Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes When Bulk-Ordering Custom Apparel

Bulk ordering custom apparel can be a cost-effective way to outfit teams, promote a brand, or stock a store. However, simple missteps can lead to wasted money, ill-fitting garments, or missed deadlines. Whether you’re ordering for a corporate event, a school fundraiser, or a custom t shirt store, avoiding these 7 common mistakes will ensure a smooth and successful order.

Mistake #1: Not Doing Your Research Before Ordering

Many buyers miss out on budget-saving opportunities when making wholesale apparel orders due to their lack of research. Being unaware about these opportunities can mean you overpaying for your custom apparel bulk order.

How to Avoid It:

• Get quotes from multiple custom t shirt stores before finalizing to find the supplier with the best prices.
• Ask about bulk discount thresholds to ensure you don’t miss out on any discounts.
• Ask about bulk pricing tiers and consider adjusting your order slightly to reduce the per-unit cost.
• Check for hidden fees like shipping, setup charges, rush fees, or additional color charges.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Fabrics for Your Needs

 Fabric choice plays a major role in how custom apparel looks, feels, and lasts. However, businesses often make the wrong fabric choice for their order. This is mainly due to not fully understanding the purpose of the occasion and not having a proper idea about the fabric options.

How to Avoid It:

• Consider the purpose of the custom apparel: Sports teams may need moisture-wicking fabric, while corporate gifts may require premium cotton. Evaluate your occasion properly and make the right choice.

Request fabric samples: Before choosing the fabric, request a sample of it. You will get a chance to touch and feel the material before buying.

Mistake #3: Not Accounting for Different Sizes and Fits

Many businesses often ignore the step of planning the range of sizes and fits for their bulk custom apparel order. Due to this, clothing may turn out to be too tight or loose for different body shapes. This is a common mistake for buyers as it is not practical to get measurements from each individual when placing a bulk custom apparel order. 

How to Avoid It:

• Follow the industry average breakdown: Follow the industry size averages and distribute your sizes.
• Request a size chart from your supplier: If you are unsure, the best way is to request a size chart from your custom apparel provider to guide your decision.

Consider unisex fits: A unisex fit can suit different body shapes of both men and women

Mistake #4: Underestimating Order Lead Time

One of the most common challenges of bulk orders is accurately predicting the production duration. Often, buyers tend to underestimate order completion time and fall into the risk of missing order deadlines. 

Even though your custom t shirt store assures you a deadline, you cannot rely on this, as production delays may arise at any time. This can even make you pay rush fees for your supplier to get the work done in time.

How to Avoid It:

• Know your supplier’s standard turnaround time: Ask suppliers about their standard vs. rush turnaround times.
• Place orders weeks prior: Make your bulk order at least 3-4 weeks in advance of your required date to avoid rush charges.

Be aware of peak demand season: Don’t let your order overlap with seasonal periods like conference and holiday seasons.

Mistake #5: Ordering Exact Quantities Without Extras

It’s tempting for businesses to order only what they need. But what happens if there are printing errors, defective shirts, or last-minute additions? Misprints and defective custom apparel can leave you short on inventory. Actions like last-minute additions and reordering in small quantities can cost you more per unit and sabotage your budget savings.

These last-minute batch orders could have color variations and several differences from your bulk order. 

How to Avoid It:

• Always order at least 5% extra: A slightly high number can prepare you for possible potential misprints or last-minute needs. In case the order doesn’t need extras, you can store this stock for display and memorabilia.
• Check the reprint policy: Request the supplier’s reprint policy in case replacements are needed.

Mistake #6: Failing to Provide a Print-Ready Design File

A high-quality design ensures crisp, professional-looking prints. Many businesses send low-resolution images, resulting in pixelated or misaligned artwork. Your custom order may have unexpected font changes due to missing files. Most often, these defects may not be noticed even by the custom t shirt store until completion.

How to Avoid It:

• Discuss with the supplier’s design team: Check with the printer on the file format, colour settings, and design placement. Ask what they expect in the design file and fulfil them.
• Submit high-resolution vector files:  File formats like AI, EPS, or high-quality PNG can prevent blurry and distorted designs on your custom apparel.

Confirm elements of design with the supplier: Recheck font embedding, size scaling, and alignment with the supplier before production.

Mistake #7: Not Testing a Sample Before Ordering in Bulk

Skipping the sample process is a risky move, especially for first-time buyers. Making a bulk order of something that doesn’t match your expectations is a huge loss for your business or organization. 

A sample allows you to confirm fabric quality, design clarity, and overall fit. It can even help you identify any design issues that can’t be noticed until manufacturing. 

How to Avoid It:

• Start with a small test order: If ordering from a new vendor, plan a small apparel order before committing to a bulk purchase. This will help you have an idea of their turnaround times and how they handle their orders.

Use digital design tools: Opt for online custom t shirt stores that offer options to preview your design while designing.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these seven common mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration when bulk-ordering custom apparel. Whether you run a custom t shirt store or need shirts for a large event, these precautions will prepare you for your next bulk order.

Need a reliable custom apparel supplier? Work with a trusted custom t shirt store that offers competitive bulk pricing, quality fabrics, and fast turnaround times!