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Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of the same questions, so we put the good ones here. If yours isn't answered below, reach out! We love talking shop.
Pricing
What does printing typically cost?
Pricing depends on what you're ordering and how many. The short version: the more you order, the better the per-unit cost. Our best price breaks happen at 24 units and again at 60 units per style and colorway (a mix of sizes is totally fine within a set).
Every order is different, so we build custom quotes rather than publishing a full price sheet. Contact us and we'll put something together for you.
To give you a sense of scale...
Every order is quoted individually, but here are a few rough illustrations of what different budgets can look like:
Around $300: A personal uniform. Bring your finished design and we'll handle the rest. (Think a couple of hoodies and a few tees printed just for you).
Around $3,000: A real starting point for a merch program. This is the neighborhood of a vector design, setup, and a solid first production run. Enough to stock a display, outfit a team, or test the market.
Around $10,000: A full season. A custom hand-carved design, setup across multiple product types, and quantities of tees, hoodies, totes, and hats that will last you through the year and earn back your investment in merch sales!
These numbers are illustrative, your actual quote will depend on what you need. If you’re looking to hit a certain price per piece, profit margin, or merch line up just let us know. We’re business nerds and would love to chat strategy to make your merch work for you.
I only want one item printed. Do you do that?
We do, with a caveat: single-item printing can feel cost prohibitive because the artwork, setup, and item fees each apply regardless of quantity. A single custom hat, for example, runs around $190.
If you want to test a design or create something just for yourself, we can make it happen. But if you're thinking about building a merch program, ordering in sets of 24 or more is where you'll really start to see the value.
How much does design work cost?
It depends on the scope of the project and how the design will be used. As a general starting point:
- A vector graphic (computer-drawn) starts around $125 for something simple
- A hand-carved block print design starts around $2,000
The gap between those two numbers reflects the difference in process. One is digital, one involves carving an actual physical block by hand. Both are beautiful. Both are yours to use as defined in your project agreement.
Reach out with your project and we'll give you a specific quote.
How much is design work if my budget is limited?
We donate a meaningful amount of design work throughout the year. If you represent a teachers union, nonprofit, or community organization and your design budget is limited, we'd genuinely love to hear from you.
Donated work tends to be the best fit for larger orders (think 300+ units), but we consider every request individually. Start a conversation and we'll figure out what's possible.
Design + Printing
I have my own design. Can you just print it?
Yes (probably)! We're a one-color shop, so as long as your artwork is one color (or can be adapted to one color), we can work with it. We accept files in any format and will handle the adaptation if needed.
A few things worth knowing before you reach out: we specialize in vintage-style screen printing done entirely by hand, using water-based inks. It's a specific look and a specific process, and it's not the least expensive option on the market. If budget is your primary driver, we're probably not the right fit, and we'd rather tell you that upfront than waste your time.
What is your project timeline?
All timelines run from order confirmation with payment:
- Printing only: approximately 4 weeks
- Design + printing: add 2 to 4 weeks for the design phase
- Rush orders: available on a case-by-case basis, additional fees apply
Note that holiday season and April timelines tend to run longer than usual. If you have a hard deadline, mention it when you get in touch and we'll let you know what's realistic.
What can you print on?
Our current lineup includes t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and hats. If you have something else in mind, ask, we’re always open to a conversation about new substrates.
Can you adapt an elSage design for my business?
Yes, we offer white label designing. We have an existing library of designs that can be adapted for your brand, often with no custom artwork fee. White label orders typically require a 300-unit opening order.
Shipping + Returns
How much is shipping?
Shipping costs are calculated based on the size, weight, and destination of your order and are passed to the client at actual cost. Shipping charges are determined on a per-project basis and will be confirmed as part of your order documentation.
View our full Shipping Policy HERE.
What is your return policy?
All merchandise and print orders are paid in full prior to production. Due to the custom nature of these products, all sales are final. We do not accept returns or issue refunds on completed print orders.
View our full Return + Refund Policy HERE
Contact
Still have questions? We're easy to reach and genuinely happy to talk through your project before you commit to anything.