Ordering from GPSA: Artwork
If you don’t have your own art files, no worries! GPSA’s art staff can create it for you; just let us know your ideas & details (charges for our time will apply).
Accepted File Types: We accept the following File Types: Illustrator (.AI) or Encapsulated PostScript (.EPS) are best; Photoshop (.PSD) or .PDF are good; .JPEG, .PNG and .TIFF can also be used. .AI or .EPS files are best because their vector images can be scaled to size without compromising quality.
Art Preparation: All files must be at least 300 ppi or Vector Format. If your file is not 300 ppi, please do not just increase the resolution of the file. This is called “up-sampling” and will result in a blurry image. If you are creating your file in Adobe illustrator or another Vector-based software, just size your image to the size you want it to print.
Convert Your Text to Outlines: If you create your file in Adobe Illustrator, choose “Create Outlines” on all your text, so we can open your file even if we don’t have your specific font.
Art Separations & Halftones: Please allow GPSA to separate the colors in your art, and to create halftones if needed, so we can better ensure the quality of your print. Some complex art may require separation fees, but our artists are trained and the computers in our art department are calibrated to produce separations and halftones specifically for the films, screens and processes we use for printing. Trying to separate or halftone images yourself could compromise the quality of your print or result in more art charges than you would have originally incurred.
Picking PMS Colors: GPSA provides free Pantone color matching services. PMS color charts for reference are readily available on the internet, but please be aware that colors can look different on different monitors. For example, a certain shade of red may look slightly different (yellower, browner, etc.) on your monitor than ours or a suppliers’ material. Since there is no universal color calibration for computers, it’s best to supply your own Pantone colors, especially if you need to be very close to an exact match. The best, most accurate way to do this is to use a Pantone Plus Series Solid Coated Formula Guide.
Printing over Seams, Pockets & Zippers: Not recommended. Best quality printing requires a flat contact surface between your garment and our screen. Printing over the inconsistent thicknesses created by seams, pockets and zippers can create gaps in your printed image.
Things to Know about Printing Hoodies: Printing over zipper and pocket seams is not recommended. We have some special pallets that allow us to do this, but variations in location from one garment to another can result in gaps in your printed image.
Printing on the hood itself (particularly if it has a lining) sometimes requires higher cost heat pressing rather than screen printing.
If you would like to order the same design on both t-shirts and hoodies, we suggest using a wider and shorter design so the image can be large, but not be close to the hoodie pocket.
Ordering from GPSA: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is GPSA’s standard screen size? Our standard screen size is 14″ x 17″.
- How do I best prep my files? Files must be Vector Files or 300 DPI. Preferred file types are .AI, .EPS, .PSD, .PDF, .JPEG, .PNG and .TIFF; .AI and .EPS are best. See Ordering from GPSA: Artwork for more details about preparing art for your order. Orders cannot be started until we have usable artwork.
- What is your turnaround time? Typical turnaround time is 7-15 business days + shipping time. Quoted turnaround time is an estimate, not guaranteed, and starts when we receive payment (first-time orders, unless you’ve established credit terms with us) AND we have all information needed to complete your order. Complex designs or orders with extra add-ons may require additional turnaround time. The most up-to-date turnaround time will be listed on your quote and invoice.
If you have an important deadline to meet, let us know when placing your order so we can confirm the ability to meet the date, and whether a rush fee may apply.
Note: Taking longer than 24 hours to approve your digital proofs may lengthen your turnaround. Also, circumstances beyond GPSA’s control (weather delays, shipping errors by suppliers, certain catastrophic events, etc.) can lengthen the lead time, and are not included in our turnaround estimates.
- Do you have a minimum order size? Minimum order quantities vary by item manufacturer. As an example, we will do an order for screen printed tee shirts as small as 12 shirts per design but there may be restrictions on garment sizes, image sizes, and colors.
- Can I mix and match shirt & ink colors? Yes. Different shirt colors are ok, as long as the print colors are the same. If we need to change ink colors additional fees will apply.
- Can I mix shirt sizes & do I need to order in dozens? You can order as many different shirt sizes as you want and you DON’T have to order in dozens, unless otherwise stated. Certain brands do require ordering in half-dozens.
- Can you do (insert crazy idea here)? Maybe! Drop us an e-mail or give us a call, and we’ll see what we can do!
Ordering from GPSA: Terms & Conditions
Art Approval; Order Proofing: All artwork is to be approved via digital proof through e-mail. Artwork must be checked for spelling, color, garment size quantities (if applicable), image placement, and artwork accuracy by the customer.
Please, look over every detail of your proof, as this is how your order will print. GPSA cannot accept responsibility for errors that are proofed and approved, and may not be able to make corrections once the art is approved and the order is in production. Any modifications that are made after approval will result in delays and may require additional charges.
Lead time estimates allow 24 hours for customer proof approval; later approval will result in a lengthened order lead time.
Artwork: All files must be 300 DPI or vector format. Design should be sized to the size you would like it to print. Text must be converted to outlines. Printing quality can only be as good as the artwork quality; see Ordering from GPSA: Artwork; contact us if you have questions.
We do our best to catch and report errors and issues in client-submitted art, but GPSA cannot be held responsible for poor quality printing due to poor artwork, and cannot be responsible for misspellings, errors, or other quality and accuracy issues in client-submitted art files.
Cancellations & Restocking Fees: Cancellations made after orders are placed may be subject to a 15% restocking fee, plus additional fees as required to cover services already rendered. No cancellations will be accepted once production or any physical manipulation of items (tag removal, printed tags, printing, hem tagging, etc.) has begun on an order.
