Why Most Shops Don’t Accept Customer-Supplied Garments—and Why Rocky Road Printing Does

When ordering custom printed apparel, you might find that most screen printing and embroidery shops prefer to supply their own garments. At Rocky Road Printing, we take a different approach. We understand that our customers sometimes have specific preferences or trusted vendors they want to use. Here’s an in-depth look at why many shops don’t accept customer-supplied garments and how Rocky Road Printing has designed a process to welcome them while maintaining premium quality.

The Challenge with Customer-Supplied Garments

Quality Control Concerns

Quality consistency is vital for professional screen printing and embroidery. Most shops opt to use their own garments to ensure:

• Uniform Color and Fabric: In-house supplies are pre-approved to match ink adhesion, durability, and print quality.

• Fabric Composition and Weight: Consistency in fabric blend and weight is essential to achieving reliable print results.

• Pre-Press Testing: Shirts from the shop are thoroughly tested to ensure they work well with our printing or embroidery equipment.

When customers supply their own garments, there can be significant differences in fabric quality, sizing, and even variations in color—all of which can compromise the final product.

Risk of Damaging Valued Items

Another key reason shops avoid customer-supplied apparel is the risk of damage:

• Handling and Processing: During the various stages of printing—from art preparation to ink curing—the possibility of stretching, staining, or other damage increases if the material is not up to standard.

• Liability Concerns: If the garment is damaged during production, it can lead to disputes. Standard procedures for in-house blanks mitigate these risks, ensuring a smooth and professional production experience.

Rocky Road Printing’s Approach: Accepting Customer-Supplied Garments

At Rocky Road Printing, we know that customer-supplied garments sometimes offer a unique advantage:

• Customization: Customers may have a particular blank they prefer based on style, brand loyalty, or even comfort.

• Cost Efficiency: Some businesses already have quality garments available, and they simply need professional printing or embroidery services.

Stringent Quality Checks and Pre-Production Testing

To address the concerns mentioned above, our process includes:

• Pre-Production Inspection: Our team examines customer-supplied garments for quality, fabric consistency, and print compatibility before proceeding.

• Test Runs: We conduct a small test print or embroidery on a sample garment to ensure that the material holds up during production and that the print quality meets our high standards.

• Clear Communication: We detail specific requirements regarding garment materials, construction, and acceptable condition to help you choose the best blanks for your project.

A Commitment to Professional Results

By accepting customer-supplied apparel, Rocky Road Printing provides you with:

• Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to select garments that align with your brand aesthetics without sacrificing professional quality.

• Cost Savings: If you already have a reliable supplier or inventory, our expert printing services allow you to maximize your investment.

• Local Professional Expertise: Our experienced team works directly with you to troubleshoot any potential issues and adapt our techniques to the garments you choose.

The Benefits of Choosing Rocky Road Printing

Choosing to work with us for your custom printed apparel means you benefit from a service that understands the delicate balance of quality control and customer preference. We are proud to be:

• Your Local Professional Source: Providing tailored solutions for both in-house and customer-supplied garments.

• Dedicated to Quality: Our rigorous pre-production checks and extensive industry experience ensure that every garment, regardless of its source, is handled with the utmost care.

• Flexible and Reliable: Whether you prefer our carefully vetted blanks or your own favorite garments, we’re committed to delivering exceptional, professional results.

Final Thoughts

While many screen printing and embroidery shops avoid customer-supplied garments due to concerns over quality control and potential damage, Rocky Road Printing has developed the expertise and procedures to confidently accept your preferred apparel. We provide the personalized service and meticulous attention to detail needed to ensure that your custom printed or embroidered apparel not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Ready to see the difference a professional touch makes? Contact Rocky Road Printing today—your local, trusted source for high-quality custom printed apparel, whether you supply your garments or use our top-of-the-line blanks.