At Merchy’s, we know timing matters just as much as quality when you're ordering custom apparel printing in San Diego. This article breaks down our standard production and delivery times, what can speed things up (or slow them down), and when you’ll receive your order. Our goal is to give you a clear, realistic timeline you can count on.
Standard Production Times
Here’s how long it typically takes from the moment you place your order (once artwork is approved) to when your custom print order is ready to ship or be picked up:
Printing Method | Typical San Diego Production Time* |
Screen Printing (simple designs, 1-3 colors) | 20 Business days (3 weeks) |
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Embroidery | 10 Business Days (2 weeks) |
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) / DTF / Heat Transfer | 5-10 business days depending on order size and design complexity |
*These times assume your artwork is print-ready and all garments are in stock. Add extra time for shipping.
Factors That Affect Speed
Several elements can make your custom print turnaround in San Diego faster—or slower. Here are the main ones:
Artwork readiness: If your files are already approved, vector-based, with correct size and color separations, things move quickly. If we need to clean up or adjust artwork, that adds time(2-3 business days).
Design complexity: More colors, special effects, prints on sleeves/back/hoods, or multiple locations = more production time.
Garment availability: If the garments are customer provided it shouldn't add to much time
Order quantity: Bulk orders take longer to press, more screens, more materials, more quality checks.
Printing method: Screen printing requires screens to be made and colors to be mixed.
Finishing services & extras: Fold & bag, tag printing, custom labels, special packaging, or mixed garment colors often add extra handling time. We will try to be clear about how long these things take.
Current workload / shop capacity: During peak seasons (holidays, events, sales), production schedules fill up faster, adding to lead times.
Shipping distance and carrier: Even once production is done, transit time depends on carrier chosen (standard ground, express, etc.) and the delivery address.
When to Expect Delivery in San Diego
Putting production and shipping together, here’s a typical timeline for San Diego customers:
Order placed & artwork approved
→ Production begins once all details are confirmed (same or next business day depending on cut-off time).
Production time
→ 5-14 business days, depending on method, complexity, and extras (see Standard Production Times above).
Packaging & quality review
→ 1 business day.
Shipping / pickup options
If you select local pickup in San Diego, your order may be ready the same day production finishes, or the next business day, depending on volume.
For standard ground shipping in Southern California: add 1-3 business days transit time.
For express or overnight shipping, delivery can be next day (if ordered before cut-off times), but expect higher shipping cost..
Merchy’s Rush & Expedited Options
If you’re on a tight deadline, we offer rush services. Here’s what to know:
Rush orders typically require paying a premium due to priority scheduling and possibly overtime labor.
Rush availability depends on shop capacity and inventory status.
Simplifying your design (fewer colors, fewer print locations, using in-stock garments) helps make rush possible.
Be sure to communicate your desired in-hand date when placing your order so we can assess if it’s feasible.
Best Practices to Ensure Fast Turnaround
Here are steps you can take to help your custom apparel order go smoothly and reach you faster:
Submit print-ready art as soon as possible (vector files .AI/.EPS/SVG or high-resolution raster at 300 DPI).
Approve proofs quickly. The moment you approve design, color, and placement, production can begin.
Choose in-stock garments and standard colors when possible.
Avoid last-minute changes after production starts since we might not be able to accommodate.
If you need finishing services, clarify them at order time (folding, tagging, custom labels, bagging, etc.).
Let us know your deadline up front. This helps us plan capacity or recommend rush service.
FAQs
Q1: What is your standard turnaround time for screen printing in San Diego?
A: For simple designs (1-3 colors) using screen printing, standard production time is usually 7-10 business days once artwork is approved. More complex screen prints may take 10-15 business days.
Q2: How much extra does rush service add to my order time?
A: Rush service can reduce turnaround by several business days, especially for simpler jobs. However, it comes with a premium fee and may require simplifications (design, garment choices, fewer extras).
Q3: Do embroidery projects take longer than screen printing?
A: Embroidery is faster than screen printing!
Q4: If I'm in San Diego, can I pick up my order to save time?
A: Absolutely. If you select local pickup, your order will be ready when production finishes. Depending on our schedule, that could be the same day or the next business day after production is complete.
Q5: What happens if the garment I want is out of stock?
A: If a garment is out of stock, we’ll let you know as soon as possible. Restocking could add a few extra days. To avoid delays, choosing from in-stock options is best if you need fast turnaround. We will make sure that you know if something is not in stock when you order!
If you have any special date you need your apparel by, or want us to help estimate your timeline more precisely (including shipping), just reach out to our team. We’re committed to making your custom apparel printing experience in San Diego as smooth and punctual as possible.
