The Ultimate Guide to Custom T-Shirts
for Business Owners:
Top 8 Mistakes to Avoid
Entering T-Shirt Ordering zone
Whether you're branding your startup crew, crafting memorable giveaways for a trade show, everyday day uniforms for your team or just looking to give your team a more unified look, custom t-shirts can be a game-changer. From all the tees we've printed, we've gathered insights into the challenges you might face. Trust us, We've been there. We here to help you avoid those pitfalls.
1. Not Using the Right Printing Method
Screen printing, DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, and vinyl printing are three popular methods for custom apparel and graphics production. Each has its own set of advantages and is suitable for different applications. Here's a comparison of the benefits of each printing method:
Screen Printing:
Cost-Effective for Large Orders: Screen printing becomes the most cost-effective printing method when producing large quantities of identical designs. Setup costs are higher, but per-unit costs decrease with higher volumes.
Durability: Screen printing is known for its durability and long-lasting prints. The ink is applied thickly and can withstand multiple washes without fading or cracking.
Versatility: It can be used to print on a wide range of materials, including fabric, paper, plastic, and more. It's especially popular for textile printing on t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel.
Vibrant Colors: It allows for vibrant and opaque colors, making it suitable for bold and eye-catching designs.
Special Inks: Specialty inks like metallic, glow-in-the-dark, and puff inks can be used to create unique effects.
2. Not Sampling First
Not all t-shirts are created equal. There are over 100 different t-shirt styles, each with its own fabric, texture, quality, and fit. With that in mind, we've handpicked our most popular t-shirts and compiled them into the WUE Swatch Book for you to sample. You can order it here for free; just cover the shipping cost!
3. Designs Too Complex
The goal is to create the best t-shirt possible! Screen printing t-shirts isn't as simple as slapping on any design. Super detailed ones can be tricky. Why? Each color needs its own print step. If your design's packed with colors or intricate bits, it might not look sharp. Our solution? We'll help tweak your design to keep it cool.
Pro tip: Print out our design on paper and place it onto a t-shirt to get an idea of how it will look. Either way, we create a virtual sample for your approval before moving to production on an order is placed.
4. Using too Many Colors
Colors are life, and we agree! Using colors effectively can be impactful. They have the ability to evoke emotions, convey messages, and define the overall mood of a brand or company. Sometimes, less is more. More colors mean more screens, which leads to higher costs.
Every additional color can increase the cost of production. Moreover, a rainbow of colors might not always be the most visually appealing. Stick to a cohesive color palette that aligns with your brand. Check out our blog post about the importance of colors.
On the flip side, if you have a colorful logo, that's great too! As we said, color is life. What surpasses this second tip is maintaining branding consistency to keep your logo its original color.
5. Not Exploring Other Options
Gather information on all the items available for customization to enhance your order. Depending on the season, you can include long-sleeve t-shirts, pullover hoodies, safety vests, and waterproof jackets. Adding just a few pieces can make a significant difference, and there's even a discount available for ordering more. These additions are popular choices to maintain a cohesive look. Without them, employees might wear their own layers, disrupting the uniformity of the ensemble. Feel free to ask us for recommendations to best suit your needs and to maximize your savings.
6. Low Quality Images
Low-quality images result in low-quality prints. The larger and clearer your logo or image, the better the outcome! However, if you don't have your logo in high resolution or in vector format, our art team can assist in making your logo print-ready.
7. Not Checking Quote and Art
Always double-check all details of the quote and artwork, from shipping addresses to quantities and sizes. While we do our best to review all artwork thoroughly, errors can occur. Common mistakes often involve spelling and phone numbers. Once an order is approved and moves into production, what you've approved is exactly what gets printed.
8. Not Ordering Extras
Always order a few extras. Whether for unexpected new team members, losses, or damages, having a few spare shirts can save the day.
Ordering custom t-shirts for your business is more than just slapping your logo on some fabric. It's a representation of your brand, your ethos, and your attention to detail. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your t-shirt endeavor is a resounding success, bolstering your brand and making everyone proud to wear it.
So, the next time you're in the t-shirt ordering zone, keep this guide handy, and here's to a batch of perfect tees! 🥂 👕
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