Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering T-Shirt Printing from a Manufacturer

Imagine spending weeks designing the perfect custom apparel. You're excited to place your order. But when you get the shirts, they're faded, have uneven seams, or the wrong size. It feels like a big mistake. You’re not alone.

T-Shirt Printing

Choosing where to make your branded clothing can be tough. Do you go for screen printing or DTG? Should you use a local supplier or an overseas factory? The wrong choice can leave you with useless merchandise. That's why working with experts like MFG Merch is crucial.

This guide isn't meant to scare you away from customizing clothes. It's here to help you avoid common mistakes. We'll show you how to protect your ideas, budget, and brand from the start.

Key Takeaways

• Screen printing isn’t always better than digital methods—match the technique to your design

• Cheap fabrics crumble after washes; quality materials ensure long-term wear

• Always request physical samples before approving large orders

• Rushed timelines lead to errors; plan production buffers

• Verify manufacturer credentials like MFG Merch’s Jacksonville facility & (904) 677 9505 contact

Your Printing Options

Choosing the right printing method is key for your t-shirt project. Whether it's for a local event or a custom apparel line, knowing the strengths of each method is crucial. It ensures your designs are sharp and affordable.

Screen Printing: Classic & Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders

Screen printing is the top choice for big orders. It layers ink on fabric through stencils, making colors pop and lasting through many washes. While it costs more to set up, the price per shirt goes down with more orders – great for 50+ pieces.

Digital Printing: Detail-Rich & Flexible for Smaller Runs

Digital printing, like DTG printing (Direct-to-Garment), shines with detailed designs. It handles complex art and gradients easily, needing no screens. It's perfect for small runs or testing ideas, with no setup fees.

Why DTG Fits Today’s Customization Craze

DTG is more than just easy – it's a revolution for personalization. It prints single shirts with names or patterns, no minimums. Its water-based inks are great on cotton blends, fitting the soft-handfeel trend in streetwear.

Choosing the Right Manufacturer

Finding a reliable clothing manufacturer is more than just looking at prices. It's about building a partnership. Your choice can make your custom clothes hits or misses. Let's explore how to find the best from the rest.

Researching Manufacturer Reputation

Begin by checking online reviews. They are like treasure maps. Look for common praises about:

• Consistent print quality

• Quick responses to design changes

• Meeting production deadlines

MFG Merch is a top choice with a 5/5 rating from over 100 reviews. A client shared:

"They spotted a color error in our file that others missed. Their attention to detail saved our summer collection."

Comparing Quality and Price

Here's a simple guide to compare clothing manufacturers:

MFG Merch offers great value. You get quality without overpaying. Their $6.50 shirts last 50+ washes without fading, ideal for businesses.

Pro tip: Ask for swatch kits from at least 3 manufacturers. Compare thread counts, stitch quality, and print texture. The best manufacturers welcome these comparisons.

Designing for Print

Your t-shirt design is more than just art—it's a way to share your vision with the world. To make custom design apparel stand out, focus on two key areas: image quality and color accuracy. Let's explore how to steer clear of common mistakes.

Why High-Resolution Images Matter

Low-quality images can ruin your design. Imagine all your hard work on a logo, only to see it blurry on a shirt. For sharp prints, use images with 300 DPI (dots per inch) or more. JPEGs meant for the web (72 DPI) won't cut it when printed.

Pro tip: Vector files (like .AI or .EPS) are perfect for personalized t-shirts. They don't lose quality when scaled up. As designer Lisa Chen says:

"Vectors give printers flexibility—whether your design fits a pocket or covers an entire back panel."

RGB vs CMYK: The Color Showdown

RGB colors are great for screens, but printers need CMYK. Why? RGB can show bright colors like neon greens and blues that CMYK can't. Make sure to convert your files early to avoid color mismatches!

For personalized t-shirts with the right colors, give Pantone codes along with CMYK values. This helps printers get your exact color, like Coca-Cola red or Tiffany blue.

Selecting the Fabric

The fabric you pick for your custom apparel is more than just comfy—it's where your design comes to life. The right material keeps your prints bright and your customers smiling. Let's dive into how fabric type and weight affect looks and feel.

custom apparel fabric selection

Cotton, Polyester, or Blends?

Cotton is a favorite for its breathability and softness, perfect for daily wear. But, pure cotton might shrink a bit after washing, which could mess with your print's alignment. Polyester is durable and wicks away moisture, but its synthetic nature can make colors less vibrant.

Blended fabrics, like 50/50 cotton-polyester, offer a middle ground. They shrink less and keep colors bright. For eye-catching custom apparel, many suggest blends for a mix of comfort and lasting prints.

The Impact of Fabric Weight on Printing

Fabric weight, measured in grams per square meter (GSM), impacts ink absorption. Light fabrics (under 150 GSM) are good for subtle prints but might bleed ink. Medium-weight fabrics (160–200 GSM) are versatile for most designs, offering better opacity.

Heavy fabrics (over 200 GSM) are durable and show off vibrant prints, great for bold logos. Yet, they can feel stiff in warm weather. Choose fabric weight based on your audience: gym enthusiasts like lighter, while workwear needs heavier fabrics.

