04:44
Faizan
Customized shirts can be a very effective piece of promotion for your small business. Whether you're preparing for a convention, a special event, or you simply want something you can pass out to customers, you need to make sure your company is well represented. You can do this by working with a good print shop that understands the needs of their customers. One of the best ways to make sure you're dealing with a good company is to rely on reviews and recommendations before choosing a vendor. If you don't have that option, here are some questions you need to ask and some things you need to know before placing an order.
The Charges
Don't be misled when it comes to how much you will be charged for your customized shirts. Make sure the company you're dealing with believes in an up front pricing method that is clear and understandable. You don't want to be hit with surprise fees and charges when you get the bill. Most companies are under some kind of deadline when they order promotional materials, so make sure the print shop you deal with knows that the job needs to be done by a certain date and has factored any "rush" specifications into the price.
Images
Don't simply assume that a print shop can work with any type of images to complete your customized shirts. If possible, try to work with the shop in creating the design. That way, you don't get an unexpected, "Oh, we can't do this," when you bring in your images. A.jpg you found online may not be sufficient for the shop to work with to create a shirt that will look presentable. Some shops will not work with files and images that are copyright protected. Some refuse to work with what they may consider to be offensive imagery or text. Get all of your relevant image questions answered beforehand.
Reputation
Even if you don't have anyone you can personally rely on to recommend a company, you should do your own background research. Just because a company can afford to put together a glossy, informative website doesn't mean they will be able to satisfy you as a customer. Look for reviews online, check with other business owners who have used them for customized shirts, and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if anyone has been forced to file a public complaint. Reputation matters when you are running a business, as you should well know. Make sure you know who you're working with.
The Charges
Don't be misled when it comes to how much you will be charged for your customized shirts. Make sure the company you're dealing with believes in an up front pricing method that is clear and understandable. You don't want to be hit with surprise fees and charges when you get the bill. Most companies are under some kind of deadline when they order promotional materials, so make sure the print shop you deal with knows that the job needs to be done by a certain date and has factored any "rush" specifications into the price.
Images
Don't simply assume that a print shop can work with any type of images to complete your customized shirts. If possible, try to work with the shop in creating the design. That way, you don't get an unexpected, "Oh, we can't do this," when you bring in your images. A.jpg you found online may not be sufficient for the shop to work with to create a shirt that will look presentable. Some shops will not work with files and images that are copyright protected. Some refuse to work with what they may consider to be offensive imagery or text. Get all of your relevant image questions answered beforehand.
Reputation
Even if you don't have anyone you can personally rely on to recommend a company, you should do your own background research. Just because a company can afford to put together a glossy, informative website doesn't mean they will be able to satisfy you as a customer. Look for reviews online, check with other business owners who have used them for customized shirts, and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if anyone has been forced to file a public complaint. Reputation matters when you are running a business, as you should well know. Make sure you know who you're working with.
Posted in: business
