Let's be honest—picking the right screen printing partner can make or break your custom apparel adventure! Whether you're rocking team uniforms, launching your own clothing line, or creating some epic merch, you need a company that nails quality, pricing that doesn't hide secrets, and communication that actually keeps you in the loop. At Extreme Screen Prints, we know what makes a great printing experience, and this fun checklist breaks down exactly what to look for—so you can spot the pros and dodge those budget-busting surprises!
Great screen printing services from Extreme Screen Prints get back to you within 24-48 hours and give you clear timelines that actually make sense. You should obtain written confirmation of all essential details—order details, artwork specifications, and production schedules—before anyone starts printing. Throughout the process, you deserve regular updates, especially if you're ordering a large quantity of shirts or have a complex design. A reliable printer assigns you a real person to talk to, tracks your order from start to finish, and provides you with a heads-up about any potential issues or decisions you need to make.
Let's talk about money—because nobody likes surprise fees! Transparent pricing is what separates the pros from the sketchy operators. Ask for itemized quotes that clearly outline exactly what you're paying for, including setup fees, screen costs, ink charges, shirt prices, and printing location fees. Good contract screen printing companies from Extreme Screen Prints tell you about quantity discounts, different turnaround options, and any extra charges for rush jobs or special finishes. Get everything in writing to avoid those "gotcha" fees later. Clear docs help you compare prices like a boss, set realistic budgets, and plan with confidence—so you know exactly what you're paying for before anyone touches a screen!
Here's the deal—before anyone starts printing, the pros at Extreme Screen Prints will check your artwork to make sure it'll print like a dream. Please send your files in vector formats (AI, EPS, PDF) or high-resolution raster files (PNG, PSD at 300 DPI or higher). The printer separates your colors, tweaks the sizing, and optimizes your design so it looks absolutely amazing when printed. You'll receive a digital proof showing exactly where your design will be placed, its size, and the colors you'll be using. Check it carefully—spelling, alignment, colors, logo accuracy—all that good stuff. Give it the green light only when you're pleased. If your design is complex and requires special effects, such as simulated process screen printing, request a physical sample to see how it'll really look.
Picking the right shirts is super important—they're your canvas, after all! Professional screen printers at Extreme Screen Prints offer an impressive catalog featuring trusted brands, including pure cotton, comfortable blends, performance fabrics, soft ringspun options, and eco-friendly choices. Discuss fabric weight, available colors, different fits, and sizing ranges. Double-check how long it takes to receive your shirts, especially if you're ordering a large quantity or need special items, so you don't get stuck waiting for an extended period. Your printer should help you match the fabric type to the printing method—soft fabrics work well with discharge screen printing, while heavier cotton works great with standard plastisol inks. And always ask how they check shirts for quality before printing starts!
Digital proofs are mandatory before production. Your provider should deliver detailed mockups that show the exact design placement, scale, and Pantone color specifications on the selected garment. Review these proofs for spelling errors, logo alignment, sizing accuracy, and color matching. Digital proofs allow quick revisions without material waste, ensuring every detail meets your standards before screens are burned and production begins.
Physical samples provide the most accurate preview of your finished product. Request pre-production strike-offs to assess ink opacity, color vibrancy on fabric, registration precision, and overall print quality. Confirm sample costs, turnaround time, and whether the sample fee applies toward your final order. Physical samples are especially valuable for hybrid screen printing projects combining multiple ink types or specialty effects.
Most professional services include one to three revision rounds in their pricing. After each proof review, communicate feedback clearly and promptly to stay within allotted revisions. Providers should supply updated proofs after each change, maintaining transparency and ensuring you're satisfied before full-scale production. Additional revisions beyond the included rounds may incur fees; clarify this upfront to avoid any surprises.
Standard turnaround times range from 7 to 14 business days from artwork approval and payment to shipment. Confirm when the production clock starts (proof approval, deposit received, or garment arrival) and when it ends (shipment or pickup). Request stage-by-stage timelines and confirm whether the provider sends regular progress updates. Large orders or specialty techniques, such as special effects printing, may require extended lead times.
Rush orders require clear communication about capacity, cut-off times, and additional fees. Reliable providers outline expedited timelines (2-5 business days), confirm feasibility before accepting rush orders, and provide tracking updates. Verify whether rush fees are flat rates or percentage-based, and ensure written delivery date commitments to avoid schedule conflicts.
