How to Order Custom T Shirts: A Buyer's Checklist
How to order custom t shirts: step by step buyer process, quote checklist, choosing a print method, questions to ask a print shop and common mistakes.
A buyer's guide to ordering custom t shirts: steps from idea to delivery, a quote checklist, method choices and questions to ask a print shop.
To order custom t shirts, decide quantity, garment, colors and your in hands date, send vector or high resolution art, ask the shop which print method fits, approve a written proof and quote, then confirm sizes and shipping before you pay.
Rule: nothing should be printed until you have approved a proof in writing. The proof is your last chance to catch spelling, color, size and placement problems at no cost.
Part of the business and pricing guides in the DAX Learning Hub. This page is written for buyers. If you run a shop and want the intake form side, see Custom Apparel Order Form.
How to Order Custom T Shirts Step by Step
- Set the date and the count. Write down the date you need shirts in hand and a rough quantity per design. Both change price and which methods make sense.
- Pick the garment. Choose a style, fabric and colors. Ask whether the shop has that style in stock in every size you need.
- Prepare your artwork. Send vector art or a high resolution file. Our artwork file prep guide covers formats by method.
- Request a quote. Share the details from the checklist below so the quote matches what you actually want.
- Ask which method fits. Let the shop recommend screen printing, DTF, DTG, embroidery or vinyl based on your quantity, colors and fabric.
- Review the proof. Check spelling, colors, print size, placement and garment color. Approve in writing only when it is right. See Customer Artwork Proofs for what a proof shows.
- Confirm sizes, payment and delivery. Lock the size breakdown, the payment or deposit terms and whether you will pick up or have the order shipped.
- Inspect on arrival. Count pieces and sizes and check a few prints right away, so any problem is raised while the shop can still help.
Buyer Checklist Before You Request a Quote
A complete request gets a faster, more accurate quote. Gather these items first.
| Item | What to decide | Why the shop asks |
|---|---|---|
| In hands date | The date shirts must be with you, not the ship date | Sets the schedule and whether rush is needed |
| Quantity per design | Total pieces for each separate design | Drives price per piece and method choice |
| Garment style and color | Tee, long sleeve, tank; fabric; shirt color | Changes cost, stock and print method |
| Size breakdown | Count per size, including youth or extended sizes | Some sizes cost more or run out of stock |
| Print locations | Front, back, sleeve, left chest | Each location is usually a separate setup |
| Number of ink colors | How many colors the art uses | Affects screen printing setup and price |
| Artwork file | Vector or high resolution file | Determines whether art cleanup is needed |
| Delivery plan | Pickup or shipping address | Adds transit time and shipping cost |
Choosing a Print Method as a Buyer
You do not need to be an expert, but knowing the basics helps you understand a quote. Shops make the final call based on your art and fabric. For a deeper look from the shop side, see Which Decoration Method to Start With.
| Method | Often a fit when | Trade offs to ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | Larger runs of one design with a limited number of colors | Setup per color makes very small runs costly |
| DTF (direct to film) | Small runs, full color art, mixed fabrics | Feel of the transfer on the shirt; durability guidance |
| DTG (direct to garment) | Small runs of detailed full color art | Which fabrics and shirt colors the shop prints well; per piece cost at volume |
| Embroidery | Logos on polos, hats and jackets | Fine detail and small text limits; digitizing for new logos |
| Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) | Names and numbers, a few pieces, simple shapes | Many colors or fine detail add labor |
Questions to Ask a Print Shop
- Which method do you recommend for my design and quantity, and why?
- What does the quote include: setup, art cleanup, digitizing, shipping?
- Is there a minimum order per design?
- When does your production clock start, and what is the range for my order?
- Is my garment style in stock in every size and color?
- Will I see a digital proof before production, and how many revisions are included?
- What happens if a shirt is misprinted or missing?
- What are your wash and care recommendations for this print?
Answers to these questions also make quotes from different shops comparable. For what drives price, see How to Price Custom Apparel.
Common Ordering Mistakes
Starting too late. Production is only part of the timeline. Proofing, blank arrival and shipping all add days.
Sending low resolution art. A small web image or screenshot can need redrawing, which adds time and sometimes a fee.
Guessing sizes. A rough guess leaves people with shirts that do not fit. Collect real sizes before you order.
Approving the proof without reading it. Shops print what you approve. Check every word and number.
Changing the design after approval. Late changes can restart the schedule and may add cost.
Comparing quotes that are not alike. One quote may include setup and shipping while another does not. Line them up item by item.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering Custom T Shirts (FAQ)
How do I order custom t shirts?
Set your date and quantity, pick the garment, prepare your artwork, request a quote, approve a written proof, confirm sizes and delivery, then pay and wait for production.
What file should I send for t shirt printing?
Vector files are usually preferred, and high resolution images often work too. Ask the shop what it needs for your method, and see the artwork file prep guide.
How many shirts do I need to order?
It depends on the shop and the method. Published minimums range from a single piece at some shops to a couple dozen per design at others, and screen printing usually gets cheaper per piece as quantity rises.
What should I ask a print shop?
Ask about method, what the quote includes, minimums, turnaround, blank stock, proofs and revisions, misprint policy and care instructions.
How do I collect sizes for a group order?
Use one shared list or form with a name and size for each person, set a deadline, and send the shop final counts per size. For company and team runs, see Corporate and Team Orders.
Figures and methods here are hedged starting points that vary by product; confirm every setting against the supplier or manufacturer spec sheet. Minimums, file requirements and timelines vary by shop; confirm details with the shop and the garment supplier.
Browse more guides in the DAX Learning Hub, and check cities and dates on the DAX show schedule when you are ready to see decoration methods and blank options with suppliers in person.