5 Ways to Get Your Custom Merchandise Order Right the First Time

As summer comes to a close, it's time to start thinking about how to transition smoothly into the fall. For planners, HR teams, and school staff, that often means gearing up for custom t-shirt orders, school events, or corporate giveaways. But how do you ensure that your custom merchandise order goes off without a hitch? Here are five simple ways to get it right the first time.

1. Plan Ahead

The first step in getting your custom t-shirts or merchandise just right is to plan ahead. Custom orders take time. From design to production, it's important to give yourself enough lead time to review proofs and avoid last-minute rushes. Aim to finalize everything a few weeks before your deadline.

2. Know Your Sizes

One of the biggest headaches with custom t-shirt orders is getting the right sizes for everyone. Be sure to gather accurate size information before placing your order. Whether it’s for a school event or a corporate team-building exercise, knowing your audience’s size range will save time and prevent unnecessary returns.

3. Choose the Right Materials

Screen printing offers a wide range of options, but not all fabrics are equal. Be sure to ask about the materials that work best for screen printing to ensure your designs come out sharp and vibrant. Choosing the right fabric also contributes to the comfort and durability of the custom t-shirts, so don’t overlook this detail.

4. Provide Clear Artwork

If you want your design to look exactly how you imagined it, make sure to provide clear, high-resolution artwork. Custom designs should be sent in the appropriate format, so it’s best to work with your designer or printing company to ensure everything is up to standard. This will help avoid delays or issues with your final product.

5. Verify Your Order

Before you place the final order, always double-check the details. Verify the number of shirts, sizes, colors, and designs, and make sure everything looks perfect in the proof. It's much easier to correct any mistakes now rather than dealing with the consequences later.

For those looking for custom t-shirts, get started now and streamline the process by filling out the custom quote form on Running Threads.