Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Screen Printing Service Company

Hiring screen printing services might seem simple- just pick a place, send your design, and wait for the shirts to show up, right? Not quite. Whether you’re running a custom apparel company, printing shirts for your business, or planning tees for a team event, choosing the right printer can make or break your project. And while the colors and design matter, asking the right questions before you get started is what really saves you from headaches later. Here are 10 smart questions to ask before you hit “go” on your order.

1. What kind of printing do you offer?

Not all printing is the same. Some shops specialize in custom screen printing, while others might offer digital printing or heat transfer. If you’re looking for bold, long-lasting prints, screen printing is usually the better option- but it’s good to know what they do best.

2. Can I see samples of your work?

This one’s a no-brainer. Seeing actual samples helps you judge the quality of the print, how sharp the design looks, and how well it holds up on the fabric. If you’re serious about your merch, ask for photos or- if you’re local- drop by and check out some real samples.

3. What kind of shirts (or products) do you print on?

Do they use good-quality shirts? Can you choose the brand and fabric? Some printers have preferred materials; others let you bring your own. If you’re a custom apparel company, this stuff really matters for your final product.

4. Is there a minimum order size?

Some screen printing services won’t take small orders- especially with screen printing, where they have to prep screens and equipment. Make sure their minimum quantity works for you, especially if you’re just starting out or testing a new design.

5. How long will the order take?

Got a deadline? Ask about turnaround time upfront. Most places will give you a rough estimate based on the size of the order and how busy they are. Also, ask if they do rush orders- just in case you’re in a time crunch.

6. Can you help with the design?

Not everyone has a print-ready file sitting on their laptop. If you need help turning your idea into something print-worthy, ask if they have a designer or offer any design support. Some shops charge extra, some don’t- but it’s better to know before things get started.

7. What file formats do you need?

If you’re sending in your own design, double-check what file type they need. Most screen printing services prefer vector files like .AI or .EPS. Some will work with high-resolution PNGs or PDFs, but it’s best to ask so you don’t waste time going back and forth.

8. Are there any setup fees?

Screen printing usually comes with setup charges, especially if your design has multiple colors. Be sure to ask about these up front, along with any other possible fees- like color matching or small changes to your artwork.

9. Can I reorder the same design later?

If you think you’ll want more of the same design down the road, ask how reorders work. Some printers will keep your screens or artwork on file to make future orders easy (and sometimes cheaper). Others may charge full setup fees again. Good to know.

10. What happens if something goes wrong?

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. A misprint here, a smudge there- it happens. What matters is how the printer handles it. Ask what their policy is on mistakes, returns, or reprints. A good shop will be upfront and make it right if they mess something up.

Wrapping Up

Choosing screen printing services isn’t just about price. It’s about quality, service, and making sure they care about your order as much as you do. Whether you’re printing a few shirts or launching your own custom apparel company, asking these questions up front can save you a lot of back-and-forth- and a lot of disappointment.

Go with someone who listens, communicates clearly, and actually shows up when it counts. That’s how you get prints you’re proud to wear.