T-SHIRTS 101
I have worked
in the promotions field for a number of years, and have had a LOT of experience
with ordering t-shirts for large and small functions. I put together
a couple of pointers for when you are planning on ordering shirts for Youth
Conferences, Camp, Trek, or any other function. Hope this helps someone
out there! I might put together a "camera-ready art 101" sometime!
This isn't a complete "How-To". Since everyone's situations
are different, it would take up too much space to write a detailed description
on how to order shirts! ^_^
FIRST: Call around to your local screenprinters
and get price breaks on the different shirts. If you look into one of the
larger companies (like one of the on-line ones), you might get a better price
per shirt, but the turn-around time can be up to 6 weeks, plus shipping costs.
After adding up time and all of the costs, you might come out ahead
with a local store. We did our camp shirts locally, and they were anly
$4.50 each (210 shirts) including all of the setup charges. I looked
online, and foud the cheapest to be $5.00 per shirt PLUS setup and shipping.
Most companies will charge the same price for S-XL men's t-shirts. XS might
need to be done as another order, so the setup and screen charges may apply
(because the imprint areas are smaller). XXL on up will cost more because
of the extra materials, but can be placed on the same run.
Prices on shirts are usually based on dozens, so 144 is usually a price break
for shirts. You should get a better deal if you order 144 than if you
had 142 to order.
When you call, ask them what set-up charges, screen charges, etc. there are.
If you want them to convert the artwork for you, ask them what the charge
will be for that as well (usually about $40 - $75). Also, with the quote
(get it e-mailed to you or faxed), have them estimate taxes. All of this
needs to be taken into consideration on the total price of the shirt.
If you decide on a larger company to do the shirts, PLEASE ask about overruns
and underruns. They crank out the shirts so quickly that sometimes they will
not print enough, or print too many. If they print too many, these are sent
to you and added to your bill. If they print too few, you probably won't
be charged for the shirts they missed, but won't be able to get the ones
you need except at GREAT expense (same setup charges may apply, and low quantity
order) and time.
The darker the shirt, the
higher the price! The difference between an ash gray shirt and purple is
amazing! If you can get by with a lighter shade, you can cut your cost by
almost 25%!
Use stock
ink colors. If they have to match a certain color (Pantone or PMS), it will
cost extra to mix it. See what colors they have in stock, and see what you
can do with those.
If you are planning a shirt with more than one color, the second color will
be an added cost PER SHIRT (anywhere between $.07 and $.40), plus extra screen
charges for (what else?) the extra screen.
A 50/50 t-shirt (Hanes 'Beefy'
is the best!) will not shrink as much, and your screen print will not crinkle
after washings. Also, the 50/50s are less expensive than 100% cotton. Not
as heavy, but some folks can't afford to have their shirts shrink on them,
either! ;o) (In particular, young women who want a small shirt so it will
fit TIGHTLY...)
A 50/50 is a shirt that is 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
If you
want help with the artwork, please ask them what format they will need it
in. Usually an Adobe EPS file will work, with the text converted to curves.
Also, ask them if you can e-mail it to them directly with a copy of what
the art should look like.