Choosing a custom T-shirt supplier is not only about finding the lowest price per piece. The supplier should understand your artwork, garment specification, size breakup, deadline and delivery requirements before confirming what can be produced.

Use these questions when comparing suppliers for college merchandise, corporate apparel, event teamwear or startup swag.

1. What garment options are available?

Ask about the available fits, colours, fabric composition, approximate GSM, size range and care instructions. If the supplier offers several options, explain where the T-shirts will be used and how often they will be worn.

Do not compare a lightweight promotional T-shirt with a heavier everyday teamwear garment as if they were the same product.

2. Which printing or branding method do you recommend?

Ask the supplier to recommend a method based on your artwork, quantity, print size, number of colours, fabric and expected use. DTF, screen printing, embroidery and other methods suit different requirements.

A good recommendation should explain the trade-offs instead of presenting one method as the answer for every design.

3. Can you show a realistic mock-up or sample?

Ask to see how the artwork will look on the chosen garment colour and at the approximate print size. If the order is important or the artwork is complex, discuss whether a physical sample or approved production reference is appropriate.

Check the logo placement, small text, colour contrast, print feel and design versions before confirming the full order.

4. What information do you need for an accurate quote?

A supplier should ask for more than a quantity. Prepare:

• Product type, colour and fit
• Total quantity and size-wise breakup
• Artwork or logo files
• Front, back and sleeve print locations
• Approximate print size
• Personalisation requirements
• Delivery city and required-by date
• Individual packing or sorting requirements

If a quote is given without understanding these details, confirm what is included before comparing it with another supplier.

5. How are sizes collected and checked?

Ask whether the supplier provides a product-specific size chart and how the final size list should be shared. The organiser should collect sizes in one form, check the totals and send one approved size-wise breakup.

Clarify how late changes, missing sizes and personalisation lists are handled before production begins.

6. What is the approval process?

Confirm who approves artwork, garment colour, print placement, quantity and size list. Ask what happens after approval and whether changes are possible once production starts.

Keep the final approval in one written record. Multiple versions sent through different chats can create avoidable errors.

7. How is the delivery timeline planned?

Share the required-by date at the beginning and ask what stages are included in the timeline. Allow time for artwork preparation, quote approval, size collection, production, quality checking, packing and transport.

If the order is for a college fest, conference, offsite or campaign, work backwards from the date the merchandise must be in hand rather than the event start time alone.

8. How will the order be packed and delivered?

Confirm whether the order will be packed in bulk, sorted by size, grouped by team or packed individually. If employees or participants are in different cities, ask how multi-location delivery will be handled.

These details can affect the quote and schedule, so include them before approving the order.

9. What happens if there is a production issue?

Ask how the supplier handles an incorrect size, print issue, missing piece or damaged garment. The exact resolution depends on the order and agreement, but it is better to understand the process before production.

Keep the approved artwork, quantity, size list and final specification so any issue can be checked against the agreed brief.

Questions that reveal a weak quote

• What fabric and fit does the price include?
• How many print locations are included?
• Is the quoted price based on the confirmed size breakup?
• Does the quote include packing and delivery?
• Is artwork preparation included or separate?
• What is the required approval date?
• What information is still missing?

How to compare suppliers fairly

Send the same brief to each supplier. Compare the garment, fabric, branding method, print locations, size range, packing, delivery, timeline and approval process, not just the headline unit price.

A supplier that asks useful questions early may help you avoid revisions and delays later.

Prepare your brief before requesting a quote

Have your product preference, artwork, quantity, size breakup, branding locations, delivery city and required-by date ready. If you are still deciding between T-shirts, polos or hoodies, explain the use case and ask for a recommendation.

Our custom T-shirt artwork checklist can help you prepare the design file before contacting a supplier.

Ready to compare options? Share your complete brief with Alma Mater Store for a practical bulk-apparel quote.

Request a custom T-shirt supplier quote for your college, company or event.