Add-On Sales with Transfers: How to Grow Your Orders Without Growing Your Workload
If you’re already running a successful apparel decoration business, you know how much goes into each order - from design approval to printing and fulfillment. But there’s one smart strategy that can increase your average order value without requiring more complex production: offering add-on products using the same custom heat transfers you’re already applying to apparel.
We’re talking hats, tote bags, aprons, can coolers, and more. These small, low-cost items can create big opportunities when paired with your core garments. And when you’re using custom screen printed or digital transfers, the process to add them is quick, scalable, and clean.
Why Add-On Products Work
Your customers are often focused on the main item - the T-shirts for a company picnic, the team jerseys for the season, or the hoodies for a brand drop. But they don’t always know what else is possible. That’s where you come in.
When you suggest complementary items like matching caps, drawstring bags, or tote bags, you’re doing more than increasing your sale - you’re helping your client build a more cohesive, professional, and elevated brand experience.
And in many cases, the only extra step is grabbing another blank and pressing the same transfer again.
DTF-printed coasters, hats, and bags make it easy to offer more - while helping clients look more polished, professional, and on-brand.
Transfers Make It Easy
Custom transfers are uniquely positioned to help you scale your offerings without creating more complexity. Here’s why:
➤ Same Artwork, More Products
Whether you're using screen printed transfers or DTF, the same artwork can be applied to multiple product types. This saves time on design, approvals, and production setup.
➤ Minimal Equipment Adjustments
All you need is your heat press. Depending on the product, you might swap to a smaller platen or use a cap press, but there’s no ink mixing, screen reclaiming, or extra cleanup involved.
➤ Short Runs Are Profitable
Because transfers allow for efficient low-quantity production, you can profitably offer small bundles of hats, bags, or accessories - even just five or ten pieces - which would be harder to justify with traditional screen printing or embroidery.
➤ Low-Risk, High-Impact Upsells
Most blank add-on products are inexpensive and quick to press. But to your client, they feel like a premium bonus - and are often impulse buys once presented.
➤ Gang Sheets = Built-In Upsell Opportunities
Gang sheets allow you to fit multiple logos, sizes, or variations onto a single transfer sheet—often at no added cost. That means you can press extras like hats, totes, or aprons using the same sheet, without paying for additional transfers. It’s one of the easiest and most efficient ways to turn a simple apparel order into a full branded bundle.
Custom transfers simplify upsells - “Want to add hats or totes for the team?” suddenly becomes helpful, not pushy.
Add-On Products to Consider
Here are some of the most popular and practical add-on items decorators are selling alongside their main apparel orders:
➤ Tote Bags
Perfect for events, schools, or retail brands. They press easily and make a great canvas for a logo or message.
➤ Caps and Beanies
A staple for teams, trades, and small businesses. Use a cap press or interchangeable platen and your existing transfers.
➤ Drawstring Bags
Excellent for athletic programs, after-school clubs, or giveaways. Lightweight, low-cost, and high visibility.
➤ Aprons
Ideal for food businesses, salons, and artists. A thoughtful and functional addition to an order.
➤ Can Coolers or Pouches
Great for events and gifts. Small surface area, but a huge opportunity to show off branding.
Explore blank apparel and accessories from SanMar
How to Position the Upsell
The key to successful add-on selling is relevance and timing. You’re not trying to upsell just for the sake of it - you’re helping your customer get more value and visibility from their branding.
Try asking:
➤ “Would you like to include matching hats or totes for the team?”
➤ “We can use this same transfer design on a few accessories to round out the order.”
➤ “Other customers have been adding drawstring bags or aprons - would you be interested in something like that?”
Most customers appreciate the idea once it’s presented clearly and professionally. You’re not being pushy - you’re being helpful.
Unexpected items - like custom wooden beer flights - create standout branding moments your clients will remember
Small Effort, Big Results
When you’re already ordering custom transfers and running apparel jobs, adding a few extra pieces to the press is a low-lift, high-reward opportunity. It doesn’t require major workflow changes or new equipment - just a shift in how you frame the conversation with your customers.
By offering a more complete package, you:
➤ Increase your average order value
➤ Strengthen your client relationships
➤ Expand your brand’s reputation as a full-service shop
So, the next time you're quoting a job or sending a mockup, take a moment to ask yourself:
What else could this design go on?
You may find that just one suggestion turns a t-shirt order into a branded bundle - and your customer will thank you for the added value.