Want to produce a retail-soft t-shirt that your customers will love?

Then you’ll want to do your research on the differences between print-on-demand (POD) and bulk manufacturing solutions.

While POD may seem like a convenient option for small-scale production, it often falls short in terms of quality and cost efficiency. On the other hand, Scrappy Apparel’s bulk manufacturing solutions offer brands the opportunity to produce high-quality apparel at a lower cost per unit.

We’re about to break down each approach so you can make the right decision for your brand.

Discuss Your Options with Our Experts

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Is Convenience a Trap? The Downside of Print on Demand

With the rise of e-commerce platforms and dropshipping, POD has become a popular choice for entrepreneurs looking to start their own clothing line. While POD may offer convenience in terms of low upfront costs and no minimum order quantities, there are several downsides to consider.

Inconsistent Quality Control

One major concern with POD is the lack of control over product quality. As most POD companies use third-party printers, you have limited oversight over the production process. This can result in inconsistent color accuracy, print placement, and overall product quality.

Also, most POD companies use direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which can result in a lower quality print compared to traditional printing methods used by bulk manufacturers. Remember, a dissatisfied customer can do serious damage to your brand’s reputation and revenue.

Higher Per-Unit Costs

Another drawback of POD is the higher cost per unit. Since you are not ordering in bulk, you miss out on the economies of scale that come with bulk manufacturing. This means that the more products you order through POD, the higher your overall costs will be compared to producing in bulk.

If you’re looking to scale your brand and produce lots of garments, this can become a significant financial constraint.

Limited Print Size Options

POD also has limitations when it comes to print size options. Most companies have a maximum print size of 12″ x 16″, which may not accommodate all designs. POD can limit your brand’s creative potential.

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Bulk Manufacturing with Scrappy Apparel

Need high-quality prints that represent your brand in the best light?

At Scrappy, we have spent the last 17+ years refining our manufacturing processes. Today, we employ the best printing techniques available, including screen printing and sublimation.

• Screen printing is ideal for larger runs and designs that require vibrant colors and durability. This technique allows for a wide range of ink choices and consistency across each piece produced, making it perfect for bold graphics that stand the test of time.
• Sublimation printing shines when it comes to all-over designs and intricate patterns. This method uses heat to transfer dye onto the fabric, resulting in vibrant and lasting prints that are embedded into the material itself. With no limits on colors or complexity, sublimation opens the door to endless creative possibilities.

By combining these advanced printing techniques, Scrappy Apparel can deliver superior quality and consistency, setting your products apart in the competitive apparel market.

Benefits of Buying in Bulk

According to The European Business Review, bulk purchasing in B2B offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, reduced administrative efforts, and improved supply chain management.

Let’s take a closer look at how these benefits translate to bulk manufacturing with Scrappy.

Cost Savings

As we mentioned earlier, ordering in bulk allows for economies of scale, resulting in lower costs per unit. At Scrappy Apparel, we offer price breaks at higher order quantities. This means you can produce more garments for less money, increasing your profit margins and allowing for future growth opportunities.

Consistent Quality Control

We have strict quality control measures in place to ensure every garment meets our high standards. With bulk orders, we have the ability to consistently produce top-quality garments that reflect positively on your brand.

Increased Scalability

Bulk manufacturing also allows you to meet increasing demand without sacrificing profit margins. The level of scalability you can achieve depends on the manufacturer you choose. When you work with Scrappy, you can rest assured that you’ll never outgrow us. Our extensive network of suppliers and factories will support your business as it scales.

Print Larger than Life with The Monster Print

The Monster Print by Scrappy empowers our clients to create larger-than-life designs with impressive dimensions. With this method, you can print up to 17″ by 22″, allowing for striking graphics that truly capture attention.

Most screen printing companies have a max. print size of 14″ by 17″. Our expanded print size gives you the freedom to experiment with more intricate designs and bold imagery.

Why Brands Choose Scrappy

Here are some examples of the clients we serve and how we help them:

Lifestyle Brands

Many of our lifestyle brand partners choose Scrappy’s bulk manufacturing due to its significant advantages for their bottom line. We work with YouTubers, influencers, and other types of content creators to produce merch their fans love.

