Start with the right quantity and size split
The best bulk order starts with a simple count. List the item type, sizes needed, print positions, and the date the stock must be ready. For T-shirts, include a full size breakdown such as small, medium, large, extra large and any kids sizes. For caps, decide whether you need one size only or mixed colours. The more detail you give upfront, the easier it is to plan production and keep waste down.
If your order is for a school, club or staff event, work from actual headcounts not estimates. Add a small spare quantity for late sign-ups, lost garments, or size swaps. For bigger runs, that extra allowance can save a second print setup and another courier fee. A clear quantity sheet also helps us decide whether the job should run in one batch or in split delivery groups.
- Count each garment size separately
- Note colour, fabric type and print placement
- Allow a few spares for replacements
- Confirm if you need separate packing by team, class or department
Prepare artwork that prints cleanly the first time
Artwork checks are one of the biggest time savers on a bulk run. Supply your logo, wording, sponsor details and any required names in a clean format. If the file is low resolution, blurred, or pulled from a social media image, it may need vector redrawing before printing. That keeps edges sharp and avoids uneven results on large quantities.
Colour separation matters for screen printing and multi-colour jobs. The more colours in the design, the more screens and setup time needed. If you need a specific brand shade, send a clear reference and confirm whether the print should match exactly or just stay close. For dark garments, the underbase and ink choice must be planned before production starts, especially for bold school emblems or sponsor logos. We do test printing where needed so the finish can be checked before the full run.
- Send print-ready artwork where possible
- Confirm spelling, dates and names before approval
- Ask if vector redrawing is needed
- Check if colour limits affect the quote or timeline
Use approvals to avoid costly reprints
Bulk orders move fastest when one person signs off the artwork and print layout. If a committee is involved, choose one approver so changes do not keep bouncing back and forth. Once production starts, even a small wording change can affect screens, films and print alignment. That is why final approval should only happen after everyone has checked the copy and layout.
For school leavers, sports kits and corporate clothing, approval should include placement, ink colour, and the way sponsor logos appear on different garment sizes. A logo that looks good on a large shirt can sometimes sit too high on a small one. We confirm those details before exposing the screens or reclaiming old ones for a new run. It saves time and keeps the final batch consistent.
- Choose one final approver
- Check wording, sizing and logo positions
- Approve the proof only when all details are correct
- Keep a record of the approved version for reference
Plan production around lead times and load-shedding
Bulk printing needs a realistic schedule. Screen making, exposure, washout, test printing and drying all take time, and local load-shedding can affect the pace of work. In Durban humidity can also slow down curing and finishing, especially on some garments and ink types. That is why it helps to place your order early rather than leaving it to the last minute.
If your event date is fixed, tell us the deadline before you confirm quantities. For urgent runs, we will advise what can be done first and what may need a second delivery. Some jobs are best handled in phases, especially when garments arrive in batches or when your order includes both shirts and caps. Early planning also gives enough time for frame reclaiming, screen storage and a proper re-check if the job is repeated later.
- Book early for peak school and sports seasons
- Allow extra time for large colour jobs
- Keep an eye on public holidays and transport delays
- Factor in drying time for humid weather
Set up delivery splits for branches, schools and events
Not every bulk order should arrive in one carton. If you need items sent to different branches, teams or campuses, plan the split before dispatch. We deliver from Umbilo across Durban Central, Berea, Pinetown, Westville, Amanzimtoti, Ballito and Pietermaritzburg, and courier nationwide for orders going further afield. Clear packing instructions make it easier to send the right quantities to the right place.
Label each pack by department, class, branch or player group. If some people collect from one venue and others from another, tell us which quantities must stay together. This avoids confusion at handover and cuts down on sorting work when the goods arrive. For larger school and club orders, split delivery is often the cleanest option because it keeps distribution simple for everyone involved.
- State each delivery address clearly
- Mark packs by group or recipient
- Confirm whether all stock must ship together or in stages
- Allow for courier time outside Durban
Final checklist before your bulk order goes to print
Before production begins, do one last check of the order sheet. Make sure the garment list, size split, artwork, delivery plan and approval are all in one place. If something looks uncertain, sort it out before the screens are made. That is the easiest way to avoid delays, extra costs and avoidable reprints.
A clean bulk order file also helps if you need a repeat run later in the year. We can refer back to the approved specs, screen details and print notes, which is useful for schools, clubs and businesses that reorder the same items season after season. Good records also make it easier to keep the finish consistent across different batches.
- Quantity list confirmed
- Size breakdown checked
- Artwork approved
- Delivery split confirmed
- Deadline and contact person recorded
If you are planning a larger run and want practical guidance before you commit, use the enquiry form on our contact page and send through your quantities, artwork and deadline. Screen Spectrum in Umbilo has been handling screen and digital printing since 2008, with in-house stencil and screen making for runs of any size.
