Pricing is only one part of the puzzle when shopping for a screen printer or embroiderer.

Decorators are typically the last link on the chain before an apparel order makes its way to your clients. The quality of their work is a reflection of your own. After all, if there’s a misprint or a production delay, your client will blame you – as the distributor – whether or not you had anything to do with it. It’s imperative, then, to partner with high-quality decorators who understand your needs, meet your expectations and will be accountable if something goes awry.

Finding out an apparel decorator’s pricing structure is, of course, key, but that’s only the beginning of the conversation you should be having. Consider asking the following questions to determine whether the partnership will be a good fit.

1. What decoration techniques do you specialize in?
Embroidery and screen printing are the standards, but there are times when digital methods like dye sublimation make more sense for a project. It’s also worth finding out whether your chosen decorator can handle specialty techniques, like mixed-media designs, puff prints or 3-D embroidery, patches, laser etching or appliqué.

2. Do you decorate on a wide variety of items?
Even if you’re just looking to have left-chest logos embroidered on performance polos or a two-color screen print added to a few hundred tees, that doesn’t mean you won’t have need for other projects in the future. Find out whether the decorator can handle bags, caps and any other soft goods you might throw their way.

3. What size orders do you handle?
If the decorator has a limited staff and one or two pieces of equipment, larger order sizes will likely be a no-go. It’s worth getting a concrete answer on the order volume the shop typically handles to make sure their capabilities align with your needs.

4. What are your turn times?
Find out how long orders typically take and whether the decorator offers rush service when necessary. It’s important to have such expectations spelled out in advance to avoid headaches down the line.

5. Can I check up on an order while it’s in production?
Some decorators offer technology that lets distributors track their order status via an online portal, giving them peace of mind that everything is progressing as it should. Even if you’re working with an old-school shop, it’s worth knowing if you’ll get a prompt answer when you call or email asking for an update.

6. Will you provide samples of previous work?
Many decorators share examples of their work on their website and social media feeds. That’s a good start to scope out the quality of their production. But seeing – and touching – physical decorated samples is worth a thousand photos.

7. Can I get a tour of your shop?
If your prospective decorator is local, it might be a good idea to request a walk-through of their facility. You can get a sense of how busy they are, the state of their equipment and how efficient their processes are.