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Guides
Everything we wish every buyer knew before their first merch run: how decoration methods compare, what drives pricing, and how to pick blanks that match your brand. Written from production experience, not sales copy.
- Guides published
- 12
- Topics
- 5
- Total read time
- 74 min
Getting started
Getting started
Getting started
- How to make merch: from idea to deliveryThe full playbook for making custom merch: artwork, picking blanks and a print method, the money math, and getting it produced without surprises.7 min read
- How to prepare print-ready artwork for merchFile formats, resolution, sizing, and color specs that get artwork approved on the first pass, plus the mistakes that stall production.6 min read
Decoration methods
Decoration methods
Decoration methods
- Screen printing vs DTG: which is right for you?How screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing compare on cost, color, feel, durability, and minimums, and how to pick the right method for your run.7 min read
- Embroidery vs screen printing: how to chooseHow embroidery and screen printing compare on finish, durability, cost structure, and design fit, plus a simple way to pick the right method.6 min read
Pricing & planning
Pricing & planning
Pricing & planning
- How much do custom hoodies cost?What drives custom hoodie pricing: blank quality, decoration method, print locations, and order size, plus practical ways to lower cost before you order.6 min read
- How much do custom t-shirts cost?What drives custom t-shirt pricing: blank weight, print method, ink colors, and quantity, plus practical ways to stretch the budget before you request a quote.6 min read
- How many of each size to orderA practical size curve for bulk apparel orders: typical S-2XL splits for teams and events, when to collect real sizes instead, and how to avoid leftover boxes.5 min read
- How long does custom merch take?Realistic custom merch timelines: lead times for blank and decorated orders, rush options, common delays, and how to plan backward from a firm date.5 min read
Blanks & quality
Blanks & quality
By audience
By audience
By audience
- How to order school club & student-org merchA step-by-step playbook for ordering club merch: collecting sizes, setting a budget, choosing blanks and decoration, approvals, and hitting your event deadline.6 min read
- Startup swag people actually wearWhy most company swag ends up in a drawer, what teams actually keep wearing, and how to build a merch kit that works for onboarding, launches, and demo days.6 min read
- Demo day merch: what YC startups actually orderWhat four Y Combinator startups ordered for their batches, how fast founder-team runs really move, and how to plan merch backward from demo day.6 min read
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