How to Choose a Custom Apparel Company: Questions to Ask Before You Order

Quick Takeaway: Finding a reliable t-shirt printing company comes down to asking the right questions upfront: about pricing transparency, turnaround times, and quality guarantees. Skip the cheapest quote and focus on who will actually deliver what they promise.

If you're an admin coordinating staff shirts, a pastor planning church merch, or a business owner ordering uniforms: you don't have time to become an expert in custom apparel. You just need shirts that show up on time, look great, and don't blow your budget.

The problem? Not all printing companies operate the same way. Some pad quotes with hidden fees. Others promise fast turnaround but miss deadlines. And a few will send you garments so thin you can see through them.

This guide walks you through exactly what to ask before you order: so you can choose a custom apparel company with confidence and avoid the headaches we see trip people up every week.

Why "Cheapest" Rarely Means "Best"

When you're comparing quotes from multiple vendors, it's tempting to go with the lowest number. We get it: budgets are real.

But here's what we see in the shop constantly: customers who went with the cheapest option elsewhere and ended up reordering because:

• The print cracked or faded after one wash

• The shirts ran two sizes too small

• The order arrived a week late (after they'd already promised delivery to their team)

A reliable t-shirt printing company might not always be the cheapest: but they'll be upfront about what you're getting and actually deliver on their word.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Order

Before you commit to any custom apparel company, run through these questions. They'll reveal whether you're working with professionals or rolling the dice.

1. What's Included in This Quote?

This is the big one. A quote should clearly show:

• Garment cost (what brand and weight of shirt?)

• Print method (screen printing, DTF, embroidery?)

• Setup fees (one-time charges for screens or digitizing)

• Shipping costs

If a quote just says "$8 per shirt" with no details, ask for a breakdown. Vague quotes usually mean surprise charges later.

2. What's Your Realistic Turnaround Time?

Notice the word "realistic." Anyone can promise you shirts in 5 days: but can they actually deliver?

Ask specifically:

• What's the turnaround for an order like mine?

• Does that include shipping time?

• What happens if something goes wrong in production?

A trustworthy company will give you honest timelines, not just tell you what you want to hear.

3. What Brand of Shirts Do You Use?

Not all blanks are created equal. There's a big difference between a $2 wholesale tee and a quality Bella+Canvas or Next Level shirt.

Ask what brands they stock and whether you can choose. If they won't tell you, that's a red flag.

4. Can I See Samples or Past Work?

Any established company should be able to show you:

• Photos of completed orders

• Reviews from real customers

• Physical samples (if you're local or willing to wait for a mail sample)

If they can't provide any proof of quality work, proceed with caution.

5. What's Your Process If Something Goes Wrong?

Mistakes happen: even with the best shops. What matters is how they handle it.

Ask:

• What's your policy if the print quality isn't right?

• What if shirts arrive damaged?

• Do you offer reprints or refunds?

A company that stands behind their work will have clear answers here.

The #1 Mistake When Comparing Quotes

Comparing prices without comparing garment quality.

Here's what we see constantly: Someone gets three quotes. They pick the cheapest one: $6 per shirt versus $9 per shirt. Seems like a no-brainer, right?

Then the shirts arrive. They're thin, scratchy, and the sizing is way off. The print looks fine... until the first wash, when it starts cracking.

Now they're stuck with shirts nobody wants to wear, and they have to reorder from someone else anyway.

The real cost? Double the budget, double the timeline, and frustrated staff or members.

When comparing quotes, always ask:

• What brand and weight is the blank shirt?

• What print method are you using?

• Is this price "per shirt" including setup, or are there additional fees?

A slightly higher quote with quality blanks and transparent pricing almost always costs less in the long run.

What to Look for in a Reliable T-Shirt Printing Company

Beyond the questions above, here are the green flags that signal you're working with professionals:

Clear Communication

• They respond within 24-48 hours

• They ask clarifying questions about your order

• They don't pressure you to commit immediately

Transparent Pricing

• Itemized quotes with no mystery fees

• Honest about what's included and what costs extra

• Willing to explain their pricing if you ask

Production Expertise

• They can recommend the right print method for your design

• They flag potential issues before production (like artwork that won't print well)

• They've handled orders similar to yours

Flexibility

• They offer multiple print methods (screen printing, DTF, embroidery)

• They can work with your timeline (within reason)

• They accommodate different order sizes

How Order Size Affects Your Decision

Your order size changes which questions matter most:

Small Orders (Under 24 pieces)

• Look for companies that don't have high minimums

• DTF printing is often the most cost-effective for small runs

• Ask about setup fees: they can make small orders expensive with screen printing

Medium Orders (24-100 pieces)

• Screen printing usually becomes more economical here

• Ask about bulk pricing tiers

• Confirm turnaround: medium orders can get deprioritized at busy shops

Large Orders (100+ pieces)

• Negotiate pricing: you have leverage

• Ask about quality consistency across the full run

• Request a production sample before they print all 500 shirts

Red Flags to Watch For

Walk away (or at least proceed carefully) if you notice:

• No clear pricing until you "call to discuss" : Transparency shouldn't require a phone call

• Pushy sales tactics : Pressure to order immediately usually means they need you more than you need them

• No physical address or reviews : Established companies have a track record

• Unwillingness to answer questions : If they're evasive now, imagine what happens when there's a problem

• Prices that seem too good to be true : They usually are

Choosing the Right Print Method

Part of choosing a custom apparel company is making sure they offer the right method for your project. Here's a quick breakdown:

Method	Best For	Considerations
Screen Printing	Large orders, simple designs, durability	Setup fees make small orders expensive
DTF (Direct-to-Film)	Full-color designs, small orders, photos	Great for complex artwork
Embroidery	Polos, hats, professional look	Higher per-piece cost, limited detail
Specialty Vinyl	Names, numbers, small quantities	Best for personalization

Not sure which method fits your project? A good company will help you decide based on your design, quantity, and budget.

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So What Should I Do Now?

If you're comparing multiple vendors: Use the 5 questions above to evaluate each one. Pay special attention to garment quality and what's actually included in the quote.

If you have a specific project in mind: Reach out with your design, quantity, and deadline. A reliable company will give you a clear quote and honest timeline within 24-48 hours.

If you're not sure where to start: Send us a quick email with what you're thinking. We'll tell you what print method makes sense and give you a straightforward quote: no pressure, no hidden fees.

Choosing the right custom apparel company is the first step in ordering custom apparel without delays. Get this decision right, and the rest of the process gets a lot easier.

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We've seen how small decisions early on can save time, money, and stress later. Our goal is always to help you make choices you feel good about: before anything goes to print.

Have questions? Reach out anytime at info@kingdomthread.com. We're happy to point you in the right direction( even if that's not us.)