Posts

Retail Ready Printing: What It Actually Means and How to Get There

Image
If you've ever had a client ask for "retail ready" prints and weren't 100% sure what they meant, you're not alone. It's one of those terms that gets thrown around constantly in the industry but rarely gets explained in full. Most people assume it's just about print quality. It's not. Retail ready is the complete package, from the print itself to the tag on the inside of the collar to the way the shirt is folded and bagged. In this post we're breaking it all down so you know exactly what you're committing to when you take on retail or licensed work. THE BASICS What Does Retail Ready Actually Mean? Retail ready refers to a finished garment that meets the standards of major retailers, licensed brands, and high-end apparel companies. Think the shirts you see at Urban Outfitters, a licensed sports brand, or a boutique streetwear label. The print is clean, the tag is branded, the garment is folded and bagged, and every single piece in a run of 500 lo...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Run a T-Shirt Fundraiser (Pricing + Free Flyer)

Image
The T-Shirt Fundraiser Playbook The pitch, the math, and the free flyer that closes the deal Screen Printing 101  |  Business & Sales  |  Schools & Fundraisers If you've ever pitched a school on a t-shirt order, you already know the pitch that doesn't work: "We do great custom apparel, here's our catalog." Schools don't wake up wanting shirts. They wake up needing money, for the band trip, the new dugout, the robotics team's regional entry fee, etc... That one shift, from selling apparel to funding a goal, is the entire fundraiser pitch. This guide covers the real math, who actually says yes, when to show up, and a free flyer template you can hand to any booster club president or PTO treasurer this afternoon.   STEP 1 Stop Selling Shirts. Start Selling Money. Not "we use premium materials" (true, but forgettable). Not "we offer quick turnaround time" (nice, but not the hook). The hook is: this raises money, and here's exact...
Post a Comment
Read more

Plastisol vs Water-Based inks

Image
  Plastisol vs. Water-Based Inks: Which Ink Is Right for Your Shop? Screen Printing 101    |    Inks & Materials    |    Beginner Friendly When you're just getting started in screen-printing one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing your ink. And when it comes down to it, there are two major players: plastisol and water-based. Both have a place in a well-run shop, but they behave very differently on press, on the garment, and in your workflow. In this post we're breaking both down, the pros, the cons, what to watch out for, and helping you figure out which one makes sense for the work you're doing. Plastisol Inks - The workhorse of Screen Printing Plastisol is the go-to ink for the majority of screen printers, and for good reason. It's reliable, forgiving, and incredibly easy to work with. Unlike water-based inks, plastisol doesn't dry on the screen, which means you can take your time on press without stressing about your mesh cl...
Post a Comment
Read more