Frequently Asked Questions
Why Order From Us?
Experience & Reliability. We are Graphic Designers and have supplying Custom Printed T-shirts in New Orleans since 1984.
Designs that Stand Out from the Crowd. We want you to be one of our happy repeat customers, and to hear that “Everyone loved the T-shirts.”
Friendly Service & Quality Control. All our production is done in our shop, and we personally control the process from design execution through final print inspection. All items are inspected and counted before your pickup.
From start to finish, we work with you to insure your design will result in a memorable, durable product you can wear proudly.
On Time Completion We stress the importance of meeting the deadline, and have never missed one. You can count on having your order in hand when you need it.
Great Original Art Will Sell the T-shirts for you. We can do the art from a rough sketch or just a concept
Or you can submit your own finished art file(s) & we will advise you about the kind of art work files that are needed.
Because we are both experienced printers & artists, we know what will and will not work on a T-shirt.
Placing Your Order
Our 3 Main Methods of Decoration are: Screen Print, Digital Print or Embroidery. Digital printing may consist of Direct T Garment Prints, Heat transfer prints, for portraits etc, on smaller orders; or of Custom Team Lettering with Cad Cut Graphics,
For an Estimate you can call or email us, or fill out our Estimate.pdf, and fax back to1-504 940-3036,
Please include your phone number, and if possible, fax number and email contact information. Using this information we will work up an estimate send it to you.
Turn Around Time averages 10 days for custom printing, and 3 weeks for logo embroidery. The clock only starts ticking when all the elements for ordering are in;
A Signed Purchase Order and work specifications contract including:
The list of garments needed and quantity per size
Art work files or ideas, so we can create preliminary art files.
A definite due date, meaning the date you need the items in hand, which not the same as the date of the actual event for which they are needed.
A 50% deposit. In some cases, such as rush orders, or small orders, we will require full payment in advance.
Production will begin only when a detailed purchase order generated by us is signed and returned with the payment.
We accept Visa and Master Card, so you can simply email the approval if that is easier, or sign and fax back to us at
1(504)9403036.
We also accept checks, but at least 14 days extra time must be allowed for the check to clear, unless it is a local check.
Exceptions to the above time frame are that a order take may more, or much less time, depending on the complexity of the order and the number of previous orders already in the shop at the time of your order placement. We can do a order in as little as one day, but rush orders (under 3 days) do incur a service fee. We will never accept an order if we are too busy to complete it in time.
Production Overview for Screen Printed Garments All you need is a concept or a rough sketch, and we can take it form there. We will send you a “rough” for your approval or changes, & after your signed approval of the rough sketch, we do the final art, for which we also require a final written approval.
After we have received your signed approval of the final art, we do the film separations, and the screens. Next, the work is printed, inspected, re-counted, & shipped.
Embroidery and Digital Printing production is begun in the same way; I have to have your written “ok” before I can proceed. An email is fine, or as mentioned above, you can fax us.
We Can Do the Art for You. All you really need is a concept, or we can accept simple hand drawn artwork, and can convert your files to vector art. If you have any questions regarding artwork, please contact us. We are here to help you.
Or You Can Supply the Art Files:
Vector files: When reproducing line art or spot colors, the print process requires clean, finished art work. Vector files are preferable We can accept Adobe Illustrator (AI) and Freehand. We greatly prefer Illustrator formats. If you have a Corel file, please convert it to illustrator first.
Once your art work is complete, Please convert all text files to “curves” “paths” or “outlines” prior to sending to us. This is done by selecting all text items and choosing “CONVERT TO OUTLINES” in Illustrator, or CONVERT TO PATHS in freehand. In Corel select all text items and choose "BREAK APART" from the Arrange Menu. Select all the text again and choose "CONVERT TO CURVES." If you haven’t done this, just be sure to send a copy of the font to us along with the art. If working with older platforms, all fonts, font suitcases, printer fonts and screen fonts must be included with your art
Fonts. We recommend that all text be converted to outlines when possible. If not, all fonts, font suitcases, printer fonts and screen fonts must be included with your art.
Missing fonts or images in Customer Supplied Art Files:
Sometimes artwork contains vector formats as well as rasterised art formats in the form of placed Photoshop images. Please remember to include these additional files when sending art files to us. So we can check to be sure you have included everything you want to see in the final art work, please email us a jpeg or png file showing the way you want the image to look.
