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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Every business wants to be more profitable and efficient. To achieve this, many focus on attracting new customers, retaining existing ones, and generating new business. 

It’s easy to overlook another effective strategy: reducing costs on your corporate apparel orders.

The goal is to cut costs without compromising the quality of your uniforms, services, and customer experience. This is totally possible, but only with the right strategies.

From selecting the right manufacturer to optimizing order sizes and timing, here are five out-of-the-box tips that will not only save costs on apparel orders but also streamline your processes. Let’s dive right in!

1. Choose the Right Manufacturer

Our first tip is the most relevant one. Finding the right manufacturer is key to the success of an apparel brand. It impacts everything from product quality to production timelines—and even your overall brand reputation.

According to McKinsey, speed and flexibility are the current top two priorities in the apparel industry. However, we recommend choosing a manufacturer that offers much more. Here are some metrics you should consider:

• Quality Standards – Defect-free products increase brand loyalty among your employees.
• Reliability and Timeliness – Delays in production and deliveries can damage your brand’s reputation.
• Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) – Ensure the manufacturer’s MOQs are compatible with your production needs.
• Production Capacity – The manufacturer should be able to scale production up or down based on your needs. This flexibility allows you to leverage seasonal sales and save money when sales drop.
• Communication and Responsiveness – Your manufacturer must be responsive and easy to communicate with, addressing any concerns promptly and minimizing costs generated by problems.
• Innovation – The best manufacturer will stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in apparel manufacturing, so you can leverage the most cost-effective processes and equipment on the market.
• Tailored Solutions – The manufacturer you go with should also be willing to adapt to your specific needs and requirements. That way, you won’t spend more than you need, thus reducing costs.

2. Invest in High-Quality Uniforms

Top-quality uniforms are non-negotiable because cheap uniforms can end up costing you more money in the long run. On top of that, there are many other benefits to this investment:

• Durability and Longevity – High-quality uniforms are made from superior materials that can withstand wear and tear. They last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements.
• Enhanced Employee Performance – When employees feel good in their uniforms, this boosts morale and productivity, so they are likely to perform better.
• Lower Maintenance Costs – Quality uniforms often require less maintenance. They are typically easier to clean and more resistant to stains and wrinkles. It minimizes cleaning costs and extends the garment’s life span.
• Employee Retention – Comfortable and high-quality garments contribute to job satisfaction and retention, saving the costs associated with hiring and training new staff.

Additionally, your company’s reputation and image are at stake. When your employees wear inferior quality clothing, they convey a message of unprofessionalism and portray a “cheap brand” to customers. Consequently, it can negatively impact your brand’s credibility, sales, and business opportunities.

On the other hand, a consistent and professional appearance reinforces brand identity and can attract more customers, leading to increased sales and revenue.

3. Streamline Your Inventory Management

Inventory management is one of the biggest expenses for any distribution business. A RetailWire study revealed that inventory problems lead to an average revenue loss of 7.3%. 3.2% of the loss is due to excess inventory and 4.1% is due to stockouts.

Businesses that fail to effectively manage their inventory often find themselves with surplus uniforms, generating additional costs.

That’s why our third tip is to precisely calculate your company’s needs to maintain an inventory suitable for your demand—and nothing more. You can conduct an analysis to reduce excess uniform purchases, eliminate costs from unused garments, and also prepare for future orders.

The first step is to collect employee size preferences by taking their most recent measurements, as well as analyzing previous orders. 

Then, prepare a budget for the average uniform replacement time for employees, which is usually between 12 and 18 months. Remember to consider each employee’s role, as some roles make uniform replacement more frequently necessary than others.

To manage your inventory, you can opt for inventory management software or a partner that can do this for you—like Scrappy Apparel! 

4. Nurture the Relationship With Your Manufacturer

In the last few years, apparel brands have deepened their relationships with manufacturers. That strategy is one of the best ways to save money. You can leverage benefits such as:

• Discount Opportunities – A long-term contract enables you to negotiate discounts or special conditions.
• Guaranteed Stability and Quality – Initiating a long-term contract ensures your needs are always met with readily available, quality uniforms.

However, there are some strategies you need to apply if you want to make good use of these advantages…

Understand Your Needs

First, have a strong understanding of your uniform purchasing patterns. When you know exactly what you need and the size of your orders, it becomes much easier to negotiate.

Commit to Bulk Orders

By purchasing a larger volume of uniforms, you can equip yourself with leverage to negotiate better prices or receive additional discounts.

Plus, instead of dealing with several small orders, you can consolidate all your needs into one large bulk order, minimizing management costs.

Commit to a Long-Term Contract

When you have longer contracts, you can negotiate better payment terms. With this strategy, you can delay your cash outflows and improve your cash flow.

Consider Business Expansion

As your company grows, finding a new manufacturer to meet all your uniform requirements can be tricky. It’s important to choose a partner that can handle all your current and future needs.

5. Choose Versatile Uniform Designs 

Versatile apparel designs that can be used in different settings is also a key strategy to minimize costs. In other words, the uniform should adapt to a variety of environments and situations in your employees’ work routines. For instance, it might be helpful to find a garment that can be used both by office and field employees.

When selecting a design, look for those that meet the needs of a variety of functions and departments within your organization. There are multiple factors to consider:

• Appropriate Materials and Fabrics – Corporate apparel should be comfortable for daily use so your team can perform their functions effectively.
• Adapting to Needs – It’s important that the uniform provides comfort in different settings, no matter if your employees are working outside or inside.
• Alignment With Company Style – Whether your company has a formal or informal environment, choose uniforms that convey your company’s image.
• Customization and Identity – To maximize versatility, choose an apparel partner that offers a variety of fabrics, ink types, finishings, and more.

Partner With Scrappy Apparel To Minimize Costs and Maximize Quality

Scrappy Apparel is a reliable and responsive manufacturer that offers high-quality, cost-effective uniforms. We have a strong focus on speed, flexibility, and innovation, making us the perfect partner for corporate apparel orders.

Guaranteed High-Quality and Versatile Uniforms

Our uniforms are made from superior materials that can withstand wear and tear. With our professional garments, you can enhance employee performance, reduce maintenance costs, and contribute to job satisfaction and retention.

We offer customization options to maximize personalization, identity, and versatility. Leverage our solutions to design uniforms that can be used in different settings and situations. You’ll receive uniforms that are comfortable, adaptable, and aligned with your company’s style.

