A useful shirt quote should tell you what you are getting: the garment, the decoration, the quantity, and the date the finished order can be ready. If any of those are vague, comparing the price gets difficult.
Whether you are choosing a printer in St. Pete or looking farther away, send the same brief to each shop. Then use these questions to compare the answers.
Start with what the shirts need to do
Tell the printer who will wear them and how they will be used. Staff shirts, an event giveaway, and a shirt you plan to sell may call for different fits, fabrics, and budgets.
You do not have to arrive with a catalog number. Say what matters: a heavier tee, a relaxed fit, a particular color, or a size range that works for the whole crew. Ask the shop to identify the exact style it recommends, so you can check the garment details and size chart.
Ask to see work that resembles your order
A close-up of a small chest logo tells you more about small lettering than a distant photo of a stack of shirts. Look for examples with similar artwork, placements, and garment colors.
Check customer photos and recent reviews alongside the shop’s portfolio. Look for specific comments about communication, proof changes, and how an issue was handled. A star rating is a starting point; the details help you decide whether the shop works the way you need it to.
If print feel or fabric weight is a deciding factor, ask whether a relevant sample is available and how you can see it. A digital mockup helps check a layout, but it cannot show you how a shirt feels.
Have the shop explain the method recommendation
Ask, “Why would you use that process for this artwork and quantity?” You should get an answer tied to your job.
Screen printing: ask about ink colors at each location, setup, and the quantity using the same design.
DTF printing: ask how the full-color design will be sized and applied to the selected garment.
Embroidery: ask about the logo size, placement, garment, and digitizing review.
At Imprint, those are the three apparel decoration services we offer. If a quote says “digital printing,” ask which process it means. DTG prints directly onto a garment; DTF uses a film transfer that is applied to it. The names are not interchangeable.
Compare the complete quote
“60 navy shirts, left-chest logo and a larger back print” is a better starting point than “How much are shirts?” Add the artwork, preferred style, size breakdown, and deadline. If sizes are not settled, say so.
For each quote, check:
Garments: brand, style, color, sizes, and quantity.
Decoration: method, each placement, and print size or embroidery size.
Charges: whether setup, artwork preparation, size surcharges, tax, and delivery are included or listed separately.
Approval: what you will review before production and what happens if you request changes.
Timing: the confirmed completion or arrival date and what must happen before that schedule starts.
If one quote is lower, check those details before deciding it is the better deal. It may use a different blank or include one placement instead of two. You can ask for an alternative without guessing which part changed.
Give the date you need them in hand
An event on Saturday may mean you need the shirts on Friday for sorting and handout. Tell the printer that date, along with how the order will reach you. “Production finished” and “delivered” are different milestones.
At Imprint, standard screen printing production is 10–14 business days after mockup approval and payment. A rush request needs confirmed availability, an agreed date, and a confirmed fee. Mention a tight deadline in the first message.
Our screen printing minimum is 36 pieces per design. For a smaller garment order, ask us to review DTF printing rather than ordering extra shirts you do not need.
Know what you are approving
Before approving the mockup, check spelling, artwork version, garment color, every print location, and the intended dimensions. A layout that looks good on your phone can still show the wrong back design.
Ask how changes affect the quote or schedule. Also ask who to contact if something in the finished order is wrong. Clear answers before production make the next conversation easier.
For a repeat order, keep the approved artwork, garment style, and previous order reference together. Confirm current availability and pricing when you reorder; the earlier job is a useful reference, not a standing quote.
Plan pickup or delivery before ordering
Being nearby does not necessarily mean a shop has a walk-in counter. At Imprint, we do not have a walk-in storefront; pickup is by arrangement. We offer free delivery within St. Pete. Confirm the handoff details with us when planning the order.
A short brief you can send today
We need [quantity] shirts for [purpose], in [color and preferred style]. The artwork is attached, with [placements and approximate dimensions]. Our budget is [budget], and we need the finished order by [date]. Please recommend the garment and decoration method, and show the complete cost and approval steps.
That gives a printer enough context to ask useful follow-up questions. If you would like us to take a look, request your quote. You can also explore our screen printing, DTF printing, and embroidery services first.
Have something in mind?
Tell us what you’re making. We’ll help work out the garments, artwork, and next step.