Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re curious about pricing, turnaround times, or custom options, this page covers the most common questions we get from our customers.
From volume discounts and minimum orders to print resilience and brand startups, we’re here to make your custom apparel, clothing, and merch experience as smooth as possible.
Don't see your question isn't listed below?
Our team is always happy to help. Get in touch via email, phone, or our contact form, and we’ll make sure you get the answers you need for your custom apparel, clothing, or branded merch.
Pricing & Discounts
Can you do me a deal?
Can you do me a deal?
Absolutely! We offer volume pricing on all products. Check the discounts on each product page. If you’re ordering across multiple categories, we can also customise a business pack for you - just get in touch.
How do volume discounts work?
How do volume discounts work?
Our volume discounts are priced at a sliding scale, and can be viewed on each individual product page. Here's the breakdown:
- Buy 5, Save 10%
- Buy 10, Save 20%
- Buy 20, Save 25%
- Buy 50, Save 30%
- Buy 100, Save 35%
- Buy 200, Save 40%
- Buy 500, Save 45%
- Buy 1000, Save 50%
Volume pricing covers both the garment and the printing/embroidery. There are no codes required, with the discount being automatically applied in the cart.
Do you charge setup fees?
Do you charge setup fees?
We don’t charge setup fees on DTF Digital Printing and aim to keep setup costs low for Screen Printing and Embroidery. If your artwork isn’t a working file and requires adjustment, a small fee may apply.
Orders & Turnaround
How long do orders take?
How long do orders take?
After placing your order, a proof will be emailed within 3 business days. From approval, our standard production and dispatch turnaround is 10-15 business days. Orders vary depending on size, method, and product type, but if there’s any expected delay, we’ll let you know.
Can you do express prints?
Can you do express prints?
We can certainly try! If time is critical, let us know, and we’ll do our best to get your order to you as fast as possible.
How long does shipping take?
How long does shipping take?
Shipping typically takes 2-5 business days after your order has been dispatched.
Please note that shipping times are a guide only and may vary depending on your location and the shipping method chosen at checkout.
All orders will be delivered via either Australia Post or Startrack. If you would like more information on the location of your order, you can use the tracking number provided at the time of dispatch. We will send this to you in an email once your order is on the way.
I didn't receive all off my order?
I didn't receive all off my order?
If part of your order is missing, please check the shipping confirmation email to see if the items were sent separately. If all items should have arrived together or if you have concerns, contact our customer service team with your order number. We’ll investigate and resolve the issue promptly.
What is your returns policy?
What is your returns policy?
Due to the nature of the product being produced by The Colour Cartel, once an order is placed The Colour Cartel cannot offer any type of exchange or refund, except in warrantable circumstances.
To read our full returns policy, click here.
Apparel, Products & Customisation
What services do you offer?
What services do you offer?
The Colour Cartel offers a wide range of custom branding and apparel services, helping businesses, events and clothing brands bring their ideas into reality.
Our core services include Direct to Film (DTF), screen printing and embroidery, along with other decoration methods such as heat transfer vinyl and sublimation, depending on the garment and design.
Beyond apparel printing, we also offer promotional merchandise, custom signage, and retail finishing options like woven labels, hem tags and relabelling for clothing brands looking to create a more polished, retail-ready product.
For brands and businesses that need extra support, we also provide design assistance and warehousing and fulfilment (3PL) for storing and dispatching merchandise.
Whether you’re ordering staff uniforms, event merch, promotional products or launching a clothing brand, we aim to provide a flexible, end-to-end service so you can manage everything in one place.
What are the minimums for your apparel?
What are the minimums for your apparel?
Most products have no minimum order, though some print methods may require a minimum. Ordering multiple items usually works out more cost-effective, especially when factoring setup, shipping, and sourcing.
Can I supply my own blank apparel?
Can I supply my own blank apparel?
Yes! If you have a specific brand or style in mind, we may be able to work with it.
We can work with customer-supplied garments for orders of 30+ units when it’s a specific item we don’t offer in our range. Generally, we’re unable to print on garments that we already supply ourselves.
