What to Ask Your Printer Before Placing a Custom Apparel Order

Most clients do not know what questions matter until something goes wrong. By then, the deadline has passed or the order looks nothing like the approved proof. The good news: a handful of direct questions asked before you place your order will protect your design and keep your timeline intact.

Ask About Artwork Requirements Before You Send Anything

The single most common source of order delays is artwork that is not print-ready. Every print method has its own file requirements, and a design that looks sharp on your screen may not survive the printing process without changes. Before you send your files, ask your printer these directly:

• What file format do you require? Screen printing typically requires vector files (AI or EPS) with fonts converted to outlines. DTF and DTG can often work from high-resolution PNGs (300 DPI minimum). Sending a low-resolution JPEG almost always adds time to your order.
• Do you separate colors, or do I need to provide separations? For screen printing, each color in your design requires a separate screen. Ask whether the shop handles color separations in-house or whether you need to provide them.
• What is your maximum print area? Print areas vary by garment style, press setup, and print method. Knowing this before you finalize your design prevents last-minute resizes after you have already approved a proof.

Related: Inside the InkWorx Production Process: What Happens After You Approve Your Proof

Nail Down the Turnaround Timeline Before You Commit

Turnaround time is where most first-time apparel buyers get caught off guard. A printer quoting "5-7 business days" may be measuring from artwork approval, not from the day you place your order. Ask these questions to get a number you can actually plan around:

• When does the clock start? Some shops start the clock at payment. Others start at artwork approval. The difference can be two to three days on your timeline.
• Is your quoted turnaround for production only, or does it include shipping? If your order needs to ship, add transit time to whatever production window you are quoted. For events with hard deadlines, ask specifically: "If I place this order today with approved artwork, what is the latest date I can expect it in hand?"
• What is your rush fee, and what does it actually guarantee? Rush pricing is common. What matters is whether "rush" means 2-day production or simply that your order jumps the queue. Get a specific completion date in writing.

If you are planning apparel for an event, back-calculate from your event date and build in a 3-5 day buffer for unexpected production issues. Read more about how to plan a complete apparel program in How to Build a Branded Merchandise Strategy That Actually Works.

Ask About Minimums, Defects, and What Happens If Something Goes Wrong

Two more questions most buyers skip until they need the answers:

What is your minimum order quantity? Screen printing typically requires a minimum of 12 pieces per design to keep the per-unit cost reasonable. DTF and DTG often have no minimum, but the per-unit cost is higher. If you need fewer than 12 pieces, ask whether an alternative print method is available and what the cost difference looks like.

What is your policy if there is a defect or misprint? A professional print shop will have a clear answer here. At InkWorx, every order goes through a multi-point quality check before it ships. But even with careful QC, misprints happen across the industry. Know the policy before you place the order, not after you open the box.

Learn more about our custom apparel printing services and how to get a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format should I send to my print shop?

For screen printing, send vector files: Adobe Illustrator (AI) or EPS with fonts converted to outlines. For DTF or DTG printing, a high-resolution PNG at 300 DPI or higher works in most cases. If you only have a JPEG or a low-resolution file, tell your printer upfront so they can assess whether a redraw is needed before production starts.

How far in advance should I order custom apparel for an event?

At minimum, allow 2 weeks from placing your order to your event date. For larger orders (over 50 pieces), complex designs, or multiple garment styles, 3-4 weeks is safer. If your event has a hard date, communicate that upfront and ask your printer for a specific "in-hand by" date, not just a production window.

What happens if my order has a misprint or defect?

Policies vary by shop. A reputable printer will offer a reprint or credit for confirmed defects on their end. Ask about this policy before placing your order. At InkWorx, every order is checked at multiple points in production. If we produce a defective item, we make it right.

Can I order just a few pieces to test the design before placing a large order?

Yes, with DTF or DTG printing. These methods have no minimum order quantity, so you can order a single piece if you want to see how your design looks on a garment before committing to a screen print run. Screen printing becomes cost-effective at 12 pieces or more per design due to the setup cost for each screen.