AQL (Acceptance Quality Level)
A quality control standard used in manufacturing to measure the maximum number of defective items considered acceptable during a random sampling inspection.
Apparel Industry
The sector involved in the production and distribution of clothing, also known as the garment business.
Artwork
The visual design or image used in the production of branded merchandise, often created by a graphic designer. Lucky for you, we’ve got an awesome team of designers on deck—and we even throw in up to 4 hours of complimentary design time to get your swag just right.
Automations
Automations simplify repetitive tasks by setting up systems that run on their own—like triggering orders, updating inventory, or managing bulk shipments. We offer automation services to help you work smarter and keep your swag operations running smoothly.
Back Order
An order for a product that is temporarily out of stock, to be fulfilled when the product becomes available.
Bill of Materials (BOM)
A comprehensive list of raw materials, components, and assemblies required to manufacture a product.
Bleed
In printing, this refers to the area of a design that extends beyond the edge of the final product, ensuring that the design covers the entire surface after trimming.
Blended Fabric
A textile made from two or more different types of fibers, combining the qualities of each to enhance performance and comfort.
Brand Identity
The visible elements of a brand, such as color, design, and logo, that identify and distinguish the brand in consumers' minds.
Branding
The process of creating a unique image and identity for a product or company in the consumer's mind through consistent theme, logo, and messaging.
Branded Merchandise
Products that feature a company's logo or branding, used for promotional purposes to increase brand visibility and loyalty.
Bulk Order
A large quantity of products ordered at one time, often resulting in discounts or lower per-unit costs.
Canvas
A heavy-duty woven fabric made from cotton or linen, known for its durability and commonly used in bags, shoes, and upholstery.
Co-Branding
A marketing strategy where two or more brands collaborate to create a product that leverages the strengths of each brand.
Corporate Gifts
Items given by a company to clients, employees, or partners as a gesture of appreciation or to strengthen business relationships.
Custom Order
An order for products that are made to a customer's specifications, such as specific colors, sizes, and designs.
Debossing
The process of creating an impression in a material, such as leather or paper, where the design is sunken into the surface.
Die-Cut
A process that uses a die to cut specific shapes out of materials, commonly used in packaging and promotional items.
Digitizing
The process of converting artwork into a digital file that can be read by an embroidery machine.
Direct Embroidery
Embroidery that is applied directly to the garment, as opposed to patches or appliqués that are sewn or ironed on.
DTF (Direct to Film)
A printing technique where designs are printed onto a film and then transferred to fabric using heat and pressure.
DTG (Direct to Garment)
A method of printing on textiles using specialized inkjet technology to apply the ink directly to the fabric.
Drop Date
The specific date when a new product or collection is released to the public.
Drop Shipping
A retail fulfillment method where the seller does not keep the products in stock but instead transfers customer orders and shipment details to a manufacturer or wholesaler who then ships the goods directly to the customer.
Dummy
A mannequin or model used to replicate the human body for fitting and measurement of garments.
E-commerce
The buying and selling of goods and services over the internet, including online stores and marketplaces.
Eco-Friendly Products
Merchandise produced with minimal impact on the environment, often using sustainable materials and practices.
Embossing
The process of raising a design on a material, creating a three-dimensional effect.
Embroidery
The craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn, often used for logos and monograms on apparel.
Employee Appreciation
Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and contributions, often through gifts, awards, or special events.
End User
The final consumer who uses the product, as opposed to intermediaries like distributors or retailers.
Exclusive
Products that are limited in availability, often creating a sense of urgency and desirability among consumers.
Finishing
The final steps in the production process, which can include trimming, folding, packaging, and labeling the garments.
Fulfillment Center
A warehouse facility where products are stored, packed, and shipped to customers as part of the order fulfillment process.
Full Custom
Completely customized products made according to specific customer requirements, including unique designs, materials, and features. Read more about our cut and sew service.
Grading
The process of creating a range of sizes from a base pattern, either increasing or decreasing the size to produce different sizes of the same design.
Hand Date
The specific date by which the client requires their merchandise to be in hand. This is the deadline for delivery, ensuring that the items are available for the client to use or distribute as needed by that particular day.
Heat Transfer Printing
A method where designs are printed onto special transfer paper and then transferred to fabric using heat and pressure.
Incentive Programs
Programs designed to motivate and reward employees or customers for achieving specific goals, often through the use of prizes, bonuses, or other rewards.
