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Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Turnaround, minimums, shipping, inks and file prep, answered by the team that runs the presses. Search below, or browse by section.

Orders

What is the standard turnaround time for apparel orders?

While we do have rush orders starting from 3-5 business days, below are our standard turn around times.

Screen Print: 10-14 Business Days
Embroidery: 10-14 Business Days
Waterbase Transfers: 7-10 Business Days
Digital Printing: 7-10 Business Days
Samples: 3-5 Days / Please add additional time for finishing services and washes.

Can I order outside of the US?

Yes. We ship to most countries via DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS. If your country isn't available at checkout, contact us and we'll help.

Can I rush my order?

Please take a look here for rush options available based on the number of business days given to produce as well as the size of the order.

Available Rush Options are:

3-5 business days

5-8 business days

8-10 business days.

Please contact your rep for exact rush options and availability or email rush@dtlaprint.com

What If I receive more or less than I ordered?

We do have a industry standard of 5% +/- on any order for damages, inconsistencies, etc. These are items printed by humans and we are bound to mistakes. We try our best to get you exactly what you ordered, however, if you need an exact quantity of items we would recommend ordering a slight percentage over. This does not include back-ordered or out of stock items from the distributor. We will take all measures to inform you of these types of discrepancies early on.

What is the minimum amount of clothing I have to buy? Is it 50 per clothing item? Can it be 50 in total?

Our minimum depends on the decoration method and whether you order online or through a sales rep.

Online Orders

DTG: 1 piece 

Screen Print: 12 pieces

Waterbased Transfers: 1 piece 

Embroidery: 1 piece

Trim-only orders (patches, labels): $500 minimum

Within that order, you have the flexibility to choose any quantity of sizes.

Sales Reps work with 50-piece minimums per order (mix any sizes/styles).

Can I print just one shirt?

Yes, you may order online and select DTG, water-based transfers, or embroidery.

How long does it take to make the samples and how long will it take to make the orders?

We suggest to plan for 4-7 business days for a sample and 10-14 business days for production.

Is the price for the samples a part of the deposit or are they in addition to the deposit?

The price for the sample is credited towards production as they cover all of the initial set up + preparation fees.

If I dont like a sample will I have to pay again for another sample?

As long as there are no changes to the original artwork such as size, dimensions, etc there will be minimal charges for another sample. If the mistake was on our end we will cover the additional sampling charges.

If I want to reorder these clothes (in any amount) again in like 2 weeks to a month will I be charged extra for it or will it be the same price as before?

You will actually be charged slightly less as long as the quantity is the same or higher since the initial testing & set up fees have already been paid.

Shipping

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. We ship to most countries via DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS. If your country isn't available at checkout, contact us and we'll help. Rates are calculated in real time at checkout based on destination, weight, dimensions, and service level. Freight quotes are available for large/bulk orders.

Do you offer Free shipping?

Yes, we offer Free USA Ground Shipping on orders over $250. We do offer worldwide + express shipping options as an a la carte option so you can get the best possible pricing. You may also provide your own UPS shipping account info and we will be happy to set up the shipment for you on your account.

Can you ship my order without payment?

You are able to save your order as a quote on the check out page, it is listed all the way on the bottom of the page. Orders are typically 50% deposit and 50% due upon completion how ever we do work with  Purchase Orders as well as a credit application filled out with factor approval in order to provide any net terms.

Can you guarantee the arrival of my order by a certain day via UPS?

UPS is extremely reliable; however shipments are subject to weather delays and occasional delays which are outside of our control. The best thing to do is pad your delivery time just in case there is an issue with a shipping service. While uncommon it is best to be safe!

Can you Blind Ship to my clients and retailers?

Yes, please let your rep know at the beginning of the order that you would like these blind shipped and we will have these shipped with your branding, logo, and name on it.

Do you offer fulfillment services for single piece orders?

At the moment we offer bulk fulfillment for pre-sale models and do not offer print on demand services. Essentially we will produce in bulk and individually fulfill all of your orders to your customers door. You would send us a csv file of all orders received, the style, size, color each recipient ordered, we will produce + pack + ship each individually.