Sometimes artwork contains vector formats as well as rasterised art formats in the form of placed Photoshop images. Please remember to include these additional files when sending art files to us. So we can check to be sure you have included everything you want to see in the final art work, please email us a jpeg or png file showing the way you want the image to look.
Alternatively, black and white line art should the same size as it is to be on the garment, and scanned with a resolution of at least at 600 dpi, if it is the same size as you want printed.
For photographic (continuous tone) images, we use tif, psd, (adobe Photoshop) or jpeg files. Tif or PSD are best. The image needs to be the same size as final print size, and 300 dpi image resolution is preferred, but it must be at least 150 dpi. The 72 dpi gif or jpeg files used for images on the internet will not work.
Microsoft office files cannot be directly used to create final art for screen printing or embroidery. We can use them as starting point, but we will have to recreate the art work from scratch, which may engender a small art charge.
To send Files as email, you may need to compress the file in a program like winzip on windows platforms, or Stuffit on a Mac, before you email it to us. It is best to keep file sizes under 500 megabytes if emailing, unless you have a broadband connection.
Standard imprint Sizes for Screen Printing
• Over the heart design: 4" X 4" maximum or smaller. The usual over the heart size is 3.25" X 3.25."
• Full size. The full size imprint is 12.5" X 15," or it can be in a horizontal format, (15” x 12.5”)
• Youth size. 10" X 10" ±, depending on the garment.
These sizes are suggestions only, the maximum design imprint area can vary depending on the design needs.
If you have any questions regarding imprint sizes, or getting the files ready to send, please contact us. We are here to help, and will walk you through the process.
Screen Printing
We use a state of the art automatic screen printing press, so you can expect consistently good clean details and consistent prints from the start of the print run to the end of it. Each print is individually inspected again before it is packed for shipment.
Screens: a separate screen is made for each color in a multi-color design. Screens and art work created by Graphic Genesis, remain the property of Graphic Genesis, unless other arrangements are made. The screen charges are $25 per color per location.
Reorders within 3 days will require a $10 setup free per screen, if we can fit it into the schedule, After 3 days, the setup is again $25 per color. If you have any question about this. please contact us. There may be exceptions to this, and we will always attempt to accommodate you if time & work load permit. All reorders are billed according to quantity ordered.
You can save money by ordering a little more than you think you need, the first time. Otherwise, when you place the smaller re-order, you may fall into a different pricing category and the shirts will be more expensive.
The minimum order for screen print is 1 dozen. For a 2 color design the minimum order is 2 dozen.
Screen-printing Samples
Blank garment samples are available upon request. Customers will be charged for sample items plus shipping charges. Returned samples must be clean & must be undamaged in any way. If applied to a current order, they will be credited toward the balance due.
Printed samples require that screens be prepared, separation plates and screen must be done in order to apply an imprint to even one sample. Sample fee’s for printed samples are non-refundable.
For printed samples, special setup fees will apply. Time for getting of samples, setup of the sample, proofing time, etc, is not included in order turn around time and must be added to it.
When you approve your sample, any art and setup charges will be applied to your order, provided you have already approved the whole order so we have the garments in the shop, and can print them with no further interruptions. Time for production of samples is not included in turn around time and must be added to it.
Embroidery
Digitizing for Embroidery is the process of creating a file which tells a high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines where to place stitches for custom embroidered items. All artwork must first be "digitized," or converted into machine instructions.
Pricing is based on several different factors such as garment type, number of stitches used, the total quantity ordered and file digitizing cost. No two orders are the same, so please contact customer service for a complete written quote.
Fonts for Most Embroidery Lettering are taken from our Library of pre-digitized fonts.
Small Fonts for Custom Logo Digitizing should be no smaller than 1/4" in height. All small fonts should be Sans Serif
Please check with our customer service if supplying your own embroidery files. We can convert most standard embroidery formats, but prefer the DST format.
The Digitizing Charge is a one time setup charge, assuming repeat orders are on the same type and weight of fabric. Caps are digitized differently than other locations, and if a design is to be used for both shirts and caps, there will be 2 separate digitizing charges. The average logo digitizing fee is $10 per 1000 stitches It may be more or less, depending on the order of difficulty
Minimums:
There is no minimum order for embroidery. You can order only one piece, if you want.
There is no minimum order for embroidery. You can order only one piece, if you want.
