Custom Printed Tablecloths: 6 Tips to Avoid Additional Costs

Custom Printed Tablecloths: 6 Tips to Avoid Additional Costs

The cost of a standard 6ft custom printed tablecloth is between $150 and $300. This price changes depending on your fabric of choice, size, print style, and printing method.

Some manufacturers will also charge more for certain designs. As if that’s not enough, your invoice may include hidden and unanticipated costs, like set-up fees.

Because marketing is a full-circle investment, it’s important to find ways to cut back on costs so that you have enough for other marketing expenses. 

Below, we introduce you to six different ways to cut back on custom-made tablecloth prices by considering the following:

  • The manufacturer
  • Tablecloth fabric, size, and backing style
  • The printing method
  • Suitable and effective alternatives

Tip #1: Work with a Reputable Manufacturer

custom printed tablecloths

Working with a reputable and reliable manufacturer is one of the surest ways to spare yourself extra costs. 

For starters, a reputable manufacturer won’t give you too-good-to-be-true prices that lure you in only to slap you with outrageous costs at checkout. Sound familiar?

At MVP Visuals, we’re upfront, honest, and transparent with the cost of our custom printed tablecloths. What you see on the website or what you’re given in a quote is exactly what you end up paying. 

You can rest assured that we won’t surprise you with an invoice that includes random hidden fees, set-up fees, design fees, or proof fees. As a matter of fact, when you work with us to order custom tablecloths, you’ll receive unlimited free design layouts, free delivery, and no set-up fees.

We also offer a price match guarantee, meaning that if you find a better deal elsewhere for the exact same product, we’ll match the price without asking you to sacrifice quality or top-notch customer service.

“Awesome customer service, great pricing, minimums, turnaround time, and product!”
- Vanessa Ferrer

Tip #2: Use a Sturdy, All-Weather Fabric

printed tablecloth for outdoor events

A custom printed table cloth made using an all-weather fabric is a one-off purchase that saves you money in the long run. It ensures you only have to buy one table cover to use for every season, instead of having to purchase a new one after just a year because it was ruined by rain or faded from constant sun exposure.

Although there’s no one-size-fits-all tablecloth, if your budget is tight, opt for a tablecloth that'll serve you well in all seasons and at all events.

We recommend our Outdoor Table Cover for all-weather use. Our outdoor tablecloths are made using 600-denier polyester, which is a durable fabric that lasts for years. 

These all-weather tablecloths are perfect for outdoor use. They won’t be blown away by the wind, or bleed when rained on, and nor do they fade from the scorching sun

Although they’re heavy, you can also make use of them for your indoor events. Their boxy fit will make your indoor displays look professional and neat. 

They’re also stain- and liquid-repellant, and meet the CPAI-84 flame retardant standards.

The versatility of outdoor tablecloths makes them a very cost effective choice.

Tip #3: Buy Convertible/Adjustable Custom Tablecloths

Standard tradeshow and event tables are either 6 feet or 8 feet long. It’s unfortunate when you have to purchase two variations of tablecloths to fit either size.

However, you can spare yourself the extra cost by getting a Convertible Table Cover to fit both tables perfectly. MVP Visuals has convertible throw-style 8ft tablecloths that can be transformed into 6ft throw-style covers with ease.

The secret lies in their velcro hook and loop design. These allow you to resize your tablecloth depending on the size of the table you find at an event. 

The setup is as easy as with any other MVP Visuals’ tablecloth and doesn’t require you to make any trial-and-error adjustments. Check out our video overview below:

This is very effective, especially if you prefer to use tables provided by the venue instead of your own. In this case, you can’t quite predict the dimensions of the tables that will be provided. 

The best part is that our convertible tablecloths still capture your brand perfectly and will showcase it well at either size. 

You won’t have to compromise on your design. It can be printed either on the front-panel or all over the tablecloth.

Tip #4: Choose a Tablecloth with a Zipper Back Closure

Custom printed tablecloths come in three main backing styles: open, closed, and zipped.

Stretchy tablecloths with a zipped back will end the dilemma of trying to decide between an open back style for easy access and more legroom or a closed back for privacy

Ultimately, it saves you the expense of buying both tablecloths to suit your needs at various events.

custom tablecloth with zippered back

The zipped-back style is the most diverse, as it allows for easy access with a desirable level of privacy behind the table. It also makes tablecloth setup easier, especially when it comes to stretchy and stiff fabrics.

With the zipped-back style, your stand will look professional and approachable from any angle, while your merchandise remains safely hidden away but still easily accessible. 

If you need to sit behind the table, you can simply open the zip to enjoy more legroom, ensuring you remain comfortable through the whole event.

Tip #5: Opt for Dye Sublimation Printing

A good way to save your money any day is not to compromise on quality. 

Dye sublimation printing is a method that produces high-quality and durable prints that don’t crack, bleed, or fade. Investing in tablecloths printed using this method will ensure you don’t have to go back to the shop any time soon.

dye sublimated table cloth

When compared to its close rival, screen printing, dye sublimation may seem a bit pricey. However, screen printing results in faster fading and a greater likelihood of cracks. This means repair and replacement costs.

Dye sublimation also offers more value compared to screen printing in the following ways:

  • More accurate color matching 
  • Prints are clear and vibrant
  • Prints are durable, long-lasting, and don’t lose their luster
  • Works well for complex and highly detailed prints 
  • Quick setup with no minimum order

Tip #6: Opt for a Table Runner

Table runners are an affordable alternative to custom printed tablecloths. They cost a fraction of the price and are made with the same high-quality fabric and printing methods.

printed table runner

Table runners offer you almost as much advertising real estate as table covers do because the entire runner serves as an imprint area. Your company’s logo, name, and tagline can take center stage on the runner, effectively promoting your brand.

You can also pair your custom runners with affordable non-printed tablecloths. Sometimes you can even borrow or rent plain tablecloths from event organizers.

Just one custom printed Polyester Table Runner is enough for your business because the flame-retardant fabric is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s also machine washable, so you can clean and dry it overnight if you have consecutive events to attend.

Are Custom Printed Tablecloths Worth the Money?

Absolutely. Custom printed tablecloths are a worthwhile investment.

We know the price difference between printed and non-printed tablecloths is tempting. However, if you’re looking to grab the attention of your customers and appear professional and organized, then we highly recommend custom printed tablecloths.

Here’s a table highlighting the main differences between printed and non-printed tablecloths to help make your choice easier.

Custom Printed Tablecloths

Non-Printed Tablecloths

Professional and superior looking

Plain and boring

Allow you to establish brand authority and authenticity 

Doesn’t tell potential customers anything about your brand

Expensive because of the designing and printing 

The fabric is plain so it’s affordable

Makes you look prepared and organized

Looks amateurish and like you didn't put much thought into the event or your branding

 

As you can see, investing in custom printed tablecloths reaps major benefits. However, you can make the investment even more profitable and still stay within your budget by following the tips we’ve shared.

Reach out to us today at hello@mvpvisuals.com or call (800) 980-6871 for high-quality custom printed tablecloths that are reasonably priced.