3PL MGMT Program for High-Volume Orders

No matter how big your company is, we mass-produce high-quality uniforms and send them directly to your employees as needed. Our 3PL MGMT program takes care of all the logistics, including manufacturing, inventory management, and more. Here’s what you can expect from us:

• Warehousing – We provide exclusive, secure storage space to accommodate your uniforms.
• Order Fulfillment – We immediately send uniforms when new employees join your workforce or you require uniform replacements. You can eliminate all your management costs when you rely on us.
• Fast Nationwide Delivery – We ensure timely delivery no matter where your employees are located.

Transparency and Trust

Scrappy Apparel is committed to building long-term relationships with our clients. We help you leverage economies of scale for bulk orders, we guarantee stability and quality, and we provide personalized customer service.

By partnering with Scrappy Apparel, you will benefit from our expertise in providing high-quality, cost-effective uniform solutions that meet all your unique needs.

Choose Scrappy Apparel to Achieve a Higher Standard of Uniforms!

In 2024, the U.S. faces an increasing demand for fast fashion brands. At the same time, the popularity of slow fashion also keeps growing.

With both trends expanding simultaneously, you need to understand which business model best fits your company: fast fashion or slow fashion. This distinction is crucial for the future of your business.

The changing customer demands impact the entire production process for apparel brands. Eventually, you’ll need to adapt to new trends and market requirements. Quite a challenge, right?

But you are not alone! We’re here to help you understand the differences between fast and slow fashion—and how to thrive with both strategies.

Scrappy Apparel is Ready to Help You Choose the Best Manufacturing Strategy for Your Brand

@kirnpit There’s no going back #slowfashionmovement #prelovedfashion #browngirlmagic #styleovertrends @thredUP @Goodwill Southern California ♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY – Tommy Richman

What is Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion is a business strategy focused on swiftly producing and cycling through inexpensive, trendy apparel.

Think Forever 21, H&M, Boohoo, Stradivarius, and Fashion Nova—these are some mainstream fast fashion giants.

But just following fashion trends and offering lower market prices isn’t enough to classify a brand as fast fashion. The entire manufacturing and marketing process determines if a brand is fast fashion.

Trend Replication and Fast Production

Fast fashion brands replicate tons of products and styles that have recently been showcased in fashion shows or are trending on social media—and they do this on a large scale.

In 2021, Forbes showed that some fast fashion brands can produce up to 5,000 styles per week. In other words, fast fashion gives the consumer what they’ve seen and now desire. It’s a way to instantly satisfy consumers’ needs.

High Turnover

Since these garments fit into just one style and prioritize quantity, they have a high turnover rate. Many consumers are aware of their lower-quality fabrics and consider them disposable after a short time. People wear the garments, get tired of them, and then pass the clothing items on to someone else.

Affordable Style and Purchase Incentive

Since the focus here is on quantity over quality, you already know what that means: the garments are lower in cost. The affordable price makes purchases more frequent.

What is Slow Fashion?

Slow fashion is almost the opposite of its fast counterpart.

The focus here is on producing and making garments in fewer quantities. Slow fashion encourages consumers to make more mindful purchases with access to more durable and higher-quality fabrics.

Some examples of slow fashion brands include Eileen Fisher, Patagonia, People Tree, and Everlane. But there’s more to slow fashion than just selling quality garments.

Ethical Manufacturing

Ethical manufacturing calls for sustainable and high-quality materials, fair working conditions, worker safety, and greater awareness of consumption.

Each garment comes with a seal of guarantee for a clear consumption conscience.

High-Quality Materials

The fabrics and other materials chosen have great quality and durability, and they prioritize craftsmanship. The goal of slow fashion is to provide consumers with garments that take years to show signs of wear.

Timeless Designs

Did you know? The average consumer only wears 20% of the clothing in their closet. This startling stat can easily encourage fashion enthusiasts to be more mindful of their purchases.

Slow fashion garments often follow a timeless design that never goes out of style. They can be used to create new outfit combinations with their timelessness and durability. 

Mindful Consumption

Due to their higher prices, high-quality craftsmanship, and versatility, purchases of new items are made for longer periods. These garments are made to last longer and transcend trend seasons.

What Are the Broader Implications for Apparel Brands?

Your choice between slow and fast fashion is going to have huge implications for your brand’s image, production process, audience, and much more.

Production Speed

Fast fashion churns out new pieces of clothing every few weeks, so it’s necessary to prioritize speed and trend replication. Slow fashion focuses on smaller production processes, emphasizing quality and longevity.

Brand Philosophy

Choosing fast fashion means quantity over quality. You’ll be seen as a brand with garments that fall apart quickly and rarely hold resale value.

While choosing slow fashion, your business will now be seen as an ethical brand with high-quality (and expensive) garments.

Supply Chain

If you choose fast fashion and don’t have reliable manufacturing partners, it will be difficult to trace materials and maintain ethical practices.

With the less-demanding manufacturing and supply chain processes in slow fashion, it’s easier to have transparency.

Target Audience

You’ll need to choose between serving fast or slow fashion customers. While it’s possible to sell to both at the same time, your marketing efforts should focus on just one.

To make the best choice, you can monitor which fashion trends your target audience has been following lately.

Scrappy Apparel Provides the Best of Both Worlds

Both slow fashion and fast fashion have their strengths and weaknesses, but it’s totally possible to have high-quality materials, produce a high quantity of garments, and offer affordable prices—all at the same time!

Here at Scrappy Apparel, we believe you don’t need to choose between quantity and quality. With us, you’ll have a complete solution in one place!

Mass Production of High-Quality Garments

Scrappy Apparel excels in mass-producing high-quality garments with remarkable speed.

We developed advanced manufacturing techniques and streamlined our production processes to the max. It doesn’t matter if you need thousands of pieces fast—we ensure that every piece meets our stringent quality standards.

Scrappy Apparel combines speed with excellence, making us a leader in high-volume apparel solutions.

You’ll never outgrow us, so it’s time to partner with us…

Full-Scale 3PL MGMT Program

Our 3PL MGMT program provides access to 4PL and 5PL-level support. You can expect us to provide you with everything you need to overcome logistics challenges:

• End-to-end supply chain management
• Efficient business scaling
• Strategic oversight
• Comprehensive apparel manufacturing services
• Integrated fulfillment solutions
• Streamlined operations
• Complete management of multiple 3PL warehouses

…and much more!

