Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ordering custom apparel from The Teehive — minimums, pricing, turnaround, artwork, shipping, and policies. Still stuck? Reach our team and we'll help.
- Ordering & Pricing
- Decoration & Artwork
- Turnaround & Rush
- Shipping & Delivery
- Proofs & Changes
- Payments & Tax
- Policies & Support
Ordering & Pricing
What does The Teehive do?
We design and decorate custom apparel for teams, businesses, and events. Methods include screen printing, embroidery, cut & sew dye sublimation, direct-to-film (DTF), laser engraving, leather patches, and dye-sub patches — all decorated in the USA.
What are the minimum order quantities?
Minimums vary by decoration method: screen printing 12+ pieces per design, embroidery 6+ pieces per logo, and DTF or laser transfers 6+ pieces with no strict minimum.
How does bulk pricing work?
The more you order, the more you save. Pricing is based on quantity tiers, so your cost per item goes down as your order size goes up. Each decoration method has its own price breakpoints.
Do you offer specials or package deals?
Yes. Throughout the year The Teehive runs featured promotions, such as 100 custom t-shirts for $5 each or 36 custom patch hats for $14 each. Specials rotate seasonally.
Do you charge art fees?
For most orders, artwork setup is included at no extra cost. Art fees may apply for brand-new logo creation, extensive revisions beyond the initial proof, or very small orders of 6 pieces or fewer.
Do you decorate customer-supplied garments?
No. To guarantee quality, we decorate only on garments we supply, since customer-supplied items can vary in fabric and durability.
Decoration & Artwork
What decoration methods do you offer?
Screen printing, embroidery (small and large), tackle twill, direct-to-film (DTF), laser engraving, vinyl, leather and dye-sub patches, and cut & sew dye sublimation. Compare decoration methods →
What colors do you offer?
We offer a wide range of garment colors plus extensive ink and thread color options. For screen printing and embroidery you can match Pantone Solid Coated colors or choose from our swatch books; sublimation and DTF print in unlimited full color. Ask your rep or check the product page for the colors available on a specific item. Browse colors & swatches →
How do I choose colors?
Submit Pantone Solid Coated numbers or use our vendor swatches for screen print, embroidery, heat-press vinyl, glitter, or leather patches. Swatches are available in the catalog. Browse colors & swatches →
What artwork file formats do you accept?
Vector files (AI, PDF, SVG) with fonts outlined are preferred. Raster files (PNG, PSD, TIFF) must be 300 DPI at final print size. Keep artwork at least half an inch from seams and edges.
What are your standard print sizes and placements?
We use standard decoration sizing so designs look balanced. For adult t-shirts: full front 11 by 14 inches, full back 12 by 14 inches, and left or right chest 3.5 by 3.5 inches. Sizes scale down for youth and other garments. See the full placement guide →
Which decoration placements are approved?
We support front, back, left chest, right chest, sleeves, legs, and other standard placements. Wrap-arounds, seams, and zippers are generally not approved.
Turnaround & Rush
What is the standard turnaround time?
Lead times start after proof approval and deposit: screen print 2+ weeks, embroidery 3+ weeks, DTF 2+ weeks, dye sublimation 3+ weeks, and laser engraving 2+ weeks. Shipping time is additional.
Do you offer rush service?
Yes, capacity permitting: 5-7 business days for a 20% upcharge, 3-4 business days for 35%, and 1-2 business days by custom quote.
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship from?
All orders ship from Baxter, MN 56425.
What are your shipping rates?
We use flat-rate shipping tiers based on order value, starting at $12.90 for orders under $100 and scaling up. Orders over $5,000 ship free.
Do you ship to P.O. boxes?
Yes, via USPS. UPS requires a street address.
Proofs & Changes
Do I need to approve my proof?
Yes. We do not proceed until you approve the final proof in writing. Payment is not approval.
What happens if I request changes after approval?
Changes may require a new proof and can reset your timeline. If production has already started, change fees may apply.
Payments & Tax
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit cards, checks, cash, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more.
Do you accept tax-exempt orders?
Yes. Provide your exemption certificate before invoicing. We cannot refund tax after payment without documentation.
Do you offer Net 30 terms?
Yes, we allow Net 30 terms with approval. There may be limits on the amount of credit extended.
Policies & Support
What is your return or cancellation policy?
Because every item is custom-made to order, all sales are final once your proof is approved and production begins. If your order arrives defective or there is an error on our end, contact your rep right away and we will make it right. Cancellations may be possible before production begins.
Can I get a sample before I order?
Yes. We offer sample garments, sizing kits, and showroom try-ons. Ask your rep.
Where can I find size charts?
See our online sizing guide PDF or ask for a sizing kit. Charts cover adult, youth, and specialty fits. See sizes & placement →
Still have questions?