Project Planning
Before you order merch: six decisions to make first.
6 min read
A merch order is easier to quote, produce, and approve when the important decisions are made in the right order. You do not need every detail solved, but these six inputs give the project a solid starting point.
1. Purpose and deadline
Start with where the pieces are going: a launch, event, staff uniform, tour, retail shelf, or online preorder. Then work backward from the date the finished garments need to be in hand, leaving room for artwork review and approvals.
2. Quantity and size breakdown
A total quantity is useful, but a size breakdown makes the order real. If you are estimating, use sales history or audience data rather than splitting every size evenly.
3. Garment direction
Think about weight, fit, color, budget, and how the garment should feel. A structured heavyweight tee communicates something different from a lightweight promotional blank.
4. Artwork and print locations
List every location that needs a print and the approximate size of each one. Front, back, sleeve, leg, and neck placements all affect setup and production.
5. Print method
The artwork, quantity, garment, and budget inform whether screen printing or DTF is the practical route. We can recommend the method after reviewing those inputs together.
6. Finishing and delivery
Tell us how the order needs to arrive. Folded pieces, individual bags, size labels, grouped boxes, or a simple bulk pack require different handling at the end of production.