Complete Customization

Our exceptional manufacturing services encompass high-quality screen printing, private labeling, and a variety of specialized printing techniques. These capabilities allow your brand to offer premium products that distinguish themselves in a competitive market.

Our advanced manufacturing services facilitate extensive customization options for your brand. We assure faithful colors and printing to reflect your brand’s identity.

Transparency & Efficiency

Partner with us to enter a realm where efficiency and convenience converge.

We customize our fulfillment processes to meet the requirements of each final destination, offer personalized packing slips and shipping labels, and more.

With our state-of-the-art system, you are constantly updated on stock levels, ensuring real-time synchronization of your products and inventory no matter how big your operations are.

Our fulfillment service integrates with your online store and allows you to concentrate on marketing and sales.

Once an order is placed, we take care of everything. You are free to focus on attracting customers.

Become Our Next Scrappy Success Story!

Ensuring your employees present themselves in clean, professional, and functional workwear is crucial for maintaining your organization’s image. That’s where our home service uniforms come in, providing the perfect solution to keep your team looking sharp and ready to impress.

You can outfit your entire team with high-quality, durable uniforms that will increase their efficiency and leave a positive impression on your clients.

However, choosing the right uniform for home services isn’t always easy. You might have questions like:

• “How do I choose fabric?”
• “How do I incorporate my brand’s logo and colors effectively?”
• “How do I determine the quantity and sizes for placing an order?”
• “How can I customize the uniforms to meet each job’s requirements?”

Our experts are here to help you make the best decision for your business with our guide tailored to the home service industry. Let’s dive in!

Order High-Quality, Durable, and On-Brand Uniforms from Scrappy Apparel

What To Expect From High-Quality Uniforms

A uniform program for your team accomplishes numerous goals, ranging from boosting your image to increasing efficiency. Here are some benefits you might enjoy from investing in high-quality home service uniforms:

• Trust and Identification – Your customers will know your employees when they see your uniforms, reinforcing brand recognition.
• Elevated Professionalism – You’ll show your customers that you’re organized and down to business. This will also leave a positive impression on your prospects.
• Boosted Brand Visibility – You’ll be recognized through your visual identity, including specific colors or other brand elements. You want your employees to be quickly identifiable.
• Support for Your Team’s Daily Tasks – By wearing more comfortable and appropriate clothing, your employees will perform better.

What To Consider Before Choosing Home Service Uniforms

Selecting the perfect uniform requires a strategic approach that integrates both functional and aesthetic aspects. Let’s talk about how you can make an informed decision.

Choosing Durable Materials

Service uniforms are constantly washed, so they need materials that can withstand frequent trips through the washing machine.

After all, you don’t want a material that wears out or fades easily, right?

There are some well-known fabrics for making quality service uniforms. The first one is polyester, which has high durability and is wrinkle-resistant. It won’t crease easily, ensuring a professional appearance for extended periods.

The second one is cotton, which is known for being softer and more comfortable, as well as resistant to repeated washings—including at high temperatures for bacteria elimination.

However, to make the ideal choice, you’ll need to go beyond fabric and consider some other factors:

• Temperature Control Technology – This is an advanced fabric treatment that makes the garment lightweight, breathable, and still able to provide warmth when needed.
• Moisture-Wicking Fabrics – These are resistant to sweat and other liquids. They also dry faster, ensuring your employees stay comfortable and have greater freedom of movement.

These two features are essential for employees exposed to high temperatures or outdoor conditions. Choosing fabrics that help regulate temperature can be the best option for providing greater comfort during daily tasks.

Other details to take into account are proper seams and finishings, which ensure the garments won’t easily wear out even with high daily use. This guarantees greater durability so the uniforms remain in good condition. When evaluating a uniform provider, look into whether they pay attention to finishings and ask for samples.

Design for Mobility and Comfort

A uniform should do more than be durable and promote your brand—it should also boost your employees’ efficiency and productivity. 

Think that seems far-fetched? Think again! It’s totally possible if you keep an eye on certain design aspects.

For example, for home services uniforms, a design that includes pockets can help your employees carry necessary items, such as:

• Keys
• Small tools
• Cleaning products
• Gloves
• Masks
• Mobile devices

Incorporating Your Brand’s Colors and Logo Effectively

Selecting the right process to incorporate your colors and logo efficiently can be trickier than it seems.

The wrong choice can lead to issues such as color washing out, ink cracking too quickly, logos peeling over time, and logo misplacement, among other concerns.

That’s why it’s important to consider processes that ensure color contrast accuracy and print quality. Whether your partner uses sublimation or screen printing, they need to offer:

• High-quality printing on all different fabrics
• Wide range of screen printing inks, including plastisol, water-based, discharge, and more
• Precise printing of any color with vibrant contrasts
• Efficient mass printing while maintaining high quality

How To Choose the Right Sizes and Quantities

The next step is selecting the correct sizes and quantities, a pivotal choice to ensure every team member is comfortable. Of course, you also want your ordering process to be cost-efficient. Here’s how you can achieve both of these goals:

Deciding Uniform Sizes

Inaccurate measurements impact comfort, functionality, safety, appearance, and durability. It’s crucial to get it right the first time to avoid wasting money.

To make things easier, create a list of the employees who will wear the uniform, and survey the size each typically wears in their casual clothes. If possible, take measurements of the employees to facilitate this process.

The process of measuring differs between men and women. To determine the correct measurements for men:

• Neck – Measure around the base of the neck.
• Sleeve Length – Start at the back of the neck, measure across the shoulder, down to the elbow, and to the wrist.
• Chest – With arms at the sides, measure across the fullest part of the chest, under arms, and across shoulder blades. 
• Waist – Measure the natural waist at the level where men typically wear pants.
• Inseam – Measure from the crotch to top of the shoe, or use similar pants that fit well.

For women, the correct points to measure are:

• Bust – Keeping the tape straight and parallel to the floor, measure across the fullest part of the bust. 
• Waist – Measure around the natural waistline at its smallest part.
• Low Hip – Measure the fullest part of the hip, about 8” below the waist.
• High Hip – Measure around the protruding points of the hip bones, roughly 3” below the waist.

With the measurements in hand, refer to the size chart provided by your supplier for optimal accuracy. This essential practice ensures that no employee feels uncomfortable due to improper sizing.

