I am struggling with making a decision on securing a source and production method of TLO design shirts and was hoping that someone on the board could bring some experience to the table.
I was almost ready to commit to a particular source, when I learned that the method of graphic application was through heat transfer of a digitized decal. Mind you, it is purportedly via a highly sophisticated process involving a wondrously complex machine, resulting in a product of the same quality as silk screening, per the propaganda. The process does come with the stigma of being akin to the iron on transfer method, however. I am still leaning towards this method, though I will order a sample for quality assurance prior to members investing monies. Silk screen printing is the other option. Below, I will list the pros/cons of each method as I am aware.
Heat Transfer - Pros
No Front End Investment
No Delays Waiting for Pre-Order Minimums
Buyers Have Total Selection of Style, Fabric and Size
Allows for Buyer to Select from Design Variants (example: Back Image/Text)
Wide Color Range for Images
Heat Transfer - Cons
Quality is in Question
Dark Color Shirts NOT Available (Limitation May Soon be Eliminated)
Silk Screen - Pros
Tried and True Method
High Durability
Dark Color Shirts Available (TLO Corporate May Necessitate this Method)
Silk Screen - Cons
Front End Investment - All Current Suppliers Require Bulk Orders
No Delays Waiting for Pre-Order Minimums
Pre-Ordering May Dictate Selection of Style and Fabric
Pre-Ordering May Eliminate Design Variants
Silk Screening Can Limit Color Selections (TAROVFAOGT Foil and other Color Effects Problematic)
Having typed the list, the heat transfer method seems most attractive, with the exception of the most important issue of all - quality. Can anyone attest to the quality of this method compared to silk screening? I certainly do not wish to sacrifice quality.
I was almost ready to commit to a particular source, when I learned that the method of graphic application was through heat transfer of a digitized decal. Mind you, it is purportedly via a highly sophisticated process involving a wondrously complex machine, resulting in a product of the same quality as silk screening, per the propaganda. The process does come with the stigma of being akin to the iron on transfer method, however. I am still leaning towards this method, though I will order a sample for quality assurance prior to members investing monies. Silk screen printing is the other option. Below, I will list the pros/cons of each method as I am aware.
Heat Transfer - Pros
No Front End Investment
No Delays Waiting for Pre-Order Minimums
Buyers Have Total Selection of Style, Fabric and Size
Allows for Buyer to Select from Design Variants (example: Back Image/Text)
Wide Color Range for Images
Heat Transfer - Cons
Quality is in Question
Dark Color Shirts NOT Available (Limitation May Soon be Eliminated)
Silk Screen - Pros
Tried and True Method
High Durability
Dark Color Shirts Available (TLO Corporate May Necessitate this Method)
Silk Screen - Cons
Front End Investment - All Current Suppliers Require Bulk Orders
No Delays Waiting for Pre-Order Minimums
Pre-Ordering May Dictate Selection of Style and Fabric
Pre-Ordering May Eliminate Design Variants
Silk Screening Can Limit Color Selections (TAROVFAOGT Foil and other Color Effects Problematic)
Having typed the list, the heat transfer method seems most attractive, with the exception of the most important issue of all - quality. Can anyone attest to the quality of this method compared to silk screening? I certainly do not wish to sacrifice quality.
