[hyposhirty]

Hi,
I am new to the forum, and am stoked about the breadth and depth of the information offered here.
Not sure if this is addressed somewhere else, but I am new to the t-shirt business, and actually interested in getting several hundred shirts printed with a design that is currently in the late stages of the federal TM process.

I am wondering if most t-shirt printers offer samples of the shirts. Given the relatively small number of shirts I'll be printing, is there anyone you would recommend who offers shirt samples so I can make changes/ view the quality of the shirt?

Thank you

 

[wormil]

If you mean samples of your design printed on a shirt then no, that would be unusual and generally a sign of an inexperienced printer. On a hundred shirt run, most of the work goes into getting the first shirt printed so changes after that point are very expensive. Really you just need to decide what you want and stick with your decision. If you really want a sample, look into Direct to Garment printing.

 

[splathead]

What you can do too is try to schedule your run with the printer. Be there when the first shirt comes off the press and approve or change the colors at that point.You'll end up paying for any changes or color substitutions, but at least you will get what you want.

 

[TshirtGuru]

Good suggestion on scheduling the time with your printer to come view the shirts before they go into full production, however most printers will not allow you to do this either. The printers I know, hate when people ask this question, rather which is why printers have minimums to "test" the quality out.

 

[Dan K]

As I have not done this on this site yet, I don't know if this will work, but here is a link to a discussion about samples a couple weeks ago:

http://www.t-shirtforums.com/screen-printing/t65592.html

If this link does not work, try searching the word "samples" in the t shirt forums search bar, and you will find a couple good threads up here about it...

 

[splathead]

Good suggestion on scheduling the time with your printer to come view the shirts before they go into full production, however most printers will not allow you to do this either. The printers I know, hate when people ask this question, rather which is why printers have minimums to "test" the quality out.

When you are choosing your printer, pick one who does. I have never had resistance in having this done. I know they won't wait for you if they are ready to run, but if they are refusing to do what you need done, find another printer.

 

[lben]

OK, I think you're not quite grasping the amount of work that is involved and what it would take to make changes. I suggest you go to the following website Silk Screening Supplies .com, screen printing equipment, silk screen printing kits and on the front page you will find an instructional video for screen printing that will give you a better idea of the whole process. I'm thinking you're thinking that making changes or making a sample is just a matter of turning on the computer, making a few clicks, and printing something out. And I think this misunderstanding may be why you can't understand why printers are so expensive. Anyhow watch the video. It is interesting to see what all is actually involved in the whole process.

 

[HelpRunMyShop]

No samples but you can do a press check thats what we call it make changes after the first one is printed if you like but we charge for changes!!!

 

[hyposhirty]

Thanks y'all. I appreciate the input. Do any of you know a good printer in the Manhattan / Brooklyn area that will let me do a press check?

 

[studog79]

We email pictures to our out of state customers when they want one but we charge if chages are needed at this time. All issues should have been addressed before this time. The only real issue we've had is they way certain shirts/colors discharge.