Average Quantities of Uniforms

This is where you will need to do some calculations. You’ll have to determine:

• The number of employees in each role who will require staff uniforms
• The number of male and female employees
• Uniform allowance per person for each garment type
• Expected garment lifespan
• Incoming new hires

Discuss minimum production quantities with your business partner. Request an explanation of the variables that determine batch sizes, so you can make informed, cost-effective decisions. 

For instance, if the minimum production run is 500 shirts, inquire whether this can include a mix of male and female fits or long and short sleeve versions. This will help you understand how to optimize production for cost efficiency.

Additionally, ensure each employee has multiple uniforms. This guarantees that your team will always have a clean uniform available while others are being washed—or a backup if one gets torn.

Why Scrappy Apparel is the Best Uniform Manufacturer for the Home Services Industry

At Scrappy Apparel, we guarantee you’ll have top-notch uniforms for your home services! We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality uniforms that are comfortable, durable, and on-brand.

Top-Notch Sublimation and Screen Printing

With over 17 years of experience, we’ve perfected the screen printing process. Our team handpicks the finest inks and fabrics in the industry. Our colors and designs will stay true to your brand.

Our advanced techniques ensure greater durability and enhanced comfort, resulting in a unique and visually appealing uniform for your team. Our high standards reflect our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our work.

First-Class Manufacturing Skills

Scrappy Apparel is a manufacturing powerhouse, and quality is the foundation of our process. We are a one-stop-shop vendor that guarantees superior uniform production quality, competitive pricing, and prompt delivery.

Our cutting-edge techniques ensure durability, comfort, and style, creating garments that align with your brand’s high standards. We will collaborate with you to make sure your uniforms look exactly as you envision.

High-Volume, End-to-End Fulfillment Capabilities 

We specialize in corporate fulfillment solutions tailored for large organizations and franchises that need storage for thousands of garments until shipment.

Expect top-of-the-line warehousing. Scrappy Apparel’s facilities are designed for high-volume uniform inventories, ensuring your merchandise is stored safely and efficiently.

When new employees join your team or existing staff need uniform replacements, Scrappy is ready to respond. We process orders promptly, picking and packing items with precision to guarantee accurate fulfillment.

Our nationwide logistics network excels at shipping orders to multiple locations across the USA. No matter where your employee is, we seamlessly coordinate timely delivery.

Scrappy Apparel is the Comprehensive Solution for All Your Uniform Needs!

The water-based inks market in North America is expanding at a rapid pace, growing 5.9% from 2023 to 2024 alone—according to insights from The Business Research Company.

But why is water-based screen printing taking off right now, and what should you expect from the future?

The waves of customer demands, technological advancements, and the looming potential of environmental regulations are a few of the reasons brands choose water-based ink for their garments.

Today, our experts at Scrappy Apparel are here to share why water-based inks are gaining popularity and how you can choose the best screen printing ink for your brand.

Choose Scrappy Apparel for Your Screen Printing Project!

What Is Water-Based Ink?

Water-based inks use water as their primary solvent to disperse pigment. Unlike plastisol, water-based ink deeply saturates the fabric, resulting in a softer print.

This is because the ink largely consists of soft resins and water, which evaporate throughout the curing process, enhancing the print’s texture and quality.

The main purpose of water-based ink is to replace plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). As we mentioned, this change in our industry comes from the increasing demand for sustainable products.

What Are the Benefits of Water-Based Ink?

Before we uncover the reasons behind the growth of water-based ink, we want to share the benefits it offers to customers:

• Eco-Friendly Choice – Water-based ink has no PVC or plastic components, making it the best choice for eco-friendly manufacturing.
• Softer and More Wearable Feel – There are no excess deposits of ink onto the fabric, and the ink blends seamlessly with the fibers. This results in soft garments with beautiful prints that won’t crack or peel.
• Free Flow of Air and Moisture – The ink enhances the fabric’s breathability by penetrating deeply into the material instead of forming a thick layer on the surface.
• Durable Colors – The ink is durable, long-lasting, and resistant to peeling and cracking, even after many washes.
• Accurate and Detailed Print – The ink creates images with exceptional detail, featuring sharper edges and more vivid colors. Your custom designs will look flawless.

The Long-Term Potential of Water-Based Ink

Want to make the best investment in the long run? 

The forecast for water-based ink usage in the apparel market is more than just a trend. It represents a significant shift in consumer preferences and industry standards.

Growth Expectations

Water-based printing ink studies indicate that the market for water-based printing inks is expected to expand at a rate of 4% through 2025, followed by a growth rate of 3.5% leading up to 2030. 

North America continues to be a major consumer of water-based inks, thanks to the region’s shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly printing practices.

Technological Advancements

There are different types of water-based inks, such as high solids, medium solids, and low solids.

We also want to share an advanced method for achieving superior quality outcomes: discharge ink.

Unlike typical water-based inks, discharge ink contains an activator that removes the original dye from the fabric, reverting it to its natural, undyed color.

This process allows for the addition of pigments to the ink, effectively re-dyeing the fabric in the desired color. The necessity of this technique stems from the challenge of printing on pre-dyed fabrics.

This innovative approach significantly enhances the quality and vibrancy of the final product.

Consumer Industry Shifts

The fashion industry is advancing towards a greener future.

According to Genomatica’s research, 55% of consumers are interested in purchasing sustainable clothing (and we expect this percentage to keep growing), but 48% of them don’t know where to find it.

You can lead the pack by promoting the eco-friendly attributes and superior quality of water-based inks to differentiate yourself in a crowded marketplace. This approach strengthens your brand’s market presence.

Regulatory Changes

As environmental regulations become more stringent, businesses are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. 

By transitioning to water-based screen printing, you can align yourself with evolving environmental standards, making your apparel more compliant and competitive.

Things to Know Before Using Water-Based Ink

Water-based ink isn’t a walk in the park. There is a vast difference between other inks and water-based inks. 

If you’re contemplating a shift from plastisol to water-based inks, it’s crucial to understand the challenges that lie ahead.

Here are a few things to know about water-based ink:

Longer Drying Time

A key disadvantage of water-based inks lies in their extended drying times when compared to plastisol inks. This extended drying period can decelerate the production workflow, potentially necessitating the use of supplementary equipment, such as forced-air dryers, to expedite the drying process.