In an industry where margins can be tight, these brands recognize the importance of a solution that aligns with their financial goals. Bulk manufacturing enables them to achieve lower per-unit costs, which is crucial when operating on limited budgets.

This cost efficiency allows brands to invest more in marketing, design, and other essential areas, enhancing overall profitability.

By selecting Scrappy’s reliable bulk production methods, these lifestyle brands not only improve product quality but also ensure they have a dependable and economically sound foundation to grow their businesses.

Corporate Businesses and Franchises

Scrappy Apparel specializes in producing sublimation uniforms that meet the needs of corporate businesses and franchises. We serve many industries, but we specialize in producing uniforms for home service businesses.

What sets us apart is our ability to manufacture these uniforms in bulk, allowing businesses to outfit their staff with consistent quality that withstands the test of time.

We also offer a comprehensive fulfillment service across multiple business locations throughout the USA. Regardless of where you operate, we guarantee that each order maintains uniform quality and consistency, simplifying the management of your brand’s representation across various sites.

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Ready to Scale Up Production for Your Apparel Brand?

With our advanced printing techniques, cost savings, and scalability opportunities, we can help you take your apparel brand to new heights.

Begin Your Project!

The right employee uniform can make a tremendous difference in productivity and morale.

Uniforms are more than just a dress code—they are a strategic element that can enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency.

Imagine a uniform that not only fits perfectly but also supports an employee’s physical tasks and keeps them cool and dry throughout the day… those are the types of garments we’re talking about.

Research from Coventry University found that wearing a well-made, well-fitting uniform can make employees feel 22% happier at work, which in turn boosts productivity​.

This is exactly what we aim to achieve with the company uniforms we manufacture at Scrappy Apparel.

With our high-performance materials, our uniforms address the unique needs of the:

• Home Service Industry: Technicians and service professionals require uniforms that are both durable and easy to clean. Our uniforms withstand the rigors of daily use, ensuring a neat appearance without compromising on comfort.
• Retail: Employees in the retail sector need to look professional while being agile and comfortable.
• Corporate Offices: Office uniforms should be breathable, lightweight, and promote ease of movement. Our fabrics are designed to deliver all-day comfort, even in a high-pressure corporate environment.

Today, we’re here to share the specific elements that affect the quality and usability of employee uniforms. Read on to discover how Scrappy Apparel’s commitment to superior craftsmanship is setting new standards in the industry.

Elevate Your Brand with Scrappy Apparel’s Uniform Solutions!

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Which Company Uniform Attributes Affect Employee Performance?

Let’s take a look at five features that will be important for you to consider when you choose a uniform manufacturer:

1. Ergonomic Design

Uniforms designed with ergonomic principles ensure a comfortable fit, reducing strain and discomfort during long work hours.

With ergonomic design, your team can focus more on their tasks and less on adjusting their attire.

Our uniforms meet the specific needs of different home service roles, providing the right balance of support and flexibility where it’s needed most.

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2. Durable, Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Working in a hot environment can not only be uncomfortable but also hazardous to an employee’s health. Our uniforms are made with moisture-wicking fabrics that keep employees cool and dry, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

This is particularly important for those working outdoors or in non-air-conditioned environments. By prioritizing comfort and safety through our fabric choices, we ensure that your team can perform at their best without being hindered by discomfort.

Fabric Weight

At Scrappy Apparel, we offer three distinct weights in our Premium Basics line, which consist of 92% Polyester and 8% Spandex.

Each weight is designed to cater to different working conditions and preferences:

• Lightweight: 140 GSM: Our lightweight fabric is ideal for warm climates and indoor settings with limited temperature control. It provides excellent breathability and quick-drying properties, making it perfect for employees who require maximum ventilation and comfort during their shifts.
• Midweight: 180 GSM: The midweight option strikes a balance between durability and comfort. It’s versatile and suitable for a variety of environments, providing sufficient insulation while maintaining breathability. This fabric is particularly well-suited for employees in retail or service roles that require a professional appearance combined with ease of movement.
• Heavyweight: 260 GSM: Designed for more demanding conditions, our heavyweight fabric ensures maximum durability and warmth. It’s ideal for outdoor work environments or cooler climates where extra insulation is needed. This tough fabric withstands harsh conditions while still offering the flexibility and comfort necessary for various physical tasks.

