Let's be real—ordering custom screen-printed apparel should be fun, not a headache! Whether you're rocking team uniforms, awesome event merch, or launching your own clothing line, asking the right questions from the get-go saves you from those "uh-oh" moments nobody wants. We've all heard horror stories about surprise fees, colors that don't pop, and deadlines that come and go without your order. But don't sweat it! This fun guide from Extreme Screen Prints provides you with the inside scoop on exactly what to ask so that you can score excellent custom gear without the drama. You'll look like a pro and get precisely what you dreamed up—promise!
Let's talk about money—because nobody likes surprise charges showing up on their bill! Good screen printers from Extreme Screen Prints are upfront about costs, while others might hit you with fees you never saw coming. Before you say yes to anything, ask for a detailed breakdown that shows exactly where your money's going.
First up: setup fees. That's what they charge to make screens just for your design. The burning question: Do you pay these fees again if you reorder, or do they keep your screens on file? (Pro tip: Extreme does not save screens, but we don't have any screen fees either!)
Next, let's chat about minimum orders. Ask if you can mix and match sizes and styles to hit that minimum. Or does each style need its own minimum? Knowing this saves you from ordering way more than you need just to satisfy the rules!
Ready for the nitty-gritty? Let's dig into pricing tiers and bulk deals. How does the price per shirt change when you order larger quantities? And watch out for these potential add-ons that might sneak into your total:
And don't forget those sneaky soft costs that can blow up your bill! Ask point-blank: Does this price cover design proofs, artwork tweaks, shipping, taxes, and packaging? Need it ASAP? Rush fees can add significantly more. Get the final price in writing so you know exactly what you're paying. No surprises, no drama!
Creating awesome custom shirts begins with selecting the right gear and choosing the proper printing methods. Ask your printer which brands they love working with—the pros at Extreme Screen Prints team up with trusted names like Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Comfort Colors, and Gildan because they consistently deliver outstanding results.
Wondering about fabrics? 100% cotton rocks for discharge screen printing, which feels super soft. Cotton-poly blends effectively combat shrinkage and wrinkles. Tri-blends? They're incredibly soft and drape beautifully, but they require special ink formulations to make your design really stand out.
Want to see before you buy? Ask for samples or visit their shop to inspect their work up close. Look for crisp designs, vibrant colors, solid coverage, and perfect alignment. Ask to see samples that have been through the wash a few times to see how they hold up. Good printers from Extreme Screen Prints are proud to show off their work!
Let's talk inks—because not all inks are created equal! Plastisol inks deliver bold, solid colors that last forever and are super durable. Water-based inks soak right into the fabric, providing a soft, breathable feel that's perfect for lightweight shirts. Hybrid printing combines discharge underbases with plastisol topcoats for eye-popping colors on dark fabrics that remain soft to the touch.
And what about quality control? Ask them how they make sure every shirt is perfect. Do they check the first shirt before printing the whole batch? How do they maintain color consistency across hundreds of shirts? Most importantly, what happens if your prints start fading, cracking, or peeling over time? High-quality printers from Extreme Screen Prints stand behind their work and promptly resolve any issues that may arise. Get these promises upfront so you know your investment is protected!
Getting your artwork right prevents delays and costly revisions. Ask which file formats your provider accepts.
Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) are ideal for logos and text. They scale perfectly without losing quality. High-resolution raster files (PNG, PSD, TIFF) are suitable for photo-realistic designs, but they must be at least 300 DPI at the final print size. Never submit low-resolution JPEGs or screenshots—these create blurry prints.
Want exact colors? Use Pantone Matching System (PMS) codes. RGB and CMYK colors look different on screens versus fabric. For complex, full-color designs, ask if the shop offers simulated process screen printing.
Know your design limitations. Standard screen printing works best for bold designs with solid colors. Intricate details or tiny text may not print clearly on textured fabrics. Inquire about the minimum line widths and text sizes.
