Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing has changed the custom apparel business. Instead of burning screens, mixing plastisol ink, and committing to minimum order quantities, a DTG printer lets you produce a single, full-color, photorealistic shirt on demand. That flexibility is exactly why so many print shops, embroidery businesses, and online apparel brands are adding DTG capacity right now. The catch is the price tag: a production-grade DTG printer, pretreatment machine, and curing setup can easily run from $20,000 to well over $100,000. DTG printer financing is how most small business owners bridge that gap without draining their cash reserves.
Whether you are a screen printer looking to add on-demand capabilities, an embroidery shop expanding into full-color prints, or an entrepreneur launching a print-on-demand apparel brand, financing the machine lets you generate revenue with it immediately instead of waiting months to save up the purchase price. This guide walks through every financing option available for DTG equipment, what a complete setup actually costs, who qualifies, and how to apply with confidence.
At Crestmont Capital, we work with apparel decorators and custom print businesses across the country to structure financing that matches how they actually use their equipment. This article covers everything you need to know about DTG printer financing, from equipment loans and leasing structures to working capital options that keep your ink and blank garment inventory stocked while your new printer pays for itself.
In This Article
DTG printer financing is a category of commercial funding used specifically to purchase direct-to-garment printing equipment, along with the supporting machines that make a DTG production line work, such as pretreatment sprayers and curing units. Rather than paying the full purchase price upfront, a business owner spreads the cost over a fixed term, paying a set amount each month while putting the machine to work generating revenue from day one.
Most DTG printer financing comes in one of two structures: an equipment loan, where you eventually own the machine outright, or an equipment lease, where you make payments to use the equipment and may have the option to purchase it at the end of the term. Both structures let the printer itself act as collateral in most cases, which is one of the main reasons DTG financing is more accessible than a general unsecured business loan.
Because DTG printers are considered income-producing assets, lenders and lessors are generally comfortable financing them even for businesses that are still building their credit history. The equipment has resale value, a well-documented purchase price from the manufacturer or dealer, and a clear revenue path, all of which make underwriting more straightforward than financing something intangible.
Buying a DTG printer outright in cash is possible for some established shops, but financing offers real strategic advantages that go beyond simply avoiding a large one-time expense.
Ready to Add DTG Printing to Your Shop?
Get fast, flexible financing for your direct-to-garment printer and pretreatment equipment. No obligation, apply in minutes.
Apply Now →The process starts with identifying exactly what you need to finance. Are you buying a single all-in-one DTG unit, or a full production line that includes a separate pretreatment machine and a conveyor dryer? Getting a formal quote from your equipment vendor before you apply gives the lender a precise number to underwrite against and often speeds up approval significantly.
Next comes the application itself. Most alternative lenders, including Crestmont Capital, use a streamlined online process that asks for basic business information: time in business, annual revenue, and the intended use of funds. You'll typically need to provide a few months of business bank statements and the equipment quote or invoice from your vendor. Some lenders will also ask for recent tax returns, especially for larger financing amounts.
Once submitted, the application moves into underwriting. The lender reviews your business's cash flow, credit history, and the value of the equipment being financed to determine approval, rate, and term. Because the DTG printer itself typically secures the loan, approval decisions can often come back within a day or two for standard equipment amounts. Upon approval and signing, funds are usually sent directly to the equipment vendor, so you never have to front the purchase price yourself.
There is no single "best" way to finance a DTG printer. The right structure depends on your credit profile, how long you plan to keep the equipment, and how quickly you need funding. Here are the five most common options.
What it is: A loan specifically for purchasing the DTG printer, pretreatment machine, and any related hardware, where the equipment itself serves as collateral. You own the machine once the loan is paid off.
Best for: Businesses that plan to use the same printer for many years and want to build equity in the equipment rather than making payments indefinitely.
Pros: Equipment-backed collateral often means easier approval and lower rates than unsecured products; predictable fixed payments; you build equity and eventually own the asset outright; potential Section 179-related tax treatment.
Cons: Funds are restricted to the equipment purchase; a down payment of 10 to 20 percent is common; you bear the risk of the machine becoming outdated before the loan is paid off.
What it is: Instead of a loan to buy the machine, you make regular payments to use it for a set term, often with an option to purchase it for a small residual amount at the end, or to upgrade to a newer model.
