FAQ
1. What are the minimum order requirements?
Screen Printed Apparel:
- For 1-color imprints, the minimum order size is 24 pieces per design.
- For multi-color imprints, the minimum order size is 48 pieces per design.
Embroidered Apparel:
- For shirts/tops, the minimum order size is 12 pieces per design.
- For hats, the minimum order size is 12 hats per design.
Promotional Products:
- Minimums depend on the product in question. Please submit an inquiry for details.
- Generally speaking, the lower the unit price of the product, the higher the minimum.
2. What will determine my pricing?
Order Quantity:
- The larger the quantity of shirts that you order (per design), the lower your price.
- Quantity price breaks: 12, 24, 48, 72, 144, 288, 500, 1,000+
Garment Quality (Cost):
- Typically, the higher the quality of the blank garment, the higher the cost.
- Fortunately, we have a wide range of products for every budget.
Screen Print Pricing:
- The greater the number of imprint colors in your design, the greater the cost to print.
- The greater the number of imprint locations, the greater the cost to print.
- Example: Printing just one side of the shirt costs less than printing both sides of the shirt.
Embroidery Pricing:
- The larger and more dense your embroidery logo is, the greater the amount of “stitches” it will contain.
- The greater the amount of stitches in the logo, the longer your job will take to run on our machines.
- The greater the amount of time your job is being monitored by our staff, the greater the cost.
3. What are the setup charges?
Screen Print:
- A large mesh screen is created to form a stencil for each of your imprint colors and imprint locations.
- This preparation is done in a dark room using chemicals, water pressure, and light curing equipment.
- The screens are recycled (cleaned, reclaimed, and reused) after each job is printed.
- New orders – $25.00 per screen
- Repeat orders – $15.00 per screen
- Example: An order with a 2 color front imprint and a 3 color back imprint would require 5 total screens.
Art/film Charges:
- All new artwork has to pass through our graphic department for inspection and to create films.
- Films are paper sheets, printed with each section of your logo, that are used to create screens.
- We must review your artwork before quoting the art/film charge, as each file is unique.
Embroidery:
- Embroidery setup is called “embroidery digitizing,” and the result is a computer file in “Tajima” format.
- We take your digital artwork and plot out the order that our machines will sew each stitch.
- Once the design has been “digitized,” there is no reorder setup charge for that design on future orders.
- If you already have a Tajima file (“filename.dst”) from a previous vendor, you are welcome to supply it.
- The fee to create a “digitized file” is $8.00 per thousand stitches, with a minimum charge of $40.00.
4. What are your turnaround times?
First Come, First Serve
- We have a “first come, first serve” policy to be fair to all of our clients.
- To secure a place on our production schedule, we recommend calling as far in advance as you can.
- Once we know of your deadline, we can give you our deadline for submitting artwork and shirt sizes.
Finalizing Details
- There are many details involved in selecting shirt styles, collecting sizes, and approving artwork.
- Your order is only considered “an order” by us once you have finalized all of these details.
Average Turnaround Time
- The average turnaround time is approximately 3-4 weeks after art approval and final order submission.
- During busy months, this turnaround time can extend to 4-6 weeks. Please contact us for details.
- Any changes made to artwork or shirt sizes may delay your order in the production process.
5. What types of artwork files are needed?
Vector Files
- Ideally, you’ll be supplying a vector file that has been spot color separated (or is only 1 color).
- It’s also advisable to convert all fonts to outlines to avoid accidental font conversions.
- Acceptable vector file types: .pdf, .eps, or .ai
Raster Files
- If you are unable to obtain a color-separated vector art file from your designer, don’t panic.
- Our graphic department bills at only $40.00/hour, and we can quote you on doing the work for you.
- Examples of raster files are: .jpeg, .tiff, and .gif
Vector Vs. Raster
- Vector graphics are scalable (can be made larger or smaller) without the image pixilating.
- Raster graphics are not scalable. You can’t make them any bigger than they appear on your screen.
- If you attempt to make a raster file larger, the image will pixilate (get uneven edges).
6. Why will I be glad I chose to partner with Koala Tee?
Over 30 Years in Business
- Our many long-time employees are talented and committed experts in their fields.
- Please visit our website’s Testimonials page to read a long list of happy customer reviews.
We’re Easy to Work With
- We’re well known for having a positive and friendly staff who goes above and beyond to help.
- Even if we can’t produce a particular job for you, we’ll help to refer you to someone who can.
We Care
- Your orders are as important to us as they are to you.
- We stand by our commitments and always deliver what we promise.