After helping 230+ businesses order custom apparel since 2020, we’ve noticed a pattern: companies that come prepared save an average of 15% on costs and avoid 80% of common delays.
The difference? They follow a structured checklist before placing their order. This guide shares that exact checklist—the same one that has helped Malaysian SMEs and corporations streamline their custom uniform planning process.
Your 6-Step Journey to Perfect Custom Apparel
- 1
Our Experience at a Glance
Before contacting any supplier, ensure your brand assets are production-ready. Vector logos (AI, EPS, or SVG files) produce the sharpest prints and embroidery—JPEGs and PNGs often result in pixelated output.
Your Brand Asset Checklist:
- Vector logo files (AI, EPS, or SVG format)
- Exact brand colours in Pantone or hex codes
- Brand guidelines document (if available)
- Approved taglines and text elements
- Internal approval from all stakeholders
Common Mistake: Asking supplier to use “our blue” instead of specific colour codes. CMYK printing will look different from RGB screen colours—always request physical colour swatches if accuracy is critical.
- 2
Quantity & Sizing Strategy
Accurate quantity forecasting prevents both wastage and shortages. Start with your current staff count, add 10-15% for spares, and factor in expected new hires over the next 6 months
Sizing Survey Checklist:
- Current staff headcount confirmed
- 10-15% spare units calculated
- 6-month hiring forecast included
- Unisex vs gender-specific decided
- Size distribution survey completed
Pro Tip: For events, order 20% extra for last-minute attendees and giveaways. For detailed fabric guidance, check our Corporate Uniforms Guide.
- 3
Quick Budget Calculator (Malaysia )
Basic T-Shirts
RM 14-25
per piece
Polo T-Shirts
RM 20-35
with embroidery
Designing Fee
from RM 100
optional graphic Design
Rush Orders
+30-50%
surcharge
Typical Production Timeline
7 – 10 business day upon artwork approval
- 4
Choosing the Right Supplier
Vetting your supplier prevents quality issues and delivery problems. Request portfolios of similar work—if they’ve never done corporate uniforms, they might not understand professional requirements.
| What to Check | Red Flags | Green Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | ✗ No similar work shown | ✓ Multiple corporate clients |
| Reviews | ✗ No Google reviews | ✓ 4.5+ stars, recent reviews |
| Samples | ✗ No mockups or samples at any stage | ✓ Mockup/physical sample available upon order confirmation |
| Contract/Terms | ✗ No return/replacement policy | ✓ Clear terms for defects and replacements |
| Communication | ✗ Slow responses | ✓ Same-day replies |
- 5
Pre-Production Checks
This critical step prevents expensive mistakes. Review digital mockups carefully—zoom in on logo details, check colour codes, and verify all text.
Pre-Production Approval Checklist:
- Logo placement and size correct
- All text spell-checked (company name, URLs, taglines)
- Colour codes verified against brand guidelines
- Physical sample reviewed under different lighting
- Stakeholder feedback collected and documented
- Written approval with photos archived
- Misspelled company names
- Wrong website URLs
- Reversed/mirrored logos
- Incorrect colour matching
- 6
Delivery & After-Sales
Organize delivery logistics before production starts. For multiple branches, decide whether items should be pre-sorted and labelled by location or department.
Post-Delivery Setup:
- Items sorted and labelled by department/branch
- One sample of each size kept for reference
- Reorder codes and supplier contact saved
- Warranty terms documented (typically 7 days)
- Backup files of artwork stored securely
Ready to Start Your Custom Apparel Order?
CetakShop has helped 230+ Malaysian businesses & organisations get their custom apparel right the first time.
Planning Beyond Apparel: Explore our corporate gift printing guide for strategic gifting ideas that impress clients and motivate teams—from welcome kits to year-end appreciation.
Business Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM
- WhatsApp: Replies within 4 hours during business hours
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