Professional screen printers maintain strict quality control throughout the entire production process. Expect calibrated equipment, consistent ink mixing, and regular inspections to ensure color accuracy, registration alignment, and optimal ink opacity. Providers should document their quality assurance process—including first-piece approvals, mid-run checks, and final inspections. Request samples from previous projects to evaluate print sharpness, texture consistency, and durability after washing. Quality standards should be defined in writing and consistently applied across your entire order.
Minimum order quantities vary by provider, typically ranging from 24 to 72 pieces for standard screen printing, although some providers accommodate smaller runs for specialized projects. Clarify minimums upfront, as they often depend on garment type, number of colors, and print locations. Inquire about volume pricing tiers and whether you can combine multiple designs to meet the minimum order quantity requirements. For large-scale projects, inquire about wholesale screen printing discounts and blank sourcing to reduce per-unit costs.
Standard delivery typically includes folded garments in boxes. Professional providers offer upgrade options: individual poly-bagging, custom hangtags, size stickers, and branded packaging. Inquire about our apparel finishing services, which include tag removal, custom neck labels, specialty inks (such as metallic, glow-in-the-dark, or puff), and unique folding methods. Confirm whether finishing services incur additional fees and whether the turnaround time impacts them. For teams, events, or retail-ready products, these details ensure professional presentation and brand consistency.
Verify shipping options, carriers used, and estimated transit times. Confirm whether tracking numbers are provided automatically and if signature confirmation or insurance is available for high-value orders. Ask about split shipments for multi-location delivery or large orders. Clarify policies for lost, damaged, or defective items, including claims processes, replacement timelines, and warranty coverage procedures. Reliable providers offer post-delivery support, including reorders, that match previous print specifications exactly and address any quality concerns promptly.
Many professional screen printers accept customer-supplied garments, provided they meet fabric and quality requirements. Garments must be clean, new, and compatible with the chosen ink type. The provider will inspect your materials, assess their printability, and inform you of any potential risks, such as color bleeding or fabric shrinkage. Confirm whether customer-supplied garments affect turnaround time, pricing, or warranty coverage.
Yes, request water-based inks, discharge inks, or low-impact dyes for environmentally conscious projects. Many providers source organic cotton, recycled polyester, and sustainably manufactured blanks. Ask for certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade) to verify sustainability claims. Eco-friendly options may have different curing requirements, color vibrancy, or pricing—discuss these factors during the quoting process.
Submit vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) for the best results, especially for logos and text-based designs. High-resolution raster files (PNG, PSD, TIFF at 300 DPI or higher) are acceptable for photo-realistic designs. Avoid low-resolution JPEGs or web-optimized images. If you're unsure about file quality, professional providers review submissions and request higher-quality versions before production.
Professional providers often offer a range of services, including embroidery, heat transfer, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, and specialty decoration methods, in addition to screen printing. Embroidery is best suited for logos on polos, hats, and jackets, while heat transfer is ideal for small orders or full-color designs. Discuss your project goals with your provider to determine the best decoration method for your garment type, design complexity, and budget.
Rush service availability depends on current production capacity, design complexity, and the availability of garments. Same-day service is rare and typically reserved for simple designs on in-stock garments. Most rush orders require 2-5 business days to process. Confirm rush fees, feasibility, and delivery commitments in writing before submitting finalized artwork. Provide complete order details early to maximize your chances of meeting tight deadlines.
Professional screen printing services deliver more than just printed apparel—they provide transparent communication, itemized pricing, rigorous quality control, and reliable timelines from quote to delivery. This checklist ensures that you evaluate providers based on concrete standards, including responsive customer service, detailed proofs, flexible garment sourcing, clear order minimums, and comprehensive post-order support. By partnering with a provider that prioritizes transparency and technical expertise, you eliminate costly surprises and delays.
At Extreme Screen Prints, we combine decades of experience with a customer-first approach to bring your vision to life. From initial consultation through final delivery, our team guides you through artwork preparation, garment selection, and quality assurance—ensuring every detail meets your specifications. Ready to start your project? Call 616-202-1133 or request your free quote to discuss your custom screen printing needs with our specialists.
Don't settle for subpar quality or unclear communication. Partner with professionals who keep you informed, deliver consistent results, and stand behind their work. Reach out today and experience the Extreme Screen Prints difference—where quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction are guaranteed.