How long will international delivery take?

Transit time depends on the service and destination. As a general guide: Express: ~3-7 business days; Economy: ~6-14 business days. Note: production time is separate (standard 10-14 business days; rush options as fast as 3-5 business days).

Are duties and taxes included?

Typically not included. Your carrier or local customs may collect duties, taxes, and fees on delivery. If you prefer DDP (we prepay duties/taxes), ask your rep and we'll add it to your invoice where available.

Will I receive tracking?

Yes, tracking is emailed as soon as your order ships

What about customs paperwork?

We provide commercial invoices and HS codes. Some countries may require additional info (e.g., VAT/EORI/EIN). If needed, we'll reach out

Can you ship to multiple addresses or handle individual fulfillment?

Yes. We offer multi-address shipping and individual order fulfillment for team/creator drops and corporate programs.

Need help choosing the best method for your country or a rush timeline? Email sales@dtlaprint.com and we'll recommend the fastest, most cost-effective option.

Terms+ Conditions

Payments

We accept payments via company check, all major credit cards including American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, and ACH bank transfers. We also accept Google Pay, Klarna, Paypal, Link, Apple Pay, and Cash App. We are now accepting cryptocurrencies as well through coinbase commerce. We support Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, USD Coin, and DAI. We do require a 50% deposit at the beginning of the order and the remaining 50% balance upon completion. Net terms are available upon request and factor approval.

Out of stock + back ordered items

It is unfortunate, but sometimes our vendors will run out of particular styles or colors. If this happens we can offer a variety of possible substitute products from other vendors, or you can choose to wait until the items are back in stock. For more information on inventory of a particular style call (323) 261-8700 or email quote@dtlaprint.com

Damages / Defective / Lost Packages

Any claims must be submitted within 5 days after the product is received.

If my customers find issues with the design or any stains and defects on the clothes will they be able to get a refund if they email back within 7 days?

Our orders are handled by a team of skilled printers rather than machines. While such occurrences are infrequent, human errors can still occur. If there's a problem with the design, we can proceed with a reprint or provide a refund, as per your preference.

Cancellation

There is a $250 cancelled set up fee for any changes made to an order after work has been done. IE: once a machine is setup and buyer requests to stop production, there is a $250 cancellation fee to cover for the time spent mixing inks, preparing machines and garments, as well as setting up machines.

Printing Comparison

How our four main decoration methods compare, side by side, on the things that usually decide which one your job runs on.

Printing Comparison
Comparison Screen Printing Water-Based Transfer Direct to Garment Embroidery
Fabrics View Fabric + Ink Chart Any Recommend 100% Cotton For Best Results Any
Minimums 12-100 pieces depending on # of colors 1 piece 1 Per Artwork 1 pc per artwork
Photo Quality A- to C+ depending on image A+ A+ N/A
Set-up Fees Per Color Free Free Included
Large Volume Price Lowers Significantly Price Lowers Price Remains Same after 1k units Small drop in pricing as quantities increase
Low Volume Expensive Initial Set Up Costs Easy/No Set Up Fee Pricing Easy/No Set Up Fee Pricing Higher per unit price at low volume
Specialty Inks Yes No No 3D Puff & Metallic Threads
Eco-friendly Inks Yes Yes Yes N/A
Black Ink Most Rich & Dark Blank Prints Jet Black/100% Black Available Black Prints Max Out At 90% Vibrancy N/A
Pantone Matching Yes Yes No N/A
Color Vibrancy Best Amazing Results on Any Fabric Best on 100% Cotton Vibrant
Wash A+ A+ A- / B+ Depending on Fabric Blend A+
Consistency A+ A+ A A+

Fabrics + Screen Printing Inks

Which screen printing inks run on which fabric. This is the chart our production team works from. If your garment and ink do not line up, your rep will suggest the closest alternative.