Proper Sizing and Fit

Knowing what your audience likes in terms of fit can really help your brand. It makes people more likely to come back and buy again, which is great for personalized t-shirts. If a shirt doesn't fit right, it can ruin your design and lead to bad reviews.

For print-on-demand businesses, this is even more critical. Returns can eat into your profits, which are already thin.

Knowing Your Audience's Preferences

First, figure out who you're designing for. Are you making:

• Teens who like big, comfy fits?

• Corporate clients who need clothes that fit just right?

• Fitness fans who want clothes that stretch?

Also, remember that different places have different style preferences. For example, Europeans tend to like their clothes a bit tighter than Americans. Make sure to offer sizes that fit everyone, including unisex and extended sizes.

Personalized T-shirts sizing guide

Using Size Charts Effectively

Don't think that sizes are the same everywhere. Here's how different sizes compare:

Show these charts clearly on your product pages. Add tips like "Measure your favorite shirt for best results" to help customers. For print-on-demand services, make sure your manufacturer updates these charts with the seasons. Fabrics can shrink!

Avoiding Miscommunication

Clear communication is key when ordering bulk t-shirts. A small mistake can result in many wrong shirts, wasting time and money. Treat your manufacturer as a partner and share your vision clearly. Make sure they understand every detail.

Clear and Detailed Specifications

Your specifications document is crucial for your order. Include exact measurements, color codes, and where to place the design. For example:

Always send a physical mockup or digital proof if possible. Manufacturers like visual references. It helps avoid mistakes and saves time.

Importance of Asking Questions

Don’t assume anything when ordering bulk t-shirts. Ask questions like:

• “How do you handle color gradients in large prints?”

• “What’s your process if a design exceeds maximum print area?”

Confirm when you’ll see proofs and when production will start. A simple “Can you walk me through your quality check process?” shows how they handle problems before shipping.

Reviewing Samples

Before you order a lot, it's smart to check samples first. They show you any problems before they cost a lot. This is very important for embroidered shirts because they have detailed designs.

Why You Should Always Request Physical Proof

Even if pictures look great, samples show the truth. Here's what to look for:

• Stitch consistency: Look for loose threads or uneven patterns

• Alignment accuracy: Make sure designs are centered on collars or pockets

• Fabric compatibility: Check if embroidery changes the material

• Color matching: Compare threads to your brand's Pantone references

Your 4-Point Sample Inspection Checklist

Make your sample review a step-by-step process with these steps:

1. Feel the embroidery to find rough edges

2. Check the shirt's back for thread tension issues

3. Wash the sample to test colorfastness and stitch durability

4. Measure printed elements against your specifications

One buyer learned the hard way: "We skipped sample reviews to meet a deadline – 30% of our polo shirts arrived with upside-down logos." Don't rush to avoid mistakes that hurt your brand's image.

Don't Forget Turnaround Time

Getting the right balance between speed and quality is hard when working with t-shirt makers. For print-on-demand businesses, it's even more important when dealing with seasonal spikes or sudden stock lows. We'll look at how to manage timelines without losing quality.

Setting Realistic Deadlines

Always get the standard production schedule from manufacturers before placing orders. A 500-piece order might take 10 business days with one company but 3 weeks with another. Think about these things when planning:

Pro tip: Add a 3-5 day buffer to the manufacturer’s estimated date. This helps avoid delays from material shortages or equipment problems – common issues in print-on-demand operations.

Communicating Urgencies

If you need things faster, try these:

• Request phased deliveries for big orders

• Pay rush fees upfront to get priority

• Keep designs simple to cut down on printing steps

“Rush orders need clear communication. Send written confirmation of deadlines and then call quickly.”

– Apparel Production Manager

Be careful not to rush too much for speed. It can lead to mistakes or damage to the fabric. Good print-on-demand partners will tell you what's possible without losing quality.

Budgeting for T-Shirt Printing

Smart budgeting for custom t-shirts means more than just looking at prices. It's about keeping your brand's image strong and avoiding surprises. Many businesses only look at the initial cost, then find hidden fees. Let's talk about how to make a budget that protects your brand reputation.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Manufacturers often give basic prices that don't include important services. Be aware of these common extra costs:

• Setup fees: Charged for preparing screens or digital files

• Color surcharges (extra $1-$3 per color in screen printing)

• Rush order premiums (25-50% price increases)

• Shipping costs for samples or bulk orders

Why Quality Shouldn't Be Compromised

Going cheap on printing quality can hurt your brand’s credibility. Bad prints or faded logos show you care more about saving money than quality. Here are some important points:

"78% of consumers judge companies based on merchandise quality"

Paying a bit more for better printing might cost 15-20% more upfront. But it lasts 3x longer than cheap options. Your t-shirts are like walking ads. Make sure they show your brand in a good light.

Quality Control Practices

Your custom clothing order isn’t complete until you check every detail. Quality control makes sure you get what you paid for, without surprises. Here's how to check your items and fix any problems.

