. Focus on quality control, clear care instructions, and productized SKUs, and you’ll turn one-off sales into recurring wholesale relationships.
About Five Star DTF
Five Star DTF is Arizona’s leading provider of
DTF transfers, Glitter DTF prints, UV DTF stickers,
and Sublimation transfers — offering same-day printing, fast nationwide shipping,
and convenient local pickup in Tempe, Arizona.
We proudly serve Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and all of Arizona,
helping creators, apparel brands, small businesses, and print shops produce premium, press-ready transfers with
vivid color, soft stretch, and long-lasting durability.
There are no setup fees, no minimum orders, and turnarounds are always fast.
Our Top Products
- DTF Transfers
- Glitter DTF Transfers
- UV DTF Stickers
- Sublimation Transfers
- Press Instructions & Tips
- Contact & Local Pickup
Artwork Help
Need your artwork cleaned, fixed, resized, or made print-ready? We offer background removal, vectorizing, color correction, and gang sheet layout.
Ready to Print?
Order DTF Transfers or
Upload Your Artwork to get started today.
All orders over $100 ship free — printed in Tempe, AZ and shipped statewide and nationwide.