Detailed Invoice Explination
First I should say that I am someone who over-explains too much and probably shares too much, but I prefer transparency and honesty. I would rather you be aware of why the business is how it is than to assume and think I am doing something for the wrong reasons.
Cost:
I am a small business operating out of my home. I do not have bulk machinery and I still need to outsource parts of most orders. This makes much of what I do more expensive for me compared to a bigger business that has everything in house.
I am 100% not interested in making huge profits, I tend to try to keep everything as close to cost as possible. I know that this keeps me from expanding and buying better equipment sooner but I much prefer keeping my prices as low as I can rather than grow faster. That may not make sense to a lot of people but one thing I have found in my life is that I strongly dislike greed and I try to make sure I am not being greedy at every step. I prefer to focus on customer support and satisfaction and being the best at working with customers I can be.
For the most part I add 10% to any item and that is my profit. Mind you, that "profit" has to cover the operating costs as well. That 10% covers; machinery, upkeep, materials (tape, inks, threads, electricity, etc).
The breakdown that most people seem to not think about is:
$1,000 invoice - We will work off a $1k invoice to try and help break it down
$900 - Materials cost - If the invoice is $1,000 then it will cost me $900 for the blanks and images to complete the job.
$100 - Profit - That leaves $100 as "profit"
- A $1,000 invoice would be roughly 90 T-Shirts (small-XL)
- Each shirt takes approximately 5 minutes from start to finish
- Unfold, press out wrinkles, pre-press for moisture, add images and align, press, remove to cool, peel film, press to set inks,
Time to cool, fold then pack.
- 450 minutes or 7.5 hours - is roughly the time it takes for 90 shirts start to finish
- $13.33/hr is what I would make on this job is everything went perfect
That $13.33/hr would then need to pay for the bills (like mentioned above, electric, supplies, etc.)
Our power bill is at least doubled compared to a regular house bill. I also use the highest quality supplies, for instance the
tape I use is around $19/roll and a roll will do around 200 shirts (I use a lot to reduce doubling and keep the quality high)
I use heat blankets to protect the shirts and ink, these are not amazon specials, they're $46/each and last a couple weeks
at most.
- $5.50/hr - The average after I do cost analysis on orders has been that my actual "profit" after expenses is $5.50 per hour
and this does not take into account the house bills like electricity.
Why I tell you this. I want everyone to fully understand why I have started to implement and stick with the need to require payment up front. I have had many people change or cancel an order and leave me with shirts I cannot use and bills I cannot pay. While some of the reason to change or cancel are completely legit and understandable, it does not change the effect it has on the financial end.
I have had multiple people say they do not like to pay up front because they do not like putting their money at risk. Reasons from concerns that something might happen to me or my equipment to not knowing me at all and worrying that I will run away with their money or not issue a refund of they are not satisfied.
The best I can do is break that down as well.
Concerns about me or my equipment:
If I fall ill or have an equipment failure, you may see a delay in the order but that order will be fulfilled no matter what. I have
backups for the main pieces of equipment, and there are people that know how to complete an order if something happens to me.
If I accept an order and you have an invoice then I have a legal obligation to make sure you get your items.
Unsatisfied with the work:
I create mockups for a reason. It is your responsibility to make sure if I send you a mockup that you look at it carefully and if you
approve a job (I will not start a job until I get approval) you are approving that mockup.
If the shirts are not close to what was approved I will either issue a refund or re-do the order.
If the shirts are close to the mockup but you decide that you do not like them we can discuss modifications, however if the shirts are
correct they are not subjected to a refund. These are custom items, taste can be subjective.
Defects:
If the apparel has defects we will absolutely replace it. We are not always able to fully check every item, and sometimes an item may
make it though with a defect (seam coming undone or holes/tears). If you notify us before the item is used we can easily return it.
Misaligned:
We use top of the line (professional level) alignment equipment on most items. Because of the nature of fabric and how it moves
and bunches it can sometimes happen that it is perfectly aligned on the machine but looks off when being worn. If it is slightly off
it may be due to the fabric shifting and we ask for leniency for these. Factory products are no different, these things can happen no
matter how hard we try.
If the alignment is way off we will replace it.
You MUST return an item to qualify for a return or replacement.
The item MUST be in un-used condition.
You must cover initial return shipping. If the item qualifies you will be refunded for this shipping cost.
If the item costs me $4.50 to ship to you and you show me a receipt for $19.80, I will only refund the $4.50 unless we have
agreed on a different number.There is no guarantee for return or replacement. (I will work with everyone to do the very best I can but feel compelled clarify)
We guarantee our work for one year. An item of apparel should last at least one year of regular use.
If you are a concrete worker or a mechanic or a job like these and wear an item multiple times per week in an abrasive environment
we cannot guarantee the item after the first wash.
Any normal wear, use and wash items are guaranteed for a year. If the image part of the item fails within a year we will replace it.
It is important to follow PROPER CARE instructions.
Wash inside out
DO NOT IRON
If ironing is necessary, turn the item inside out and iron on the LOWEST settingDry inside out on low setting. Quick-Dry and high heat setting can potentially damage or weaken the image and will void warranty.
Avoid high heat when and if possible.
I have talked to a number of people who think DTF is a cheap process like vinyl. I want to clarify a few things about this.
DTF can feel like a sticker - Yes, this is true at times. However it has no effect on the quality and usability.
DTF is not as good as Screen Printing - False. DTF can easily outlast screen printed.
DTF if heat applied and I don't like the quality of heat press shirts - Screen printed shirts are heat set as well. Almost every application of
an image to apparel involves heat. Heat applied products are just as good as factory in every way.
We use top of the line equipment far superior to amazon or hobby store products.
Vinyl is cheap and it never lasts - False. Walmart or amazon vinyl can be craft-y and/or cheap, yes. However we use professional level vinyl and our products can last for many years. I have vinyl apparel that I wear weekly and has lasted for over 5 years.