Embroidery Samples
Blank Garment Samples are available upon request. Returned samples must be clean & undamaged in any way. If applied to a current order, they will be credited toward the final balance due.
For embroidered samples, setup fees will apply. Time for getting of blank samples is not included in turn around time and must be added to it.
For embroidered samples, setup fees will apply. Time for getting of blank samples is not included in turn around time and must be added to it.
Embroidery Stitch Out Samples: Since a digitized embroidery must file be made in for even one sample, sample fees for embroidered samples are non refundable and include the digitizing fee. Customers will be charged for sample items plus shipping charges,
When you approve your sample, any art and setup charges will be applied to your order. Time for production of samples is not included in turn around time, and must be added to it.
Custom Team Lettering
Minimums: 6 pieces
Numbers: Standard 6" or 10" tall digits.
$2.00 per number.
Please call for different sizing. Since we custom cut our own stock in house we can make any size or color you request.
$2.00 per number.
Please call for different sizing. Since we custom cut our own stock in house we can make any size or color you request.
Names: Standard 2” tall letters.
$6.00 Per name, or $.50 Per letter.
(Which ever is greater)
Please call for different sizing.
$6.00 Per name, or $.50 Per letter.
(Which ever is greater)
Please call for different sizing.
Discounts are based on quantity ordered per team.
Fonts:
In addition to the standard fonts we offer, we can use custom fonts supplied by the customer. Art charges may apply.
In addition to the standard fonts we offer, we can use custom fonts supplied by the customer. Art charges may apply.
Contract Screen Printing
Contract Printing is supplied to those in the Garment Imprinting Industry, an order must be at least 500 pieces to qualify. Proof of eligibility will be necessary. Contact us for details. Industry standard is 2% for garment defects. You will need to include this extra percentage to avoid possible shortages. See shortages below, for more information on our shortage policy.
Contract Reorders within 3 days will require a $10 setup free per screen, if we can fit it into the schedule, After 3 days, the setup is again $25 per color. If you have any question about this. please contact us. There may be exceptions to this, and we will always attempt to accommodate you if time & work load permit. All reorders are billed according to quantity ordered.
Terms & payment Types
We require a 50% deposit on all orders and the balance is due at time of delivery. In some cases, including rush or very small orders, payment in full in advance is required.
Credit cards (Visa or Master Card) are accepted, or checks on local banks may be accepted in some cases.
On Rush orders (under 3 days), Credit Cards or cash are the only accepted method of payment. Full payment is required on order before production begins.
If paying with other than Credit Cards, and ordering over the internet, and allow at least 3 weeks extra lead time for the check to clear.
On orders of less than 1 dozen, and Orders that are not screen printed or embroidered, we require payment in full before any production is begun. This includes all photographic T-shirts, and orders that are digitally printed, by direct digital methods, or by heat transfer.
Check Returns:
In all cases where we receive a check that is returned for Insufficient Funds, we will assess a $50.00 fee.
In all cases where we receive a check that is returned for Insufficient Funds, we will assess a $50.00 fee.
Net 30 Terms:
We only grant net 30 terms if we have an approved credit application for you on file. If you are granted net 30 payment terms, you agree that if not paid when due, you are liable for a finance charge & lawyer fees as well as collection agency fees, incurred in the collection of all accounts with past due balances.
We only grant net 30 terms if we have an approved credit application for you on file. If you are granted net 30 payment terms, you agree that if not paid when due, you are liable for a finance charge & lawyer fees as well as collection agency fees, incurred in the collection of all accounts with past due balances.
Shipping Delays:
We have never missed a deadline, but when Katrina came through some orders were stopped while evacuation was in effect. No deadlines were missed, though, as the customers had to evacuate also, and the events had been cancelled.
We have never missed a deadline, but when Katrina came through some orders were stopped while evacuation was in effect. No deadlines were missed, though, as the customers had to evacuate also, and the events had been cancelled.
The Customer agrees that it will not hold Graphic Genesis accountable for delays in delivery occasioned by acts of God or other circumstances over which we have no direct control, such as last minute equipment failure, or power failures, or act of nature.
Warranties:
Graphic Genesis specifically makes no warranties expressed of implied, including the warrant of merchantability. or fitness for purpose. In no event shall we be liable for consequential or special damages, including lost profits, whether or not caused by or resulting from seller’s negligence. Our liability shall be determined solely by Graphic Genesis, Inc, and limited to costs charged for production and other direct costs occasioned in conjunction with production of an order.