Best for: Shops that expect DTG technology to keep advancing and want the flexibility to upgrade every few years without being locked into old hardware.
Pros: Typically lower monthly payments than a loan; easier to upgrade equipment at the end of the term; can sometimes be approved with less stringent credit requirements than a purchase loan.
Cons: You don't build equity unless you exercise a purchase option; total cost over a long lease can exceed the cost of buying outright; early termination can carry fees.
What it is: An unsecured, short-term loan providing a lump sum of cash for general business needs, such as stocking up on ink, pretreatment fluid, and blank garments before a big order comes in.
Best for: Covering the supply and operating costs that come with running a new DTG printer, especially in the first few months when you're building order volume.
Pros: Highly flexible use of funds; fast approval and funding, often within one to two days; minimal documentation required.
Cons: Shorter repayment terms, usually three to eighteen months; higher rates than secured equipment financing; not intended for large equipment purchases.
What it is: A revolving credit facility that lets you draw funds as needed, up to an approved limit, and only pay interest on what you actually use.
Best for: Managing the ongoing, fluctuating costs of running a print shop, like restocking ink and garments before a rush order or covering payroll during a slower month.
Pros: Extreme flexibility to draw funds only when needed; credit replenishes as you repay; can serve as an ongoing safety net once established.
Cons: Rates can be variable; may include maintenance or draw fees; requires discipline to avoid over-borrowing.
What it is: Loans partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and issued through partner lenders, offering long repayment terms and competitive rates for qualified borrowers.
Best for: Larger, well-planned investments, such as building out an entire print production facility that includes DTG, embroidery, and screen printing equipment together.
Pros: Among the lowest rates and longest terms available; can finance a wide range of business needs beyond just equipment; capped fees protect the borrower.
Cons: Application process can take weeks to months; requires extensive documentation and generally strong credit; not a fit for businesses that need equipment funded quickly.
By the Numbers
The Custom Apparel and Print-on-Demand Market
$10B+
Estimated size of the U.S. custom apparel decoration market
$20K-$100K+
Typical cost of a production-ready DTG setup
1-2 Days
Typical approval time for equipment-backed DTG financing
33M+
Small businesses operating in the U.S. per the SBA
Understanding the real cost of a DTG production setup helps you request the right amount of financing the first time, rather than needing a second round of funding a few months later for equipment you overlooked. Costs vary significantly based on print volume, garment type, and automation level.
| Equipment | Description | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Desktop DTG Printer | Small-format, single-station printer suited for low-volume shops and startups. | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Mid-Range Production DTG Printer | Faster print heads, larger platens, higher daily throughput for growing shops. | $20,000 - $55,000 |
| Industrial / High-Volume DTG Printer | Multi-station or dual-platen systems built for high daily order counts. | $55,000 - $150,000+ |
| Pretreatment Machine | Applies pretreatment solution evenly to garments before printing. | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| Curing / Conveyor Dryer | Cures ink after printing to ensure wash durability. | $4,000 - $25,000 |
| Heat Press (Pretreatment Curing) | Used to dry pretreatment fluid before printing on some workflows. | $500 - $3,500 |
| RIP Software License | Color management and print production software, often subscription-based. | $500 - $3,000/year |
A first-time buyer setting up a complete, entry-to-mid-level DTG production line, including the printer, pretreatment machine, and a curing unit, should typically budget somewhere between $25,000 and $70,000 depending on brand and throughput needs. Financing this full package rather than piecing it together over time means your production line is complete and ready for volume orders from day one.
Qualification criteria vary by lender and financing type, but most DTG equipment financing decisions come down to a handful of core factors.
Credit Score: Because the equipment secures the loan, many equipment financing lenders, including alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital, will work with personal credit scores in the 600s. Traditional banks and SBA lenders typically want to see 680 or higher. A stronger score generally unlocks a lower rate and a smaller down payment requirement.
Time in Business: Most lenders prefer at least one to two years of operating history, though some equipment financing programs will consider newer businesses, particularly if the owner has strong personal credit or industry experience.
Annual Revenue: Lenders want to see revenue that comfortably supports the new monthly payment on top of existing expenses. Requirements range from as low as $50,000 to $100,000 in annual revenue for smaller equipment amounts, up to higher thresholds for six-figure financing requests.
