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PrintBarn · Quality & Customer Care

Our Guarantee

Your brand deserves reliable quality, clear timelines, and honest care. Our guarantee explains what we stand behind, what is covered, what is not covered, and how we review concerns fairly.

Effective: January 1, 2026Revised: January 1, 2026Quality workmanship14 topicsDecoration size & placement
Browse all 14 topics
Quality you can count on

Custom-made. Carefully reviewed.

Our workmanship promise covers verified printing or embroidery mistakes. The ±1 inch decoration sizing and placement standards, up to 10% colour variation, and 7-day issue report / 14-day approved return start align with our Refund & Return Policy. Your mandatory legal rights remain intact.

01What we guaranteeWhat our workmanship promise includes
Quality workmanshipOn-time productionApproved proof basedFair claim reviewEmbroidery expertiseDTF · Vinyl · Screen print

Workmanship

  • Clean prints with proper cure, alignment, and opacity for the chosen method.
  • Secure embroidery with appropriate density and underlay to suit fabric and design.
  • Accurate packing and labeling based on the approved order details.
  • Production completed according to the decoration method, garment type, and artwork approved before production.

On-time production

  • We aim to meet the production window that PrintBarn specifically confirms in writing. Automatically generated dates, supplier estimates, and courier transit times are estimates, not guaranteed delivery dates.
  • Production timelines begin after order approval, payment, artwork readiness, and garment availability are complete.
  • If we miss a specifically confirmed production commitment due to our own error, we will review a fair remedy, which may include a rush remake, credit, or shipping adjustment where appropriate.
Production window honored Print cure verified Embroidery stability checked Approved proof followed
Our goal is to be fair, not difficult. If there is a genuine workmanship issue, we will stand behind our work. If the concern is related to normal production tolerance, approved order details, garment care, normal wear, or customer preference, it may not qualify for a remake, refund, or replacement.
02Proof approval and order accuracyWritten approvals and accurate production

Custom orders are produced based on the final approved details. Customers are responsible for carefully reviewing all order information before production begins.

Customer approval includes

  • Artwork, logo, spelling, wording, and design placement.
  • Garment style, colour, size, quantity, and decoration method.
  • Print size, embroidery size, thread colour, and approximate layout.
  • Any special instructions added before production begins.
  • Final confirmation that the order is ready to move into production.

After approval

  • Changes may not be possible once production has started.
  • Approved spelling, artwork, garment selections, and production details are not, by themselves, defects when delivered as confirmed and within applicable production tolerances. A genuine PrintBarn error or an unmet written commitment remains reviewable.
  • If a customer approves a proof with an error, remake costs may apply.
  • Exact colour matching is not guaranteed unless a paid sample or specific production test is approved in advance.
  • Online Designer previews, mockups and product photos are visual guides, not formal production proofs. They may not represent exact scale, fabric texture, thread sheen, print feel or placement. A formal production proof exists only when PrintBarn specifically prepares and sends one for approval.
Please review proofs carefully before approval. We are happy to help check artwork quality and production feasibility, but final approval confirms that the order details are ready for production.
Exact requests: If exact decoration width, height, placement or thread/print colour is critical, supply precise written specifications before production and ask PrintBarn to confirm them. Online sizing previews alone do not constitute an accepted exact-measurement commitment.
03Fair use of our guaranteePractical standards for custom work

Our guarantee is built to protect customers from genuine workmanship issues while also keeping custom production fair and sustainable. We always review concerns carefully, but small production tolerances, normal use, and approved order details are not treated as defects.

Reasonable production tolerance

  • Decoration placement and size may each vary by up to ±1 inch for embroidery, Color Print (DTF), and screen printing. Minor colour, thread, texture and alignment differences can occur as described in our Refund & Return Policy.
  • Minor differences between mockups and finished products are normal due to fabric texture, garment size, garment colour, decoration method, and screen display differences.
  • Small imperfections that are not clearly visible during normal wear or regular viewing distance may not qualify as workmanship defects.
  • Hand-placed, heat-pressed, embroidered, or screen-printed items may have slight natural variation from piece to piece.
  • Bulk order variations where individual pieces have minor differences that do not affect the overall professional appearance or usability of the order may fall within normal tolerance.

