How Image Ink Works and What to Know Before You Order

Image Ink is a custom merchandise printer based in South Carolina

Image Ink is a screen printing and embroidery shop located in South Carolina that creates customized merchandise for individuals, businesses, and organizations. They print designs onto apparel, bags, and other items using screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, and embroidery techniques. You provide the design or work with their team to create one, choose your product and quantity, and they produce the order at their facility.

The shop handles orders ranging from single promotional items to bulk runs for corporate events, team uniforms, fundraisers, and retail resale. Their process begins with design consultation—you can bring artwork, describe what you want, or have them suggest options based on your needs. Once the design is finalized and approved, they prepare screens or set up equipment depending on which printing method suits your project best.

Key Takeaways

• Image Ink offers screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, and embroidery, each suited to different design complexity and order size.
• You can bring finished artwork, describe your vision, or work with their team to develop a design from scratch.
• Pricing and turnaround time depend on the printing method, quantity ordered, and complexity of the design.
• Contact Image Ink directly to discuss your project, get a quote, and understand what files or information they need from you.

Screen printing versus direct-to-garment and embroidery

Screen printing works best for bold, solid-color designs and large quantities. The process involves creating a mesh screen for each color in your design, then pressing ink through the screen onto the garment. This method is cost-effective per item when you order dozens or hundreds of pieces, but setup costs make small orders expensive. Screen printing produces vibrant, durable results that hold up through many washes.

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing uses inkjet technology to print full-color designs directly onto fabric, similar to printing on paper. This method works well for detailed, photographic, or multi-color designs and has no setup fees, making it practical for one-off orders or small batches. The trade-off is higher per-item cost compared to screen printing at large volumes. DTG prints are also durable but may feel slightly stiffer than screen-printed designs.

Embroidery stitches thread directly into the fabric to create a raised, textured design. It works beautifully on polo shirts, hats, jackets, and bags, and conveys a more polished, professional appearance than printing. Embroidery is ideal for logos and designs with clean lines. Like screen printing, embroidery has setup costs, so it becomes economical at higher quantities.

What to prepare before contacting Image Ink

If you have existing artwork, gather the file in a format Image Ink accepts—typically PDF, AI, EPS, or high-resolution PNG or JPG. The cleaner and more detailed your file, the better the final product. If your design is hand-drawn or exists only as a photo, let Image Ink know; they can often work from that, though they may charge a design fee to digitize or refine it.

Write down the specifics of what you need: the type of garment (t-shirt, hoodie, hat, tote bag, etc.), the quantity, your color preferences, and where on the item you want the design placed. If you're ordering for a team or event, note the size range and whether you need different sizes in different quantities. Having this information ready speeds up the quoting process and helps Image Ink give you an accurate timeline.

If you don't have a design yet, describe the look you're going for—colors, style, message, or mood. Image Ink can suggest designs or create something custom. Be prepared to discuss your budget and deadline so they can recommend the most practical printing method for your needs.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Image Ink's pricing varies based on the printing method, the number of colors in your design, the quantity ordered, and the garment itself. Screen printing typically costs less per item at high volumes but has a setup fee per color. Direct-to-garment has no setup fee but higher per-item cost, making it better for small orders. Embroidery pricing depends on the design complexity and stitch count.

The garment you choose also affects total cost. A basic t-shirt costs less than a premium hoodie or specialty item. Bulk orders almost always bring down the per-item price. Image Ink can provide a detailed quote once you've specified your design, product, quantity, and printing method. Ask whether they offer discounts for larger orders or repeat business.

Turnaround time and rush orders

Standard turnaround time depends on the printing method and current workload. Screen printing typically takes longer because of setup time, while direct-to-garment is often faster for small orders. Embroidery timing varies based on design complexity. Image Ink can tell you the expected delivery date when you place your order.

If you need your order sooner, ask about rush options. Rush services usually cost extra but can compress the timeline. Let Image Ink know your deadline upfront so they can tell you whether it's feasible and what the additional cost would be.

How to place an order and what happens next

Contact Image Ink directly by phone, email, or their website to start the process. Provide your design file (or description if you don't have one), specify the garment and quantity, and discuss your timeline and budget. They'll review your request, confirm they can produce it, and send you a quote.

Once you approve the quote and design, Image Ink will set up production. For screen printing, they'll create screens; for DTG, they'll prepare the printer; for embroidery, they'll digitize the design if needed. You'll receive updates as your order progresses, and they'll contact you when it's ready for pickup or shipping. Most orders include a final proof or sample for your review before full production begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Image Ink create a design if I don't have one?

Yes. Describe what you want—colors, style, message, or inspiration—and Image Ink can design something for you. They may charge a design fee depending on complexity. Bring reference images or examples of styles you like to make the process smoother.

What's the minimum order quantity?

Minimum order size varies by printing method and product. Screen printing often has a higher minimum because of setup costs, while direct-to-garment typically has no minimum. Contact Image Ink with your project details to learn the minimum for your specific order.

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Most custom merchandise shops, including Image Ink, reduce per-item pricing at higher quantities. Ask for a quote that breaks down pricing at different order levels—for example, 25 pieces, 50 pieces, and 100 pieces—so you can see the savings.

Can I order different sizes or colors in one order?

Yes. You can specify size and color breakdowns when you place your order. For example, you might order 10 small shirts in blue, 15 medium in blue, and 10 large in black. Image Ink will produce the mix you request.

What file formats does Image Ink accept?

Image Ink typically accepts vector files like PDF, AI, and EPS, as well as high-resolution raster images like PNG or JPG. Vector files are preferred because they scale without losing quality. If you're unsure whether your file will work, send it to Image Ink and they'll let you know.