Equipment Quote: A formal, itemized quote or invoice from your DTG equipment vendor speeds up underwriting significantly, since it gives the lender an exact number and a clear picture of the collateral value.
Down Payment: Many equipment loans require 10 to 20 percent down, though some leasing structures and vendor-partnered financing programs can reduce or eliminate this requirement for qualified applicants.
Each financing type serves a different purpose. This table breaks down the key differences so you can match the right product to your specific situation.
| Feature | Equipment Loan | Equipment Lease | Working Capital Loan | Business Line of Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Use Case | Buying and keeping the printer long-term | Staying current with new DTG technology | Ink, garments, payroll, marketing | Ongoing supply and cash flow needs |
| Funding Speed | 1-3 days | 1-3 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 weeks initial setup |
| Typical Term | 2-6 years | 2-5 years | 3-18 months | Revolving |
| Ownership at End of Term | Yes | Optional buyout | N/A | N/A |
| Credit Requirement | Flexible (600+) | Flexible (600+) | Flexible (550+) | Good (650+) |
Pro Tip: Get a formal, itemized quote from your DTG equipment vendor before applying. A specific invoice speeds up underwriting significantly compared to a rough estimate.
Financing specialized print equipment requires a lender who actually understands the industry, not just the paperwork. At Crestmont Capital, our equipment financing programs are built to fund production machinery like DTG printers, pretreatment units, and curing systems quickly, often with same-day approval decisions on standard equipment amounts.
Because DTG printers fall under the broader category of production and fabrication technology, our experience with manufacturing equipment financing and fabrication equipment financing gives us a real understanding of how this equipment generates revenue, which supports stronger approval odds and better terms. We work directly with your equipment vendor so funds reach the seller quickly and your new printer gets installed without unnecessary delay.
Many of our apparel decoration clients pair equipment financing with our working capital loans to keep ink, pretreatment fluid, and blank garment inventory stocked while the new printer ramps up production. If you're already running a screen printing operation and adding DTG as a complementary service, our guide on screen printing equipment financing covers how shops commonly finance multiple decoration methods side by side. Shops that also offer embroidery may find our commercial embroidery machine financing guide useful for building out a full-service decoration shop.
Our broader small business financing solutions round out the picture, whether you need a larger facility, additional staff, or marketing dollars to promote your new full-color printing capability. We aim to be a financing partner that actually understands your business, not just a line on a credit application.
Get Your DTG Production Line Funded
From the printer to the pretreatment machine, Crestmont Capital can finance your entire setup. See your options in minutes.
Get Funded Now →"Union Tee Supply" has run a successful screen printing operation for six years but keeps losing small, one-off orders and complex full-color designs to competitors with DTG capability. The owner finances a mid-range DTG printer and pretreatment unit for $42,000 through an equipment loan, using the machine as collateral. Within three months, the shop is filling small orders it previously had to turn down, and the printer's monthly payment is covered by a fraction of that new revenue.
An entrepreneur launching an online custom apparel brand needs a production-ready DTG setup but has only nine months of business history. She secures equipment financing for a $28,000 entry-level DTG printer and pretreatment machine, backed by strong personal credit, and pairs it with a small working capital loan to cover her first bulk garment order. The equipment financing approval comes back in two days since the printer itself secures the loan.
"Coastal Print Co." outgrows its single desktop DTG printer as order volume triples. The owner uses an equipment lease to bring in an industrial dual-platen DTG system for $85,000, choosing a lease over a loan specifically so the shop can upgrade to newer print head technology again in three years without being locked into aging hardware. A companion business line of credit covers the increased ink and garment volume that comes with higher order counts.
Key Stat: Custom, on-demand apparel continues to grow as a share of the broader printing industry as more shops and online brands move away from bulk minimum-order production toward single-item, full-color runs.
Step 1: Get a Formal Equipment Quote. Contact your DTG printer dealer or manufacturer and request an itemized, written quote covering the printer, pretreatment machine, curing unit, and any installation or training fees. This exact figure becomes your financing request amount.
Step 2: Gather Your Financial Documents. Most lenders will ask for the last three to six months of business bank statements, recent business tax returns, and basic information about your time in business and ownership structure.
Step 3: Choose the Right Financing Structure. Decide whether an equipment loan, lease, or a combination with working capital fits your plans best. If you expect to upgrade equipment again in a few years, leasing may make more sense than a purchase loan. The SBA's guide to funding a business is a useful primer if you're new to commercial financing generally.
