Whether you’re gearing up for an event, outfitting your staff, or launching your brand’s first custom apparel drop, timing is everything. As a small business owner in the Greater Toronto Area, you’re probably wondering:
“How long will it take to get my custom clothing printed?”
The short answer: It depends on a few key factors.
The good news? With PromoPays, the turnaround is faster than you might think—and we’re local, so your order gets to you quickly without international shipping delays.
Let’s break it all down so you can plan your next apparel order with total confidence.
Average Turnaround Time at PromoPays
At PromoPays, our standard turnaround time is:
7 to 10 business days after artwork approval
This includes:
Reviewing your order
Approving artwork or creating mockups
Printing or embroidering your items
Quality check and packaging
Local delivery or pickup
Need it faster? We’ve got rush options available to help you meet your deadline.
What Factors Affect Turnaround Time?
A few key things will influence how quickly we can get your promotional clothing printed and into your hands:
1. Order Size
Smaller orders (12–24 pieces) are typically faster to produce.
Larger or bulk orders (100+ pieces) may take a bit more time to process, especially during peak seasons (spring/summer and back-to-school).
2. Decoration Method
Screen Printing is quick and ideal for bold, flat designs. It’s our fastest method.
Embroidery takes longer due to the setup and stitching process.
Heat Transfers or Vinyl fall in between and are good for short runs or personalization.
3. Garment Type & Stock Availability
Standard items like cotton tees, hoodies, and polos are usually always in stock.
Specialty apparel or seasonal styles may require a day or two extra to order in.
4. Artwork Approval
One of the biggest time factors is how quickly artwork is approved. Once we receive your logo or design, we’ll send you a mockup to approve.
The faster you give us the green light, the faster we print.
5. Shipping & Delivery Location
We’re based in Ontario, so most GTA clients receive their orders within 1 business day of dispatch. You can also opt for pickup if you're nearby.
PromoPays Rush Printing: When You Need It ASAP
Got a last-minute event or team uniform emergency?
We offer rush printing services, including:
3–5 day turnaround for select orders
Same-week delivery on express jobs
Priority mockup and approval
Rush orders are subject to availability and may include a surcharge—but we’ll always be transparent with the pricing and options available.
Real-World Examples: How Long It Takes
Let’s look at a few typical orders from GTA businesses and how long each took from order to delivery:
Client: Vaughan Personal Training Studio
Order: 25 dri-fit logo tees for staff
Decoration: 2-colour screen print
Timeline: 8 business days from approval to delivery
Client: Markham-Based Nonprofit
Order: 50 embroidered zip-up hoodies
Decoration: Embroidery (front chest logo)
Timeline: 10 business days
Client: Toronto Café Pop-Up
Order: 12 printed T-shirts, rush order
Decoration: Full-front vinyl transfer
Timeline: 4 business days (express)
How to Speed Up Your Custom Apparel Order
Want your custom clothing faster? Here’s how to help move things along:
✅ Be ready with high-quality artwork
Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, or high-res PNG) make mockups and print setup much faster.
✅ Approve mockups quickly
Every delay in artwork approval adds time. Watch your inbox!
✅ Keep designs simple
More print locations or colours = more setup time. A clean design speeds things up.
✅ Choose in-stock items
Stick with popular T-shirts, hoodies, or polos we keep on hand.
✅ Communicate your timeline
Let us know your deadline up front—we’ll recommend the best options.
Planning Ahead: Ideal Timelines for Common Events
Not sure when to order? Here’s a quick guide:
Event Type | Ideal Order Time | Rush Deadline |
|---|---|---|
Staff Uniforms | 2–3 weeks before needed | 5–7 days before |
Trade Show | 3 weeks before show date | 7–10 days before |
Product Launch | 3–4 weeks lead time | 1–2 weeks minimum |
School Fundraiser | 2–3 weeks for order + distribution | 7 days minimum |
Pop-Up or Market | 2 weeks before opening | 4–5 days minimum |
The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have—and the more cost-effective your order will be.
What Happens After You Place an Order?
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
Quote & Garment Selection
You tell us what you need, and we provide pricing and options.Artwork Review & Mockup
You submit your logo or design—we prepare a digital preview for approval.Production Begins
Once approved, we get to work printing, embroidering, or heat-pressing your gear.Quality Check & Shipping
Every item is checked before it leaves our facility.Local Delivery or Pickup
Most GTA clients get their orders fast, thanks to local logistics.
Why PromoPays Is the Fastest Option for GTA Businesses
We’re local: Based in Ontario, so you’re not waiting on international shipping or customs.
We stock the essentials: Popular items are always ready to go.
We move fast: Our in-house team is dialed into tight timelines.
We keep you informed: You’ll always know where your order stands.
Plus, we’ve worked with thousands of Canadian small businesses, so we understand the urgency behind every launch, event, and milestone.
FAQs: Promotional Clothing Turnaround Time
Q: Can I pick up my order instead of waiting for delivery?
A: Absolutely. If you're nearby, we offer convenient local pickup options.
Q: Can I make changes after artwork approval?
A: Once we begin production, changes aren't possible. That’s why careful approval is key.
Q: Do holidays affect turnaround time?
A: Yes—holiday seasons and peak event months can impact timing. Order early if you can!
Q: Can I reorder quickly if I need more later?
A: Yes! Once we have your design on file, reorders are faster and often cheaper. We’ll get your next batch out quickly.
Final Thoughts: Time Is on Your Side with PromoPays
At the end of the day, custom apparel shouldn’t be a hassle. With PromoPays, you’re getting:
Fast, 7–10 business day standard turnaround
Rush printing options when you need them
A friendly local team that understands your business goals
Quality results you’ll be proud to put your name on
Whether you're ordering for an event next month or next week, we’re here to help you hit your deadline—without compromising on quality.
Ready to Get the Ball Rolling?
Let’s get your project in motion!
👉 Browse Custom T-Shirts
👉 See Our Hoodies & Sweatshirts
👉 Request a Free Quote
Need it fast? Just let us know in your order notes—we’ll do our best to make it happen.
