HCT Blog
Learn more about the custom apparel decorating industry as a whole, with a focus in screen printed heat transfer application and techniques. We are sharing our best tips and tricks to help your t-shirt business thrive in today’s competitive market. Do you have a suggestion for a blog topic? Let us know HERE. Would you be interested in contributing to our blog? We’re looking for custom apparel companies to share their success stories! Apply HERE.
Discover how Ultra Stretch can solve the toughest challenges of decorating swimwear and performance apparel. Ready to learn the secret to prints that move, stretch, and stay sharp all summer long? Dive into the full story and elevate your custom activewear game today!
If you’re heat pressing garments but still unsure how to price them, you’re not alone. Pricing custom apparel isn’t just about covering your costs, it’s about understanding value, strategy, and how to make your press time actually pay off. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to price garments using custom transfers (without setting fixed prices), help you identify hidden costs decorators often forget, and show how specialty finishes like Puff can seriously boost your margins.
Can screen print transfers hold up on bold, saturated tie dye? We put our white Howard Multi-Purpose transfers to the test with a patriotic red, white, and blue design. Spoiler alert: they passed with flying colors. The result? Crisp, bright prints that pop off even the wildest backgrounds. If you're decorating dyed blanks, don’t settle for faded or fuzzy. Use pro-grade transfers that can handle the heat and the hue.
Not every sale starts with a new lead, some start with a second chance. Customers step away for all kinds of reasons, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. Discover how thoughtful, well-timed follow-ups can fill your press, bring customers back, and open the door to new sales.
Manually cutting transfer sheets slows down production and eats into your profits. With our Cutting & Bagging Service, transfers arrive pre-trimmed, sorted, and press-ready—no extra steps required. Whether you're printing neck labels or handling high-volume jobs, find out how this simple add-on can give you back hours each week.
A great transfer means nothing without a reliable heat press. Uneven heat or pressure can ruin garments, waste time, and hurt your business. From swing-away to pneumatic presses, find out which heat press is right for your setup - and why investing in the right one makes all the difference.
Live printing events are transforming the custom apparel game! Discover how decorators are captivating audiences, boosting brand visibility, and creating on-the-spot designs with screen-printed heat transfers and DTF. Ready to make your next event unforgettable?
Looking to grow your order value without growing your workload? Discover how easy it is to upsell hats, totes, and more using the same transfers you already press on apparel.
Reprints can drain your time and profits faster than you think. From low-quality transfers to unreliable presses and overlooked testing, small mistakes can snowball into costly reprints. Discover the top five pitfalls causing failed prints and learn how to avoid them. Read on to protect your bottom line!
Get your prints in the perfect spot every time. This article breaks down suggested dimensions and placement tips for every part of the garment, from tees and hoodies to hats and leggings. It’s full of practical advice decorators can use right away - no guesswork needed.
Want to turn a crowd into loyal customers? Strategic event sponsorships can put your brand front and center where it counts. Find out how apparel decorators can use events to drive sales, connect with attendees, and keep their designs in rotation long after the party’s over.
If you’re a heat printer or apparel decorator ordering custom screen printed transfers, there’s one simple tool that can give you more creative flexibility and lower your cost per sheet. And no, it’s not a design effect - it’s a smart production strategy that lets you get more colorways out of a single order.
In an industry shaped by fast-changing trends and shifting customer demands, agility is everything. Discover practical strategies decorators can use to stay flexible, boost efficiency, and thrive - no matter what the market throws their way.
Choosing the right transfer method is crucial for achieving high-quality, durable apparel. In this blog, we explore why screen print transfers deliver unmatched value, longevity, and customer satisfaction. Ready to elevate your products? Click to learn why screen printed transfers should be your go-to for quality!
The Impressions Expo Atlantic City was a standout event for Howard Custom Transfers, featuring our tailgate-themed booth, live printing demos, and engaging industry discussions.
Canva’s 2025 design trends aren’t just for graphic design - they’re a goldmine for apparel decorators too! Learn how these trends translate into eye-catching apparel with shimmering inks, bold layouts, and fresh color palettes.
Your brand is more than just a logo - it’s the spark that grabs attention and the connection that keeps customers coming back. Want to build a brand that stands out and leaves a lasting impact? Dive into these game-changing strategies!
Outfit teams with winning jerseys! Whether you need full-color graphics, sharp numbers, or bulk printing, the right heat transfer is a game-changer. Check out this essential guide to find the best options for fast, easy, pro-level results!
At the end of the day, it’s more than just a t-shirt - it’s the feeling it evokes when someone puts it on. It’s about the pride of an entrepreneur seeing their logo worn in public, the excitement of a fan repping their favorite band, and the deep nostalgia of someone holding onto a shirt from years ago, still rich with memories.
Great supplier relationships can mean the difference between setbacks and success. Discover how trust, communication, and appreciation create lasting partnerships that fuel business growth.
Learn how to create jaw-dropping photorealistic embroidery designs with Adobe Photoshop's powerful new Parametric Filter effect! This step-by-step guide makes it easy to craft a stunning stitched aesthetic, perfectly tailored to pair with colorVIBE DTF and colorVIBE Hybrid heat transfers.
Is the customer always right? Not always - but how we respond makes all the difference. At Howard Custom Transfers, we handle challenges with professionalism, from educating customers to setting boundaries and resolving issues with care. By prioritizing respect and solutions, we strive to build strong partnerships that benefit everyone.
Transform your product photos from ordinary to exceptional! With the right lighting, setup, and a few styling tricks, you can capture stunning images that make your printed apparel and promo items shine. Whether you’re working with a smartphone or a DSLR, these tips will help you create visuals that grab attention and showcase your designs with professional polish.
Explore the latest trends in the DTF market and how colorVIBE DTF is setting the standard for superior custom apparel solutions. From full-color capabilities to the game-changing Limitless Gang feature, colorVIBE DTF is revolutionizing both small-batch customization and high-volume production. Stay ahead with the best in the industry.
Ready to crush 2025? 🏆 It’s time to reflect, set bold goals, and fuel your business growth. Whether it’s ramping up customer service, supercharging marketing, or optimizing production, SMART goals will keep you on track. Don’t just aim for success - own it! Read on to create a winning strategy for your business this year!
Durable, high-quality workwear demands the best in heat transfers. Howard MP, colorVIBE DTF, and colorVIBE Hybrid are here to help you create designs that are tough, vibrant, and built to last. Whether it’s rugged uniforms or custom activewear, discover the perfect transfer for your workwear needs.
From pastry chef to marketing professional for Howard Custom Transfers, I’ve discovered surprising parallels between baking and creating custom heat transfers. In this blog, I’ll show how precision, teamwork, and quality control in the kitchen lead to flawless transfers at Howard Custom Transfers. Curious how we achieve perfection? Keep reading to find out!
Howard Custom Transfers proudly supports communities across the country. Recently, we helped Renekers fulfill 3,700 custom transfers for their local high school’s state championship game, overcoming holiday challenges to deliver on time. This memorable experience reflects our dedication to our customers and the power of community pride.
With Cyber Monday just around the corner, it’s time to gear up for our once-a-year sale! This is your chance to save big, stock up on transfers, and speed through orders like never before. Grab your hot cocoa and check out these insider tips to make your Cyber Monday a breeze!
Design is the difference between a t-shirt people wear once and one they reach for again and again. In this guide, we’re sharing 10 design tips to help decorators turn basic graphics into buyable apparel. From smart color use to specialty finishes and proper placement, these practical pointers will elevate your work and help your designs sell themselves.