Screen printing companies help you prepare branded clothing and other forms of merchandise. Their services are vital if you have a team-building event, fundraiser, or a big sale coming up. According to IBISWorld, more than 12,420 custom screen printing companies are operating in the U.S. in 2023. With these high numbers, how should you go about finding the right partner? The tips detailed below should point you in the right direction.

Obtain Referrals From Trusted Resources

Since you're starting the search from scratch, the first thing you need to do is put together a list of candidates. To populate that list, you'll have to seek referrals. Speak to any of your friends or family members who have previous experience working with these companies. They may be able to provide good recommendations based on their experiences. If you're not satisfied with your current list of candidates, you can expand your referral search to other businesses and professionals. You may have neighboring businesses that requested the services of printing companies previously. See what they have to say about their old business partner and determine if the company is worthy of consideration.

Gauge the Capabilities of the Companies

Now that you have a list of candidates, you can start evaluating them. Start your evaluations by checking out their portfolios. You can also request work samples from the screen printing companies willing to provide them. In addition to evaluating portfolios and work samples, you should read reviews and check in with references. Your candidates should have no issue providing references. It's a red flag if a particular company is unwilling to put you in contact with their previous clients. Meanwhile, dedicated review sites should offer insight into the services provided by these companies.

Schedule Consultations With Professionals

Finally, you should interview the companies on your list before hiring one. The interview is a critical part of the hiring process because it gives you firsthand insight into what a company is all about. You can use that interview to learn more about their screen printing process and the options they have available. That interview is also the perfect time to ask about the extra services they provide. Don't forget to discuss pricing. Request a detailed quote for your order and see if the companies are open to negotiating. Compare the different quotes and services offered by the businesses to determine which one offers the best value proposition.

The right screen printing and embroidery company can provide the items you need for your upcoming event. Identify the right company by following the tips we detailed here. Make your search easier by working with House of Apparel! Give us a call today to get started.