Plastisol Wins in Vibrancy

Water-based inks tend to absorb into the fabric—resulting in slightly less vibrant colors compared to plastisol ink.

While not dull, the prints may not achieve the same brightness and may show some fabric texture through the design. Keep this in mind when you’re choosing the right ink for your project.

The Base Garment Color Matters

For optimal results with water-based screen printing, light-colored shirts are recommended because the ink’s visibility is more vibrant on a lighter base. 

However, if you prefer darker shirts, you can use discharge screen printing to achieve good results. While discharge printing offers a vintage look and high-quality finish, it tends to be more costly and requires specific inks. Read more pros and cons of discharge screen printing.

Learning Curve

Transitioning from plastisol to water-based inks requires adjustments in printing processes and techniques due to the distinct behavior between the inks. That’s why we don’t recommend tackling it solo. Leverage the expertise of a trusted manufacturing partner to help you produce your garments.

Higher Costs for the Best Technology

The downside to discharge screen printing is that it can be a bit more expensive, and it requires specific discharge ink. The cost is due to the special ingredients necessary for the discharge process, as well as the more complex techniques and equipment needed to apply these inks effectively.

However, by opting for the best technology available, you are positioning your brand at the forefront of sustainability and excellence.

Take Water-Based Screen Printing to the Next Level With Scrappy Apparel

At Scrappy Apparel, we understand the unique challenges that come with transitioning to water-based inks. That’s why we offer comprehensive support to our partners, ensuring a smooth and successful transition.

World-Class Screen Printing Quality

Our water-based screen printing inks are non-toxic, free from lead and heavy metals, and devoid of ozone-depleting chemicals (such as CFCs and HCFCs) or volatile solvents.

We’re Experts in Water-Based Screen Printing

Our team has printed hundreds of thousands of t-shirts using water-based ink.

Water-based screen printing demands a unique approach compared to conventional printing techniques, which is why we highly recommend you work with a trusted expert (like us!)

The entire process requires careful adjustments and modifications. Whether you choose our services or go with another provider, ensure they have a deep understanding of water-based screen printing.

We Offer End-to-End Apparel Supply Chain Management

Take control of your logistics with our comprehensive 3PL MGMT program and end-to-end supply chain management solutions.

By partnering with us, you gain access to expert coordination from production to delivery, ensuring efficiency and reducing your operational hassles.

Our solutions are designed to handle every aspect of your supply chain, from sourcing raw materials and manufacturing to warehousing, distribution, and customer fulfillment. 

We give you 100% transparency every step of the way, so you’ll always rest easy knowing what’s going on with your brand.

Don’t let supply chain complexities slow down your growth. Allow us to optimize your operations, cut costs, and improve your overall garment quality. 

That way, you can focus more on your core business and less on the logistics.

Choose Scrappy Apparel to Put Your Brand at the Forefront of Innovation and Excellence!

If you’re operating a franchise, maintaining a cohesive image is key to ensuring each location represents your brand’s excellence and spirit.

That’s why uniforms are so crucial—they serve as a visual endorsement of your brand’s values and professionalism.

However, high-volume apparel production for franchises comes with a unique set of challenges, like:

• Consistency Across Locations: How can you ensure that uniforms at one franchise look exactly the same as those 500 miles away?
• Scalability Challenges: How do you manage sudden increases in order demands, especially in rapid growth phases or during promotional seasons?
• Cost Control: How can you keep costs down without affecting the quality of the uniforms?
• Supply Chain Management: What are the best practices for coordinating with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure timely deliveries?

At first, these challenges can seem significant… but what if we told you there’s an all-in-one solution that can help you address all of these challenges head-on?

With Scrappy Apparel, you can overcome the operational hurdles of high-volume apparel production and focus more on what matters—growing your franchise and enhancing your brand’s presence.

Sounds like a recipe for success? Let’s explore these concepts further.

Leverage Scrappy Apparel’s High-Volume Apparel Production Capabilities!

We Know What You’re Thinking—Why Not Manufacture Uniforms In-House?

Some organizations have in-house apparel divisions that can manufacture uniforms as needed. Of course, there are benefits that come with this approach, but there are also many potential risks to consider.

Here’s an overview of each:

Benefits

• Complete Control Over Production – Managing the entire production process internally allows for greater control over every aspect of uniform manufacturing, from material selection to final output.
• Flexibility and Customization – In-house production provides the ability to quickly adapt designs and make customizations based on specific needs without the constraints or delays that might come with external suppliers.
• Faster Response Time – Having the manufacturing process under the same roof can significantly reduce the lead time from design to distribution, enabling faster responses to changing demands or emergency needs within your organization.
• Improved Inventory Management – Direct oversight of production helps in better inventory management, allowing organizations to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce excess inventory waste.

Potential Risks

• Variable Demand – You’ll often see shifts in manufacturing due to economic factors, seasonal changes, and other variances. Forecasting and adapting to these fluctuations is a significant challenge that impacts inventory management and production strategies.
• Global Supply Chain Disruptions – Global events like natural disasters, political unrest, or health crises can significantly disrupt the supply chain, causing delays in getting raw materials, slowing production, and creating logistical challenges. If you don’t know what you’re doing, this can be disastrous.
• Variable Cost of Raw Materials – Variations in the cost of raw materials, including cotton, polyester, and various other textiles, significantly affect the production cost. If you’re manufacturing thousands of units, these variations can wreak havoc on your budget.
• Ensuring Quality and Maintaining Uniformity – Maintaining quality in large batches of workwear is challenging. The suppliers you work with must follow strict quality controls to meet industry standards (and you must enforce those standards).
• Talent Shortages – The workwear industry depends on skilled labor for tasks like design, pattern-making, cutting, and sewing. Shortages in these areas can raise labor costs and cause production delays. Again, this is a nightmare waiting to happen.

Here’s a startling stat: According to research by Deloitte, only 26% of respondents could predict risks within their supplier base. As you can see, the risks could far outweigh the benefits for your organization—but it’s up to you to decide.

Let’s Say You’ve Decided to Work with a Third-Party Manufacturer. How Can You Cut Costs While Maintaining Quality?

Uniforms are an investment in your brand’s future. They show your dedication to excellence. 

