University and College branded garments such as tee shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies are available from various sources in a huge variety of styles as well as price points.
If you are looking to purchase branded University clothing, here are they seven key factors you should consider:
1. Authenticity
Garments bearing the identity of a college or university typically fall into three categories:
Officially Licensed Merchandise
These garments are most often sold directly by the institution or an affiliate entity; bear the official trademark of the institution; and include the payment of a licensing fee which is payable to the institution. Often available in a limited range of sizes, officially licensed merchandise is normally pre-printed and stock is held by the retail outlet and the ability to deliver worldwide without significant cost can be limited. The cost of the licensing fee, the cost of holding inventory plus the retail margin normally make this the most expensive option by a considerable amount.
However, if you are looking for the officially licensed garment version and are willing to pay the cost and accept the product limitations, this is your best choice – but always check the price and consider your other options before making a final decision!
Unofficial Copy Garments
Often termed ‘pirate’ or ‘knock-off’ versions, these are garments where the officially licensed and trademarked identity/logo of the institution is copied and reproduced without permission, in most cases disregarding relevant legislation. You’ll commonly find such garments in street markets or online from a dubious source.
Typically this option will be the cheapest but also the lowest quality with no ‘come-back’ should the garment shrink, unravel, or the design fade in the first wash.
We don’t recommend this option in any situation.
Originally Designed, Unofficial Merchandise
This option commonly uses the name and colors of the institution, but is an original design that differs from the official logo of the college or university, thus not infringing on their trademark.
This is where Expressionize comes into its own, with original designs printed on quality base garments; individually printed to order using the latest print-on-demand processes; 8 sizes from small to 5XL; fully guaranteed against manufacturing defects; delivered normally within 7 working days from our facilities in the USA, Canada, EU, UK and Australia.
And because you’re dealing directly with us as a supplier the cost is normally less than half the cost of officially licensed merchandise – and often even less!
2. Price
Always check the price of different options before making your final decision.
In most cases, officially licensed merchandise will be 2-3 times that of the original unofficial options offered by Expressionize – but you should check this out.
Remember also to take into account shipping costs, as well as sales tax/value added taxes and potential tariffs should you be purchasing from a supplier outside your home country. Expressionize produces and ships garments from production facilities located within the USA, Canada, EU, UK and Australia.
3. Quality
You should always check the quality of the base garment, and find out who the manufacturer is. In the case of Expressionize, we only produce Tee Shirts, Sweatshirts and Hoodies manufactured by the reputable and reliable Gildan brand.
4. Size and Color Range
Because Expressionize produces all garments to order, we are able to offer garments in a range of base colors as well as sizes ranging from Small to 5XL. Pre-printed stock items held by retail outlets associated with Colleges and Universities normally offer a much more restrictive range, for obvious reasons.
5. Tariffs, Taxes and Hidden Costs
If you are planning to purchase from a supplier that is located outside of your home country (or where the goods are to be sent) always check the cost of taxes as well as potential import duties or tariffs – which will be your responsibility to cover. Also check what currency you will be paying in, and what the exchange rate is – this is often where merchants like to add a little extra margin!
At Expressionize, we produce and despatch our College and University branded garments from facilities in the US, Canada, EU, UK and Australia. You will also be able to check out in your chosen currency knowing exactly what you will be charged!
6. Delivery costs and timing
Always make sure you check the delivery cost before placing your final order, and know when to expect your delivery.
At Expressionize we typically produce your order in 1-2 business days and final delivery is normally between 3-7 days, depending on your location and shipping method chosen.
Once your order is placed you’ll receive an email order confirmation; and as soon as it is despatched from our production facility you’ll receive another confirmation along with a tracking number and reference, so you can track your order’s progress in real time.
7. Guarantee
Finally, check whether the product you choose is covered by any form of guarantee.
At Expressionize we offer a money-back guarantee against manufacturing defects for your peace of mind.
College and University Branded Garments – The Bottom Line
In no circumstances would we recommend ‘knock-off’ or ‘pirated’ garments that copy official logos without being licensed.
Officially licensed merchandise is normally good quality but can be limited in size and color options, and because of the license fee, retailer margins and the cost of holding inventory the costs can be high compared with other options.
Originally designed, unofficial merchandise – the option that Expressionize offers – can provide your desired college or university identity at a much lower cost than officially licensed merchandise without compromising on quality; in a wide range of sizes and colors; fully guaranteed and available worldwide.
To check out the Expressionize range at www.expressionize.com, go to Identity > College & University in the main menu, or enter the name of your institution in the search function in the top menu of the website.