Integrations
Seamlessly connect your swag systems with tools you already use, like HR platforms or inventory management software. We offer integration services to simplify large distributions, automate workflows, and keep everything running smoothly.
Inventory Management
The process of ordering, storing, and using a company's inventory, including raw materials, components, and finished products. We also offer swag shops, inventory management, fulfillment and distribution services to help you stay organized and ensure your swag is always ready to go when you need it.
Laser Engraving
A method of etching designs onto a material using a laser beam, often used for precision and durability on various surfaces.
Lead Time
The time between the initiation of an order and its completion.
Limited Edition
Products produced in a limited quantity, often to create exclusivity and increased demand.
Logo
A graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition of a brand or company.
Merch Drop
The release of new merchandise, often accompanied by marketing campaigns to generate excitement and anticipation.
Merchandising
The activity of promoting the sale of goods, especially by their presentation in retail outlets.
IMOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest amount of product that a supplier is willing to produce or sell.
NO
Sorry, we don't have that word in our vocabulary. Have an idea? Share it with us, and we’ll make it happen!
Offset Printing
A printing technique where the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface, suitable for high-volume print runs.
Order
A request made by a customer to purchase products or services, often specifying the quantity, specifications, and delivery details.
Outsourcing
Contracting work out to external suppliers or manufacturers, often to reduce costs or increase efficiency.
Overseas
Referring to products manufactured or sourced from other countries, often involving international shipping and import/export regulations.
Pad Printing
A printing process that transfers ink from a recessed surface to a product, commonly used for printing on irregularly shaped objects.
Pantone
A standardized color matching system used across various industries. Each color is assigned a unique number, helping ensure color consistency in production.
Pattern
A template made from sturdy paper that outlines the shapes of different parts of a garment, used as a guide in the cutting and assembly process.
PMS (Pantone Matching System)
A standardized color reproduction system used to ensure color consistency across different manufacturers and products.
Pre-Production
The stage in garment manufacturing where fabric and materials are prepared before mass production begins.
Premium Brand
A brand known for its high-quality products, often positioned at a higher price point and perceived as luxurious or superior in the market. These are just some of the premium brands we work with.
Private Label
Products manufactured by one company for sale under another company's brand, often used by retailers to offer unique products.
Proof
A sample or mock-up provided for approval before mass production begins, ensuring the design meets the client's expectations.
Proof of Concept (POC)
A prototype or demonstration used to verify that a concept or design is feasible and effective.
Quick Turnaround
Refers to the fast production and delivery of products, often critical for meeting tight deadlines.
Reorder
The process of ordering more of a product that has been previously purchased, often used when stock levels are low.
Reusable
Products designed to be used multiple times, often to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
RFP (Request for Proposal)
A document that solicits proposals from suppliers or service providers, often used in competitive bidding processes.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
A color model used for digital screens, where colors are created by combining red, green, and blue light.
Rush Order
An order with a tight deadline that needs expedited production and shipping. We’re here for you—rush orders are no problem for us.
Sample
A prototype or small quantity of a product provided to a client for review before mass production..
Screen Printing
A printing technique where ink is pushed through a stencil on a mesh screen, commonly used for t-shirts and other apparel.
Shipping Date
The date on which an order is dispatched for delivery to the customer.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
A unique identifier for each product, used for inventory management and tracking..
Social Compliance
The practice of ensuring that manufacturing processes adhere to ethical labor standards, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights.
Soft Goods
Products made from textiles, such as clothing, bags, and home furnishings.
Sourcing
The process of finding and selecting suppliers or manufacturers to provide the materials or products needed for production.
Sublimation
A printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto a material, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting colors, commonly used on polyester fabrics.
Supply Chain
The entire process of producing and delivering a product, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, and retail
Sustainable
Practices and products that do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment, often involving recycled materials, eco-friendly production methods, and fair labor practices.
Swag Shop
A custom online store where your team, customers, or fans can easily browse and order branded merch. We offer end-to-end swag shop services—from design to management—for pop-up events, standard stores, and automated solutions for larger projects.
Tech Pack
A document that contains all the technical details of a product, including specifications, materials, construction, and measurements, used to communicate between designers and manufacturers.
Trademark
A legally registered symbol, word, or phrase used to represent and protect a brand's identity.
Turnkey Solution
A complete product or service that is ready for immediate use, often requiring little to no customization or setup.
White Label
Products manufactured by one company that can be rebranded and sold by another company as their own.
Woven Label
A label made from woven threads, used to display brand logos, care instructions, or product information on garments.
