|
"The
Basics" -- Tips to save you time and money on custom T-shirts
by
ArtApart.com
[Article
Published on "The Print Guide", April 2002]
When
ArtApart.com was asked to write an article for ThePrintGuide.com on
T-shirt printing, I decided it was important to teach customers the
basics of custom printing. It is surprising, how many customers contact
ArtApart.com without really understanding what they want or how to get
it. Our goal is to change that along with ThePrintGuide.com by helping
customers understand the basics of custom T-shirt printing and making
printing a fun experience.
Key
Lessons:
#1
- Pick the right printing process
#2
- Know how to save $
#3
- Pick an experienced company that you can trust
Screen Printing
When
people want a custom T-shirt made they usually think of screen printing.
Screen printing has its advantages. It is known for crisp colors
and ideal for large print quantities. The reason it is great for large
quantities is that once the screens are set up, it is very easy to print
a large number of T-shirts at very little additional cost over the price
of the plain T-shirt.
But
the set-up is not free and that is why companies require a minimum order
quantity for screen printing. Every color that is laid down on the
T-shirt requires a screen. The more colors, the more screens. The more
screens, the more cost to set up the order.
Alternatives
to Screen Printing
There
are alternatives to screen printing. The most common alternative and the
most effective is commercial transfers. Transfer technology offers full
color as it is printed out with a photo quality inkjet printer.
The design is then cut out and applied using a commercial heat
press.
This
technology is great because there are no set-up fees. This allows good
printers to offer T-shirt orders with no minimum and incredible photo
quality designs. But be sure to send the printer a high resolution image
or you wont like the results. The printer can only print what you send.
Tips
to save you money on screen printing
1.
Print fewer colors as each color requires additional set-up time and
materials
2.
Print in few locations on the t-shirt to avoid added cost from printing
complexity
3.
Order light colored T-shirts as manufacturers charge more for dark
colors
4.
Order in large quantities as it is cheaper per T-shirt to print
5.
Choose the "Printer's Favorite" brand as printers get quantity
discounts from the manufacturers
6.
For photographs or small orders, use Design Online services instead of
screen printing
7.
Pick a company with lots of experience. For example, our printers at
ArtApart.com combined have been screen printing for well over 40 years.
This experience helps companies know how to save you money and get
excellent prices from T-shirt manufacturers.
Tips
to save you money on transfer T-shirts
1.
Use a company that has a lot of experience. For example, ArtApart.com
has sold thousands and thousands of T-shirts. This experience and
quantity insures great pricing and great quality.
2.
A one sided T-shirt is less than a two sided T-shirt.
3.
Do not compromise on quality - Always order 100% cotton brand name
T-shirts
Pick
a T-shirt company you can trust
It is very important to pick an apparel printing company you can trust.
The signs of a good company are more obvious than you might think.
-
Look for a wide range of custom and printed t-shirt services. This
denotes a breadth of experience.
-
Don't be fooled by unprofessional looking sites offering unbelievable
prices. U get what U pay for.
-
Customer service matters. You or a friend will likely be ordering again.
-
Work with sites than are well established. For example, ArtApart.com has
been online since 1998. We have seen lots of sites come and go. In
Internet years we are an old timer. This matters online.
-
Look for real customer testimonials. Sites without customers are a
little scary if you ask me.
-
Look for a company that cares about your privacy and your security
online.
ThePrintGuide.com
was founded on finding you the right printing services and the right
printing companies. Trust an informed friend like ThePrintGuide.com to
make sure you get the best T-shirt company.
Be sure to let us know if you have additional questions about
custom T-shirts. You can contact us at Feedback@ArtApart.com
Article:
Copyright 2002, Aajost Technologies, LLC
|
