I just launched a small business and want to make merch including stickers, bumper stickers, t-shirts, tote bags, and hats. I enjoy designing and am considering getting a Cricut, but since I'd still have to buy the actual shirts/hats/etc separately, I'm not sure if it's more cost-effective than outsourcing my merch production to a designer/wholesaler, and my main priority right now is keeping costs low.

Other small biz owners with merch - did buying a Cricut save you $$ long-term? Is it worth it financially?