Ordering Local vs. Ordering Online — What’s the Real Difference?
Every week it seems like a new online company pops up offering “discount” screen printing, embroidery, and promo products.
Fast. Cheap. Easy. Click and done.
And we get it — on the surface, it can look like a great option.
But before you upload your logo and hit checkout, here are a few things worth thinking about.
Is your logo actually ready to print?
Online platforms assume your artwork is production-ready.
If it’s low resolution, the wrong format, or needs cleanup… you may not find out until it’s too late.
At Austin Screen Printing, our in-house art department reviews every job. Need adjustments? Tweaks? Not sure what file you have? We’ve got you.
Sometimes it starts as a polished logo.
Sometimes it starts as a napkin sketch.
Either way, we’ll make it print right.
What happens if you need to change your order?
Wrong size breakdown?
Need to add 12 more shirts?
Decided to switch garments?
With a local shop, that’s a quick phone call.
With a big online site… it might mean submitting a ticket and waiting.
What if your timeline changes?
Event got moved up?
A sponsor just signed on and needs their logo added?
Because we print in-house right here in Austin, we can often rearrange production schedules when needed. It’s not magic — but sometimes flexibility is just a conversation away.
Let’s Talk Price.
You might be surprised.
In most cases, our pricing is the same — or even better — than large online providers.
But the real difference is with Austin Screen Printing, you get:
- A dedicated sales rep (many of our clients have worked with the same one for 10+ years)
- Real people you can call — not a ticket number
- An in-house art team ready to refine or recreate your design
- 50 years of production experience
- Accountability you can literally shake hands with
And maybe most importantly…
Peace of mind.
That kind of added value helps you sleep better — because you know your project is in good hands.
Cheap is a price.
Confidence is a result.
And we believe you deserve both value and certainty.
Outcomes Matter.
Yes — you can probably find someone willing to do it cheaper.
But here’s the bigger question:
What’s the outcome you’re actually buying?
Are they thinking about your brand — or just your order number?
Are they checking placement, scale, spelling, and color accuracy?
Are they making sure your event merch actually represents your organization well?
Or are they just hitting “print” and moving on?
And maybe the most important question:
What happens when something goes wrong?
Because in this industry, things can happen. Garments can backorder. Artwork can need adjustment. Timelines can shift.
When you order local, you’re not dealing with a ticket system.
You’re calling someone who knows your name.
Someone who understands your event.
Someone who has a relationship with you.
The difference isn’t just where it’s printed.
It’s who stands behind it.
If you’ve got a project coming up, let’s talk. We’re here to help.
Fill out this form to start a conversation
Call us to walk through the options 512-454-6249
Stop by the shop in person 8613 Cross Park Dr. Austin, TX 78754
Austin Screen Printing & Austin Embroidery
Proudly serving Austin since 1975
Thoughtful apparel. Built for real life.