Step 4: Submit Your Application. Complete the lender's application with accurate business details and upload your supporting documents. A complete, accurate application on the first submission is the single biggest factor in getting a fast decision, according to reporting from outlets like CNBC.
Step 5: Review Terms and Get Funded. Once approved, review the rate, term, and monthly payment carefully before signing. For equipment financing, funds are typically sent directly to your vendor so your new DTG printer can be ordered and installed right away. Comparing more than one offer, as Forbes notes, is one of the most reliable ways to secure better terms.
Don't Wait to Add DTG Capability
Every month without a DTG printer is revenue going to a competitor. Apply today and get a decision fast.
Apply in Minutes →Contact your DTG vendor for a formal, itemized quote covering the printer and supporting equipment you need.
Click "Apply Now" for our secure online application. It takes just a few minutes and carries no cost or obligation.
A dedicated specialist will review your goals and walk you through the financing structure that fits your business best.
Once approved, funds go directly to your vendor and your new DTG printer can be delivered and installed quickly.
Adding direct-to-garment capability is one of the most direct ways a print shop or apparel brand can expand what it offers customers, from single-item custom orders to complex, full-color designs that other decoration methods simply cannot match. The equipment cost is real, but it does not have to be a barrier. DTG printer financing lets you put a revenue-generating machine on your floor now, paid for over time by the orders it helps you fill. Whether you choose an equipment loan, a lease, or pair your equipment financing with working capital for ink and garments, the right structure makes scaling your print business a matter of timing, not savings. Crestmont Capital is ready to help you find the financing that fits your shop and get your DTG printer up and running.
DTG printer financing is a loan or lease specifically used to purchase or use direct-to-garment printing equipment, including pretreatment machines and curing units, allowing a business to spread the cost over time instead of paying upfront.
Entry-level desktop DTG printers start around $8,000 to $20,000. Mid-range production models run $20,000 to $55,000, and industrial or high-volume systems can exceed $150,000. A complete setup with pretreatment and curing equipment typically adds several thousand dollars more.
If you plan to keep the same printer for many years and want to build equity in the equipment, a loan is usually the better choice. If you expect DTG technology to keep improving and want the flexibility to upgrade every few years, leasing is often the better fit.
Alternative equipment lenders like Crestmont Capital often work with personal credit scores in the 600s, since the printer secures the financing. Traditional banks and SBA lenders typically look for scores of 680 or higher.
Yes, in many cases. Because the equipment itself typically secures the financing, some lenders will approve newer businesses, especially when the owner has strong personal credit or relevant industry experience.
Equipment financing and leasing for standard DTG amounts can often be approved within one to three business days, especially with a formal vendor quote in hand. SBA loans take considerably longer, often several weeks to months.
Many equipment loans require 10 to 20 percent down, though some leasing programs and vendor-partnered financing options can reduce or waive this requirement for qualified applicants.
Most lenders ask for the last three to six months of business bank statements, an itemized equipment quote from your vendor, and basic business information. Larger financing requests may also require recent tax returns.
Yes. Most equipment financing programs can bundle the printer, pretreatment machine, and curing unit into a single financing amount, as long as your quote itemizes each piece of equipment.
You can, but it's usually not the most cost-effective choice for a large equipment purchase. Working capital loans carry shorter terms and higher rates, and are better suited for supplies, payroll, and other operating costs rather than the printer itself.
Yes. Equipment financing that reports to business credit bureaus and is paid on time consistently is one of the most reliable ways to build a stronger business credit profile over time.
The lender holds a lien on the financed equipment and can repossess and sell it to recover the remaining balance. If the equipment's value doesn't cover the full balance and a personal guarantee was signed, the lender may pursue the business owner personally for the difference.
In many cases, yes, as long as your cash flow supports the combined monthly payments. Lenders will review your existing debt obligations alongside your revenue when determining approval and terms for additional financing.
Yes. Many equipment lenders finance used and refurbished DTG printers, though the lender may request a professional appraisal or third-party inspection report to confirm the machine's condition and remaining value before approving the loan.
Visit offers.crestmontcapital.com/apply-now and complete our short online application with your basic business information and equipment quote. A financing specialist will review your request and follow up quickly, often within hours.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.