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3. Selecting the Right Printing Process

Selecting the right printing process is key to ensuring your uniforms are visually appealing, durable, and practical for everyday wear.

Choosing Scrappy Apparel’s all over sublimation printing process ensures your uniforms look exceptional and are built to endure the demands of your work environment.

Here are some of the benefits of sublimation:

• Vibrant, Long-Lasting Colors: Sublimation printing embeds dye directly into the fabric, creating vibrant colors that won’t fade, even with frequent washing or exposure to the elements. The design becomes part of the fabric, making it resistant to peeling or cracking.
• All-Over Designs: Sublimation excels in producing all-over designs to create a cohesive look across your entire uniform range.
• Compatibility with Premium Basics: Our Premium Basics line is perfect for sublimation, which works best on polyester.

How Other Printing Processes Compare

• Screen Printing: Uses thicker inks that can restrict breathability and flexibility, making garments less comfortable.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Works well for small quantities and intricate designs on natural fabrics but struggles with vibrancy and longevity on synthetic fibers.

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4. Customization and Private Labeling

One of the key elements that contribute to true brand ownership is the ability to customize every aspect of your uniform, including neck labels.

At Scrappy Apparel, we offer sublimated neck labels as part of our private labeling program. Your brand will become the star of every garment!

Sublimated neck labels provide several advantages over traditional labels:

• Seamless Integration: Unlike stitched-on labels that can cause irritation, sublimated labels are smooth and comfortable, integrated directly into the fabric.
• Durability: Because the design is embedded within the fabric, sublimated neck labels won’t fade, peel, or deteriorate over time, maintaining a professional appearance throughout the lifespan of the uniform.
• Brand Consistency: Custom neck labels reinforce brand identity by including your logo, size indicators, care instructions, and any additional branding elements in a cohesive and visually appealing manner.

Align your brand with excellence through Scrappy Apparel’s private labeling program, and give your team uniforms that embody your brand’s values and vision.

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5. Ease of Care

Effective uniforms should not only perform well in the workplace but also be easy to maintain. Uniforms that are machine washable, resistant to wrinkles, and quick drying simplify the care process for employees, ensuring that they look professional with minimal effort.

At Scrappy Apparel, our uniforms are designed with these demands in mind, using advanced fabrics and construction techniques to make them as low-maintenance as possible.

• Machine Washable: Our fabrics are suitable for regular machine washing, which means your team can easily clean their uniforms at home without needing special treatments.
• Wrinkle Resistance: The material used in our uniforms resists wrinkles, reducing the need for ironing and helping employees maintain a crisp, professional appearance.
• Quick Drying: The quick-dry properties of our fabrics mean uniforms are ready to wear sooner after washing, so employees can always have a fresh set ready for their next shift.

Ease of care for uniforms is a crucial aspect that can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and efficiency.

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Why Choose Scrappy Apparel’s 3PL MGMT Program?

Today, we’ve talked a lot about manufacturing… but we do more than that!

You can trust us to streamline your apparel supply chain end to end, from sourcing materials to delivering the final product to each of your business locations across the USA.

We promise scalability, efficiency, and reliability. You can expect timely order fulfillment, precise inventory management, and a 5-star customer experience the whole way.

Become Our Next Scrappy Success Story

Expanding your business is exciting—no doubt!

But with growth comes new challenges, especially when it comes to managing team uniforms across multiple locations.

If this is a challenge you’re currently facing, you might have several questions on your mind:

• How do I ensure consistency in my brand image across all my locations?
• How can I efficiently manage orders and distribution for various sizing needs?
• How do I deal with the logistical challenges of uniform distribution across different geographic areas?

These are valid concerns, and they are common among businesses managing operations in several places.

After 17+ years of providing custom apparel solutions to organizations like yours, our team at Scrappy Apparel has developed a formulaic, time-tested (and quite frankly, genius) approach to tackle these challenges head-on.

So, let’s dive into the top 10 team uniform challenges faced by multi-location businesses and how you can solve them in a way that contributes to your bottom line.

