FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click arrow for answer to each question
ARTWORK & GRAPHIC DESIGN
What are your artwork or design file requirements?
Artwork and design file requirements are as follows:
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All design files must be 300 DPI or a vector file
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Design must be sized to print or at least 12" wide
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Accepted file formats are .AI, .EPS, .JPG, .PSD, .PDF
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PDF files must be high resolution and flatten
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All fonts or text included in a design must be converted to outlines
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Design cannot contain embedded raster images
What if my artwork is not vectorized or I don't know how to prep a file for print?
We will not be able to start or proceed with an order until the artwork meets requirements.
Our in-house graphic designer can vectorize your artwork for a fee of $50/hour.
I'm not a graphic designer. Do you offer design services?
Yes! Our in-house graphic designer can help you create basic designs or logos. We also work with a network of local graphic designers that we can refer you to. Keep in mind, each graphic designer has their own style. Fees vary by artist and scope of project.
ORDERING
Do you have a minimum order requirement?
We can fulfill orders of any size from one to thousands.
For direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, we have a minimum order requirement of 1 garment per design.
For screen printing, we have a minimum order requirement of 24 garments per design. If you don’t meet this requirement, we can print the order, but it may not be as cost-effective. Contact us for a quote.
What is your turnaround time? Do you offer rush service?
We require at least 14 business days + shipping from the time you place your order. Your final order must be approved, paid for, and include all necessary information. If you have a deadline or an order that must be completed in less than 14 business days, rush fees apply based on the deadline and subject to availablity.
Turnaround time is an estimate and will be listed on your quote/invoice. It is not a guarantee. Customers must account for shipping time and/or circumstances that are out of Town Print Shop’s control, such as supplier errors, damaged garments, weather delays, natural disasters, changes in law/regulations, etc.
Do you provide a proof or sample?
Every order is provided with a digital proof. Prior to production, you must review and approve the artwork, ink color, print location, and print size to ensure the finished product meets your expectations.
For a printed sample of your artwork and/or a blank sample of the garment, there is a charge for setup, labor, and/or cost of the garment.
PRINTING & PRICING
What is the difference between screen printing & DTG printing?
Screen printing is a traditional method of transferring a design to textile by using mesh stencil screens to layer ink. It is a labor intensive process designed to produce high volume prints that are affordable to customers. Screen printing originated in China during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) and has continued to evolve.
Direct-To-Garment printing (DTG) is a newer method using digital technology to spray ink onto textiles. Fundamentally, this printing technique is similar to screen printing. DTG is recommended for designs with more than 6 colors, intricate artwork, or photographs. This process is designed to be an affordable way to produce a few prints.
How much does it cost to print custom apparel?
Several factors go into determining the cost of your order. Our pricing depends on the following:
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Apparel Selection
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Apparel Quantity
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Design Needs
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Finishings (Folding, Screen Printed Tag, Tag Removal, etc.)
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Number of Colors per print area
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Number of Print Area/Location (Front, Back, Sleeve, Back, etc)
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Printing Style (DTG or Screen Printing)
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Fees (Rush Order, Shipping, Setup, Special Ink Color, or Ink Changes)
Do you charge for delivery in the SF Bay Area? Where do you ship to?
When your order is complete, you'll receive an email notification for pick-up during business hours.
We offer drop-off delivery within 15 miles of Oakland, California*.
*Delivery fees apply and varies based on distance
We ship nationwide within the United States. Domestic orders are shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Standard shipping rates apply. Please notify us if you have a shipping account you would like to use.