Short answer: Payment schedules vary. Some suppliers require full payment before production; others split the order into a deposit and balance. For a Togethread 50+ order, approve the free mockup and written quote first, pay a 50% deposit to start production, review finished-order photos, then pay the remaining 50% balance before dispatch. For an international order, complete the overseas supplier safety checklist before the first payment.
Before paying any custom T-shirt deposit
Before paying a deposit, the organizer should have one written order summary containing:
- Supplier identity and contact details
- Final garment, color, quantity, and size breakdown
- Approved artwork, placement, and decoration method
- Personalization list, if names or numbers are included
- Complete total, deposit amount, remaining balance, and every line-item exception in the hidden-cost quote checklist
- What the quote includes, including the destination, freight, duty and tax scope, delivery plan, and any exceptions
- Delivery address, event date, and confirmed delivery date
- What happens if a customer-requested change is made after approval
The deposit should not be a payment to “see what happens.” It should start a defined order whose design, scope, price, and timing are already recorded. If the design is not yet approved, follow the free-mockup-before-payment process first.
For a 50+ wedding-weekend or bachelorette order, name one invoice and approval owner before anyone collects money. Keep each recipient, garment, size, role, and personalization line in the roster so payment status cannot silently change the approved production list.
Togethread’s two payment checkpoints
| Payment | Trigger | Evidence already available |
|---|---|---|
| 50% production deposit | After the mockup, order scope, quote, and written delivery plan are approved | Final garment and size list, approved artwork, complete total, destination, and invoice |
| Remaining 50% balance | After finished-order photos are reviewed and before dispatch | Identifiable completed garments, final count, packing and destination confirmation, and shipment-release terms |
This sequence keeps each payment tied to visible progress. Any optional printed sample, correction, late quantity change, or special delivery service should have its own written price and schedule before it changes either payment.
What the deposit does—and does not do
The deposit reserves work and authorizes sampling and production under the approved order. It does not mean that every later change is automatically included. A change to artwork, garment, color, quantity, personalization, address, or timing can affect the quote or delivery date. Ask for the revised terms in writing before approving the change.
The exact deposit percentage must appear on the invoice. Avoid treating one supplier’s policy as an industry rule. PrintNinja3D’s current apparel terms describe deposits of up to 70%, with most orders using 50%, while Ottawa Custom Clothing’s current terms distinguish full prepayment for smaller orders from a deposit option above its stated order value. These are provider-specific examples; compare the actual invoice, cancellation boundary, proof approval, balance trigger, and release terms for your order.
What to verify before paying the balance
Finished photos are useful only when they help confirm the actual order. Check:
- The full batch or packed order is identifiable—not only one cropped close-up.
- Garment and decoration colors match the approved reference within normal material and screen limitations.
- Print or embroidery placement and scale are consistent.
- Personalized names and numbers have been checked against the final list.
- Quantity and size totals match the order summary.
- Shipping address, delivery method, and tracking handoff are reconfirmed.
If something is unclear, ask for clarification before paying the balance. Keep the final photos, invoice, approval messages, and tracking in the same order folder.
Payment protection is a layer, not a substitute for documentation
Togethread uses PayPal for payment and a traceable transaction record. Eligibility is conditional: the current US Purchase Protection terms exclude custom-made items from “Significantly Not as Described” claims and exclude items intended for resale. Read the official PayPal Purchase Protection terms for the current rules. A clear invoice, written approvals, finished photos, and shipping records remain essential regardless of payment method.
The mockup approval and deposit start the production clock. Any agreed decorated sample or production test comes before bulk production; finished photos and the balance come before dispatch. Use the approval-to-delivery timeline planner to calculate a working delivery window from the approval date.
FAQ
How much is the deposit for a custom apparel order? Togethread’s current coordinated 50+ route uses a 50% deposit and 50% balance. Other suppliers may require a different deposit or full payment, so use the exact amount, percentage, and trigger shown on that order’s invoice.
When is the balance due? For Togethread orders, the balance is due after you receive finished-goods photos and before the shipment is released.
Does a deposit make the design final? The approved mockup and order summary define the production reference. Contact the designer immediately about changes; revisions after approval may affect price or timing.
What proof should I keep for a group order? Keep the quote, invoice, approved mockup, final size and personalization list, written delivery date, any agreed sample or test approval, finished photos, payment receipts, and tracking record.
Does PayPal guarantee every custom order is covered? No. Eligibility depends on PayPal’s current rules and the transaction details; custom-made and resale exclusions can apply. Documentation and clear written approvals remain important.
