How to Order Custom T-Shirts for an Event: 6 Steps From Design to Delivery

Ordering custom t-shirts for an event - whether it’s a company family day, school sports day, reunion or marketing campaign - is straightforward once you know the process. Follow these 6 steps to make sure your order goes smoothly without last-minute surprises.

Step 1: Define your basic requirements

Before contacting any factory, write down these four things:

Quantity - count each recipient’s size (S-3XL). Order 5-10% extra as replacements
Event date - factories typically need 7-14 working days; order at least 3 weeks ahead
Budget - a rough estimate of RM8-25 per piece depending on method and quantity
Shirt type - cotton for daily wear, microfiber for sports, polo for a formal look

Step 2: Prepare proper artwork files

Wrong artwork files are the number one cause of delays. Make sure you have:

Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) - best option, scales without losing quality
High-resolution PNG (300 DPI, transparent background) - accepted by most factories
Colour codes (Pantone or hex) if your logo colours are critical

If you don’t have a design yet, most factories offer basic design services for a small fee (RM30-100), or free for large orders.

Step 3: Choose the printing method

See the full comparison in our article on silk screen vs DTF vs DTG, but in short:

50+ pcs, 1-4 colour logo → silk screen (most economical)
Small quantity, full-colour image → DTF
Premium look for uniforms → embroidery
Full-coverage sports jerseys → sublimation

Step 4: Get and compare quotations

Don’t accept the first quote you receive. Prices between factories can differ by 20-30% for identical specifications. When requesting a quotation, make sure it clearly states:

Per-piece price by quantity (bulk price breaks)
Setup costs or hidden charges (screens, design, 2XL+ size surcharges)
Completion timeline and delivery cost
Payment terms (usually a 50% deposit)

You can contact factories one by one through the Baju Printz directory, or submit a single request that is automatically forwarded to 5 factories near you.

Step 5: Approve the mockup before production

Before the factory starts full production:

Request a digital mockup - check spelling, print position and sizing carefully
For large orders (100+), consider ordering one physical sample first - some factories provide this free or for a small fee
Confirm everything in writing (WhatsApp/email) so there’s a record if disputes arise

Step 6: Receive and inspect the goods

When the shirts are ready:

Count the quantity of each size before making the final payment
Check print quality - colours, position, defects
Report any problems within 24-48 hours for resolution

Summary

A successful custom t-shirt order comes down to planning ahead: ready artwork, accurate quantities, and comparing multiple quotations. To start right now, fill in the order form on Baju Printz - it takes under 2 minutes, and relevant factories will contact you with their quotations.