How Custom Apparel Ordering Works

Great merch starts with a really clear process.

You don't need to know the difference between mesh counts, stitch counts or print methods. Tell us what you're trying to make, who it's for and when you need it. We'll help with the products, artwork, quote, proof and production from there.

Standard screen printing and embroidery projects typically begin at 24 pieces per design. Have a hard in-hands date? Tell us before we quote the project so we can confirm what's realistic.

Finished custom apparel project by Palmetto Blended Charleston SC
Custom apparel artwork and digital proof process
Custom screen printing embroidery and branded merchandise production
Idea to Finished MerchPalmetto Blended
01
Real Product GuidanceWe'll help narrow thousands of apparel choices.
02
Artwork HelpSend the best file—or idea—you have.
03
Digital ProofYou approve the artwork before production.
04
One Point of ContactReal people who know your project.
Before We Quote It

Five details make everything easier.

You don't have to have every answer. The more we know about what you're making, how many you need and when you need it, the faster we can point you toward the right solution.

01

What Are We Making?

T-shirts, polos, hoodies, hats, jackets, uniforms, promotional products—or something you need help finding.

02

How Many?

Quantity has a major impact on pricing and production method. An estimate is enough to start the conversation.

03

What Artwork?

Send your logo, vector file, PNG, existing design, sketch or inspiration. We'll tell you what we can work with.

04

When Do You Need It?

Give us the actual in-hands date—not just the event date—so we can recommend realistic products and production options.

05

Where Is It Going?

Let us know whether you're planning local pickup, shipping or another approved delivery arrangement.

The Palmetto Blended Process

Seven steps. No mystery.

Custom products have a lot of variables behind the scenes. Our job is to keep the customer side straightforward and make sure everyone agrees on the details before anything goes into production.

01Tell us what you're working on.

Start with the product, audience, estimated quantity, artwork, budget if you have one, and the date you need everything in hand. If you aren't sure which garment or decoration method makes sense, we'll help.

02We help narrow the products.

We'll recommend apparel or merchandise based on how it will be used, your audience, budget, brand and production requirements. If you already know the exact style and color, even better.

03We build your custom quote.

Once the core project details are clear, we'll price the products, decoration and applicable setup, artwork, finishing or shipping charges so you can review the project before moving forward.

04You approve the quote + submit payment.

Payment confirms the order and moves it into the artwork and proofing stage. Custom orders are paid before production unless approved account terms have been established.

05We prepare your digital proof.

You'll receive a visual proof showing the artwork and decoration placement for review. This is the time to catch spelling, artwork, placement or other visual changes before production begins.

06You say “approved.” We make it.

Production begins after the required payment and proof approval are complete. The approved proof becomes the production reference, so review it carefully before giving us the green light.

07Pickup, delivery or shipping.

When production is complete, we'll package the finished order and coordinate the pickup, approved local delivery or shipping method established for the project.

The Proof Is Your Production Blueprint

Look at it like it's the finished product.

We use digital proofs so you can see how the artwork is intended to appear before production. Approval protects both sides: you know what we're making, and our production team has a clear visual reference for what was approved.

Check names, spelling, dates, artwork, colors, decoration location and any other project-specific details shown on the proof. If something doesn't look right, tell us before approving it.

Waiting for Approval
Your
Artwork
✓ArtworkCorrect logo, wording and design.
✓PlacementFront, back, sleeve, hat or other location.
✓Spelling + DatesReview every detail before approving.
✓Project DetailsConfirm anything specifically shown on your proof.
Three Things Worth Knowing

A smoother order starts with clear expectations.

Most problems in custom production come from unclear quantities, rushed artwork or misunderstood deadlines. These three rules help keep everyone on the same page.

01 • Payment

Payment moves the order forward.

Custom orders require payment before production unless approved account terms apply. Payment confirms the project and allows the artwork, proofing and production workflow to move forward.

02 • Approval

Your proof approval matters.

Production does not begin until the artwork has been approved. Review the proof carefully because your approval confirms the visual details shown for production.

03 • Deadlines

Tell us the hard date before ordering.

Product availability, artwork, finishing, production and shipping all affect timing. A required due date must be confirmed by Palmetto Blended rather than assumed.

What You Can Expect From Us

Big-shop capabilities. Small-business communication.

You shouldn't have to become a printing expert to get good custom apparel. We help make the technical decisions behind the scenes while keeping the customer experience clear, personal and practical.

