By Jess
21st April, 2008
It might seem attractive to order your screen printing from overseas; mostly (and I believe only) because it is cheaper.
My advice would be not to. Sure, you think, Jess would just say that because she would rather us buy her screen printing. Well, yes, I do think you should purchase your screen printing through us. But I have a few valid reasons.
Firstly, while it may be cheaper per garment to order from overseas, watch out for the monster freight! It doesn't matter if you are paying $2.00 per shirt (screen printed and all) if the freight is costing you $200! We have reasonable freight charges - that is, if you don't pick it up from our showroom.
Secondly, if quality is crucial, don't risk it. We have seen too many screen printed garments from overseas which haven't been cured properly. What does this mean? Basically, they don't put the ink through a hot enough dryer or they haven't mixed their fixer in properly. How would you find this out? Though the print looks good on first sight, it will start to wash out within the first or second wash. And you will regret that overseas purchase if it only lasts one wash...
Thirdly, time is always ticking. Most overseas screen printing companies have a turn around time of six weeks minimum. This is a whole four weeks longer than our normal two week turnaround. How come our timeframe is shorter? We don't need to account for weeks of travel on a ship, most obviously. It is not as though it takes longer because they are doing a better quality screen print.
Fourthly, long distance relationships rarely last. Say you do have a problem with the screen printing washing out - what are you going to do about it? Send it back overseas and demand they fix their mistake? Not likely. If the freight monster didn't bite you on the way over, it certainly will on the way back. We are more than happy to attempt to fix their disappointing screen printing attempt, but we would rather save you the money. Further, if you aren't happy with our quality, we will look into it immediately.
I am not completely against overseas screen printers; they are developing the latest screen printing technology and have been responsible for many of the recent improvements. Also, there are a few companies who provide reliable, long term screen printing. But you are still restricted by time, the ocean, perhaps the language and the freight.
My advice would be to come and talk to me about it first. Even if you would like to ask a few questions with regards to the screen printing methods and the process, so you can understand exactly why it takes them four weeks longer, I don't mind talking it through with you.
You never know, you might be surprised at how knowledgeable we are about screen printing. After all, it is what we do for a living.
Labels: Freight, Overseas Printing, Quality, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 11:47 PM.