Inspecting Your Order Upon Arrival

Start by looking at your shipment as soon as it comes. Follow these steps to find issues early:

• Check stitching: Look for loose threads, uneven seams, or gaps at stress points like collars and sleeves.

• Verify print alignment: Hold the garment flat to ensure designs aren’t crooked or cut off at seams.

• Test fabric integrity: Stretch the material gently to confirm it doesn’t thin out or tear easily.

Pro tip: Compare at least three random pieces from the batch to spot consistency issues. If one shirt has flaws, others might too.

Handling Defective Items Efficiently

Found a problem? Stay calm and act quickly. Here’s how to streamline the process:

1. Document everything: Take clear photos of defects and note the quantity affected.

2. Contact the manufacturer within 24 hours—most have strict deadlines for reporting issues.

3. Ask about their replacement or refund policy upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

Many custom clothing suppliers offer partial refunds for minor defects, while major errors often require full reprints. Keep communication polite but firm to ensure a fair resolution.

Why MFG Merch Is Our Best Manufacturer Suggestion?

Looking for a clothing manufacturer that's fast, quality, and flexible? MFG Merch is your go-to. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, they have a modern facility that serves brands all over. They handle small batches and big orders with the same care.

What sets them apart? Lightning-fast turnaround times. Unlike others who take weeks, MFG Merch gets your orders done quickly without losing quality. They're experts in screen printing and direct-to-garment, making sure your brand looks its best.

Here’s why they're a top choice:

• No hidden fees – prices are clear from the start

• A dedicated support team for updates on your order

• Free design consultations to make your artwork print-ready

Want to get in touch? Contact MFG Merch at:

Website: mfgmerch.com

Being in Jacksonville means quicker delivery to most U.S. cities. They're also pros at handling rush orders. And, they offer eco-friendly fabrics, perfect for today's brands.

Contact Them

Ready to make your T-Shirt Printing dreams come true? MFG Merch has the perfect solutions for all your Custom T-shirt Printing needs. Call them at (904) 677-9505 or drop by their Jacksonville facility to share your ideas. Their team will help you pick the right fabrics, tweak designs, and plan your order.

MFG Merch makes the process easy. They take care of matching colors, sizing, and quality checks. This way, your designs look great even after many washes. Whether you need 50 or 5,000 shirts, they ensure your project runs smoothly.

Don't settle for ordinary. Visit MFG Merch in Jacksonville or get a quote online to kick off your Custom T-shirt Printing project. Their hassle-free approach means you get art that's as bold as your vision.

FAQ

Screen Printing vs. Digital Printing: Which is better for my order?

A: Screen printing is great for bulk orders and simple designs. It's durable and cost-effective. Digital printing is best for small orders or detailed designs. It's perfect for personalized t-shirts with high-quality details. MFG Merch recommends digital printing for startups.

Why choose Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing?

DTG prints detailed designs without setup fees. It's ideal for small orders and detailed prints. It's also great for watercolor-style graphics. MFG Merch uses Kornit DTG machines for vibrant prints.

How do I verify a manufacturer’s reliability?

Look at Google Reviews for feedback on service. Check BBB profiles for complaint handling. Ask for certifications like WRAP and GOTS. MFG Merch has a 4.9-star rating and clear pricing.

Why does my design need 300 DPI resolution?

Low-resolution images blur on prints, like on cotton blends. MFG Merch upscales designs for free. This ensures your t-shirts look sharp.

Should I use RGB or CMYK for t-shirt designs?

Use CMYK color mode for prints. Printers can't match RGB's neon colors. MFG Merch offers free color matching proofs.

What fabric works best for vibrant prints?

100% cotton absorbs inks well for bold colors. Polyester blends are good for moisture-wicking gym wear. MFG Merch's tee is a blend that resists shrinking.

How does fabric weight impact custom apparel?

Lighter fabrics drape well but show print texture. Midweight fabrics hide seams better and last longer. They're good for work uniforms.

How do I ensure accurate sizing for niche audiences?

Share your audience's demographics with MFG Merch. They'll suggest fits. Streetwear sizes up, while corporate prefers classic cuts. They'll send size charts for approval.

What details should I include in design specs?

Specify Pantone colors and exact placement. Use vector AI/EPS for logos. For bulk orders, MFG Merch documents every detail to avoid mistakes.

Why request samples before bulk orders?

Samples show real print quality and fabric feel. MFG Merch ships samples quickly from Jacksonville. Check stitch density and heat transfer adhesion.

How fast can I get restocks for print-on-demand?

MFG Merch offers 72-hour DTG reorders. They have rush options for 24-hour shipping. Their in-house production avoids third-party delays.

Why choose MFG Merch over other custom clothing manufacturers?

MFG Merch is based in Jacksonville, offering fast service and bulk pricing. They've printed over 2 million shirts for brands. They handle both small batches and bulk orders.

How do I start my t-shirt printing project?

Call MFG Merch at (904) 677-9505 for a free consultation. Visit their design studio at 240 TALLEYRAND AVE JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202. They'll handle everything from fabric selection to fulfillment.