Why Merchy’s Requires Deposits Before Production
At Merchy’s, when you place an order for custom apparel printing—whether for screen printing, embroidery, or other decoration methods—we require a deposit before starting production. This practice helps ensure quality, clarity, and fairness for both you (the customer) and our company. In this article, we'll explain why we ask for deposits, how much they typically are, and how they protect everyone involved.
Why It Matters
Getting a deposit is not about worrying—it’s about planning. Custom apparel printing involves upfront costs (materials, labor, setup) and unique work tailored to your design. A deposit helps us cover those initial costs and confirms your commitment so we can schedule your order, secure supplies, and deliver as promised.
How Merchy’s Handles Deposits
When the Deposit Is Required
Before production begins: This includes all preparation work—artwork proofing, embroidery digitizing, screen setup, sourcing blanks, etc.
After finalizing design/artwork: Once you approve the design mock-up, the deposit triggers the start of production steps.
When booking dates are involved: If your order has a deadline (e.g. event date, shipping date), the deposit secures the production slot.
Standard Deposit Percentages
While deposit amounts can vary by industry and provider, here are what many custom apparel printers—including screen printing and embroidery shops—often require:
Scenario | Common Deposit % |
First-time customers or large orders | 50% of total invoice before work begins (Ink Shed Merch) |
Smaller orders, or less setup involved | Sometimes 30-50% depending on design complexity and fabric or blank availability (T-Shirt Forums) |
Rush jobs or special/custom orders | May require full payment or higher deposit amounts up front, especially if non-standard materials or tight timelines are involved (Turn Ninety) |
At Merchy’s, our standard deposit requirement is 50% of the total order cost. The remaining 50% is due before we ship the completed items (or when you pick up, as applicable).
How Deposits Protect Both the Customer and the Company
For the Customer
Secure your place in production schedule
Once deposit is paid, your order is locked in and scheduled. This helps avoid delays due to other orders pushing yours back.
Ensures that materials and blanks are reserved
Garments, thread, inks all need to be acquired before we start setup. The deposit ensures we can order and hold necessary supplies without risk.
Design proof commitment
When you submit your artwork and approve proofs, deposit shows the design is final. This helps avoid endless revisions and confusion.
Transparency
You see how pricing is built (setup costs, materials, labor), and know that we're invested from the beginning.
For Merchy’s (the Company)
Covers upfront costs
Many expenses—like blank apparel, thread, screen setup, digitizing—happen before production starts. Deposits help us cover those without relying on credit or having to absorb risk.
Reduces risk of non-payment or order abandonment
Without a deposit, we might do the work (or spend money), and then the customer cancels, fails to pay, or disappears. Deposits mitigate that risk.
Helps with cash flow and planning
Custom apparel businesses often have many orders in various stages. Knowing that deposit has been made allows better scheduling, inventory management, and lower financial exposure.
Prevents misuse of company resources
Art setup, embroidery digitizing, or screen production are labor and cost intensive. When there is a deposit, it ensures those resources are used for committed orders.
Customer Guidance / Best Practices
If you’re placing a custom apparel order with Merchy’s (or any similar provider), here are some tips to make the deposit process smooth:
Read the quote carefully
Make sure it includes all costs: blanks, artwork setup, printing/embroidery, shipping, any extras. Know what 50% is covering.
Approve artwork early
The faster you sign off on proofs, the sooner production can start once deposit is paid. Delays in approval often push back delivery.
Check deposit refund policy
Often, once production starts (after you’ve approved proofs and we’ve ordered materials), deposits are non-refundable. Know what refundable vs. non-refundable means in your case.
Plan for overages or spoilage allowances
In screen printing / embroidery, there can be a small percentage of spoilage or defects. Ordering a few extra pieces or allowing a small overage helps avoid shortages. (Many shops allow ~2-5%) (Turn Ninety)
Schedule ahead especially for big orders or event dates. Production times plus deposit processing can add days.
Best Practices for Merchy’s Deposit Policy
To provide clarity and build trust, here’s what Merchy’s commits to doing:
Clear quotes that show deposit amount and remaining balance
Written confirmation of artwork-proofs before using deposit to move into the full production
Transparent policy about when deposits become non-refundable
Communication if parts of an order (blanks, materials) are delayed, so customers understand impact on timeline
Safe and secure payment methods for deposits (credit card, bank transfers, etc.)
FAQs
Q: Is the deposit refundable if I cancel my order?
A: It depends on how much of the process has already taken place. Once we’ve ordered blanks, started screen-setup, digitized embroidery, or otherwise committed resources, deposits are usually non-refundable. We’ll clearly state this in your order agreement.
Q: Why is the deposit 50%—can it be less?
A: 50% is standard in the industry because it balances covering initial production costs with giving you (the customer) ownership of the order. For smaller or simpler jobs, or for repeat customers, sometimes a lower deposit may be negotiated.
Q: When do I pay the rest of the balance?
A: The remaining 50% is due before we ship your order—or when you pick it up. We can’t release items until the total payment is cleared.
Q: What happens if I want to make changes after I’ve paid the deposit?
A: Minor changes may be possible, depending on where your order is in production. However, changes after screens are made, embroidery digitized, or materials ordered can result in extra fees or delays. We’ll always let you know what those adjustments would cost.
Q: Are there any orders that require a higher or full deposit?
A: Yes. Rush orders (very tight deadlines), special materials, non-standard items, or custom/unusual designs may require higher deposits or full payment up front.
If you ever have questions about your deposit, payment schedule, or how production works at Merchy’s—feel free to reach out. We’re committed to making your custom apparel printing (from screen printing to embroidery) a transparent and reliable process.
