This article outlines how to choose the best Styles, Decoration Methods & Placements when considering an off-menu order.
Last updated: May 10, 2024
To ensure your design ticket works through the process smoothly, please research the best practices for the products you wish to include in your off-menu team swag request.
Tip! Types of decoration methods commonly used for Signature Team Swag.
DTF (Direct-to-Film)
Description:
• Designs are printed onto a special film and heat transferred onto fabric.
Pros:
• Suitable for complex designs with vibrant colors.
• Works on various fabric types.
Cons:
• Not as durable as other methods.
• Decoration has a heavy, plastic-like feel. It can crack and peel over time.
Best Fabrics:
• Polyester and cotton blends.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment)
Description:
• Utilizes inkjet technology to print designs directly onto garments, similar to printing on paper.
Pros:
• High-quality printing with intricate details.
• Excellent for small batch orders.
Cons:
• Limited to cotton and cotton blends.
• The ink soaks into the fabric, which can dull the decoration on dark fabrics. Best for lighter-colored fabrics.
Best Fabrics:
• 100% Cotton.
EMB (Embroidery)
Description:
• Involves stitching designs onto fabric using thread and needle, creating textured and durable decorations.
Pros:
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Adds texture and dimension to designs.
Cons:
• Not suitable for complex designs with many colors.
• Can be expensive for large designs.
Best Fabrics:
• Cotton, Denim, Twill.
SCP (Screen Print)
Description:
• Designs are transferred onto fabric by pressing ink through a mesh screen onto the garment, layering colors one at a time.
Pros:
• Cost-effective for large batches.
• Versatile and suitable for various designs.
Cons:
• Limited color options.
• Not ideal for intricate details.
Best Fabrics:
• Cotton, Polyester, Blends.
Tip! Check Product Availability
When checking product availability, there are two main aspects to consider. A) Ensure the products you wish to order are physically in stock from our apparel distributor. Products that dropship from the manufacturer are not available for on-demand decoration. B) Ensure the products you wish to order are not discontinued.
Dropship products
Products that dropship directly from the manufacturer are not available for on-demand decoration through our network. Only products that are physically in stock at our distributor's warehouse are eligible and available for on-demand decoration. Certain dropship products may be available for bulk orders only with prior approval from the Ops department. Contact Kelcy for more information. You can tell if a product is dropship only by checking the inventory location on our distributor's website. In the example below from Alphabroder's website we can see this item is only available from the Holloway Drop Ship Warehouse.
Discontinued Products
Discontinued products may not be requested. Certain shipping restrictions exist for discontinued products and it is not a good use of design/ecomm resources to develop products that are being discontinued! If a client has requested a discontinued style, make an effort to find a suitable replacement to offer them instead. When checking inventory on our apparel distributors' websites, the product will be marked as "DISCONTINUED" or "INVENTORY IS LIMITED TO CURRENT SUPPLY ONLY" or some other indicator that the product will not be replenished when currently supply is depleted. All of these messaged indicate the product is discontinued. Example:
SANMAR
1. Search for the product blank you wish to include in the off-menu order.
2. Click "See Product Details"
3. Click "Decoration Spec Sheet"
4. Review the available decoration placements.
5. Review the Available Decoration Dimensions.
The decoration area is dependent on garment size, decoration method, and equipment being used. Please consult your decorator or supplier.6. Review the allowed Decoration Techniques.
Tip! The HEAT TRANSFER method uses heat and pressure to transfer a design. DTF (Direct-to-film) is a heat transfer-based print process.
7. Read more about Decoration Methods.
ALPHABRODER
1. Search and visit the product you wish to include in the off-menu order.
2. Click "Decoration Methods"
3. Review the available Decoration Methods for the product.
4. Click "Locations" to review available Decoration Placements & Dimensions.
5. Review all Decoration Methods.
Tip! Alphabroder references "Heat Seal" for any heat-applied decoration methods, such as DTF.
Tip! When placing your off-menu team swag request, please be sure to include the decoration method and dimensions and be very specific about which logo version the design team should use! Follow the brand guidelines and logo construction created by design, representing the logos on light and dark backgrounds.