The Branded Image

Does an embroidered item require special care?
Does The Branded Image supply the items to be embroidered or screenprinted?
What if I want to supply my own items?
Can my design "unravel"?
Can my own design or logo be used for embroidery/screenprint?
Once The Branded Image has my design, can it be applied to any garment in any size?
Can you embroider the backs of caps?
What kind of minimum orders does The Branded Image require?
How much will it cost to put my logo on a shirt?
When and how do I pay for an order?
How soon will my order be ready?
Will I see a proof of my design?
Do you have a catalog?
What is the largest size design The Branded Image can embroider?
Can I change colors within a stock design or my logo?
What artwork do I need to supply to The Branded Image?
Are setup charges applied to every order?
Do you sell non-embroidered or non-imprinted products?

Does an embroidered item require special care?

No. Most designs will result in the garment demise before the embroidery. Strong bleaches, hot water wash, and very hot dryers should be avoided. The hot water and dryer will shrink the garment, but not effect the embroidery, resulting in a "puckered" look to your design. We also suggest turning the garment wrong side out to avoid possible damage from other garments, buttons, hooks, zippers, etc.

For jacket back designs with lettering we typically use a satin stitch (also called a lock-in or tatami stitch). This will result in a design that will not allow the stitches to be pulled away from the garment if the wearer leans up against a wall or brushes against an abrasive surface.

Does The Branded Image supply the items to be embroidered or screenprinted?

Yes! We can supply you with high quality, name-brand apparel for embroidery or screenprint at a fair and reasonable pric. A wide selection is available on our Products Page, so please take the time to browse our catalogs. If you don't find exactly what you are looking for, please let us know since we have other wholesale resources available to us.

What if I want to supply my own items?

While this is certainly possible, it will depend on the circumstances. Also, the total cost will most likely be higher. If The Branded Image agrees to a "customer-provided" item, we require a sample for inspection. Not every item is capable of supporting or accepting quality embroidery/screenprint. Please be aware that embroidery and screenprinting are a manufacturing process, and occasionally there may be some spoilage that occurs. When we supply the items, we can replace any spoilage. However, if you provide your own, we cannot. Please keep in mind that we have many wholesale sources that specialize in clothing and accessories designed specifically for embroidery and screenprint. Purchasing these from The Branded Image saves time and money!

Can my design "unravel"?

It is very unlikely that would happen throughout the life of the garment. All of our designs use a "lock in, lock out" form of stitching that will isolate any damage to a small area of the design that, if trimmed, will not be noticeable. We stand behind our work, beyond normal wear and tear.

Can my own design or logo be used for embroidery/screenprint?

Yes, in fact in order to convert your logo or design for embroidery/screenprint, you will need to email a soft copy. Our computers can read all the major bitmap formats, such as .BMP, .TIFF, .PICT, .JPG, and .GIF. We can also work with vector formats of .WMF and .EPS. If necessary, we can also scan in a copy of your logo and convert it to an appropriate format. Also, many stock designs can have elements removed or combined, enabling a custom look. Our designer is highly experienced and adept at setting up your logo. Please note that setup fees apply for both embroidery and screenprint. Fees also apply for graphic design, artwork generation, and/or logo creation if you don't have this available.

Once The Branded Image has my design, can it be applied to any garment in any size?

In most cases the answer is yes. The exceptions are caps, fleece, and jacket backs:

Caps: Virtually all left chest design logos will work for cap embroidery. The exceptions or changes to be considered are limited to the working area of the embroidery machines we use and the style of the hat. We can embroider around the entire cap, but not on the top. Your design may need to be reduced in size, or the lettering may be moved from the top of the design to either side. The most popular cap is "six panel" that has a seam down the center of the cap front. This seam may cause problems with some designs. Solutions may require modifications to a left chest design which may result in edit fees.
Fleece: Most designs will readily apply to fleece without difficulty. Designs with small logos and particularly those with small lettering may have to be modified. The cost is based on the complexity involved but is generally minor.
Full Jacket Backs: A left chest logo cannot be expanded to full back or visa versa. The nature of the application of the design is totally different. The exception to the rule is "lettered only" designs that can easily be modified at a nominal cost.