Before purchasing, it’s best to check in with our team so we can confirm the item will be suitable. Contact us to discuss your requirements, and we'll be happy to assist.
Can you supply the apparel for me?
Can you supply the apparel for me?
Of course! Most customers find it quickest and cheapest to use the apparel we stock. Check out our available range on our website, or visit our showroom.
Can I come in and see the options in person?
Can I come in and see the options in person?
Definitely! You’re welcome to visit our showroom at:
34 Reddish Close, Epping VIC 3076
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Due to the variety of products we offer, we can not guarantee the exact model, colour or size you are after will be on display. If you’re looking for something specific, contact us first, and we’ll let you know what we currently have available to view.
Do you do more than clothing and apparel?
Do you do more than clothing and apparel?
Yes. While apparel is our specialty there’s so much more to explore when it comes to branded merchandise.
This includes items like stickers, signage and business cards, as well as custom products such as bottles, keychains, air fresheners, croc charms and other made-to-order pieces.
If you’re not sure what’s possible, tell us what you’re trying to create, and we’ll walk you through suitable options.
Can I get samples?
Can I get samples?
Absolutely, we can organise samples.
Availability depends on the garment and print method, but we’ll guide you through the best option based on what you’re planning to produce. The easiest way is to chat with our team so we can recommend the right sample approach before production.
Print Quality & Care
How resilient are your prints?
How resilient are your prints?
Our prints are designed to last. You can wash them like any other clothing item. Standard prints withstand 50+ washes at up to 80 degrees, including tumble drying. Always follow the garment care instructions, as some fabrics may vary.
Artwork & Files
What artwork files do you need?
What artwork files do you need?
For the best print results, we recommend supplying a working file or vector file of your artwork.
The preferred file types are:
- .AI (Adobe Illustrator) - recommended
- .EPS
- .SVG
- .PDF (sometimes suitable)
These files contain the original design information, allowing our team to resize, adjust colours and prepare your artwork correctly for printing.
What is a vector file?
What is a vector file?
A vector file contains the original artwork built from paths and shapes rather than pixels. This means it can be resized without losing quality.
Vector files are ideal for logos, text and detailed designs because they stay sharp whether printed small on a left chest logo or large across the back of a hoodie.
Common vector file types include:
- .AI (Adobe Illustrator)
- .EPS
- .SVG
- Some .PDF files
What is a raster file?
What is a raster file?
A raster file is an image made up of pixels rather than editable design elements.
Examples include:
- .JPG / .JPEG
- .PNG
- Screenshots
- Photos of artwork
- Images downloaded from the internet
Raster images can sometimes be printed, but they have limited editing options and may become blurry when scaled. Changing colours, removing backgrounds or adjusting details may require the artwork to be recreated.
I only have a PNG or JPG file. Can you still print it?
I only have a PNG or JPG file. Can you still print it?
Possibly.
High-resolution raster files can sometimes work, depending on the design and printing method. However, small images, screenshots or logos downloaded from websites are usually not suitable for professional printing.
If your artwork needs to be converted into a working file, our design team can help. Artwork conversion may incur an additional fee, depending on complexity.
We’ll always let you know before any additional work begins.
I only have a screenshot of my logo. Is that okay?
I only have a screenshot of my logo. Is that okay?
Unfortunately, no.
Screenshots are low-resolution raster images and don’t contain the original design information needed for high-quality printing.
If this is the only version you have, send it through and we can let you know what’s possible.
Do I need a different file for embroidery?
Do I need a different file for embroidery?
Embroidery requires artwork to be converted into a stitch file before production. Vector artwork is still preferred as it helps us create the most accurate embroidery design. Our team will prepare your artwork and confirm any adjustments needed before stitching begins.
What resolution should my artwork be?
What resolution should my artwork be?
For raster files, we recommend artwork is supplied at 300 DPI at the final print size.
The larger and clearer the original file, the better the final print quality will be.
Should my artwork be RGB or CMYK?