While we never recommend cutting costs at the expense of quality, we understand that budget is important to every franchise. Here are some factors to consider if you’re looking for cost-effective uniform manufacturing solutions:

Leverage Economies of Scale

The first tip is a common one, but we can’t ignore it. In most cases, bulk purchases drive down the unit cost of each item, allowing you to enjoy better margins or pass savings onto franchisees. This approach also increases your negotiation power with your partner.

Build Strong Relationships With Your Manufacturer

Building this relationship can result in improved pricing, preferred production timetables, and access to superior materials.

Maintain transparency about your needs and collaboratively seek economical solutions that maintain quality standards. 

P.S. Choosing Scrappy Apparel’s 3PL MGMT program is the best way to minimize supply chain risks. (More on this later!)

Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory Management

Implementing a Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory system can significantly cut costs associated with storing vast amounts of inventory, as it involves ordering goods only when necessary.

While this method demands accurate planning and forecasting, it can greatly reduce inventory-carrying costs and minimize waste. One example of success is Harley-Davidson USA, which reduced its inventory by 75% with JIT.

Additionally, you will need a flexible manufacturing partner if you want to succeed with this approach. Make sure you choose a manufacturer that can produce the garments on time (never, ever late!) and keep their commitments to your brand.

Quality Control Systems

Implement strict quality control measures to ensure every uniform shines to your brand’s high standards. You’ll want to have your own internal processes, but you should make sure your manufacturing partner is on the same page about quality control. 

You can eliminate back-and-forth (and save money) by choosing a manufacturer that does multiple quality control checks on their end.

How to Ensure On-Time Delivery To Multiple Locations

On-time delivery is the backbone of trust and reliability in any franchise operation.

When franchisees receive their uniforms on time, they’re equipped to present a unified, professional image from day one. It also directly impacts customers’ perceptions and the overall brand experience.

Here’s how you can make sure your team has their uniforms when they need them:

Meticulous Planning

Let’s say you’re hosting a company-wide event that calls for special uniforms, and you need to coordinate deliveries to over 50 franchise locations across the country by a specific date.

You need to start your planning months in advance, mapping out each step of the production, packaging, and distribution phases. Work closely with your manufacturing and logistics team to:

• Establish a clear timeline
• Calculate inventory levels to ensure enough materials are on hand
• Evaluate production capacities
• Use real-time tracking systems
• Optimize delivery routes
• Prepare contingency plans for last-minute issues
• Consider any other relevant details

By the time the launch date approaches, all items need to be ready for dispatch. Your partner should be briefed in detail, with routes optimized for efficiency and contingency plans in place.

Maintain Open and Clear Communication

Never underestimate the power of clear, open, and honest communication.

Communication is the foundation to build and maintain trust with your manufacturer. Regularly update your partner about your expectations, needs, challenges, or changes in the partnership. Also, engage in direct dialogue and provide feedback to help your partner be successful.

Scrappy Apparel is Your All-in-One Franchise Uniform Solution

We have the three things you need to facilitate successful uniform deliveries across all franchise locations:

• A manufacturing powerhouse with the flexibility to scale up or down as demands change
• Streamlined fulfillment solutions that ensure on-time delivery to multiple locations throughout the U.S.
• Modern inventory management systems that can keep track of stock levels and make sure your uniforms are ready to go when you need them

Instead of juggling multiple vendors, you can trust Scrappy Apparel to manage the entire supply chain for you. Enjoy more of your valuable time back!

Expert Manufacturing Processes

We take care of all the tedious tasks associated with manufacturing, like sourcing materials and choosing the right printing processes.

We collaborate with reputable suppliers globally to guarantee superior uniform production quality, competitive pricing, and prompt delivery.

We’ll work with you to ensure your uniforms turn out just as you imagined they would.

High-Volume Corporate Fulfillment Solutions

We offer corporate fulfillment solutions designed for large organizations and franchises that need to store thousands of garments at a time until they’re ready for shipment.

Here are some of the ways we’re currently helping our franchise customers:

• Warehousing – We provide ample storage space to accommodate the high-volume uniform inventory. Our secure facilities ensure that your merchandise is stored safely and efficiently until needed.
• Order Fulfillment – When new employees join your workforce or existing employees require uniform replacements, Scrappy Apparel springs into action. We swiftly process orders, picking and packing items with precision to ensure accurate fulfillment.
• Lightning-Fast Shipping to Multiple Locations – With our nationwide logistics network, we excel at shipping orders to individual locations across the USA. Whether it’s sending uniforms to multiple branches, offices, or stores, we coordinate logistics seamlessly to ensure timely delivery.

Enjoy Precise, Punctual Manufacturing and Fulfillment Services Across the U.S. with Scrappy Apparel!

Want your brand to look like it has its own in-house apparel division?

Private labeling is one of the most cost-effective strategies for both your business and consumers. It allows you to outsource your apparel manufacturing to a trusted provider while displaying your brand name and logo in key places on each garment.

Sounds awesome, right? It is—but it’s also important to remember that not all approaches to private labeling are created equal.

The secret lies in elevating your apparel to a premium status, so your customers view your garments as the best they can find on the market. You can achieve this with the right private labeling techniques and finishings.

At Scrappy Apparel, we have a specialized private labeling program that allows you to take true ownership of your brand. We’ll handle all the time-consuming manufacturing tasks you’d normally have to deal with on your own.

Today, we’re excited to share our recommendations for the private labeling techniques and finishings you can use to charge more for your apparel and help your brand stand out from the rest!

Elevate Your Brand to Premium Status with Scrappy Apparel!

Why Are Finishings So Important?

Finishings are the final stages in the apparel manufacturing process, occurring just before items are packaged and transported to the 3PL warehouse.

Imagine a customer unboxing their garment and finding a mess. You don’t want that!

Now, think of the same customer opening their package to find their new apparel thoughtfully presented and perfectly arranged. That’s the impression you want to make! 

In the apparel industry, finishing touches play a crucial role in defining your brand’s quality and appeal. These details not only elevate the unboxing experience but also enhance the functionality and aesthetic of each garment. 

Proper finishing ensures your garments look and feel premium, whether it’s:

• The way a shirt is folded
• The placement of tags
• The quality of the packaging

Every element contributes to a memorable customer experience and sets your brand apart in a competitive market.

Here are some of the finishing touches we offer at Scrappy Apparel:

Individual Folding in Polybags

Individually encasing your printed apparel in a polybag serves a dual purpose:

• Safeguarding it during storage and transit
• Adding an on-brand, delightful finishing touch

The act of opening the sealed bag adds a touch of excitement, heightening anticipation and enhancing the overall impression of the product. That’s why individually folding garments is essential for earning customer loyalty.

