You’ve been grinding, building your apparel brand, and working with your local print shop. So far, it’s been great — close relationships, quick chats, and personal service.

But let’s be real: as your brand grows, the same setup that got you started might be the one holding you back. It’s time to scale up, and not every print shop can help you do that.

Scaling isn’t just about more — it’s all about doing more better. It’s about delivering high-quality apparel fast and making sure your drops hit every time. Scrappy Apparel is built for that level-up, giving you the tools to go bigger, better, and faster — without sacrificing the quality your fans expect.

In this article, we’ll explore the challenges of scaling with local screen printing solutions. We’ll also highlight how Scrappy Apparel bridges the gap, offering premium services like high-capacity production, simulated process printing for detailed designs, and seamless integration with e-commerce and fulfillment operations.

When Local Print Shops Can’t Keep Up

Scaling your apparel brand sounds great — until the cracks start to show. 

Picture this: Your latest collection generates buzz, pre-orders flood in, and you’re ready to make a major impact in street fashion. 

But then your print shop calls with bad news — they can’t handle your custom colors, your oversized prints, or your deadlines. Suddenly, the momentum you’ve built is up in smoke.

Scaling isn’t just about producing more. Instead, it’s about producing more in a smarter way. It’s about being innovative and always thinking about the steps ahead. That’s where some of the local print shops fall short. It’s not that they don’t have all of the capabilities — many of them do. The problem is that they don’t have the supply chain logistics to get your apparel where it needs to be, when you need it.

Here’s a closer look at the roadblocks that hold some of them back — and why Scrappy Apparel is built to rise above these bottlenecks to take your brand further.

Machines That Don’t Match Your Vision

Your design requires more than the 6-8 screen colors typically offered by local print shops. While some print shops may have the capability to exceed this limit, not all do. It’s important to research and confirm the capabilities of your chosen print shop to ensure they can accommodate your design’s needs.

Instead, go with Scrappy Apparel. We offer up to 16 colors and photo-realistic simulated process printing that turns your vision into wearable art. With us, you can create intricate gradients, photographic details, and bold, multi-layered graphics.

Small Prints, Small Impact

Some local shops max out at 12” x 15” prints, limiting your ability to create oversized streetwear designs. While some local shops can handle bigger prints, you’ll need to ask around and make sure that your local shop actually can do bigger things. 

Remember, Scrappy’s standard print size of 14” x 17” and our Monster Prints at 17” x 22” let your creativity go big. Perfect for making standout pieces like oversized tees or statement sweatshirts that your customers will rock with pride.

Lagging Turnaround Times 

Waiting weeks for an order? That just can’t happen when your audience is hyped for your drop. Scrappy’s high-capacity production ensures fast, reliable turnaround times. 

This is really the area where we rise above the local print shop. They just don’t have the supply chain logistics to hang with our ability to move shipments quickly. Whether it’s a small run or a massive collection, we’re built to handle the load so your brand stays on schedule and keeps the hype alive with every release.

Fulfillment Bottlenecks, Solved

You’ve nailed the designs, the pre-orders are rolling in, and the hype is real. But then comes the hard part — fulfillment. Delays in adding custom tags, prepping products for retail, or even printing a barcode can turn a smooth launch into a logistical nightmare.

Did you know that businesses lose $75 billion yearly due to poor customer service, including negative delivery experiences? Fulfillment is what makes or breaks your brand’s reputation. Local print shops sometimes lack the capacity and tools to deliver that professional, polished product your customers expect.

Here’s where local shops can fall short — and how Scrappy Apparel eliminates those bottlenecks.

Private Labeling

Adding custom tags to your apparel is a critical step for branding, but many local print shops lack the capability to offer private labeling services. While some might, you will need to ask in advance if they offer this service. 

Scrappy Apparel does this and does it better than anyone else.  

Folding & Polybagging

Preparing items for retail or e-commerce — folding, polybagging, and more — can be a logistical headache with some local shops. Scrappy Apparel’s fulfillment services handle these tasks, getting your products retail-ready without bottlenecks.

UPC Labels

Barcodes are the engine behind inventory tracking, but many local shops struggle to integrate this step into their workflow. Scrappy Apparel removes the hassle, providing professional UPC labeling to keep your operations smooth and your apparel ready for the market.

Scrappy’s 4PL Solution handles it all. Contact us and let’s talk about it.

Built to Scale, Built for Building Apparel Brands

Sure, growth is exciting. But it’s also a challenge. As your streetwear brand gains momentum, your production and fulfillment processes need to keep pace. However, you need to keep pace while also maintaining quality, meeting deadlines, and staying true to your brand’s identity and to what got you here in the first place.

That’s why Scrappy Apparel is designed to grow with you. Whether it’s managing bulk orders or launching nationwide campaigns, we’ve got the tools and expertise to help you succeed. Here’s what we do:

Bulk Orders, Zero Compromise

When it’s time to scale, quality matters just as much as quantity. Scrappy Apparel handles bulk orders, while delivering consistent, high-quality prints. Your customers will get a better product, and you’ll notice the efficiency.

Next-Level Techniques

Scrappy’s simulated process printing takes your designs to the next level. These advanced techniques create vibrant, photo-realistic prints that get heads turning on the street.

Scalable Solutions

Whether you’re testing a limited drop or launching a nationwide campaign, Scrappy Apparel has the infrastructure to scale with your brand. That’s because nobody can match our supply chain logistics. We’ll get your apparel wherever it needs to go — to the city, through any weather, or to the Gorge Amphitheatre for a concert in the Cascades.

Getting It Done From Production to Packaging

Private labeling, custom packaging, folding, polybagging — Scrappy Apparel handles every detail. We make sure your apparel arrives wherever it needs to be retail-ready. 

It’s Time to Scale Up the Right Way

Your brand requires more when it’s time to scale. Scrappy Apparel is here to help you scale with premium screen printing, advanced fulfillment, and all the tools you need to make it big in street fashion.

We also have the supply chain logistics to get you past any obstacles or bottlenecks that get in your way.