Get Premium Sublimated Uniforms from Scrappy Apparel

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Free Guide: Crafting an Identity – The Ultimate Guide To Designing On-Brand Uniforms

A well-designed uniform plays a crucial role in building and reinforcing your brand’s identity. For large organizations, every aspect—from color and fabric to cut and logo placement—can significantly influence brand perception.

Our free guide will help you create uniforms that embody your brand’s ethos, project professionalism, and build trust among customers and stakeholders.

In this value-packed guide, we share…

• Strategies for designing uniforms that resonate with your brand’s identity, ensuring every element enhances your company’s image.
• Insights into the importance of uniforms in building brand identity, focusing on how they can project professionalism and instill trust.
• Actionable tips on engaging with employees in the design process, ensuring comfort and practicality without compromising on style.
• Principles of color theory and strategic logo placement, helping you make informed decisions that impact first impressions and brand recognition.
• The benefits of our top-quality custom embroidery and all over sublimation printing services, which offer vibrant, long-lasting designs that stand out.

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Challenge 1: Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Locations

Many businesses turn to multiple vendors to manufacture their uniforms, only to find that the results can be inconsistent.

For example, they might experience variations in:

• Color
• Fabric quality
• Fit

This can undermine your brand’s uniformity and professionalism. Different vendors might interpret design files differently, use distinct materials, or even operate under varying quality standards.

These variations can lead to a lack of consistency in your team’s appearance, which can hurt your brand’s image and credibility.

Solution: Standardizing Your Uniforms with a Single Vendor

This is where choosing a single, reliable vendor like Scrappy Apparel makes all the difference.

By streamlining the supply chain end-to-end, Scrappy handles both manufacturing and fulfillment for your team uniforms, ensuring consistent quality and design.

Our centralized approach not only simplifies the logistics of uniform distribution but also guarantees that every piece, irrespective of the location, meets the same high standards.

With Scrappy Apparel, you can be confident that your team will present a unified, professional appearance that reflects your brand’s integrity across all locations in the USA.

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Challenge 2: Managing Diverse Sizing Needs

Different team members have different body types and sizes, and providing uniforms that fit well is crucial for both comfort and morale. Ill-fitting uniforms can detract from an employee’s confidence and hinder their performance, which in turn can negatively impact your business.

Solution: Offering a Wide Range of Sizes and Custom Fit Options

We understand that a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work when it comes to uniforms. By offering a wide selection, we ensure that every team member can find a size that fits them perfectly.

You can rest assured that every employee feels comfortable and confident in their uniform. This will boost overall productivity and workplace satisfaction.

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Challenge 3: Coordinating Uniform Distribution

If you run a large organization, you probably already know this—but coordinating uniform distribution across multiple locations can be a logistical nightmare.

The complexity increases with:

• The number of locations
• Variations in each location’s needs
• Differing timelines for when uniforms are required

When delivery delays do happen, it can disrupt your operations and erode employee morale.

Solution: Leveraging a Network of 3PL Warehouses for Efficient Distribution

Our extensive network of 3PL warehouses spans across the country, enabling us to manage and streamline the distribution process with finesse.

We can store your uniform inventory closer to your various locations, ensuring faster delivery times and reducing the risk of shortages.

With our coordinated approach, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the logistics, making sure your team always looks sharp and professional, no matter where they are.

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Challenge 4: Handling Bulk Orders Efficiently

Nervous to place a large order with a new provider? We get it.

Ordering uniforms is a big investment, and you want to ensure that your order will be delivered according to your specifications, on time.

Miscounts, incorrect sizes, and delayed shipments can impair your uniform supply chain, disrupting your operations.

Therefore, optimizing the process for bulk orders is critical to maintain efficiency and reliability.

Solution: Implementing an Advanced Ordering System

Scrappy Apparel’s Brand Building Process (BBP) is designed to streamline the apparel supply chain for organizations like yours.

Each step of our proprietary process is streamlined—from selecting sizes and quantities to final approval—ensuring that every detail is meticulously accounted for.

Our system is fully integrated with our production and distribution channels, allowing seamless communication and coordination. This ensures your orders are not only accurate but also fulfilled on time.

