1. Define the purpose
Will the product be sold, given away or worn at work? Who will use it, when and how often? For an event, the date may be central. For retail merchandise, consider whether someone would wear the design beyond that particular occasion. A short description of the audience and intended use is a useful starting point.
2. Plan the product and sizes together
A total quantity alone is not enough to place a garment order. You also need the size breakdown. For team clothing, collect sizes in advance. For giveaways, use what you know about the expected guests to estimate a suitable mix. Confirm availability, fit and whether a sample is needed before ordering.
3. Design for the product
An existing logo is a starting point, rather than a complete merchandise concept. Placement, artwork size and garment colour affect the result. A small chest design serves a different purpose from a large back print. Document every intended placement and variant clearly before approval.
4. Choose the method for the actual order
Screen printing, DTF printing and embroidery are possible approaches. A rule based on quantity alone is too simplistic: the material, number of designs and intended finish also matter. Product and artwork should be assessed together. If there is uncertainty, we can discuss what kind of sample would help you decide.
5. Compare the complete cost
A quote should make its inclusions clear: garments, design, artwork preparation, setup, decoration, samples and delivery. Future reorders may have different conditions. Ask about smaller follow-up orders when planning the first batch, especially if the products will be used regularly.
6. Work backwards from the required date
Selection, design, feedback and approval are part of the schedule too. Include your required delivery date in the first enquiry. A date can be confirmed only once availability and the production scope have been checked. An order is not complete while sizes or artwork are still undecided.
An example from Arosa
For Hotel Hof Maran, we created the merchandise and printed 600 T-shirts as gifts for children staying at the hotel. For an order like this, artwork, sizes and quantities need to work together. A clear purpose helps make those decisions early.
What to include in your first enquiry
Share the purpose and audience, product type, approximate quantity and sizes, existing logo or artwork, preferred placements, budget range and delivery date. It is fine to identify undecided details. That makes it clear where advice and design work are needed.