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zeusprinting · October 4th, 2009

Is there a “rule of thumb” for ordering extra blanks to account for printing mistakes? For example, order an extra of each size and color. This seems like it could really cut into profits, and leave you with a bunch of random stock lying around.

So, what do you guys do? And, how do you handle the situation where you have chewed through, or don’t have, the number of items you need to fulfill the order?

veedub3 · October 4th, 2009

In the beginning I use to order more which is why i have a bunch of extras lying around. They eventually will get used so I don't worry too much about it. What I do now is order locally. I am fortunate to have a Broderbros, Alphashirt, and TSC Apparel in my backyard so I only order what I need, and go pick it up which saves me on shipping.
I recently did a sublimation order on Vapor apparel v-neck shirts which none of these providers had so I had to order from an out of state supplier so just in case I made a mistake I ordered more than what I needed, in this case 1 each size.
If you are not in an area where their is a supplier I would order a few extras to cover myself. 1 each size should be more than enough.
Katrina

splathead · October 4th, 2009

Depending on the job, and the cost of the blanks, I always order extras, in larger sizes. It's always easier to substitute a messed up medium with a large than the other way around.

Some printers advise customers in advance of a spoil ratio. Order 100 items, you could get 97, with a 3% spoil rate.

Some printers also advise customers of a +or- ratio. Order 100 items, you could get 97 or 103 depending on how well the job goes. This way you can order extra's, and have your customer buy them (printed) if you didn't have any spoilage.

InkedApparel · October 4th, 2009

I usually order 2% over what the job calls for...because there are always mistakes...I inform the customer upfront and most of the time they are ok with it...and if I print the whole job with no mistakes ..I ship all the shirts to the customer...seeing how they already paid for the shirts.except for 1 ..I keep a sample.

Inked

zeusprinting · October 4th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by InkedApparel


	I usually order 2% over what the job calls for...because there are always mistakes...I inform the customer upfront and most of the time they are ok with it...and if I print the whole job with no mistakes.

So, let me see if I read you right. Customer orders 100 shirts. You order 102. Charge the customers for 102. Then deliver all but 1 correct print (maybe 101, maybe 98). Is that right? Just want to make sure I understand.

InkedApparel · October 4th, 2009

yes thats correct....the customer knows upfront that there is a + or - 2%

Inked

veedub3 · October 4th, 2009

Very interesting info indeed. If i was a customer and I ordered 100 shirts and was delivered 98 then I would not be happy. I would think that if they ordered 100 shirts they need 100 shirts. If a printer told me upfront that I may or may not get the number of shirts I ordered I would be looking for another printer.
In my shop if you order 100 you get 100. I order extras to make sure I can fill the order because things happen.
But giving the customer less than what they ordered is just a practice i can't follow. Regardless of how many i mess up if they paid for 100 they would get 100.

Katrina

TShirtTechs · October 4th, 2009

I always order 1 extra in every size bracket and I print them and give them to the customer. The cost is minimal and the customer always appreciative.

InkedApparel · October 4th, 2009

Quote:


	Very interesting info indeed. If i was a customer and I ordered 100 shirts and was delivered 98 then I would not be happy. I would think that if they ordered 100 shirts they need 100 shirts. If a printer told me upfront that I may or may not get the number of shirts I ordered I would be looking for another printer. In my shop if you order 100 you get 100. I order extras to make sure I can fill the order because things happen. But giving the customer less than what they ordered is just a practice i can't follow. Regardless of how many i mess up if they paid for 100 they would get 100. Katrina

I agree...but seeing how I am new to pricing and printing orders ....I dont really know what Im doing when I price a job...and all of my customers have been family and friends so if I send them 1 short they are ok with it...they are really helping me out in the early stage of my venture...I still have alot to learn..so I guess when a customer orders 100 shirts for now on they will get 100 shirts...I will have to eat the costs of my mistakes......

Inked

Rexx · October 4th, 2009

just buy a few XXXl or larger shirts. it allows you to do test prints for pin hole, reg, etc. and since they are so big you can re use it for another order. That's what i found to work pretty well.

Pwear · October 4th, 2009

It's definitely good business to NOT short customers any garments, especially on smaller orders, even though most printers have an error rate written into their terms. I don't agree with giving a customer 98 out of a 100 shirt order if they paid for 100 shirts, or even charging them for just 98 - like was said above, they probably need 100 if they ordered 100.

I generally order more than I need and keep the rest as extras if I don't use them. If I wind up printing more than ordered for some reason, I keep a couple for samples and might give the customer the extras for free if they're good clients. Otherwise I just keep them.

MyFriendMoomba · October 5th, 2009

I always order 1 extra of each size. It pays off huge if you spoil anything. Something always goes wrong when you don't have anything to replace it. & if you have to order extras after it also means you have to leave that job set up on the press longer which will interfere with other jobs. Don't ask how I know this

Dark Shirt orders & multi colored jobs I think it is crucial to always have extras on hand!

& If all goes well we send them everything + the extras @ no additional cost & they're always psyched to get more than what they paid for!

*When the customer wants to provide the shirts that's when we tell them If you didn't order extra to account for mishaps then it's possible you may receive 1 less of each size.

I always keep a sample too.

Gabe

mtroup · October 5th, 2009

I cannot see the logic behind shipping/delivering less than a customer orders. Depending on the design I'll order at most one extra of each size. You have to figure that it's only costing you an average of $2 per shirt extra and if you have an order for 100 and only ship 98 and you sold the shirts for $8 then you lose $16 if you mess up two of them.. however, it would have only cost you $8 to order 4 extra shirts (S-XL).. thats how i see it atleast.

ratdaddy · October 5th, 2009

I ordered 2 of each size over until I had a surplus of 6 of most common requests. Now I operate on that level so if there is a mistake I can make up for it without having to run for more shirts.
My company practice, I send the order +1. I usually try to find out what size the purchaser orders and include 1 just for them. It has always paid off in the long run. My customers know I do this and they are loyal because of it. I also only keep a test print unless the customer has indicated that they don't mind me keeping one. Some people are a little possesive about their stuff.

adivito · October 6th, 2009

Spoilage rates are a pretty common practice in this industry,and I feel a good way to lose business. I am with veedub where I have local suppliers which works great for me. If I have to order I always pick up a couple extra for spoilage. If you are pricing properly and not cutting your throat you can afford to eat a couple shirts for the sake of having happy and returning customers.

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