Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQs)
ORDERING
What is the minimum order? 10 pieces per design, per product type. You can mix sizes within the same design. Want to test us first? We offer single-piece samples at the 10-24 tier price plus shipping.
Can I get a fabric swatch or sample product before ordering? Yes. We can send a fabric swatch or a sample product to your address within 10 business days. The customer bears the shipping charge. It is the best way to feel the quality, check the fit, and see the print before committing to a full order. Email design@sterlingapparel.com to request a sample.
What products do you offer? T-shirts, hoodies, and polo shirts. Every product is produced and printed at our partner factory in Bangladesh, the same facility that manufactures for H&M, Guess, Bestseller, Next, and many others as such.
Can I use the same design across different products? Yes. Apply one design to t-shirts, hoodies, and polos. Each product type carries a 10-piece minimum, but the design can be the same across all of them.
Is there a setup fee? No. Zero. The price you see on our product page is the price you pay. However, depending on the print complexity, the price may vary. We do not charge for setup, screens, color separations, or design proofs.
Can I order a sample before placing a full order? Yes. We offer single-piece samples at our standard per-unit price plus shipping. The best way to see the quality firsthand before committing to a full order.
Do you offer volume discounts? Yes. Per-piece pricing decreases at 25, 50, and 100+ piece thresholds. See our pricing page for full details or contact us for a custom quote on large orders.
DESIGN AND PRINTING
What file formats do you accept? PNG, PDF, AI, PSD, and SVG. For the sharpest results, send files at 300 DPI or higher. If your file is low resolution, reach out and our team will help optimize it at no extra charge.
What print methods do you offer? DTG (Direct-to-Garment), DTF (Direct-to-Film), screen print, embroidery, and sublimation. All printing is done in-house at our partner factory. You do not need to choose a method. Tell us your design, garment, and quantity, and our production team recommends the best option for quality, durability, and cost.
Will I see a proof before anything is produced? Always. We send a professional digital mockup for your review and approval. We never produce without your written approval. Revisions are free and unlimited.
Can you help me with design? If you have a concept but not a finished design file, email us at designs@sterlingapparel.com. We can provide basic design assistance for an additional fee, or recommend freelance designers who work well with apparel print files.
Where is the printing done? At the same factory where the garment is produced. Your garment is made and your design is printed under one roof. Not outsourced to a separate print shop. Not printed on consumer-grade equipment. Everything happens at the factory.
Can I print on multiple locations on the same garment? Yes. Front, back, sleeves, and pocket areas are all available for print placement. Additional print locations are charged at +$2-4 per piece depending on the method and placement. Let us know your requirements and we will include it in your quote.
QUALITY AND PRODUCTION
Where are the garments produced? At our partner facility in Bangladesh, the same factory that has been producing for H&M, Guess, Bestseller, Next, Zalando, LC Waikiki, and Jack & Jones for over 15 years. Over 90% of the factory workforce are women.
What makes Sterling Apparel different from other custom apparel companies? Most custom apparel companies buy generic blanks from a distributor and print your logo at a separate shop. Two locations. Two standards. No transparency. At Sterling Apparel, your garment is produced and your design is printed under one roof at a factory that serves the world's top fashion retailers. One factory. One standard. Your design.
Is the factory ethically operated? Yes. Our partner factory operates under international compliance standards required by its global retail clients. Fair wages. Regulated working hours. Safe working conditions. Regular third-party audits. The factory holds WRAP, OEKO-TEX, Higg Index, ISO 14001, ISO 9001:2015, LEED, and Organic Content Standard certifications.
What quality control process do you follow? Every order goes through multi-point quality inspection at the factory. Garments are checked for production quality, print accuracy, color matching, and overall finish. Each piece is individually poly-bagged before shipping. If anything does not meet standard, it does not ship.
What certifications does the factory hold? WRAP (ethical manufacturing), OEKO-TEX (safe for skin and environment), Higg Index (sustainability performance), ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 9001:2015 (quality management), LEED (green building and energy efficiency), and Organic Content Standard (OCS 100 and Blended). These are independently audited, third-party verified certifications required by the world's largest fashion retailers.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
How long does delivery take? 14 business days from design approval to your US doorstep. This includes production, printing, inspection, and express international shipping via DHL, FedEx, or UPS.
Who pays for shipping? The customer. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your order size, weight, and delivery address. You will see the exact shipping charge before you confirm payment. No surprise fees after checkout.
How does shipping work if the factory is in Bangladesh? You never deal with international logistics. Once your order is produced and printed, we handle packaging and ship via DHL, FedEx, or UPS Express directly to your US address. You receive a tracking number and can follow your shipment in real time. It works exactly like ordering from any US-based store.
Do I have to pay customs duties? Cotton garments from Bangladesh enter the US duty-free under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). In most cases, you will not pay any additional customs duties or import taxes.
Can you ship to addresses outside the US? Currently we ship to US addresses only. International shipping to other countries is coming soon. Contact us at designs@Sterling Apparel.com if you have a specific request.
Will I receive a tracking number? Yes. Every order ships with full tracking via DHL, FedEx, or UPS. You receive your tracking number via email as soon as your shipment is picked up.
What carriers do you use? DHL Express, FedEx International, and UPS Express. We select the best carrier based on your delivery location and order size. You can also request a specific carrier if you have a preference.
PRICING AND PAYMENT
How much does it cost? Pricing depends on the product and quantity.
Are there any hidden fees? None. No setup fees. No screen fees. No design proof fees. The price we quote is the price you pay.
What payment methods do you accept? All major credit cards, and debit cards through our secure Shopify checkout.
When do I pay? Full payment is collected at checkout before your order enters production. We do not produce until payment is confirmed and your proof is approved.
Do you offer payment plans or split payments? Not at this time. Full payment is required before production begins. For large orders over 250 pieces, contact us at desings@Sterling Apparel.com to discuss custom payment terms.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We respond to every inquiry within 48 hours. Most answers arrive within 4 hours during business hours. No chatbots. No automated replies. You talk to a real person.
General Inquiries: design@sterlingapparel.co