5 Common Frustrations When Ordering Custom Apparel (And How We Prevent Them)
Many of our customers aren't ordering custom apparel for the first time. In fact, a lot of them come to Parkway after experiencing frustrations elsewhere. While every shop operates differently, there are a few common issues we hear about again and again.
Here are five of the biggest frustrations people encounter when ordering custom apparel and how we work to prevent them.
1. The Order Arrived After the Event
Whether it's a company outing, golf tournament, restaurant opening, school event, fundraiser, or staff uniform order, timing matters.
Unfortunately, we've heard stories from customers who have dealt with missed deadlines, unexpected delays, and orders arriving after they were needed.
Custom apparel projects involve several moving parts, including artwork approvals, garment sourcing, production scheduling, decorating, quality control, and fulfillment. If communication breaks down at any point, customers can be left wondering whether their order will arrive on time.
How Parkway Is Different
Estimated production timelines are discussed upfront.
In-hand dates are clearly communicated before production begins.
We reiterate timeline expectations throughout the project.
Customers receive updates as orders move through production.
If a timeline changes, we communicate it as quickly as possible.
A great-looking shirt doesn't do much good if it arrives after the event.
2. You Can't Get a Response
Waiting days for a reply shouldn't be part of the ordering process.
One of the most common frustrations we hear is simple:
"I just wanted an update."
Whether it's requesting a quote, reviewing artwork, checking an order status, or asking a question, customers deserve timely communication.
How Parkway Is Different
Every project is assigned a dedicated account manager.
Your account manager serves as your primary point of contact from start to finish.
Behind that account manager is an entire team supporting your project.
We pride ourselves on quick responses and clear communication.
Questions don't sit unanswered longer than necessary. (We legit get anxiety if an email is not responded to quickly)
Customers shouldn't have to wonder if someone is paying attention to their order.
3. The Logo Looks Different Than I Expected
A logo can look perfect on a computer screen but feel completely different once it's printed on a garment.
Common concerns include:
The logo looks smaller than expected.
Placement feels different than imagined.
Colors appear differently on fabric.
Fine details don't reproduce the way they appeared digitally.
Many of these issues come down to expectations that were never discussed before production began.
How Parkway Is Different
Artwork is reviewed before production starts.
Customers receive proofs for approval.
We discuss logo size and placement when needed.
Production and artwork teams work together to catch potential issues.
We encourage questions before an order moves into production.
The goal is simple: no surprises when the box arrives.
4. Nobody Told Me They Were Going to Decorate It That Way
Many customers don't realize there are multiple ways to decorate apparel. A design may be screen printed, embroidered, applied as a transfer, or produced using another decoration method, depending on the artwork, garment, quantity, and intended use.
Problems can arise when those decisions are made without properly educating the customer.
How Parkway Is Different
We explain the decoration method being recommended.
We discuss the pros and cons of different options when appropriate.
Recommendations are based on the project, not what's easiest for us.
Customers understand what they're receiving before production begins.
We focus on achieving the best result for the garment, artwork, and budget.
We believe customers should understand how their apparel is being decorated before the first shirt is produced.
5. The Shop Isn't Actually Producing Your Order
This one surprises a lot of people.
Many companies that sell custom apparel don't actually decorate the products themselves. Instead, they broker the work to another company.
There's nothing inherently wrong with that approach. However, it can sometimes create additional communication layers and less visibility into the production process.
How Parkway Is Different
Most of the decoration we sell is produced in-house.
Our artwork, sales, and production teams work closely together.
We have greater visibility into project status.
Questions can be answered more quickly.
We maintain more direct control over quality and timelines.
When the people taking your order are working closely with the people producing it, communication tends to be faster, and expectations are easier to manage.
Final Thoughts
Ordering custom apparel should be exciting, not stressful.
The best projects happen when communication is clear, expectations are understood, and customers know exactly what to expect throughout the process. That's the standard we strive for on every order that comes through Parkway.
Whether you choose Parkway or another apparel decorator, don't be afraid to ask questions before placing your order:
Who will be my primary point of contact?
How often will I receive updates?
What is the expected production timeline?
Is the work being produced in-house or outsourced?
What decoration method are you recommending and why?
What happens if a deadline is at risk?
A good apparel partner should be transparent, communicative, and invested in the success of your project. They should care about more than just making the sale.
At Parkway, we believe informed customers make better decisions, and we're always happy to answer questions before an order ever goes into production.
