All the terms we use to talk about custom products can be confusing if you aren’t experienced with custom merch. Let’s break ‘em down!
We know there’s a lot of custom product lingo and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what any of it means, especially as a first-time custom merch buyer! Don’t sweat it though. We’re here to explain it all and make sure you become a custom product lingo expert.
So let’s review : ) and don’t worry… There won’t be a pop quiz afterward!
What Does it All Mean?
MOQ
We explained this in our latest blog, but let’s review it again for those of you who haven’t read it. MOQ means Minimum Order Quantity. It refers to the minimum amount of product you have to purchase to make an order. By the way, you want a company that has NO minimum order quantity—that way you can order exactly the amount you need (no more, no less)!
Embroidery Coverage
We also explained this term in one of our more recent blogs. But in short, embroidery coverage only applies to embroidered patches and refers to how much of your patch will be covered with embroidery (thread). You have the option of 50%, 75%, and 100% coverage, and each option offers some benefits and drawbacks.
Custom Backing Options
Backing options generally refer to patches and pins. Backing options are extremely important because they dictate how your product will be attached to the surface—whether a backpack, shirt, hat, hoodie, or something else.
In-House Design Team
This means that the company you are working with offers a design team available to you to help you with your custom product designs. Few brands offer in-house designers. Most require you to supply your own designs—which really limits your options. You want to choose a company that has an in-house design team… like us!
Digital Mock-Up
Digital mock-ups allow you to receive a digital rendering of what your product will look like before it is created. This is your first chance to approve or edit the sample before it goes to production!
Actual Mock-Up
An actual mock-up is created before production to show you what your product will look like when it’s actually made. Only one sample is created, but you get to see your product displayed in real life—not digitally! This is your second opportunity to view your product before your entire order gets produced.
Special Options
Special options are options you can add and choose from to really make your product custom-made, beyond your one-of-a-kind design. Special options can include things like rhinestones, reflective material, and button loop attachments, just to name a few, but they’ll vary depending on the type of custom merch you order.
Now That You’re an Expert
It’s time to get an order started : ) Contact one of our Creative Specialists (those in-house designers we talked about) using the “Chat with Us” box on our website, or use our hands-on Create Tool to get started designing on your own. We can’t wait to see what you whip up!