Graphic Genesis specifically makes no warranties expressed of implied, including the warrant of merchantability. or fitness for purpose. In no event shall we be liable for consequential or special damages, including lost profits, whether or not caused by or resulting from seller’s negligence. Our liability shall be determined solely by Graphic Genesis, Inc, and limited to costs charged for production and other direct costs occasioned in conjunction with production of an order.
Merchandise Consistency:
We are very careful as to what garment suppliers we use. By choosing to place an order with Graphic Genesis, you are agreeing to accept merchandise with reasonable manufacturing variances. This can be as much as a 3% variation in dye lots, brand color variations, variations in textile specifications, garment sizing, etc. We guarantee our printing and stitching, but can not be held liable for manufacturer batch variations.
Acceptance of Terms and Goods:
Your submittal of an order of your own and/or your signature on our invoice/ order is a conditional acceptance by Graphic Genesis of your offer to purchase our goods, and your acceptance of our terms and conditions. If your purchase order contains terms that differ from or add to those contained in our invoice / order, and to the extent that this is the case, Graphic Genesis hereby expressly conditions its acceptance of your offer on Graphic Genesis’s assent to the additional or different terms. Your receipt and retention of the goods covered by this invoice shall constitute acceptance of any such additional or different terms.
Your submittal of an order of your own and/or your signature on our invoice/ order is a conditional acceptance by Graphic Genesis of your offer to purchase our goods, and your acceptance of our terms and conditions. If your purchase order contains terms that differ from or add to those contained in our invoice / order, and to the extent that this is the case, Graphic Genesis hereby expressly conditions its acceptance of your offer on Graphic Genesis’s assent to the additional or different terms. Your receipt and retention of the goods covered by this invoice shall constitute acceptance of any such additional or different terms.
Sales Tax: New Orleans or Louisiana Companies, individuals and organizations who are exempt from sales tax should provide us with a copy of their resale certificate or other exemption documents from the State of Louisiana, or the City of New Orleans by Fax, or email. Without these forms on file, we must bill for the state & or city taxes.
Price Changes: Until we have prices posted, please call for pricing. Due to fluctuating production costs, we reserve the right to change prices at anytime. Once we have posted prices on the site, if you order before we’ve had a chance to update the web prices, and site price is lower than current shop pricing we may need to contact you with the most updated price or help you choose a different item that is within your budget, if you prefer.
Fidelity to Site Images:
We make our best efforts to provide clear and color-correct product images on our site that best reflect the true nature of the products. However, web site images are inherently limited in their ability to communicate color, scale, and detail. We cannot be held responsible for the difference between the image as it appears on your monitor and the final product. Actually, the colors on the final screen prints & embroidered goods are better and stronger in reality than those seen on the web site, but what you see on your monitor is conditioned by the smaller color gamut of web colors, and the age & color calibration of your monitor. No two monitors are exactly alike, even if they are the same brand & model.
We make our best efforts to provide clear and color-correct product images on our site that best reflect the true nature of the products. However, web site images are inherently limited in their ability to communicate color, scale, and detail. We cannot be held responsible for the difference between the image as it appears on your monitor and the final product. Actually, the colors on the final screen prints & embroidered goods are better and stronger in reality than those seen on the web site, but what you see on your monitor is conditioned by the smaller color gamut of web colors, and the age & color calibration of your monitor. No two monitors are exactly alike, even if they are the same brand & model.
Customer Supplied Goods: If I supply the goods, you will usually save money - and end up with a better garment and one suitable for embroidery-or screen printing. We know what items stitch & print well and which do not. So, if we supply the goods, we can guarantee our quality, if you supply them, we are not able to do that.
We will execute customer’s instructions regarding size, colors, placement, shipping and other procedures, but we
will not be held responsible for any customer supplied goods. This includes but is not limited to loss of shipment, handling damage or acts of god.
If you supply the goods, and if for any reason of mechanical machine failure the item is damaged, we are not responsible for any damage to any garment or item not provided by Graphic Genesis. There are no warranties expressed or implied, including the warrant of merchantability. In no event shall we be liable for consequential or special damages, including lost profits. Our liability shall be determined solely by , and limited to, the costs charged for production and other direct costs occasioned in conjunction with production of an order.
If you still wish your customer supplied garment decorated, a waiver of responsibility form must be signed below before we can proceed.