Application of UPC Barcodes

Wondering how to make sure people find your items anywhere in the world? UPC barcodes.

A Universal Product Code (UPC), also known as a UPC barcode, is a form of Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) that allows tracking of items across the global supply chain.

Due to its interoperability and standardized format (12-digit numeric code), the UPC remains consistent for each one of your items. All your customers can identify your products with these barcodes.

Fun fact: the UPC code was originally developed to streamline checkout processes and enhance inventory management in grocery stores. 

However, it’s also great for improving inventory management processes across all verticals, including apparel!

What Are the Major Private Labeling Techniques?

Basically, these techniques consist of choosing the right type of labels to use on your garments. You always want your brand to be front and center, but there are different ways of displaying the name and logo. Choose the placement that is most aligned with your brand strategy:

Screen Printed Neck Labels

Screen-printed neck labels are one of our favorite placements.

Unlike traditional woven labels, these labels are printed directly onto the garment’s inner neck area, offering a larger canvas for brand promotion and creativity.

The process involves removing existing woven labels and replacing them with screen-printed tags. We recommend using a soft, light- to mid-grey, water-based ink to ensure the label feels cotton-soft and comfortable against the skin.

Heat Transfer Neck Labels

These are also known as heat press labels or tagless labels because the image, artwork, or label information is fixed directly to the garment.

Heat transfer labels offer exceptional durability, capable of enduring numerous wash and dry cycles without fading, cracking, or splitting. These labels accommodate any design and are versatile for various applications.

For specialty transfers, high-volume orders, and expedited processing, it’s crucial to use a professional heat press for optimal results.

Sewn-in Neck Labels

Also called woven labels, sewn-in neck labels are fabric tags sewn into the neckline of garments.

These labels typically contain the brand name, size, care instructions, and country of origin. They serve both functional and branding purposes, providing essential details for consumers while also promoting brand recognition.

Strategic Placement of Hem Tags

This strategy involves attaching branded tags or labels to specific locations on a garment’s hemline for maximum visibility and impact. They can be placed on the sleeves, hip, neck, hoodie pocket, and much more.

Differing from other types of tags, these are positioned in a way that complements the garment’s design and enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.

Since they can be placed in many different positions, you can create an individualized look for the garment, leaving a lasting impression on customers.

Scrappy Apparel: Your Expert Private Labeling Partner

By paying attention to intricate details, you enhance your product’s market readiness and attractiveness.

Scrappy Apparel is your go-to partner for achieving a refined, retail-ready appearance for every garment.

Inventory Management

Managing inventory efficiently is crucial, especially when dealing with fluctuating demand across different retail locations. 

Through our 3PL MGMT program, we dynamically adjust stock levels to optimize sales and minimize waste, ensuring you have just the right inventory where and when it’s needed.

By tailoring inventory to the specific demands of each location, we ensure that popular items are always available, enhancing customer satisfaction. 

This strategic approach reduces unnecessary waste and storage costs, maximizing the efficiency and profitability of your merchandising efforts. 

Whether it’s tour merchandise, seasonal collections, or promotional items, our program helps you manage it all with precision.

Top Quality Control for Your Pieces

When big, international brands choose to work with us, it’s often because of the quality of our work. Not only do we offer private labeling services, but we also carefully fold and polybag each order. You get the full package with us!

At Scrappy Apparel, we specialize in apparel-first fulfillment services, ensuring consistent quality across all areas of the supply chain. Our stringent quality control measures, from production to packaging, guarantee a 5-star experience for your customers.

We meticulously vet garments and conduct thorough inspections to maintain high standards of material quality, print clarity, and durability. Even with rush orders, our efficient quality control processes prevent any compromise on product quality.

A Personalized Touch to Your Clothing

The value of a branded label becomes evident when you can charge higher prices for your garments.

You can use our free neck label templates to create personalized labels for your garments. Simply register for a free account, log in, and navigate to the download page to access the templates.

Whether it’s a mission statement, your favorite joke, or words of wisdom, people will love seeing just how much personality your apparel has.

Private Label Your Garments with Scrappy Apparel!

At first, “screen printing” might sound like a simple process—but the reality is that there’s a world of creativity and possibilities at your fingertips.

When you produce a garment for your brand or organization, the choices you make during the manufacturing process will affect the finished product (probably more than you realize!)

Choosing the right ink is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make.
It will affect:

• The vibrancy of your print
• The longevity of the garment
• How the garment feels—and whether or not it’s comfortable to wear

With the right ink, you can add a touch of magic to your designs. But each ink comes with its own pros and cons.

We wrote this guide to help you. Today, we’ll cover the most commonly used inks in screen printing, their use cases, and the pros and cons you should consider.

You’ll want to take notes—this decision could make or break your next screen printing project!

Work with Scrappy’s Team to Make the Best Choices for Your Project!

Why Does Ink Matter?

We already mentioned a few technical reasons, but let’s dive deeper.

Aside from the garment itself, your ink choice will help communicate your brand’s message with quality and integrity.

How would you feel if you bought a t-shirt from your favorite brand and the print started cracking and peeling after the second wash?

At best, you’d be annoyed. At worst, you’d demand a refund and never order from that brand again.
Don’t let a poor ink choice ruin an otherwise stellar garment. Your brand reputation depends on it.

Choosing the wrong ink can also lead to material waste and financial losses. For example, if the ink doesn’t adhere well to the fabric or requires additional manufacturing processes, you’ll end up spending more than necessary.

Now, imagine if you need to produce thousands of garments. Even a seemingly small increase in the cost per garment can multiply your overall costs significantly.

Exploring Screen Printing Inks: An Analysis of the Most Common Options

Now that you see the big picture, let’s break down the most common types of screen printing inks—plastisol, glow-in-the-dark, and everything in between!

Plastisol Ink

First, let’s discuss the most commonly used ink in screen printing—plastisol.

It’s a top choice due to its durability, versatility, and user-friendly nature. It works well across a wide array of garments and screen printing projects.

Plastisol inks are composed of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and plasticizers. They boast a thicker consistency and greater opacity compared to water-based alternatives.

However, eco-conscious brands and consumers often criticize plastisol ink because it leaves a much larger footprint than water-based alternatives.

