Plain definitions of the terms you will see on quotes, proofs and program plans.
- Blank
- An undecorated product, such as a plain t-shirt, before the logo is applied.
- Blind shipping
- Shipping without the producer's name on the package, so it arrives under your brand.
- Company store
- A private online store where employees, managers or locations order approved branded items.
- Decoration
- Any method of applying a logo to a product, such as printing or embroidery.
- Digitizing
- Converting a logo into a stitch file so it can be embroidered.
- DTF (direct to film)
- A full color transfer printed on film and heat pressed onto fabric. Works on most fabrics with no minimums.
- DTG (direct to garment)
- Printing full color artwork directly onto fabric with an inkjet printer. Best for small runs on cotton.
- Embroidery
- Stitching a logo into fabric with thread. Durable and premium, common on polos, outerwear and hats.
- Fulfillment
- Storing, packing and shipping products to recipients.
- Heat transfer
- A printed design applied to fabric with heat and pressure.
- Imprint area
- The space on a product where a logo can be applied.
- In-hands date
- The date the order must be received by the customer.
- Kitting
- Assembling several items into one package for a recipient.
- Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
- The smallest quantity a product can be ordered in.
- Mockup
- A digital image showing your logo on the product before ordering.
- PMS color
- A standard Pantone Matching System color used to match brand colors in print.
- Proof
- The production approval document showing artwork, colors, size and placement.
- Rush order
- An order produced faster than the standard timeline, available on select items.
- Screen printing
- Pushing ink through a mesh screen onto fabric, one screen per color. The best value for large runs.
- Setup fee
- A one time charge to prepare screens, digitizing or equipment for an order.
- Size curve
- The mix of sizes ordered across a group, planned from headcount or past orders.
- Sublimation
- A dye process for full color designs on white or light polyester.
- Supplier
- The company that makes or sells the blank product.
- Vector file
- Artwork built from lines and shapes (AI, EPS, PDF) that scales without losing quality.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a proof?
- The production approval document showing artwork, colors, size and placement.
- What is an in-hands date?
- The date the order must be received by the customer.