Why Do I Have to Pay Set-Up Charges?

Customers often ask us why they have to pay for set-up charges on items like t-shirts, certain door mats, and many promotional items. The answer is simple: These items are made using a process called "Screen Printing," also known as “Silkscreening."

During this process, a large, silk screen is made of the imprint. The area containing your logo or image is left empty so that ink can pass through the silk onto the product. The rest of the space outside of your logo or image is then covered with emulsion to block the transfer of ink. With time and usage, that emulsion becomes brittle and begins separating from the screen. Because of this breakdown, a new screen needs to be made every year, or even on the next run in certain cases.

Let’s break down what that means for your product orders:/p>

Mats: If you have already ordered flocked mats within the past 12 months, you will not be charged for a new screen, since your previous screen is on file and still usable. You will only be charged a reduced $35 set-up fee. If it's been over 12 months, then a new screen will need to be made for a $100 charge. However, not all mats are screen printed. Nylon Dye or Direct Printed mats are gaining in popularity, so these charges can depend on the type of mat you are ordering.

Promotional Items: Promotional manufacturers do not keep screens from previous orders, but many will offer a reduced screen charge on repeat orders placed within 12 months. If it's been over 12 months since your last order, the full set-up and screen charge will apply.

T-Shirts and Printed Apparel: T-Shirts are run in greater quantities, so the screens for those products will need to be remade on each order.

Ultimately, set-up and screen charges are a large, intensive part of production. They often require about half of the labor and resources of running a full order. For that reason, we encourage customers to order a larger quantity at a time if they know the product will eventually be used. That way, they can receive a lower unit price and avoid paying repeat set-up charges.

If you have any more questions about the printing process, please reach out to your JPT customer service contact. We are happy to explain the procedures and why things work the way they do.