Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:16 — 55.2MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More
This week, Aaron Montgomery goes live from the American Print and Supplies Open House. He and Terry will dive into the world of full cut-and-sew apparel decoration. Whether you’re curious about offering custom-made garments or wondering how to expand without sewing a stitch, this episode has you covered. We’ll talk about what makes cut-and-sew unique, from design and file prep to pricing and pattern considerations. Learn how to use cut-and-sew as a brand differentiator and how to market it. If you’re looking to add high-value products to your line without adding a whole new department, this show is for you.
Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices?
PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop.
Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.
PromoHunt.com
News
If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”
Dad Joke
Terry: I love telling Dad Jokes on Cinco de Mayo
Yeah, that’s how “eye roll”
For our podcast listeners…
Cut and Sew POD
Aaron: How do you expand your business by just taking orders and cashing the check? Outsourcing can be a great and easy way to boost your revenue.
Terry: Outsourcing has been a growth part of the garment decorating industry for a long time. And I know so many decorators who love the idea of taking the order, and then cashing the check.
So Aaron, since you already had a scheduled trip to American Print & Supply this week, we thought using them as an example of an outsourced resource. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of this concept.
Terry: Let’s start with what you offer customers who want to outsource.
Are there services beyond just the printing?
Do you do fulfillment?
Custom packaging?
Private labeling?
And what about minimums?
Let’s say one of our listeners wants to order an all-over print custom garment. What’s the process?
(Show Some of the Videos)
- Why this topic matters to decorators now (rising demand for custom, differentiation, etc.)
Segment 1: What is Cut-and-Sew?
Examples of popular cut-and-sew products (jerseys, fashion pieces, uniforms, etc.) (Show Samples)
For decorators unfamiliar with the term, what exactly is “cut-and-sew”?
What makes it different from print-on-blank apparel?
Segment 2: Why Add Cut-and-Sew to Your Business?
- How it can elevate your brand’s perceived value?
- Stand out from competitors with custom sizing, colors, and finishes
- Higher margins and more control over product outcome
Segment 3: File Prep & Artwork Setup
- How should decorators prep artwork differently for cut-and-sew projects?
- Understanding bleed areas, seams, and alignment
- Working with vector vs raster files
Segment 4: Pricing & Cost Strategy
- What should a decorator think about when pricing cut-and-sew apparel?
- Tips for quoting based on quantity, complexity, and material
Segment 5: Using Cut-and-Sew to Differentiate Your Brand
- How can offering cut-and-sew give decorators a competitive edge?
- Telling your brand story through fully custom products
- Targeting niche audiences (e.g., sports, fashion, streetwear, events)
Segment 6: Marketing Your Cut-and-Sew Capabilities
Creating a “Wow!” product demo to get people talking
How should a shop promote these services to current and new customers?
Social proof, samples, photoshoots – American Print on Demand
The Secret Sauce
We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar.
OTHER EVENTS
- Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.
- Rising Tide Talks! – Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time.
- Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.
- Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8.
- Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD
- The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time
- Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell
- Understanding Emblems Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.
Trade Shows
- DAX Nashville Farm Bureau Expo Center, Lebanon, TN – May 9-10, 2025
- DAX Chicago Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL – May 30-31, 2025
- Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – May 30, 2025 at 2 PM
- How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – May 31, 2025 at 12:30 PM
- Graphics Pro Expo Indianapolis, IN – June 19-21, 2025
- Marketing Better in 2025: Grow Profits with Clarity and Connection – June 21, 2025 at 11 AM
- DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN – August 1-2, 2025
- Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – August 1, 2025 at 2 PM
- How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – August 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM
- Graphics Pro Expo Long Beach, CA – August 21-23, 2025
- Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ – September 12-13, 2025
- Impressions Expo Dallas, TX – October 2-4, 2025
- Printing United Orlando, FL – October 22-24, 2025
- Graphics Pro Charlotte, NC – November 6-8, 2025
All dates and events are subject to change
