Quintells Screen Printing in Charleston: Custom Apparel and Promotional Products
What Quintells Does
Quintells is a screen printing and embroidery shop located in Charleston that produces custom apparel, promotional products, and branded merchandise for businesses, organizations, and individuals. The shop handles orders ranging from small runs of personalized t-shirts to large-scale corporate orders with multiple designs and colorways. They work with clients to move from concept through production, managing design consultation, material selection, and quality control in-house.
The shop operates as a full-service print facility rather than an online-only operation, which means you can visit in person to discuss your project, see samples of their work, and understand the timeline and cost before committing. This hands-on approach is particularly useful if you're ordering for an event, business launch, or organization where the final product needs to match a specific vision.
Key Takeaways
- Quintells offers both screen printing and embroidery services, so you can choose the technique that best suits your design and budget.
- You can visit the shop in person to consult on design, material choices, and pricing before placing an order.
- The shop handles orders of varying sizes, from small personal orders to bulk corporate merchandise.
- Turnaround time and pricing depend on order size, design complexity, and current production capacity, so contacting them directly gives you accurate information for your timeline.
Screen Printing vs. Embroidery at Quintells
Screen printing works best for designs with bold colors, large coverage areas, or orders where cost per unit matters—the setup is more efficient for bigger runs. Embroidery creates a raised, textured finish that works well for logos, smaller designs, or when you want a more polished, professional appearance on items like polos or hats. Quintells can advise which method suits your design and order size, or combine both techniques on a single piece if your design calls for it.
The choice also affects durability and care. Screen-printed designs can fade with repeated washing over years, while embroidery tends to hold up longer but can snag if not handled carefully. Quintells can walk you through the pros and cons for your specific project during a consultation.
Materials and Garment Options
Quintells works with a range of blank apparel suppliers, so you're not limited to a single brand or style. Common options include standard cotton t-shirts, performance fabrics for athletic wear, heavier-weight shirts for durability, and specialty items like hoodies, tank tops, and outerwear. They can also print on non-apparel items such as tote bags, hats, and promotional products depending on your needs.
The material you choose affects how the print looks and feels. Cotton absorbs ink differently than synthetic blends, and heavier fabrics may require different printing techniques. Discussing your end use—whether the shirts are for everyday wear, a one-time event, or a retail product—helps determine which material makes sense for your budget and durability expectations.
Design and Artwork Preparation
You can bring a finished design to Quintells, or work with their team to develop one from scratch. If you have artwork already, they'll review it to ensure it's suitable for screen printing or embroidery—some designs that look good on a computer screen don't translate well to fabric. They can advise on color separation, line weight, and other technical details that affect the final print.
If you need design help, Quintells can often create or refine artwork for you, though this may involve an additional fee depending on the complexity. Bringing reference images, brand guidelines, or a clear description of what you want helps move the process along faster and ensures the final product matches your vision.
Ordering Process and Timeline
Start by contacting Quintells directly—either by visiting in person, calling, or emailing with details about your project. Provide information about the quantity you need, the type of garment, your design or design concept, and your target completion date. They'll give you a quote and timeline based on current production capacity.
Turnaround time varies depending on order size and how busy the shop is. Small orders may be ready in a week or two, while large corporate orders can take longer. Rush orders are sometimes possible but may carry an additional fee. Once you approve the quote and design, Quintells will schedule your order into production and keep you informed about progress.
Pricing and Order Minimums
Screen printing and embroidery pricing depends on several factors: the number of colors in your design, the number of garments you're ordering, the type and quality of the blank apparel, and whether you need design work. Generally, larger orders have a lower per-unit cost because the setup work is spread across more pieces. Small orders cost more per shirt but may be the right choice if you only need a few pieces.
Quintells typically has a minimum order quantity, though it varies by project. Contact them directly with your quantity and design details to understand what the cost will be for your specific order. Getting quotes from multiple shops is normal practice and helps you understand the market rate for your project.
Why Choose Quintells for Charleston-Area Orders
Working with a local, in-person shop means you can see samples of their previous work, discuss your project face-to-face, and build a relationship if you have ongoing printing needs. For businesses, nonprofits, and event organizers in the Charleston area, this direct access can save time and reduce miscommunication compared to ordering entirely online from a distant vendor.
Quintells' experience with both screen printing and embroidery gives you flexibility in how you approach your project. Whether you're printing t-shirts for a local business, merchandise for a community event, or promotional items for a nonprofit, having a shop that can handle multiple techniques and order sizes means you're not forced to split your order between different vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order just a few shirts, or do I have to order in bulk?
Quintells can handle small orders, though per-unit pricing will be higher than for larger runs. The exact minimum depends on your design and the printing method. Contact them with your quantity to find out whether your order size works for their production schedule.
How long does it take to get my order?
Turnaround time depends on order size, design complexity, and how busy the shop is at the moment. Small orders may take one to two weeks, while larger orders can take longer. Discuss your deadline when you contact them so they can let you know if they can meet it or offer a rush option.
What if I don't have a design yet?
Quintells can help you develop a design or refine one you've sketched out. Bring reference images, describe what you want, and share any brand colors or logos that need to be included. Design work may involve an additional fee depending on how much work is needed.
Do you print on items other than t-shirts?
Yes, Quintells can print on hoodies, hats, tote bags, and other promotional products depending on availability. Ask about specific items when you contact them, as inventory and capabilities may vary.
What's the difference between screen printing and embroidery for my order?
Screen printing is usually cheaper for large orders and works well for bold, colorful designs. Embroidery creates a raised, professional look and lasts longer, but costs more per unit and works better for smaller logos or designs. Quintells can recommend the best method for your specific project during a consultation.