FAQ

1. Why do I have to pay a setup charge?
Setup charges are necessary when producing unique, customized items. Setup charges cover the pre-production steps in the order process. In simple terms, setup starts with breaking down or separating the logo into individual colors so the machines can then be tooled to print or sew the logo onto the selected items.

For embroidery orders, setup is a function of the number of colors in a logo but size and density are also important variables. Size and density drive the “stitch count” required to produce the selected logo. The information assembled to produce an embroidered logo is digital and can be saved, which means that there is only minimal setup time involved on repeat orders.

For screen print orders, setup entails creating individual “screens” for each color in the logo. The screens must be precisely aligned in press setup to insure the logo is correctly “reassembled” during printing. Physical screens cannot be saved, meaning that this process must be repeated every time an order is submitted. As a result, setup charges on screen print orders can be higher than embroidery.

2. How do you calculate what it costs to screen print or embroider my logo on my items?
The most significant variable in decoration cost is the number of pieces ordered. Since setup costs are allocated across the order, increasing the pieces ordered results in a lower cost per piece.

Generally screen print is more affordable than embroidery on basic items like t-shirts, but it really does depend on the size of the logo, the number of imprint colors, and the number of locations you are trying to decorate.

3. How can I reduce my price per piece?
Select a less expensive item. The item cost typically represents the majority of the total cost. The dollar-sign rating assigned to each item provides a helpful reference to the value of the merchandise.

Increase the quantity ordered. As the quantity increases, the price per piece decreases.

Simplify the design by reducing the number of colors and/or the size and overall density of the design.

Only decorate the item in one location For example, decorate the front of the garment only... rather than the front and the back.

4. What are some tips for making my order price lower?
Select the right item. Koala Tee has a large selection of value-, mid- and premium priced items, which are signified by the "Dollar-sign ratings." ($, $$, and $$$). Order a larger quantity. The most significant variable in the cost of customizing items is the number of pieces ordered. Since setup costs are allocated across all the pieces in the order, increasing the pieces ordered results in a lower cost per piece. There are price decreases at 24, 48, 72, 144, 288, 500, and so on.

For screen printing orders... Minimize the number of colors you’re printing. Screen printing charges increase as the number of colors in your artwork increases. If you decrease the number of colors, you not only reduce your setup fees for the entire order, but you also lower your price per piece. Minimize the locations that you are printing on. Every location you choose to print on carries a setup fee and a printing cost per piece. This is because each location requires it’s own set of screens and separate printing process. By reducing the locations, you will reduce the number of setup costs and printing costs per piece.

For Embroidery orders... Reuse logos you've embroidered before. The information assembled to produce an embroidered logo is digital and can be saved. This means if you use that same logo again for the same size embroidery, you don't pay set up again unless you change the size. Decrease the size or density of your logo. Size and density drive the "stitch count" required to produce your logo in embroidery. If you decrease the size of your logo, the number of stitches will also be reduced, decreasing the cost to embroider each piece in your order. But remember, if you try to embroider small lettering too small, it will messy and impossible to read. There are a few more restrictions when it comes to small lettering. 

5. What can I expect prices to be on my items?
Prices vary based on item, decoration, number of areas you are having decorated, and the number of colors or stitches in the decoration. It can also change based on the number you order and the color of the item (particularly in T-shirts, white tends to be slightly less expensive). For this reason, we prefer to quote each custom job separately.