For screenprinting, it's a slightly different process. Screens are "setup" based on size and the number of colors in the design. Typically, for a t-shirt, a left chest or full front screen would be required in the appropriate size and color(s), in addition to screens, for imprinting on the back of a shirt. Extra costs might also involve where the logo will be printed (i.e., pant leg, sleeve, or pocket.)

Can you embroider the backs of caps?

Yes! As it involves two hooping and embroidery processes, the cost is slightly higher than the front embroidery alone. Telephone numbers, tag lines, and Web addresses are commonly placed on cap backs and make another great way for promoting your business.

What kind of minimum orders does The Branded Image require?

That's easy! One is the minimum order on our embroidered items, and we offer "low" minimum quanities for most of our promotional products. For instance, twelve is the minimum quanity for screenprinted t-shirts. Items such as mousepads or mugs may range from as few as 25. Less than the supplier's published minimum may also be available at a slightly higher price.

How much will it cost to put my logo on a shirt?

Each job is estimated in advance based upon unique requirements and complexities. For instance, setup charges, artwork services (if necessary), stitch count, cost of the items, number of colors for screenprint, screenprinting on lights vs. dark tees, rush service, etc. could all be factors that comprise your price. Comparing prices becomes quite challenging because no two jobs are quite alike. We can tell you that The Branded Image provides the highest quality service at very competitive prices. Our owner supervised service assures both quality and satisfaction in each job we do.

When and how do I pay for an order?

For new customers, we require 50% in advance. Otherwise, payment is due on receipt of your order. Terms may also be extended for established customers. Arrangements other than these should be discussed in advance. Payment can be made securely on our Web site via PayPal. Otherwise we accept cash or check by mail, or in person.

How soon will my order be ready?

The average completion time is between 7-10 business days once we receive the apparel. Promotional items are usually a 14-day turnaround once artwork is submitted to our supplier. In some cases, approval of a "paper" or "virtual" proof may be required prior to production. If for some reason your order will take longer, we will notify you as soon we determine the schedule. If you need your order sooner, we can usually still accommodate you, although additional rush order charges may apply. Holidays are businer than normal times, so please plan ahed to avoid extra charges.

Will I see a proof of my design?

For logos we digitize, one sewn design sample, or a scan of the sewn sample, is provided via email at no charge. There may be additional charges for more than one sample. Typically, we do not provide a sewn sample of designs created from our stock design collection. Virtual and/or paper proofs may also be available for screened t-shirts and promotional items. In many cases, approval may be required on large production runs of promotional items.

Do you have a catalog?

We have catalogs that feature apparel and promotional products. Please email or call if you would like to receive a catalog. In addition, we also have the Dakota Collectibles design catalog on the Web site for your stock designs. Remember, if you don't find a design you like in our catalog, you can contact us using our convenient request form or just give us a call. Periodically, we feature pictures of our work on the Web site and can show you examples in person from our portfolio.

What is the largest size design The Branded Image can embroider?

We can embroider jacket-backs up to 14" wide and 12" tall. However, larger designs can sometimes be accommodated. Call or e-mail us with your specifications and we'll see what we can do.

Can I change colors within a stock design or my logo?

Yes! Just tell The Branded Image your preference and we can get it done. We'll even offer our advice if we foresee a problem in your color choices and the design layout or background colors. We want to make sure that whatever we do for you looks the best.

What artwork do I need to supply to The Branded Image?

The better the quality of the artwork you provide, the more closely we can match what you are looking for. We prefer to work with good, clean, full-color renditions of the art you want reproduced. File formats we accept are .BMP, .TIFF, .PICT, .JPG, and .GIF. We can also work with vector formats of .WMF and .EPS. Simply e-mail your file to us.

Are setup charges applied to every order?

Embroidery setup charges are usually incurred only once, the first time you place an order with us. Additional charges may apply if the file requires editing for embroidery on a different item or fabric, or placement (size) on a garment or cap. Screenprint charges are also typically a “one-time” charge, but a small fee may be applied on repeat orders.

Do you sell non-embroidered or non-imprinted products?

Yes we do. All of the apparel we sell can be purchased "blank" - that is, without embroidery or screenprint. Blank promotional itmes are also available. Just check our product catalog page and send us your request.