Shortages:
We try to produce your order in the exact quantity ordered, but this may not always be possible due to factory defects in the shirts. Industry standard is 2% for garment defects. If we are a few shirts short, and it is necessary that you receive and exact total count, we may have to substitute a different size to make up the shortage. If this is not possible, we will adjust the final amount due on the invoice.
We try to produce your order in the exact quantity ordered, but this may not always be possible due to factory defects in the shirts. Industry standard is 2% for garment defects. If we are a few shirts short, and it is necessary that you receive and exact total count, we may have to substitute a different size to make up the shortage. If this is not possible, we will adjust the final amount due on the invoice.
It is always a good idea on large orders, to order a few extra Ts per size, to avoid having to place a reorder for a smaller number of shirts. From much past experience, we know that when your group sees the shirts, those who did not order originally, will probably want one after they see them.
Claims, Adjustments and Returns:
If you have any problems with your order please contact customer service at within 3 days of receipt. WE DO NOT ACCEPT UNAUTHORIZED RETURNS. If any problem arises, please call customer service immediately. If necessary we will issue an RMA number (Return Material Authorization) and provide you with a special shipping address. Refunds on all printed goods are at our sole discretion. Please review your final proofs CAREFULLY before signing and returning to us. Any failure to correct or change the purchase order / invoice on your part, is your responsibility. If we have made a mistake in filling the order, we will replace, the items, or give you a refund.
If you have any problems with your order please contact customer service at within 3 days of receipt. WE DO NOT ACCEPT UNAUTHORIZED RETURNS. If any problem arises, please call customer service immediately. If necessary we will issue an RMA number (Return Material Authorization) and provide you with a special shipping address. Refunds on all printed goods are at our sole discretion. Please review your final proofs CAREFULLY before signing and returning to us. Any failure to correct or change the purchase order / invoice on your part, is your responsibility. If we have made a mistake in filling the order, we will replace, the items, or give you a refund.
Special Offers:
We enjoy providing valuable special offers to our customers. When qualifying for special offers, order size does not include shipping or tax. Any special offer can be discontinued at any time.
We enjoy providing valuable special offers to our customers. When qualifying for special offers, order size does not include shipping or tax. Any special offer can be discontinued at any time.
Cancellations and or Changes to Existing Orders:
Once an order is approved, we cannot guarantee our ability to make changes or cancellations to an order. We will attempt to comply with your change or cancellation request, but if you have already signed your Invoice / order form, there may be a minimum charge of $25.00 to cover order entry and preparation expenses. In addition, you are liable to pay the agreed upon price for any work that may have been completed up to the time that we are able to cancel your order. These charges may include but are not limited to setup charges, artwork preparation charges, shipping charges and restocking fees. In the event or order cancellation any deposits paid will be forfeit. All completed work and other costs incurred will be the responsibility of the customer.
Once an order is approved, we cannot guarantee our ability to make changes or cancellations to an order. We will attempt to comply with your change or cancellation request, but if you have already signed your Invoice / order form, there may be a minimum charge of $25.00 to cover order entry and preparation expenses. In addition, you are liable to pay the agreed upon price for any work that may have been completed up to the time that we are able to cancel your order. These charges may include but are not limited to setup charges, artwork preparation charges, shipping charges and restocking fees. In the event or order cancellation any deposits paid will be forfeit. All completed work and other costs incurred will be the responsibility of the customer.
Transfer of Ownership of Merchandise:
All Sales are Final. All goods become your property at the time they are accepted by the carrier with the exception of artwork or sewing file, and screens. Graphic Genesis will retain all rights to artwork, digitized sew files & screens created by Graphic Genesis, unless other arrangements are made. Unless you supply your own camera ready and or sewing disk, the art work copyright will remain with Graphic Genesis until specifically purchased from us. (Ideas or concepts do not qualify for copyright protection under the Untied States copyright law.)
All Sales are Final. All goods become your property at the time they are accepted by the carrier with the exception of artwork or sewing file, and screens. Graphic Genesis will retain all rights to artwork, digitized sew files & screens created by Graphic Genesis, unless other arrangements are made. Unless you supply your own camera ready and or sewing disk, the art work copyright will remain with Graphic Genesis until specifically purchased from us. (Ideas or concepts do not qualify for copyright protection under the Untied States copyright law.)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN OUR SERVICES, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU.
