Custom embroidery pricing in Australia has a few moving parts, and buyers often get confused when quotes vary significantly between suppliers. The cost is not arbitrary – it’s driven by a handful of clear factors that are worth understanding before you place an order. This guide breaks down what you’re actually paying for so you can budget accurately and compare quotes intelligently.
The Key Factors That Drive Embroidery Cost
Stitch count is the primary driver of embroidery pricing. Every embroidered design is measured in stitches — the total number of thread passes required to produce the finished image. A simple text logo of 5,000 stitches costs less to produce than a detailed corporate crest at 15,000 stitches. Most suppliers have price bands based on stitch count: under 5,000, 5,001–10,000, 10,001–15,000, and so on.
Garment cost is separate from the embroidery itself. The garment you choose — an AS Colour polo at $35 wholesale versus a Biz Corporates shirt at $55 — affects the total cost per unit. When you see an all-in price for embroidered workwear, it should include both the garment and the embroidery together.
Digitising is a one-time setup cost. Before your logo can be embroidered, it needs to be converted from an image file into an embroidery stitch file. This digitising process is usually a one-time charge and the resulting file is kept on record for all future orders. At ShopAce, digitising is included in-house for most standard logos.
Order quantity affects price per unit. Most embroidery suppliers price on a sliding scale — the more units you order, the lower the cost per piece. Ordering 5 shirts will always cost more per unit than ordering 50 or 100.
Approximate Australian Embroidery Pricing Ranges (2026)
These are indicative ranges for embroidered workwear in Australia. Actual pricing varies by supplier, garment choice, and quantity. Use these as a planning reference:
Embroidered polo shirt (left chest logo, ~7,500 stitches) (1–9 units): $55–$90 per unit incl. garment
Embroidered polo shirt (left chest logo, ~7,500 stitches) (10–49 units): $45–$75 per unit incl. garment
Embroidered polo shirt (left chest logo, ~7,500 stitches) (50+ units): $38–$60 per unit incl. garment
Embroidered cap (front panel logo) (1–9 units): $30–$55 per unit incl. cap
Embroidered hi-vis shirt (left chest logo) (1–9 units): $60–$95 per unit incl. garment
Embroidered jacket (left chest logo) (10–49 units): $75–$130 per unit incl. garment
Digitising setup (one-off for standard logo) (N/A): $0–$50 depending on complexity
What Raises the Cost?
Highly detailed logos with fine lines and complex elements require more stitches and a higher stitch count — this pushes the cost up. Very small text (under 5mm height) is difficult to embroider cleanly and may require simplification. Multiple placement positions — left chest AND back, for example — means two embroidery runs per garment, which adds to the unit cost. Rush turnaround requests above standard 7–10 business day production timelines may attract a surcharge.
What Lowers the Cost?
Ordering more units is the single most effective way to reduce per-unit cost. A clean, simple logo with fewer stitches is cheaper to produce than a complex crest. Providing vector artwork files reduces or eliminates digitising fees. Allowing standard turnaround time avoids rush charges.
Frequently Asked Questions — Custom Embroidery Costs
Q: Why does stitch count affect embroidery pricing?
A: More stitches mean longer machine time per garment. Commercial embroidery machines run at thousands of stitches per minute, so a 15,000-stitch design takes roughly twice as long as a 7,500-stitch design — this time cost is reflected in the price.
Q: Is digitising a one-time cost?
A: Yes. Once your logo is digitised, the stitch file is saved and used for all future orders. You don’t pay for digitising again when you reorder.
Q: Can I get a quote before committing?
A: Yes. Contact ShopAce at 1800 844 213 or support@shopace.com.au with your logo, garment type, and quantity and we’ll provide a detailed quote.
Q: Why do some suppliers charge much less than others?
A: Lower prices usually reflect lower quality garments, lower thread quality, or simplified digitising that compromises the logo detail. Always ask what’s included in the price — garment, digitising, and embroidery should all be clear.
Q: Does adding a second embroidery position cost more?
A: Yes. Each embroidery position (e.g. left chest plus back) is charged separately since the garment has to be run through the machine twice.
Q: How do I minimise embroidery costs for a small order?
A: Choose a garment in the mid-range price tier, keep the logo at a standard stitch count (under 10,000 stitches where possible), provide a clean vector file, and stick with one placement position.
Get a Transparent Quote from ShopAce
ShopAce provides clear, itemised quotes that include garment cost, embroidery cost, and any digitising fees. No hidden costs. Contact us at support@shopace.com.au or 1800 844 213 with your requirements and we’ll have a quote back to you promptly.
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