Quick Answers, Organized by Topic
Use this custom apparel printing FAQ to get quick answers about screen printing, DTG printing, DTF transfers, embroidery, pricing, turnaround, shipping, and order approval.
Browse the most common questions our customers ask, organized by category. Each section has 3 quick answers — for the full details, click through to the dedicated help page at the bottom of each category.
Can't find what you're looking for? Call us at (800) 735-4304 or email print@rapidssp.com — we respond within 5–15 minutes during business hours.
Ordering & Process
How do I place an order?
You have four ways to order: design online with our Design Studio, request a quick quote from our team, email print@rapidssp.com, or call (800) 735-4304. Most customers get a response within 5–15 minutes during business hours.
Will I see a proof before production?
Yes. Online orders get an automatic mockup emailed to you for review. If you'd prefer a designer-prepared e-proof, just leave a note at checkout requesting one. For phone, email, or quote-form orders, simply tell your agent that you'd like an e-proof.
Production doesn't start until you've reviewed and approved your proof.
What happens after I approve my proof?
Once approved, your order moves into production. We do multi-stage quality checks during printing or embroidery, then prepare your order for shipping or local pickup. You'll get tracking info as soon as it ships.
Pricing & Saving Money
Do you charge setup or digitizing fees?
No. We never charge setup fees on screen printing, DTG, DTF, or embroidery — saving $25–$50 per color compared to most competitors. Embroidery digitizing is also free for new logos.
What's the easiest way to lower my price?
Order more pieces in one run. Per-piece pricing drops at tier breaks of 4, 9, 15, 25, 50, 73, 100, 150, 250, 500, and 1,500+ units. Combining team or staff orders into one run is one of the biggest cost-savers.
Are there current coupon codes?
Yes. Code HAPPY10 takes 10% off, and we run additional seasonal promotions throughout the year. First-time customers and certain industries (schools, nonprofits, teams) may also qualify for additional discounts — just ask.
Turnaround Time
What's your standard turnaround time?
Standard turnaround is 7 business days with no extra cost. Need it faster? Rush takes 5 business days (+20% of order total) and Super Rush takes 3 business days (+25%).
Do you offer same-day printing?
Yes, on qualifying orders placed before 11 AM Pacific Time. Same-day is phone-only with custom pricing. Available on Screen Printing, DTG, and DTF (not new embroidery without digitized files). Max 1,000 pieces. Call (800) 735-4304 to set it up.
Is the turnaround date my ship date or delivery date?
The date you select at checkout is your delivery date, not your ship date. We ship orders far enough in advance — or upgrade your shipping method — to ensure you receive them by your selected delivery date.
Shipping & Delivery
How much does shipping cost?
Orders over $100 ship free anywhere in the contiguous US. Orders under $100 are a $9.79 flat rate. AK and HI are calculated separately. We don't ship internationally at this time.
Do you offer free local pickup in Los Angeles?
Yes — pickup is always free. Select "Store Pickup" at checkout. We'll text or email you when your order is ready at our 2633 South Broadway facility.
Which carriers do you use?
We ship primarily via UPS, with FedEx and USPS as additional options. Every order includes full tracking. Carrier choice depends on your delivery date, location, and package size — we always pick the best option to hit your deadline.
Payment Options
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Afterpay (4 interest-free installments). For wholesale or larger orders, ACH bank transfer and wire transfer are also available.
Is your checkout secure?
Yes. Our checkout is fully PCI-compliant and uses SSL encryption. We don't store your full credit card information — payments are processed directly through certified payment processors. Your data is never shared or sold.
Do you offer payment plans or deposits?
Afterpay splits any order into 4 interest-free payments. For wholesale or new business accounts on larger orders, we offer a 50% deposit option with the remaining 50% due before shipping. We don't offer Net 30 terms.
Returns & Refunds
What's your return policy on custom apparel?
Because every order is custom-made, we don't accept returns based on personal preference. However, if your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us within 7 days of delivery with photos and your order number. We'll review the issue and may offer a free reprint, replacement, or refund depending on the situation.
What if my order has a printing error?
If we made a mistake (wrong sizes, wrong colors, defective print), email print@rapidssp.com within 7 days with photos and your order number. We'll review and either reprint at no cost or issue a full refund — your choice.
Can I cancel my order after placing it?
You can cancel before production begins for a full refund. Once production has started, cancellations on blank goods incur a 25% restocking fee. Custom-printed orders that are mid-production cannot be canceled.
Printing Methods
What's the difference between screen printing and DTG?
Screen printing uses ink pushed through mesh screens — best for bulk orders (25+ pieces) with simple designs. DTG prints digital ink directly onto fabric — best for small orders or full-color/photo designs. For photo or full-color designs, DTG is the right choice at any quantity, including bulk.
Which method is most durable?
Embroidery and sublimation last the lifetime of the garment — embroidery thread can't crack or peel, and sublimation dye becomes part of the fabric. Screen printing and DTF last 50+ wash cycles. DTG holds 30–50 washes when cared for properly.
Which method works best on polyester or performance wear?
DTF or sublimation. DTF transfers work on virtually any fabric including polyester and blends. Sublimation works on polyester only — it dye-bonds to the fabric for a permanent print with no hand-feel. DTG struggles on poly; screen printing works but isn't ideal.
Garment Care
How should I wash my custom-printed shirt?
Turn inside out, wash in cold water (60–80°F), use mild detergent, and avoid bleach and fabric softener. Hang dry or tumble dry on low. Following these basic rules can extend print life from 10–15 washes (rough care) to 50+ washes (proper care).
Can I put printed shirts in the dryer?
Yes, but on low heat only — and ideally not at all for DTG and DTF prints. High heat is the #1 cause of cracking and peeling. The safest approach for any custom apparel is to hang dry. Remove from dryer while slightly damp if you do use it.
Why is my print fading or cracking?
The most common causes are: hot water washing, high-heat drying, bleach, fabric softener (which breaks ink bonds), or ironing directly on the print. Switching to inside-out cold washing and air drying typically slows or stops further degradation.
Wholesale & Tax-Exempt
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes. We open wholesale accounts for businesses, schools, nonprofits, resellers, and any organization placing repeat or large-volume orders. No application fee, no commitment. Email print@rapidssp.com to set up your account — typically approved within 1 business day.
How does the 50% deposit option work?
For approved wholesale or new business accounts on larger orders, you can pay 50% upfront — production begins immediately. The remaining 50% is due before the order ships. No interest, no extended financing, no credit checks.
How do I submit a tax-exempt certificate?
Email a clear copy of your valid certificate to print@rapidssp.com. Most certificates are reviewed within 1 business day. Once approved, no sales tax will be charged on future orders. For online orders already placed, we can refund the sales tax — just include your order number with your certificate.
Artwork & Sizing
What file formats do you accept for artwork?
We recommend vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) for the sharpest results. For raster files (PNG, JPG), use 300 DPI minimum at actual print size. Don't worry if you only have a low-res file — we'll let you know if it needs to be redrawn and can often help with that.
How do I find the right size for my custom apparel?
Every product has its own size chart available right on the product page and inside the Design Studio (under the product description). Each garment brand fits slightly differently, so always check the chart for the specific item you're ordering.
When in doubt, order one piece in your assumed size before committing to a large quantity.
What if my logo only exists as a low-resolution image?
Send us what you have and we'll review it. Low-res logos can often be vectorized — sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee depending on complexity. We never reject a project for image quality without first offering options to fix it.