Embroidery FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about custom embroidered hats, work shirts, and branded apparel.
Request a Quote →Vector files work best — AI, EPS, or SVG formats give us the cleanest results and don't require extra digitizing work on simple logos.
PNG or JPG files with clean edges and a transparent background also work. If your logo has a white background or low resolution, we may need to redraw it before digitizing.
Not sure what you have? Just send it over and we'll take a look before quoting.
Digitizing is the process of converting your logo into a stitch file that the embroidery machine can read. Every logo needs to be digitized before it can be embroidered — even if you have a vector file.
We handle all digitizing in-house. The fee is typically $20–40 depending on the complexity of your design. Once your logo is digitized, that file belongs to you and is used for all future orders at no additional charge.
Yes — always. We send a digital proof of your embroidery design for approval before any production begins. You'll see the stitch layout, thread colors, and placement on the garment.
We will not run a single stitch until you've approved the proof in writing. This protects both of us and ensures the final product matches your expectations.
No problem. We can work with a rough sketch, a photo of an existing sign or shirt, or even just a description of what you're looking for.
Basic logo design and text-based designs are available for an additional fee. Ask us when you submit your quote request and we'll give you options.
As many as the garment allows. Common locations include:
- Hats — front panel, side panel, back strap
- Shirts — left chest, right chest, back yoke, sleeve
- Jackets — left chest, back, sleeve cap
Each additional location adds to the cost. We'll detail every location in your quote so there are no surprises.
No minimums on hats. We can embroider as few as one hat — perfect for gifts, samples, or personal orders.
For work shirts, polos, and apparel the minimum is 6 units. Larger quantities receive better pricing per piece.
Every quote is custom based on four factors:
- Garment — the blank hat or shirt selected
- Stitch count — more stitches = more thread and machine time
- Number of embroidery locations — front only vs. front + back + sleeve
- Quantity — larger orders have a lower cost per piece
Submit a quote request and we'll get back to you within 1 business day with exact pricing.
Rush production is available depending on current workload. A rush fee applies for orders needed in fewer than 5 business days after artwork approval.
Mention your timeline in your quote request and we'll let you know if rush production is possible for your order.
Yes — customer-supplied blanks are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Keep in mind that we cannot guarantee results on garments we haven't sourced ourselves, and we are not responsible for damage to customer-supplied items during the embroidery process.
Ask about this when requesting your quote and we'll discuss what works best for your situation.
Standard turnaround is 7–10 business days after artwork approval and deposit receipt. This covers digitizing, production, quality check, and packaging.
Large orders over 100 units may require additional time. We'll note any extended timelines in your quote so you can plan accordingly.
Yes. Every stitch is done in-house at our Arizona shop. We don't outsource production, which means we control quality from start to finish and can answer any question about your order at any point in the process.
We stock a full range of Madeira and Isacord thread colors — hundreds of options including solids, metallics, and specialty threads. If you need an exact brand color match, provide us with the Pantone number and we'll find the closest available thread.
Thread color selections are confirmed during the proof approval stage before production begins.
We source blanks from the top wholesale brands in the industry:
- Hats — Richardson, Otto Cap, Pacific Headwear, Flexfit
- Work Shirts & Polos — Port Authority, Mercer+Mettle, CornerStone
- T-Shirts & Tees — Bella+Canvas, Gildan, Port & Company
- Jackets & Outerwear — Port Authority, North End, Harriton
Browse our embroidery catalog or ask us about specific styles when requesting your quote.
It's a simple four-step process:
- Step 1 — Submit a quote request on our Custom Embroidery page
- Step 2 — We review your project and send back a detailed quote within 1 business day
- Step 3 — Approve the quote and pay the 50% deposit to begin production
- Step 4 — Approve the digital proof, we produce your order and collect the balance before shipping
We accept the following payment methods:
- Venmo — @summitstandardco
- Cash or Check (payable to Summit Standard Co.)
- Credit Card (in person or via invoice link)
Please note: credit card orders over $1,000 are subject to a 2.9% processing fee.
Yes. A 50% deposit is required before production begins. This covers the cost of your blank garments and digitizing.
The remaining 50% balance is due upon completion of your order, before it ships or is available for pickup. We will send you an invoice for the balance with your completion notification.
Changes can be made before you approve the proof — we're happy to adjust colors, placement, or sizing at that stage at no extra charge.
Once production has begun, changes are not possible and the deposit is non-refundable. We do not accept returns on custom embroidered items since they are made specifically for you.
This is why we always send a proof for approval first — we want you to be completely happy with the design before a single stitch is made.
Absolutely. We ship anywhere in the US. The entire order process — quotes, proofs, payment, and communication — can be handled completely online and by phone.
Local Arizona customers always have the option to pick up their order as well.
We ship via UPS and FedEx. Shipping costs are calculated based on the size and weight of your order and are added to your invoice.
You'll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships. Most domestic shipments arrive within 3–5 business days after leaving our shop.
Yes — local pickup is available for Arizona customers at no extra charge. Just let us know your preference when submitting your quote and we'll coordinate a pickup time when your order is ready.
We stand behind our work. If your order arrives damaged in shipping or if there is an error on our end, contact us within 5 business days of delivery with photos and we will make it right at no cost to you.
Reach us at summitstandardco@gmail.com or call 602-897-4857.
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