Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about ordering, artwork, shipping, and getting the most out of Bolt Printing.
How Do I Order a Sample T-Shirt or Apparel Item?
Not sure which custom T-shirt, polo, sweatshirt, or other apparel style to choose? Ordering a sample from Bolt Printing is a great way to check the garment's fit, fabric, and color before placing a larger order.
We offer both blank and generic samples for the apparel styles on our website. Here's how to select your sample, add it to your shopping cart, and complete your purchase.
Quick Answer
To order a sample from Bolt Printing, visit the product page for the item you're interested in and click the orange Buy Sample button. Select your preferred color, size, and sample type. Choose between a blank sample with no decoration or a generic sample featuring a basic logo. Add your selection to the cart and complete checkout.
What's the Difference Between a Blank and Generic Sample?
Bolt Printing offers two types of apparel samples to help you evaluate a product before ordering.
- Blank Sample: An undecorated garment without any printing or embroidery. This is ideal for checking fabric quality, fit, sizing, and the actual garment color.
- Generic Sample: A garment featuring a basic sample logo. This allows you to examine an example of a decorated product before placing your custom order.
Both options help you make a more informed decision when ordering custom apparel for your business, school, team, fundraiser, or event.
Helpful Tip: If your main concern is garment color, comfort, or sizing, a blank sample is usually the best option. If you want to see an example of decoration on the apparel, consider a generic sample.
How Do I Order a Sample from Bolt Printing?
Ordering a blank or generic custom apparel sample is easy. Follow these steps to choose your product and complete your purchase.
Step 1: Choose Your Product and Click Buy Sample
Start by browsing Bolt Printing's website and selecting the apparel product you're interested in.
You can order samples of T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, and other available styles.
Once you've selected your product, locate the orange Buy Sample button on the product page and click it.
Step 1: Locate the Buy Sample option on your selected product page.
Step 2: Select Your Sample Options
After clicking Buy Sample, choose the options for your sample garment.
Make sure to select:
- Product Style: Confirm you're ordering the exact apparel style you want to evaluate.
- Garment Color: Choose the color you're considering for your custom order.
- Size: Select the size you want to try or examine.
- Sample Type: Choose between a blank sample or a generic sample with a basic logo.
Once you've made your selections, click add to cart to add the sample to your shopping cart.
Helpful Tip: If you're planning a large group order, selecting the same garment style and color you intend to purchase will give you the most useful sample for evaluating the final product.
Step 3: Review Your Shopping Cart
After selecting your sample, it will be added to your shopping cart.
Before checking out, review your selections to make sure everything is correct.
Check the product style, garment color, size, and sample type.
If you change your mind, you can edit or remove items from your shopping cart before completing your purchase.
Step 4: Complete Your Sample Order
Once you're satisfied with your selection, proceed to Bolt Printing's secure checkout.
Enter your shipping and payment information to complete your sample purchase.
Your sample order lets you evaluate the selected product before deciding on your larger custom apparel purchase.
Why Should I Order a Blank Sample Before Buying Custom Shirts?
A blank sample can help answer some of the most important questions about a garment before you place a bulk order.
You can use your sample to evaluate:
- Garment Color: See the actual fabric color instead of relying only on a computer screen.
- Fabric Feel: Evaluate the material, softness, weight, and overall comfort.
- Sizing and Fit: Try on the garment to see how it fits before choosing sizes for your order.
- Product Style: Examine the garment's cut, construction, and overall appearance.
This can be especially helpful when ordering custom T-shirts for employees, school groups, sports teams, or events where multiple people will be wearing the same style.
Will My Sample Match the Colors I See on My Computer?
Not always. Garment, ink, and embroidery thread colors displayed on a computer screen may look different from their actual appearance.
This happens because screens display colors differently depending on their settings, brightness, calibration, and other factors.
Even two computers displaying the same product image may show slightly different shades.
If you're concerned about garment color, we recommend ordering a blank sample. This allows you to see the actual fabric color in person before placing your custom apparel order.
Important: On-screen garment and decoration colors are visual representations. A blank sample is the best way to evaluate the physical garment color before ordering.
Can I Check Ink or Embroidery Thread Colors Before Ordering?
If you're concerned about how your custom printing or embroidery colors will look, our team can help.
Bolt Printing can provide PMS (Pantone Matching System) color references that are close matches for ink or embroidery thread colors.
These references can help you compare colors and make more informed decisions before ordering.
Keep in mind that PMS references are approximate matches and may not represent an exact color match on every material or with every printing method.
Helpful Tip: If your company, school, or organization uses specific brand colors, let our team know before approving your artwork proof. We can help you understand the available ink and thread color options.
Can I Order a Sample With My Own Custom Design?
The standard sample options on Bolt Printing's product pages are blank samples and generic samples featuring a basic logo.
A generic sample is not the same as a sample printed with your own company logo, event artwork, or custom design.
If you have questions about evaluating your specific artwork or the available customization options, contact our team before placing your order.
Should I Order a Sample Before Placing a Bulk Apparel Order?
If you're unfamiliar with a particular apparel brand, style, or fit, ordering a sample can be a useful step before purchasing a larger quantity.
You can examine the sample yourself or have others try it on to help determine the right garment sizes and styles for your group.
This is especially useful when choosing between fitted women's shirts, relaxed-fit styles, and unisex apparel.
Taking time to evaluate a sample can help you make a more confident purchasing decision.
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Need help ordering a blank or generic sample, choosing the right garment style, or understanding fabric and decoration colors? Our team is happy to help you find the right product before placing your custom apparel order.
Phone: (888) 909-2658
Email: hello@boltprinting.com
For questions about an existing order, please include your order number.
Still have questions?
Our support team responds within a few hours during business days. We're happy to help with quotes, custom jobs, or artwork questions.
Or call 888-909-2658, Mon–Fri 9 am – 6 pm ET.