We can’t tell you how often emerging designers contact
Apparel Search asking for help with one aspect or another of the garment
manufacturing process. Although we do our best to assist, we often get a tad
frustrated of having to ask for more details. The reality is that in order to
point someone in the proper direction, specific details are required. One of
many examples is in regard to the “quantity” of product required.
Here is a question we often receive, “Where can I find
someone to print my t-shirts?” That is a good question, but before it can be
answered, we would need to know how many t-shirts you are planning on printing.
If you are looking for a small quantity of printed shirts for a local club,
business, or sports team, we would have to give you a completely different
answer than we would if you are purchasing 20,000 tees to sell to a mid-tier
department store. In fact, if you are interested in shipping printed t-shirts
to a mass merchant such as Walmart, we might have to actually give you a third
answer.
When asking about the manufacturing of clothing, it is
important to communicate in regard to units required. Small quantities and
large quantities often times require different factories. So, our advice is
that when you contact an apparel factory, printer, or embroider, be certain to
be clear with your requirements on your very first communication. Try not to
leave any surprises in regard to your requirements. If you plan on marketing
graphic t-shirts and you need a printer to assist you, let them know the
quantity required right off the bat. Clear and up front communication will
reduce the headaches for later.
If you are looking for samples or very small production runs,
you may want to research digital printers
near your location (learn more about direct
to garment printing in our fashion industry terms section). For those of
you looking for small to medium size quantities, you would want to find a local
screen printer to assist with your project.
If the plan is to sell significant quantities, you would most likely want help
from an actual garment
printing factory. Possibly in a different country depending on the costing.
In addition to quantity aspect of the project, it is
important to be clear in regard to requirements such as fiber content, fabric
construction, delivery dates, etc.
It may be helpful for you to review our product
development article to see some of the topics to consider.
Thank you for taking the time to read our garment industry blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative.
If you have some extra time, you may want to read our digital textile printing possibilities article.
If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.