Guidance

Help Choosing Products

We'll help narrow fabrics, fits, brands, price points and decoration options instead of sending you into a catalog alone.

Creative

Artwork Help When Needed

We can review supplied artwork, explain what needs improvement and help prepare or create art when the project requires it.

Communication

A Real Person on the Project

You're working with a local team that knows what you're ordering and can help answer questions along the way.

Quality

No Production Without Approval

New artwork and artwork changes go through digital proof approval before production so there is a clear reference for the finished job.

About Turnaround Time

The clock doesn't start when you send the first email.

Custom production timing depends on product availability, artwork, quantity, decoration method, finishing requirements, proof approval and the current production schedule.

Your production timeline is confirmed for the specific project. If you have an event, launch, opening, race, trip or other immovable deadline, give us the date you need the order in hand at the beginning—not after artwork is approved.

Best Practice

Start with the in-hands date.

The date you actually need the finished order tells us whether standard production is realistic, whether product choices need to change and whether rush availability must be discussed.

Start a Quote →
What Clients Say

The finished product matters. So does the experience getting there.

★★★★★
“Great experience with Christine and Palmetto Blended!”
Roy BaileyOwner • Bailey's Irish Pub
★★★★★
“The quality was top notch!”
Luke TurnerLead Pastor • Cathedral of Praise
★★★★★
“I couldn't recommend a better company to work with.”
Jason SikorskyOwner • Charleston Plumbing and Gas
Ordering FAQ

A few questions before you start?

Here's what to know about quotes, artwork, payment, proofs, minimums, production and delivery.

Get a Custom Quote →
What information do you need to quote a custom apparel order?

The most helpful starting details are the product or garment you want, estimated quantity, artwork or logo, decoration needs and the date you need the finished order in hand. If you do not know the exact product yet, tell us how the apparel will be used and your approximate budget and we can help narrow the options.

What is the minimum order for screen printing or embroidery?

Our standard screen printing and embroidery minimum is typically 24 pieces per design. Product-specific minimums or decoration requirements may also apply. If your project falls outside the standard structure, send us the details and we'll let you know what options may be available.

Do I need finished artwork before asking for a quote?

No. Send the best artwork, logo, sketch or idea you have. We can review it and let you know whether the file is production-ready or whether artwork preparation, vector conversion or additional design work is needed.

What artwork files are best for custom printing?

Vector artwork such as AI, EPS, SVG or production-ready PDF is generally preferred because it can be scaled cleanly. High-resolution raster artwork such as PNG, PSD, JPG or TIFF may also be usable depending on the project. Send what you have and we'll review it.

When do I pay for my custom order?

Custom orders must be paid before production unless approved account terms have been established. Payment confirms the order and allows the project to move through the artwork, proofing and production workflow.

Will I receive a proof before production?

Yes. New artwork and artwork changes are reviewed through a digital proof before production. You should carefully review the artwork, wording, dates, placement and other project details shown before approving the proof.

When does production begin?

Production begins after the required payment has been received and the artwork proof has been approved. Product availability, artwork requirements and other project details may also affect scheduling.

How long does a custom apparel order take?

Turnaround depends on the products, quantity, decoration method, artwork, finishing requirements and current production schedule. Your project timeline will be confirmed as part of the order. If you have a hard deadline, give us the date you need the finished order in hand when you first request the quote.

Do you offer rush orders?

Rush production may be available depending on the garment, artwork, quantity and current production capacity. Rush work must be approved by Palmetto Blended and may involve an additional charge. Same-day printing is not offered.

Can I see a printed sample before the full order?

Printed samples are generally not offered because of the setup required for custom production. Depending on the project, blank garment samples may be available at cost. Palmetto Blended uses digital proofs for approval before production.

Can I make changes after I approve the proof?

Do not approve a proof until all requested changes are complete. Once the required payment and proof approval are complete, the order may move quickly into production and changes or cancellation may no longer be possible.

Can I pick up my order in Charleston?

Local pickup is available for qualifying orders. Shipping and other approved delivery arrangements may also be available depending on the project. Shipping transit time is separate from production time, so allow additional time when an order must be shipped.

Ready When You Are

Tell us what you're trying to make. We'll help with the rest.

Send the product idea, estimated quantity, artwork and in-hands date. You don't need every detail figured out before reaching out—that's what the process is for.

Start My Project →
Ready to make something?Get Quote →