Running a successful print shop isn't just about great designs and high-quality printing — it’s also about having the right stock, in the right place, at the right time. Without a well-managed supply of blank garments, even the best print jobs can grind to a halt.
Whether you're a startup custom clothing brand or a high-volume T-Shirt screen printer, efficient stock management is key to delivering on time, keeping costs low, and maintaining happy customers.
Here’s how to keep your print shop running smoothly with a smart approach to stock management.
Know What You Need — and When
Understanding your most in-demand products is the first step. Do you print mostly on t-shirts? Hoodies? Tote bags? Track your orders and identify trends — both seasonal (e.g. hoodies in autumn) and customer-based (popular sizes, colours, styles).
🔹 Tip:
Keep a list of your top-selling SKUs and build your inventory strategy around them.
Buy in Bulk, But Not Blindly
Buying plain garments in bulk can save time and money — but overstocking on the wrong items can lead to wasted space and tied-up cash.
Work with a supplier (like Fire Label) that offers:
Competitive bulk pricing
Fast restock options
Clear, up-to-date stock visibility
🔹 Tip:
Start with moderate bulk orders of proven sellers, and increase gradually based on demand.
Use a Reorder System (Manual or Automated)
Create a simple system that alerts you when a product is running low. This could be:
A spreadsheet with reorder levels
Inventory management software
An integration with your e-commerce or POS system
Don’t wait until stock hits zero — set thresholds to reorder before you run out.
Choose Reliable Suppliers with Fast Dispatch
The speed of your supplier directly impacts your delivery times. If you’re waiting days for stock to arrive, it puts pressure on your entire production schedule.
At Fire Label, we offer:
Rapid dispatch on plain clothing
Reliable shipping options
A wide selection of blank garments, ready to go
🔹 Tip:
Build relationships with a few key suppliers to ensure backup options if stock runs low.
Plan for Peak Seasons
Don’t let rush orders or seasonal spikes catch you off guard. Plan ahead for:
School leaver hoodie season (spring/summer)
Christmas merch (autumn)
Festivals & events (spring/summer)
Preloading stock for known busy periods can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Stay Flexible with Core Stock
Stocking a versatile range of plain garments means you're ready for a wider range of customer requests. Stick to popular colours (black, white, grey, navy) and mid-range sizes, which tend to move fastest.
Communicate with Your Supplier
If you’ve got big jobs coming up, talk to your supplier early. They may be able to:
Reserve stock
Suggest alternatives if items are low
Offer better pricing for large quantities
At Fire Label, we work closely with print shops to help them stay stocked and ready to deliver.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your print shop well-stocked doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning, the right supplier, and a system that works for your workflow, you can stay ahead of customer demand — and focus on what you do best: creating.
Need a reliable supplier of high-quality plain clothing?
👉 Explore our full range at Fire Label and get your shop stocked today.
