Local print shop vs. ordering custom shirts online: which should you use?
Use a local shop when you need to see and feel samples, want to pick up today, or have a large repeat order with someone you trust. Order online when you want an exact price before you commit, a small quantity, a proof by email and delivery anywhere. The best of both is an online shop that prints in-house — that is what we are.
Side by side
| Typical local print shop | Typical online company | |
|---|---|---|
| Price before ordering | Quote by phone or email | Instant online |
| Minimums | Often 12–24+ for screen printing | Often none for digital printing |
| Setup / screen fees | Common | Often none |
| Samples | Hold them in your hand | Photos and spec sheets |
| Proof | In person or email | |
| Speed | Can be same-week; pickup | Production + shipping |
| Relationship | One person who knows you | Varies — often a call center |
Typical, not universal — many local shops have no minimums, and many online companies have plenty.
Questions to ask any printer
- What is the total, delivered, for my exact quantity and design?
- Is there a setup, screen or digitizing fee?
- Do I get a proof, and can I change it for free before approving?
- What happens if the print is wrong?
- When will it be in my hands — not just "ship"?
How we answer them
- Total, up front: the shop shows the delivered price before checkout — $240 for 24 printed Gildan tees, shipped.
- Fees: $0 setup; embroidery digitizing $55 once, waived at 24+.
- Proof: free, within 24 hours, with one concept and two rounds of changes; nothing prints until you approve.
- Mistakes: if the order does not match the proof you approved, we reprint or refund it — your choice.
- Timing: 4 business days after approval, 2 with rush, plus transit.
When local still makes sense
If you need shirts tomorrow morning and can drive to the shop, or you want to feel ten blanks before choosing, go local. If a local shop has a 24-piece minimum and you need 8, or you are ordering for people in several states, order online.
Questions people ask
Is it cheaper to order custom shirts online or locally?
It depends on the shop. For small quantities online companies without minimums or setup fees are usually cheaper; for large repeat orders a local shop can be competitive.
Do local print shops have minimums?
Many screen printers require 12–24+ pieces because of setup; some do not. Ask before you design.
Can I see samples if I order online?
Product pages show photos and spec sheets; your proof shows your design on the garment at its real size.
How fast is ordering online?
Here: proof within 24 hours, 4 business days of production after approval (2 with rush), then 1–4 days of transit.
Prices are our live checkout prices on October 7, 2026 for the garments named; garment prices follow the supplier and every product page shows today's price. No setup fees, no quantity minimum, free shipping over $50.