Fabrics + Screen Printing Inks
Ink system 100% Cotton 90% Cotton 10% Poly 50% Cotton 50% Poly Tri-Blends 100% Polyester 95% Poly 5% Spandex
Water-based w/ Base
Water-based w/o Base
Oil Based w/ Base
Oil Based w/o Base
High Density
Puff
Stretch
Silicone

Printing on a blend or a synthetic that is not marked? Ask your rep. There is usually a way.

Screen Printing

What inks do you offer for Screen Printing?

We offer a wide range and selection of various screen printing inks including eco-friendly and phtalate free inks. A full list can be found on our specialty screen printing inks page.

What is Discharge Printing?

This printing special effect is simplistic, yet highly artistic. By printing discharge agents onto 100% cotton garments and adding heat, a chemical reaction is used to remove the existing dye from your garments. The result is a graphic area that is entirely void of any ink left on the garment. Due to the nature of this process, some variation in the color of your final print should be expected by you or your client. Some colors react to this process better than others. We can print any color through this process, though the results may vary as far as the brightness.

What is a Natural Discharge effect?

This is when we do not add a color to the discharge print and we create an off-white or bleached-out natural color. If a specific shade of off-white is required for your project, please choose let us know and we will match the color of your print file to the closest available ink. We can also offer a sample of the natural discharge on your garments if you are interested in seeing the result, though some variation may occur from garment to garment.

What are High Density Inks used for?

High Density Screen Printing Inks are available in any color in the Pantone Matching System solid color guides. If you do not have a PMS color guide, we can match your files to the closest available swatch. This effect is limited to one ink per garment and cannot be combined with Hybrid, Foil or Discharge Ink due to the heat required to achieve each of these processes. High Density Inks cannot be used for halftone images or graphics with fine detail. They work best with solid, bold graphic areas such as text or symbols.

How many ink colors will I need to print to reproduce my image?

For an accurate color count send full size, high resolution graphics to sales@dtlaprint.com. Please include a note about what color shirt your graphics will be printed on, the fabric blend, and the ink type that you would like, as this may affect the way that your image is produced. When possible let us know your total quantity and size break down. This will help us make recommendations about max print size and help us gather details needed to provide you with an accurate estimate on your project.

Direct to Garment

What is DTG / Direct To Garment?

Direct to garment printing, also known as DTG printing, digital direct to garment printing, digital apparel printing, and inkjet to garment printing, is a process of printing on textiles and garments using specialized or modified inkjet technology.

DTG provides a vibrant colorful soft feel print. DTG prints are perfect for small jobs that may require full color printing because they do not require multiple color screens or setups.

Which fabrics are best for DTG?

DTG printing is intended to be completed on 100% cotton garments. If you are providing garments that are not 100% cotton, DTLA Print is in no way responsible (no refunds or reprints) for pre or post production errors such as garment reactions to pre -treatment or heavy fading after multiple washes. If you choose to use self-supplied garments, we highly recommend completing a sample product before approving an order. DTG items are pre-treated with a chemical that may cause reactions on certain fabrics. There is a 2-5% expected fade rate after first couple of washes. Our standard DTG printing process is best suited for garments that are 100% cotton. If you're looking for the most opaque result, 100% cotton is your best bet. This fabric generally has a better result due to its tight weave. However, there are exceptions to this. If a cotton is too thick, it can absorb the ink and result in a more faded look (for example, the Gildan 2000 is a thicker cotton). We also offer printing on tri-blends and poly blends. Due to the looser weave and combination of fabrics, these garments will have a faded/vintage outcome with DTG printing. This is a pretty cool effect, but may not be ideal for you if you want a more opaque outcome.

What should my file look like for DTG?

All files must have a transparent background. No printer will print transparent colors. This is because all inks/dyes are concentrated pigments and not diluted pigments.

Should I save my file in RGB or CMYK?