Pros

• It’s highly versatile and can be printed on a wide variety of fabrics.
• Its opacity allows you to cover any color fabric with ease.
• It’s highly durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
• It can replicate any Pantone color with ease.
• It’s cheaper than many other inks.

Cons

• It requires specialized equipment for proper heat curing.
• It’s not as breathable as other inks.
• It may feel heavier as it tends to be thicker.
• It may crack if stretched excessively.

Water-Based Ink

Water-based inks are fan favorites for eco-friendly brands. They utilize water as the primary solvent instead of harsh chemicals. 

Water-based ink permeates the fabric more deeply than plastisol. It offers a softer print that’s more integrated into the fabric, making it a great choice for a comfortable, natural feel.

Pros

• It’s more environmentally friendly.
• It’s easy to clean up and less likely to clog screens.
• It’s vibrant, yet soft and breathable, resulting in a comfortable feel.

Cons

• The printing process requires meticulous maintenance and temperature control, which may incur additional costs.
• Its quick-drying properties make it harder to work with.
• It’s less opaque when applied to darker fabrics, so your fabric choices are limited to light colors.

Discharge Ink

Discharge ink is a type of water-based ink that includes an activator. When added to the ink, the activator initiates a process where the dyes from the garment are removed.

The process results in an off-white or bleached appearance, similar to a natural canvas if color pigments aren’t introduced.

If you want to use water-based ink on a dark fabric color, discharge ink is the way to go.

Pros

• It provides a vintage, aged aesthetic to the print.
• It can be used on dark garments.
• It enables the creation of a subtle tone-to-tone effect.
• It’s easy to print on folds, seams, pockets, and other challenging areas.

Cons

• It’s best suited for use on 100% cotton garments.
• If you don’t have an expert partner, you may have inconsistent results due to differences in fabric dye and color.

Reflective Ink

Now, let’s talk about specialty screen printing inks. These inks are designed to “WOW” your customers with unique elements that are not possible with traditional screen printing inks.

Reflective ink is the first we’ll discuss.

Infused with reflective materials, this ink brings garments to life in low-light conditions, perfect for sportswear and eye-catching fashion.

When exposed to light, such as headlights or ambient lighting, the reflective particles infused in the ink create a luminous effect that enhances visibility.

Pros

• It ages well, withstands wear, and survives many washes.
• It improves visibility in low-light environments, making it ideal for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
• It adds a visually striking element to designs, whether incorporated subtly as accents or used boldly for entire graphics.
• It can be easily combined with other ink types and printing techniques.

Cons

• It tends to be more expensive than traditional screen printing inks.
• It’s available in a limited range of colors, often restricted to metallic silver or gray tones.
• It calls for specialized equipment, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail when used.
• The printed area may exhibit a slightly raised or textured surface compared to standard prints.

@hafsiaofficial Unisex Reflective LIGHTNING hoodie 2.0 ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Colors: WHITE / BLACK Size : XS/S/M/L/XL DM to order 📩 #hoodies #fashion #oversizedhoodie #unisexfashion #newtrend #mode #lightening #reflective ♬ son original – Hafsia

See an example of reflective ink in action!

Metallic Ink

Metallic ink adds a glossy, luxurious finish to your designs. This ink contains metallic particles distributed throughout the liquid. It’ll make every garment shine—no doubt!

If you use metallic ink, we recommend selecting artwork with simplified details. Achieving intricate details can be challenging.

Why? Because the printing process utilizes a low mesh screen, which is essential for depositing the ink in a sufficiently thick layer to achieve the desired metallic effect.

Pros

• It’s remarkably durable. It ensures longevity even when garments endure regular wear and tear.
• It’s visually intriguing.

Cons

• It’s not suitable for fine details due to the thickness of the ink.
• It tends to be more expensive than other types of ink.
• It also has a limited color selection. It cannot be mixed with other inks without diluting the metallic flake.

Puff Ink

Create a 3D effect with puff ink, ideal for bold logos and text that you want to stand out.

This unique ink contains a blowing agent that expands when exposed to heat, resulting in a three-dimensional effect when heated during the curing process.

Pros

• It looks 3D and also has a unique raised feel that can give your garment a premium touch.
• It works well on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton and blends.
• It’s also flexible color-wise. You can use it for multicolored designs, halftones, or solid colors.

Cons

• It’s not well-suited for intricate designs, as it blurs out fine detailed work.
• It requires additional time and resources for exact color matching.
• It has a longer production time and may require adjustments to printing equipment and processes.

Glow-in-the-Dark Ink

This playful ink stays true to its name. It stores light to create glowing effects in the dark, perfect for designs that aim to stand out.

It’s ideal for use in low-light environments—like raves, nighttime school events, cosmic bowling… you get the idea.

Pros

• It provides an eye-catching effect that can add an extra dimension to designs.
• It offers designers the opportunity to create imaginative and innovative artwork.
• It provides a fun and engaging experience for wearers.

Cons

• It relies on exposure to light sources to recharge the ink’s luminescence.
• It typically produces a green or bluish glow, which may restrict color choices for apparel designs.
• It requires careful handling and storage to preserve the glow effect.

Still Unsure? Leverage Scrappy Apparel’s Manufacturing Expertise to Bring Your Apparel to Life!

At Scrappy Apparel, we believe in the transformative power of the perfect ink. For us, quality is non-negotiable.

We’ve been in business for over 17 years. We’re manufacturing experts and true partners who will help you select the right materials, ink, and printing process for your garment. You can count on us to keep efficiency in mind every step of the way.

Our team at Scrappy Apparel understands that manufacturing is only one step in the supply chain. 

We’ve honed our manufacturing expertise since the beginning, but over the years we expanded our services to streamline every aspect of the apparel supply chain, including:

• Sourcing materials
• Manufacturing garments
• Fulfillment
• E-commerce

…and much more!

Our proprietary 3PL MGMT program transcends traditional logistics management to offer a comprehensive, end-to-end supply chain solution tailored to the unique needs of apparel brands. 

With an emphasis on efficiency and quality, our program integrates advanced 4PL and 5PL capabilities. We oversee every aspect of the supply chain, from the first sale to the final delivery.

So, this means you can trust us to run your backend operations while you focus on designing, marketing, and selling.

Work with Scrappy Apparel to Elevate Your Brand with Luxury-Level Garments and Seamless Logistics