When you choose Scrappy, you can have peace of mind in knowing that your bulk orders will be handled with precision and efficiency.

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Challenge 5: Coping with Seasonal Changes

When operating across various geographical regions, seasonal changes can present significant challenges in maintaining uniform standards.

Employees in different locations may face diverse climate conditions—ranging from frigid winters in the North to blazing summers in the South.

It’s essential to adapt uniforms to ensure comfort, functionality, and professionalism throughout the year.

Solution: Customizing Uniform Collections for Seasonal Variations

You need a manufacturer that has access to the appropriate raw materials to produce uniforms that cater to various climates.

At Scrappy, we partner with a diverse range of suppliers to ensure that we have access to the highest-quality materials for every season.

For winter, we offer options like jackets, thermal layers, and weather-resistant fabrics to keep your team warm and comfortable.

On the other hand, our summer garments often feature lightweight, breathable materials, and moisture-wicking properties to ensure employees remain cool and dry.

It’s good to know you have options open, especially as you expand your business to new locations.

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Challenge 6: Managing Uniform Inventory

Without a solid inventory management system in place, you may face:

• Overstock issues
• Stockouts
• Inconsistent supply levels

This can lead to operational disruptions and dissatisfied employees.

Solution: Adopting a Comprehensive Inventory Management System

Our 3PL partners are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and systems to manage and streamline inventory processes.

Leveraging this network allows us to be highly responsive and adaptable, particularly for clients with multiple locations or those experiencing rapid growth.

Whether you need an emergency restock or a seasonal adjustment, our 3PL warehouses enable us to respond quickly and with precision.

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Challenge 7: Controlling Costs

Budget constraints are a common issue for many organizations, especially when it comes to investing in quality uniforms.

Striking a balance between affordability and maintaining high standards of uniform quality can be challenging.

Excessive costs can strain your budget, and subpar uniforms may not project the professionalism your brand needs—not to mention they’ll need to be replaced sooner rather than later!

Solution: Leveraging Price Breaks for Bulk Orders

At Scrappy, we understand the importance of cost-efficiency without compromising on quality.

That’s why we offer price breaks for bulk orders, enabling our partners to save money while still securing top-notch uniforms.

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Challenge 8: Managing Production Lead Times

In the world of apparel manufacturing, unexpected delays and bottlenecks can disrupt production schedules and extend lead times. This can result in missed deadlines and inventory shortages, impacting your ability to supply uniforms when needed.

Solution: Streamlining Production Schedules

Our BBP is made to move quickly for brands that are ready to scale.

With our extensive resources in the apparel industry, we can anticipate potential bottlenecks and proactively address them, keeping your production on track and ensuring your orders are delivered on time.

When you choose Scrappy, it’s our responsibility to manage the logistical complexities, so you can focus on your core business.

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Challenge 9: Addressing Limited Storage Space

Space constraints in storage facilities can lead to inefficient inventory management and increased operational costs. Overcrowded warehouses can make it difficult to access and manage inventory, resulting in delays and potential errors.

Solution: Optimized Storage Solutions

Our network of 3PL warehouses is designed to maximize storage efficiency, ensuring that inventory is accessible and well-organized. This enables us to manage large volumes of uniforms without sacrificing operational efficiency. Your supply chain will run smoothly!

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Challenge 10: Representing Your Brand Accurately

All your uniforms should faithfully represent your brand. Inconsistent colors, low-quality printing, and poorly designed logos can dilute your brand identity.

Solution: Scrappy’s All Over Sublimation Printing Process

Scrappy combats this challenge by offering all over sublimation printing for uniforms.

This advanced printing technique allows for vibrant, full-color designs that cover the entire garment. Your brand’s visuals will be represented accurately and strikingly.

Additionally, we can Pantone color match your brand’s specific colors, ensuring that every uniform is in perfect harmony with your overall brand identity.

By leveraging these sophisticated printing solutions, we help you maintain a consistent and professional appearance across all locations.

Examples of Our Work

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Partner with Scrappy Apparel Today

Don’t let uniform production and fulfillment be a headache any longer! Let us handle it for you.

Contact us now to learn more about our services and how we can help you overcome the challenges we discussed here.