The Pros and Cons of Accepting Customer Provided Apparel

One thing certain to come up in your t-shirt business is the question, will you print on my provided apparel?      Many of the craft stores offer a variety of t-shirts and hoodies at a reasonable price, or your customer may find a style they prefer at a retail store.    There are pros and cons to accepting customer printed apparel.

Pros

1. Cost Saving-The customer will have a perception they saved money by buying their own blank apparel.
2. Unique Options-Your customer may be able to find a specific style or brand that you cannot easily obtain. By letting them find and choose what will work best for them may lead to increased customer satisfaction.
3. Reduced Inventory Cost-By allowing the customer to bring in the quantity, size and colors they need, you won’t have to stock every size and color.

Cons

1. Product Limitations-certain fabrics or styles may not work for the product you like to use the most often. This what to use when chart below will help you overcome this challenge.
2. Liability Issues-There is a potential to damage their apparel and it may be irreplaceable reducing profits\
3. Logistical Challenges-Figuring out a system for customer provided apparel can complicate inventory tracking and order fulfillment.

Customer provided apparel is a sticky subject and one you will need to decide what works best for you.    It is odd it is more commonplace in t-shirt businesses.   You would never consider taking a steak you bought to a restaurant even though many of the pros/cons are similar.    If you do decide to accept customer provided apparel, we recommend a liability form.   Also be sure you are making the same profit as you would if you supplied the blank apparel.