We have always used a company by the name of Lazer Graphics out of Michigan. They are one of the biggest screen printers in the nation also. Its probably the same company. I know they do print for outside sales people. They have 6 artists that do the best custom artwork. The fundraiser works great, we set the prices on the order forms based on how much money we want to raise. Everything comes pre-bagged for each child along with their order form. Its makes our fundraiser so easy, and the shirt prices are very reasonable and the turnaround time is so fast, they ship the stuff out in 3-4 days after we put the order in. Their number is 800 743 1066. Or lazergraphicsinc (dot com) is their website. I personally will never go anywhere else after using them.
I use a parent in our school district who works with one of the largest silk screening companies in tha nation. She is very personal about everything. She gives us prices on what we want to offer and then we set the prices on the order forms. We get as many full color order forms as we want. Then we get to keep the profits. She has a website... wearyourdesign dot com Give her a call, you'll be very happy with the outcome. Everyhting comes back to us prebagged for each kid and we never have to deal with any fuss. Just hand out the order forms, collect them up and mail them back to her and the boxes arrive a few days later.
In my opinion, school groups should "buy local" whenever possible. These groups constantly ask for the support of the business community. When it comes time to make purchases, they should buy from local businesses. Reliability and price, of course, are also important. For spiritwear, check the yellow pages/internet for "screen printers" or "promotional" merchandise. You'll probably be surprised how many "mom and pop" businesses there are in your community selling this type of stuff.
We've used spirit-wear inc (you can find them online) in the past for our t-shirt sales. We offered everything from shirts, to long sleeved shirts, to cheerleader shorts, to flannel PJ Pants and sweatshirts.
This year, we contacted a local company, Convenient Graphics and Rentals, LLC. to do 2 styles of t-shirts for us. They did 3 different colored t-shirts and 2 different colored tye dyed t-shirts, all using ONE color of ink. They came out looking great. We'll be selling them for $7.00 and $14.00 a piece and yes, that is a nice profit margin.
We use a local company also and they are excellent all the way around. I have also used them several years for our ymca soccer program and they have never let me down. There is usually a 2 week turn around from the time the order is placed and you receive them depending on the size of the order of course. The owner will design a graphic for you if need be or you can use your own. The name of the company is Great Lakes Custom Graphics in Warren PA Phone: 814-723-0110 Fax: 814-723-7032 and their email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like more information. I promise you won't regret giving them a call!! I am currently the chairperson for our PTO shirt sales and even under short notice they are great to work with!