Should my artwork be RGB or CMYK?
For printing, artwork should ideally be supplied in CMYK colour mode.
RGB is used for digital screens like phones and computers, while CMYK is used for print production. Colours can shift slightly when converting from RGB to CMYK, so preparing artwork in CMYK from the beginning gives the most accurate result.
Do you check artwork before printing?
Do you check artwork before printing?
Yes.
Every order includes an artwork check before production. Our team will review your files to make sure they’re suitable for your chosen print method and contact you if anything needs adjusting.
I’m not sure if my artwork is suitable. What should I do?
I’m not sure if my artwork is suitable. What should I do?
Send it through!
Whether you have a vector file, a PNG, a photo, or just a screenshot, our team can take a look and let you know what’s needed to get the best possible print result.
Starting a Brand & Relabelling
Can I get relabelling or my own labels added?
Can I get relabelling or my own labels added?
Absolutely. We can add custom labels, neck prints and finishing details to give your garments a proper retail or uniform-ready finish.
This is popular for clothing brands, but also for businesses, events and organisations that want their apparel to feel cohesive and professional rather than promotional.
Because the best method depends on the garment, quantities and use case, the easiest starting point is a quick chat with our team. We’ll recommend the right blanks and branding approach so it looks intentional, not added on afterwards.
For more information, check out Retail Finishing, or contact us to speak with an expert.
I want to start my own clothing brand. Where do I start?
I want to start my own clothing brand. Where do I start?
Great question and honestly, the same process we use for building long-term uniform and merch programs.
We can help you:
• Choose blanks that best suit your brand
• Help take your design concepts and transform them into wearable art
• Recommend print methods and branding finishes
• Produce sample batches before committing to bulk
Starting with the right foundation saves a lot of money and re-ordering later. The easiest first step is to contact our team so we can map out the best path based on your goals, quantities and budget.
For more information, contact us.
Dropshipping & Logistics
Do you offer dropshipping, print-on-demand or third-party logistics?
Do you offer dropshipping, print-on-demand or third-party logistics?
Our unique and professional 3PL and Dropshipping services can help take your brand to the next level.
After bulk production, we can store your garments in our warehouse and ship orders directly to your customers. This works well for brands, events and companies managing ongoing uniform or apparel distribution.
Print-on-demand (POD) is different. That’s where items are printed one at a time as orders come in, and it isn’t something we offer because it limits garment quality and consistency.
What is dropshipping?
What is dropshipping?
Dropshipping is where we store your produced stock and ship orders directly to your customers on your behalf.
After your bulk production run, your garments are warehoused with us and connected to your sales platform. When an order comes through, our team is automatically notified, then picks, packs and dispatches it under your brand.
It removes the need for you to manage inventory, packing or daily dispatch. We can also notify you when stock runs low and help handle customer enquiries, delivery issues and returns.
What is third-party logistics (3PL)?
What is third-party logistics (3PL)?
Third-party logistics (3PL) is the outsourced storage and distribution of your apparel.
After bulk production, we hold and manage your inventory and dispatch items whenever required. This can include online orders, sending uniforms to multiple staff locations, or distributing merchandise for events and campaigns.
Dropshipping is one type of 3PL service, but 3PL can also simply mean we store your stock and send it out in batches as requested.
Holding inventory in bulk typically reduces garment costs, shortens turnaround times and avoids stock shortages from repeated small runs, while removing the day-to-day workload of managing packing and shipping.
What is print-on-demand (POD) and do you offer this service?
What is print-on-demand (POD) and do you offer this service?
Print-on-demand (POD) is a system where a printer keeps blank garments and prints individual pieces one at a time as orders are placed, then ships them immediately.
Traditional POD isn’t something we offer. It limits garment options and reduces consistency because each item is produced separately.
Instead, we offer a hybrid approach. We can pre-produce your branded stock using your chosen garments and decoration methods, then hold that inventory ready for use. You still get fast dispatch times, but with consistent quality, better pricing and proper proofing before production.