Changes to Orders after Approval: Changes (unless due to a supplier stock issue or an error at GPSA) made to orders after approval may be subject to a $50.00 change fee, in addition to costs of the changes (including restocking fees and shipping costs, if applicable). Changes to orders after they have been placed result in added costs and lengthened lead times, making it difficult to meet quoted commitments. Please make sure of order needs and details before placing your order; contact us with questions and we’ll try to help.
Collections: Accounts requiring collection for overdue payment will be liable for all collection costs, including any fees, costs, and expenses incurred.
Contract Printing (Customer-Supplied Materials): Upon request, GPSA will agree (at our discretion) to print on customer-supplied materials. Materials must be new, unwashed, and otherwise suitable for decoration. Orders are custom quoted by job; GPSA cannot be responsible for product lost due to variability or defects in undecorated materials, and reserves the right to consider such orders complete with shortages of two units or 2% of product, whichever is greater.
Copyrights, Authorities & Responsibilities: When you submit an order and artwork to GPSA, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to order, purchase, display, and distribute merchandise showing the logos, trademarks, names, copyrights, and other content associated with your order. You hereby state that use and display of your artwork will not violate applicable laws or client restrictions, and agree to hold GPSA harmless from claims, liabilities, and/or expenses, including legal fees, related to actual or alleged infringement or misuse of any logo, trademark, copyright or other proprietary right pertaining to the images shown on any merchandise purchased from GPSA. This provision will remain in effect after completion of your order.
Garment Disclaimer: GPSA is not responsible for manufacturer defects such as color inconsistencies, stitching errors, mislabeled garments, loose/inconsistent stitching, and/or garment defects (holes in garments, ripped seams, etc.). We do our best to inspect items in our processes, but we cannot guarantee each individual item. We do not manufacture the undecorated product, so we cannot ensure all construction details.
Location Tolerances in Printing: GPSA’s experienced printers make every reasonable effort to maintain consistency in locating your image on our items, but hand loading garments of varying sizes and tolerances limit the accuracy of image location from one item to the next. For example, an order spec to locate imprint 2” below a shirt collar will be used as a guide, but it’s possible for location on a specific shirt to vary by as much as an inch; this will not be considered a misprint and cannot be replaced or refunded.
Minimums: Minimums for specific products and services are listed where applicable on our website; as an example, a condensed version for most screen printed apparel is:
1-3 Ink Colors: 12 Pieces Minimum; 4+ Ink Colors: 50 Pieces Minimum.
Orders with special finishing services: 50 Pieces Minimum.
Process Printing: Depending on the complexity, either 50 or 100 Pieces Minimum
Please contact us with any questions about minimums that are not specifically addressed on our website.
Must-Have Dates: GPSA will make every reasonable effort to meet “must-have” dates, but we cannot guarantee it in advance. Rush fees may apply, and customers may be responsible for any expedited shipping charges if needed.
Out of Stock Items: GPSA is not responsible for items that are out of stock. We do check items with histories of stock issues, but garments are ordered after your order is placed, so we cannot guarantee availability in advance. If items are out of stock, we will provide a list of replacement options for your approval.
Over/Under Runs: Some items (most commonly some promotional items) are subject to over/under terms from the original manufacturer, whereupon orders can be closed with small (typically 3% or 5%) shortages or shipped and billed with small overages. When applicable, these terms will be communicated by GPSA at the time of order receipt.
Payment Terms: First orders must be paid in full before the order begins unless otherwise approved in advance by GPSA staff. If you make an advance payment by check, turnaround time on your order will begin when your check clears.
Pricing: GPSA reserves the right to change pricing without notice.
Returning Art: If you send us truly “camera-ready” art that does not need to be modified (other than sizing), art can be returned to you upon request. When GPSA needs to alter or create content to prepare art (including digitizing art for embroidery) for production, we will still return art upon request, but fees will apply to cover GPSA’s work.
Returned Checks: A fee of $30.00 will be assessed for a returned check.
Returns for Credit: Require approval in writing from GPSA prior to return.
Shipping: GPSA is not responsible for delivery delay caused by the shipping carrier. Decorated merchandise becomes the customer’s property upon pickup from GPSA’s location; GPSA is not responsible for damage or losses during 3rd party transport.
Turnaround Time: Turnaround time on your order with GPSA begins when we have all details (and any necessary payment) required to complete your order (all artwork, correct tag files, all fonts required for editable tags, all shipping info, etc.) & your proofs have been approved. Delay in receipt of any of this info could result in production delays.
Most proofs are sent within 48 hours after your order is accepted and we receive all necessary information. Because of the wide range of our art and product offering, turnaround time can vary from 7-15 days and is quoted as accurately as possible for your order on your quote and your invoice. Complex orders/add-ons may increase turnaround.
Special finishing services (printed tags, hem tags, etc.) add extra turnaround time to orders, most commonly 2 days for each special service. The most up-to-date turnaround time estimate will be listed on your quote and invoice.
If you have an important deadline to meet, let us know when placing your order so we can confirm the ability to meet the date, and whether a rush fee may apply. If you wait until an order is in progress to tell us about a tight time requirement, we can’t guarantee our ability to meet your date.
Circumstances beyond GPSA’s control (weather delays, shipping errors by suppliers, certain catastrophic events, etc.) can lengthen lead time, and are not included in our turnaround estimates.