Discuss placement carefully. Where exactly will your design appear? Standard print areas vary: adult t-shirts typically allow larger front prints, while youth sizes need smaller regions.
Confirm revision policies upfront. How many proof rounds are included? Can you make changes after approval? Professional providers supply detailed digital mockups—approve these carefully. For high-stakes projects, consider requesting apparel finishing services, such as pre-production samples, to ensure a seamless process.
Timing makes or breaks event-based orders. Ask about standard production timelines: When does the clock start, and what's included?
Clarify whether "business days" exclude weekends and holidays—this matters when planning around deadlines.
Confirm when your production window begins. Does it start when you approve the final proof, when payment clears, or when custom-ordered garments arrive? For large orders or specialty items, garment sourcing may add time before printing begins.
Ask about rush order availability. Can your provider accommodate expedited production? Rush orders may cost significantly more. Verify cut-off times for rush service.
Discuss shipping options. Will your order ship via USPS, UPS, FedEx, or freight? Standard ground shipping incurs additional time, depending on the distance. Request tracking information. For multi-location orders, ask about split shipping.
What's the latest point you can modify quantities, sizes, or artwork? Once screens are burned and printing begins, changes become nearly impossible to make. Lock down all details during the approval phase.
Strong customer support distinguishes professional screen printers from problematic vendors. Ask who will manage your project: Will you have a dedicated account representative, or will you be directed to a general support queue?
Clarify communication channels and response times. Can you reach your provider by phone, email, live chat, or text? How quickly can you expect replies?
Discuss policies for order errors and quality defects. What happens if your order arrives with misprints or damaged items? Do they offer full reprints or refunds? Reputable providers resolve issues promptly, often reprinting orders at no charge when errors occur on their end.
Verify reorder procedures. If you need additional quantities later, will setup fees apply again? How long do they keep screens on file? Understanding these terms simplifies reordering and saves money.
Ask about order tracking and status updates. Will they notify you when artwork is approved, production begins, and items ship? For large orders, request milestone updates to confirm progress.
Garment selection impacts print quality, comfort, and customer satisfaction. Ask which brands your provider stocks or can source. Popular options include:
Each brand offers distinct fabric blends and price points. Cotton provides breathability. Cotton-poly blends resist wrinkles. Tri-blends deliver luxury softness. Performance fabrics suit athletic applications.
Discuss color availability. Not all garments are available in every color—please verify that your desired shades are in stock. Request physical color swatches instead of relying on screen images. For contract screen printing projects, color accuracy is non-negotiable.
Confirm size ranges. Do they stock youth, adult, and extended sizes? Can you mix men's and women's fits in the same order?
Flexibility in sizing and style combinations simplifies the process of placing group orders. Ask if you can mix sizes within a single order to meet the minimum quantity requirement. Most professional printers allow size assortments without additional charges.
Can you combine styles—such as t-shirts, long sleeves, and hoodies—printed with the same design in one order? Some providers calculate minimums per style, while others count total pieces across all styles.
For complex orders involving multiple designs, ask about gang printing or setup optimization. This approach works well for teams that require varied designs across departments while maintaining a cohesive brand.
Sustainability-conscious buyers should inquire about eco-friendly alternatives. Ask if your provider uses water-based or discharge inks, which contain fewer harmful chemicals than traditional plastisol.
Request information about sustainable garment sourcing. Can they provide organic cotton or recycled polyester? Look for certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade, or B Corp status.
Discuss waste reduction practices. How does the provider minimize water usage or recycle screens? If sustainability aligns with your brand values, partnering with like-minded providers reinforces your message.
Understanding order thresholds prevents budget surprises. Ask about minimum order quantities (MOQs). Lower minimums often result in higher costs per unit, while larger orders unlock volume discounts.
Clarify if minimums apply per design, per garment style, or per order total.
Ask about maximum order capacities for time-sensitive bulk orders. Can your provider handle large quantities within your timeline? For brands requiring wholesale screen printing at scale, confirm capacity upfront.
