Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to outfitting your team with custom work shirts, getting an accurate quote is crucial to budget planning and ensuring the uniforms meet your needs. But what exactly should you provide to a printer to get a detailed, accurate estimate? Whether you’re ordering for a small crew or a large workforce, giving complete and clear information helps streamline the process. At Underground Printing, we understand how important it is to get all the details right from the start.
1. Quantity Needed
The number of shirts you need is one of the first and most important details. Pricing often varies significantly depending on whether you're ordering a few pieces or bulk bulk orders. Larger quantities typically benefit from volume discounts, so you should specify your expected order size or range as early as possible.
2. Shirt Style and Fabric
The type of shirt dramatically affects the cost and feel of your custom order. Consider the following aspects:
- Material: Cotton, polyester, blends, or specialty fabrics like moisture-wicking dri-fit t-shirts for performance.
- Shirt style: Do you want short sleeve shirts, long sleeve versions, or polos? Each can affect pricing.
- Brand and quality: Options like Gildan, Carhartt, or premium brands impact costs.
Providing your preferred shirt type and fabric helps the printer suggest options and deliver accurate pricing.
3. Color Selection
The shirt color palette you want to use is another key factor. Some colors may have higher costs due to fabric dyeing or limited availability. Also, make sure to specify whether you want the same color for all shirts or a mix of colors and sizes.
4. Design and Artwork Details
The design you want on the shirts plays a major role in pricing. Here’s what to prepare:
- Artwork files: Send high-quality files in vector format (AI, EPS, PDF) if possible. This ensures crisp printing.
- Number of colors: More ink colors in your design can increase setup fees and overall costs, particularly with screen printing.
- Print placement and size: Indicate where you want the design (front, back, sleeves, chest left/right) and approximate size.
- Type of printing: Decide between screen printing, embroidery, or DTG (direct-to-garment printing), each with different cost and appearance considerations.
5. Sizes and Mix
Detail the sizes you need and how many of each size — especially important for workforce apparel. A size breakdown helps avoid delays and ensures proper inventory.
6. Additional Customization Options
Besides basic printing or embroidery, you might want special touches such as:
- Custom labels or tags
- Numbering or names on shirts
- Special stitching like puff embroidery or applique
- Use of reflective or hi-vis materials
These details should be clearly communicated to receive an all-inclusive quote.
7. Timeline and Delivery Options
Let the printer know your required delivery date upfront. If you need expedited service, inquire about rush delivery options. This can affect the price and production scheduling.
8. Budget Considerations
If you have a budget range, share it. This helps the printer suggest alternatives in materials, printing techniques, or quantities that fit your financial plan.
How to Request Your Quote from Underground Printing
When reaching out to Underground Printing, use our contact us page to share these details or start your order through our get started portal. This ensures your request is comprehensive, allowing us to provide a detailed and accurate quote tailored to your custom apparel needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats are best for submitting artwork?
Vector files like AI, EPS, or PDF are best because they scale without losing quality. High-resolution PNG or JPEG files can work for DTG printing but may have limitations.
Can I mix different shirt styles or colors in one order?
Yes, you can mix colors and styles, but be sure to specify your exact quantities and options for accurate pricing and fulfillment.
How does the number of colors in my design affect the price?
For screen printing, more ink colors increase setup costs. For DTG and embroidery, the effect varies but may include slight price adjustments.
What if I need my order quickly?
Underground Printing offers rush delivery options for fast turnaround times. Just mention your timeline when you request a quote.
Do you provide samples before finalizing the order?
We can provide pre-production samples for most orders to ensure your satisfaction before the entire run.
Conclusion
Providing complete and detailed information to your apparel decorator helps get the most accurate quote and a smooth ordering process. From shirt type and quantity to artwork and delivery needs, every element counts. At Underground Printing, we’re here to assist you in turning your vision into high-quality custom business apparel and uniforms that fit your brand and budget. Ready to get started? Visit our get started page to request a quote today!