Colors can look different in real life There aren't many things our incredible DTG process cannot achieve! However, when choosing the colors for your artwork, it's important to note that they may look different on a real product than what you see on your computer monitor. Even if you have calibrated your monitor to a specific color profile, there are various factors that influence the final appearance of colors on a printed product. Because of this, we can't guarantee color accuracy 100%. Our printers will convert your submitted print file from RGB to CMYK color space. This color conversion process changes the color gamut, or range of colors that can be expressed. You must be very cautious when using bright neon and pastel RGB values in your print files. Some examples include hot pinks, lime greens, construction orange, highlighter yellow, easter egg shades, etc. You should also consider other factors like fabric material, garment color, and whether your print will require a white under base layer when choosing colors. If color accuracy is important to you, we suggest ordering our pre-made color swatches on a sample product. You can use those swatches to decide which RGB values best compare to the desired results when printed on a physical product.

How should I wash my printed garments?

The DTG ink in this process is different from the ink screenprinters use. Keep in mind that the original manufacturer's care instructions don't take into consideration the DTG printing process. Be wary of washing and drying on a high setting, especially when the garment is 100% cotton. High temperature washes can fade and crack the print, and high temperature dryer settings can shrink the garment, as well as damage the print. In order for you to prolong the life of your custom print, we suggest following the care instructions below: Machine wash cold, inside-out, gentle cycle with mild detergent and similar colors. Use non-chlorine bleach, only when necessary. No fabric softeners. Tumble dry low, or hang-dry for longest life. Cool iron inside-out if necessary. Do not iron decoration. Do not dry clean. We do have shirts that come pre-shrunk to help avoid shrinking issues. The following models come pre-shrunk: Alternative 1070, Alternative 1072, American Apparel 5454, American Apparel 5495, American Apparel 5398, Anvil 980, Anvil 391, Anvil 982, Anvil 986, Anvil 990B, Gildan 2000, Gildan 2400, Gildan 2000L, and Hanes 5180. You can also view garment information like this on the product page for the item.

Finishing Services

Can you fold & bag my items for me?

Yes, we offer clear 2 mil thick clear polybags. Final finished pieces measure 9x12 in for standard apparel packaged inside. Fleece items and specialty apparel may vary.

Do you guys print inside neck labels?

Yes, our standard inside neck labels can be printed in any color. This is a great way to promote your brand by including website info as well as other valuable information such as size, material content, and care instructions. We would need one artwork per size.

Can you apply a size sticker / SKU sticker to my bagged items?

Yes, we can print standard rectangle size stickers to apply to your poly bagged items or you are free to send over your own custom SKU / Size stickers for us to apply for you.

Can you guys make and apply hang tags/labels?

We are able to assist you in creating samples as well as full production units for Hang Tags, size labels, main labels, hem labels, and woven labels. We can also help to sew on the labels on and apply the hang tags for you while we package them.

Will I be able to have a label sewn in on my blanks or screen printed on?

Yes, we offer full white labeling services. This includes numerous options for neck labels, size tags and care labels.

Artwork

What file formats / applications are supported?

Screen Printing: 300 DPI resolution in CMYK or Grayscale.

File Formats: JPG / PDF / TIFF / EPS / PSD / AI / PNG

I need help with my artwork, can you help us?

Basic edits and layouts are included in our price and are typical of over 99% of our orders. If you have any doubts or questions just call or email us at sales@dtlaprint.com

Can you change my artwork?

Yes, we can change your artwork. There is a fee that is included for providing this service. For more questions regarding artwork and changes email sales@dtlaprint.com

Can I see a mock up proof of my design prior to making a deposit?

Our representatives will provide a mockup of your design before production begins yet after a deposit has been made. You are able to make any changes to placement and location at this time.

How many colors can you print?

Screen print 15x18 in: 8 colors. Screen print jumbo 17x26 in: 6 colors max. Screen print all over 30x34 in: 1 color max on finished garments & 4 colors max on cut panels. Sublimation: unlimited number of colors.

No questions match that search

Try a shorter phrase, like "rush", "shipping" or "polyester". If it is not covered here, your rep can answer it directly.

Still need an answer?

Send us the details of your project (garment, quantity, decoration method and deadline) and a rep will come back with specifics.

sales@dtlaprint.com