Ordering custom-printed items sounds simple—pick a design, choose a product, and place your order, right? Well, not quite. A few wrong moves, and you could end up with a batch of misprinted, off-brand, or just plain useless merch. Whether you’re getting T-shirts, hats, or promo products, here are the biggest mistakes to avoid so your order turns out exactly how you want it.
1. Low-Quality Designs = Low-Quality Results
You wouldn’t print a blurry photo and frame it, so why settle for a low-resolution logo on your merch? A pixelated or poorly formatted file can lead to a disastrous print. Always provide high-resolution vector files (like AI, EPS, or SVG) to ensure sharp, crisp results.
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about your design quality, ask your printer for a proof before production.
2. Ignoring Fabric & Print Compatibility
Not all fabrics and print methods play well together. The ink that looks vibrant on cotton may fade on polyester, and detailed designs may not work well with embroidery. Choosing the wrong combination can lead to dull colors, cracking prints, or an uncomfortable fit.
✅ Pro Tip: Let your print shop guide you on the best materials and techniques for your design.
3. Skipping the Sizing Breakdown
Ordering 100 T-shirts? Great. Ordering them all in the wrong sizes? Not so great. Guessing your size distribution without checking can leave you with a pile of unwearable extras and frustrated team members.
✅ Pro Tip: Survey your team or customers beforehand to get an accurate size count. It saves you from overstocking smalls when everyone needed larges.
4. Choosing Price Over Quality
Sure, cutting costs sounds great—until you end up with shirts that shrink after one wash or ink that fades before your event even starts. Cheap isn’t always better, especially when your brand’s image is on the line.
✅ Pro Tip: Balance budget and quality. Investing in durable, high-quality prints means your merch lasts longer and gets worn more often.
5. Not Double-Checking the Proof
A missing letter, an off-center logo, or the wrong color? One small oversight can ruin an entire batch of prints. The proof (or mockup) is your last chance to catch errors before production begins.
✅ Pro Tip: Always review proofs carefully and have a second set of eyes check them too. Don’t approve anything unless it’s 100% right.
Get It Right with Hale Ink
At Hale Ink, we make sure your custom-printed items turn out exactly how you imagined—or better. We guide you through every step, from choosing the right materials to ensuring your design is print-ready.
Don’t let rookie mistakes ruin your merch. Contact us today, and let’s create something your team, customers, and fans will actually want to wear!
