Table of Contents
Introduction
For many businesses and organizations, December can be a hectic time to handle custom apparel orders. Whether preparing for holiday events, end-of-year promotions, or distributing company swag, rushing last minute often leads to stress, increased costs, and inventory shortages. Planning your custom apparel orders thoughtfully throughout the year can make a significant difference in your workflow and budget.
Why Early Planning is Essential
Waiting until the last moment to place orders means limited selection, potential manufacturing delays, and fewer promotional opportunities. By mapping out your needs and ordering in advance, you can:
- Take advantage of bulk orders with better bulk pricing
- Schedule your orders with realistic lead times to avoid rush delivery fees
- Ensure product availability in your preferred styles and sizes
- Distribute apparel steadily to your team or customers rather than all at once
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Custom Apparel Orders
1. Assess Your Annual Apparel Needs
Start by reviewing your company’s events, campaigns, or initiatives for the year that require custom apparel. This can include trade shows, fundraisers, employee uniforms, sports teams, or holiday gifts. Create a calendar with deadlines for each occasion.
2. Determine Quantities and Styles
Estimate how many items you will need for each event or group. Consider popular options like custom t-shirts or upgrade to performance dri-fit t-shirts for athletic groups. Include layering pieces such as custom sweatshirts or custom hoodies for colder months.
3. Budget and Prioritize
Align your planned orders with your budget. Prioritize essential apparel and spread out expenditures through the year to avoid large one-time costs in December.
4. Choose Printing and Decoration Methods Early
Select between screen printing, embroidery, or DTG printing depending on your design and budget to ensure the right look and feel for your brand.
5. Place Orders in Advance to Avoid Rush Fees
Order with enough lead time to account for production and shipping. Underground Printing offers 2-day rush delivery, but planning ahead reduces the need and cost of expedited processing.
6. Use Custom Online Stores for Group Ordering
To simplify ordering for large groups or departments, consider setting up a custom online store where members can order apparel on demand with pre-approved branding.
Tips for Year-Round Custom Apparel Ordering
- Quarterly Reviews: Check your inventory and upcoming events each quarter to adjust orders accordingly.
- Seasonal Products: Order season-appropriate items like custom jackets or custom beanies well before colder months.
- Diversify Products: Don’t limit to shirts. Include custom hats, drinkware, and other promotional products for variety.
- Keep a Buffer Stock: Maintain a small reserve of popular items like soft t-shirts or crewneck sweatshirts for unexpected needs.
- Stay Informed: Leverage resources like the Underground Printing blog for tips and industry updates.
How to Coordinate with Underground Printing
We encourage reaching out early to contact us and discuss your plans. Our team can help with quotes, recommend the best apparel options, and help you get started on your order to fit your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical turnaround time for custom apparel?
Standard turnaround times vary depending on order size and decoration type, but most orders take 2-3 weeks. Expedited options like our 2-day rush delivery can speed this up.
Can I order small quantities throughout the year?
Yes! We offer options for no minimum apparel orders that make it easy to order in small batches as needed.
How far in advance should I place bulk orders?
We recommend placing bulk orders at least 3-4 weeks before your event to allow time for production and shipping.
What are my decoration options?
Choose from screen printing, embroidery, or direct-to-garment printing to create the perfect look.
Can you help me create a group ordering system?
Yes, we offer online store solutions that simplify ordering for teams or organizations.
Conclusion
By planning your custom apparel orders well ahead of time, collaborating with Underground Printing, and using strategic ordering and storage practices, you’ll avoid the December last-minute rush. This approach not only saves money but ensures your team and customers receive quality branded apparel when they need it most.
Ready to plan your orders stress-free? Contact us today and let’s get started!