How Does the Custom T-Shirt Order Process Work at Bolt Printing?

Wondering what happens when you order custom T-shirts from Bolt Printing? Our ordering process is designed to make creating personalized apparel simple, from choosing your products and uploading artwork to approving your design and receiving your finished order.

Whether you're ordering custom shirts for a business, school, fundraiser, sports team, or special event, here's everything you need to know about how the Bolt Printing order process works.

Step 1: Choose Your Custom Apparel Products

Start by browsing Bolt Printing's selection of customizable apparel and accessories.

Depending on your needs, you can choose from products such as:

• Custom T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts.
• Hoodies and sweatshirts.
• Polo shirts and business apparel.
• Embroidered hats and caps.
• Tote bags and other customizable products.

Once you've found a product you like, choose the available garment color, review sizing options, and determine how many items you need.

For printed apparel, you'll also need to consider your customization locations, such as the front, back, or sleeve, and how many ink colors your design requires.

Step 2: Create or Upload Your Custom T-Shirt Design

After choosing your product, click Design Now to open Bolt Printing's online Design Studio.

The Design Studio lets you create personalized artwork using several customization tools.

You can:

• Add Custom Text: Enter your business name, event information, team name, or other wording and choose from available fonts.
• Choose Clip Art: Browse the built-in design library to find graphics that fit your theme.
• Upload Your Artwork: Add your company logo, school mascot, photograph, or other saved artwork.
• Customize Design Placement: Adjust artwork within the available editable design areas.
• Change Your Product: Explore other available garment colors or styles as needed.

If you already have a design prepared, you can upload it directly rather than creating a new one.

For additional instructions, read our Creating a Design in the Design Studio guide.

Step 3: Add Your Items to the Cart and Place Your Order

Once your design is ready, click Buy Now to continue with your custom apparel order.

Enter the sizes and quantities you need, then add your customized products to the shopping cart.

Before completing checkout, review the following information:

• Garment styles, colors, and sizes.
• Artwork and selected print locations.
• Item quantities and order details.
• Available shipping options and estimated delivery dates.
• Shipping and contact information.

When everything looks correct, proceed through our secure checkout to place your order.

You do not need an account to order from Bolt Printing. You can check out as a guest or choose to create an account during checkout.

After placing your order, you'll receive email updates as it moves through the ordering and production process.

For detailed instructions, visit our How to Get a Shipping Estimate guide.

Step 4: Review and Approve Your Artwork Proof

After placing your order, our professional production artists prepare a digital proof of your custom design.

This proof shows how your artwork is prepared to appear on your selected apparel, including its placement, alignment, and dimensions.

We require your artwork approval before your order moves into production.

When your proof is ready, you'll receive an email with a link to review it in the Customer Center.

Before approving, carefully check:

• Spelling, names, dates, and other text.
• Artwork size and alignment.
• Front, back, or other decoration locations.
• Ink or embroidery thread colors.
• Any highlighted areas requiring attention.

If everything looks correct, select Approve. If you need adjustments, select Not Approved and submit your change requests.

You can learn more in our How to Review and Approve Your Artwork Proof guide.

How Long Does It Take to Receive My Proof?

Proof turnaround depends on your selected shipping option and whether your order includes embroidery.

• Paid Shipping, Non-Embroidered Orders: Orders placed before 3:00 PM Eastern Time on a business day typically receive a proof the same day.
• Paid Shipping, Embroidered Orders: Artwork proofs are generally ready the next business day.
• Free Shipping Orders: Artwork proofs are typically sent within 1 to 4 business days.

Step 5: We Print, Package, and Ship Your Order

Once you've approved your artwork proof, your custom apparel moves into production.

Bolt Printing handles screen printing and embroidery in-house, allowing our production team to oversee the customization process.

Depending on your product and selected decoration method, we'll prepare your artwork for screen printing or embroidery and complete the customization process.

After production is complete, your order is prepared for shipping.

You'll receive tracking information by email when your order ships, so you can follow its delivery progress.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Custom T-Shirts from Bolt Printing?

Bolt Printing offers different shipping options depending on how quickly you need your custom apparel.

Your estimated delivery timeframe depends on the shipping option selected, your location, product type, and the complexity of your order.

Free Standard Shipping

Free shipping is an option for customers who have more flexibility with their delivery timeline.

• Most orders arrive within 9 to 14 business days.
• Delivery times vary based on your destination.
• Locations closer to Bolt Printing, such as the New York City area, may receive orders sooner.
• Orders with multiple designs or additional customization requirements may need more production time.

Lightning Fast Turnaround With Paid Shipping

Need custom T-shirts quickly? Bolt Printing offers Lightning Fast Turnaround with paid shipping, giving qualifying orders priority handling and faster delivery.

• Most orders arrive within approximately 2 to 5 business days.
• Deliveries to the New York City area may arrive in approximately 2 business days.
• West Coast deliveries may take approximately 5 business days.
• Orders containing multiple products or designs may require additional time.

For additional details about shipping methods and timelines, visit our Shipping and Delivery guide.

How Can I Check the Status of My Custom T-Shirt Order?

You can check your order status through Bolt Printing's Customer Center.

To find your order information:

1. Visit the Bolt Printing website and open Customer Center.
2. Select Check Order Status.
3. Enter your Order Number and Ship-To ZIP Code.
4. Follow the prompts to view your order information.

The Customer Center also provides access to other helpful features, including artwork proof review, tracking information once an order ships, invoices, and reordering.

You don't need to create an account to look up an existing order using your order number and shipping ZIP code.

For more instructions, visit our How to Check the Status of My Order guide.

What If I Have Questions During the Ordering Process?

If you need assistance choosing apparel, preparing your artwork, completing checkout, or reviewing your proof, Bolt Printing's team is available to help.

You can contact us before placing your order or while your order is being processed.

If you've already placed an order, please have your order number available so we can locate your information more easily.