Physical samples eliminate uncertainty before committing to large orders. Ask if your provider offers pre-production samples or strike-offs—test prints on actual garments. Many providers credit sample fees toward your final order.
Request samples when:
Physical samples reveal details that digital proofs can't capture—such as ink texture, the feel of fabric after printing, and how designs appear under various lighting conditions.
Beyond standard screen printing, specialty techniques add visual impact. Ask about:
Special Effects Printing: Metallic inks, glow-in-the-dark, puff, foil, and glitter create eye-catching designs. Specialty inks often cost more than standard plastisol.
Oversized Prints: Oversized or all-over prints require specialized equipment. Ask if your provider offers this and how it affects pricing.
Simulated Process Printing: This technique reproduces full-color photographs using halftone screens and multiple layers of ink, resulting in a high-quality print. It's ideal for detailed artwork but costs more than standard spot-color printing.
Embroidery Services: For premium branding on polos, jackets, hats, or bags, embroidery provides durability and a professional aesthetic.
Presentation matters for retail-ready products. Ask about:
Standard Packaging: Most orders arrive folded in boxes or poly-bags.
Individual Poly-Bagging: Essential for retail. Each garment is bagged separately, often with size stickers or hangtags.
Custom Labels and Tags: Replace manufacturer tags with custom labels and tags. Apparel finishing services include tag removal, relabeling, and private labeling.
Hangtags and Stickers: Add branded hangtags or size stickers for professional presentation.
Folding and Sorting: Request specific folding styles or sorting by size to simplify distribution and ensure efficient handling.
Plastisol inks sit on top of fabric, creating vibrant, opaque prints with a slightly raised texture. They're durable and work on light and dark garments. Water-based inks absorb into cloth, producing soft, breathable prints with no texture. They're ideal for lightweight fabrics and eco-conscious projects.
Many screen printers accept customer-supplied garments. Garments must be clean, new, and compatible with the chosen ink type. The provider will inspect your items and inform you of potential risks, such as color bleeding or shrinkage. Customer-supplied garments may affect pricing and lead to longer turnaround times.
Rush orders prioritize your project for faster production. Providers charge rush fees to compensate for schedule adjustments and overtime. Confirm rush availability before committing, as capacity limits may prevent acceptance during busy seasons.
Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) are ideal for logos and text, offering infinite scalability. High-resolution raster files (PNG, PSD, TIFF) at a minimum of 300 DPI work for photo-realistic designs. Avoid using low-resolution JPEGs or screenshots, as these often result in poor-quality prints.
Properly cured screen-printed designs last the lifetime of the garment when correctly cared for. Wash inside out in cold water, avoiding bleach, and tumble dry on a low heat setting. Plastisol prints withstand hundreds of washes without cracking or fading. Water-based prints maintain softness with proper care.
Ordering custom screen-printed apparel doesn't have to be complicated or risky. By asking these targeted questions upfront, you gain transparency on pricing structures, quality standards, artwork requirements, production timelines, and customer support policies—eliminating surprises and ensuring smooth, successful orders. Professional screen printers welcome detailed inquiries and provide clear, confident answers because they value informed customers and stand behind their work.
At Extreme Screen Prints, we've spent decades perfecting custom screen printing processes and building relationships through honest communication and exceptional quality. Our expert team guides you through every decision—from garment selection and hybrid printing techniques to rush order logistics and finishing details. We provide itemized quotes, digital proofs, and physical samples so you know exactly what you're getting before production begins.
Ready to experience stress-free custom apparel ordering? Call 616-202-1133 or request your free consultation today. Our specialists answer your questions, clarify your options, and deliver on-time, on-budget, high-quality screen-printed apparel that exceeds expectations.
Don't leave your next apparel order to chance. Take control with the right questions and partner with professionals who prioritize your success. Reach out now and discover how simple custom screen printing can be when you work with a team committed to transparency, quality, and customer satisfaction. Act today—your perfect custom apparel is just one conversation away.