Fair claim review

  • Each concern is reviewed using the written order details, any formal approved production proof, garment type, decoration method, photos, care history and our disclosed tolerances.
  • A concern must be related to workmanship, not preference, change of mind, normal wear, or customer-approved details.
  • We may request the item back for physical inspection before confirming a remake, credit, refund, or replacement.
  • Claims that are incomplete, unclear, exaggerated, or inconsistent with the production record may require additional review.
  • Submitting a claim does not automatically guarantee a refund, remake, credit, or replacement.
We are committed to making things right when there is a genuine production issue. At the same time, our guarantee does not convert custom-made products into returnable retail items after approval, use, washing, or customer preference changes.
04Production tolerances — size, placement & colour±1 inch sizing and placement, 10% colour variance

Custom embroidery and printing involve fabric, heat, hooping, transfer and placement variables. We apply the same published tolerances as our Refund & Return Policy so expectations are consistent across PrintBarn policies.

Decoration size
±1 inch for embroidery, Color Print (DTF) and screen print.
Decoration placement
±1 inch for embroidery, Color Print (DTF) and screen print, including chest, front, back, sleeves, hats and other approved decoration locations.
Colour variance
Up to 10% variation between a digital or screen reference and the physical print or thread can occur due to materials, equipment and light.
Garment dimensions
Follow the manufacturer size chart and applicable garment-manufacturing tolerance; this is separate from decoration size and placement.
Guaranteed deadlines
Production and delivery dates are estimates unless PrintBarn expressly confirms a specific deadline in writing.
Important distinction: An ordinary online mockup does not promise exact dimensions or placement. If PrintBarn has expressly confirmed a specific written requirement, we will assess any difference against that commitment as well as the applicable production tolerances. Our stated tolerances do not excuse wrong products, workmanship defects or any non-waivable consumer rights.
05What is not coveredCommon exclusions and normal variation

Custom work has variables. The guarantee does not cover the following:

  • Change of mind, preference changes after proof approval, or sizing selected by the customer.
  • Approved spelling, artwork, placement, colours, garment style, garment colour, or quantity after production has started.
  • Courier delays, customs delays, weather delays, delivery exceptions, or stock backorders outside our control.
  • Up to 10% colour variance between digital previews or colour references and the finished print or embroidery, subject to any specifically confirmed written colour requirement.
  • Minor press marks, pre-treatment marks, or heat marks that generally relax or wash out after the first wash.
  • Wear and tear from normal use, repeated washing, misuse, abrasion, or not following care instructions.
  • Minor cosmetic variations that fall within normal custom production tolerance.
  • Small differences in print feel, texture, thread sheen, garment reaction, or fabric surface caused by the selected decoration method.
  • Concerns that are only visible under extreme close-up inspection, unusual lighting, stretching, or conditions that do not reflect normal wear.
  • Approved artwork issues such as low-resolution files, thin lines, very small text, spelling, spacing, layout, colour choice, or design proportions approved by the customer.
  • Claims submitted after the garment has been heavily used, repeatedly washed, altered, stained, exposed to chemicals, or handled in a way that prevents fair inspection.
  • Requests for full refund, remake, or replacement based only on preference, expectation differences, or comparison with products made by another printer using different garments, methods, or materials.
  • Normal aging of decorated garments, including gradual fading, softening, cracking, light peeling, thread fuzzing, or texture change caused by repeated washing and regular use.
  • Bulk order variations where individual pieces have minor differences that do not affect the overall professional appearance or usability of the order.
  • Damage caused by high heat washing, high heat drying, harsh detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, stain removers, or improper garment care.
  • Damage caused by washing decorated garments together with rough fabrics, heavy zippers, towels, abrasive materials, or items that may rub against the print or embroidery.
  • Changes caused by fabric type, dye treatment, garment colour, shrinkage, stretching, pilling, or garment reaction to washing and drying conditions.
  • Issues caused by low-resolution artwork, very small text, thin lines, gradients, distressed effects, or artwork limitations that were approved by the customer.
  • Customer-supplied garments that have manufacturing defects, fabric sensitivity, stains, coatings, residue, shrinkage, dye bleeding, or unknown prior washing conditions.

Decoration size and decoration placement tolerances are each ±1 inch for embroidery, Color Print (DTF) and screen print, consistent with our Refund & Return Policy. Garment size measurements may vary by ±2 cm where the relevant manufacturer permits it; applicable manufacturer size charts and tolerances govern garment fit. Small variations are normal in custom production.

06Quality standardsPrint, stitch and inspection practices

Decoration methods

  • PrintBarn does not currently offer Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. Heat application or transfer processes we do offer may leave temporary press impressions depending on the garment and material.
  • DTF and screen print: light press impressions can appear and usually relax with washing.
  • Embroidery: slight puckering, thread texture, and backing feel may vary depending on fabric and design density.
  • We use the decoration method selected or confirmed for the order. If a change is required for production feasibility, we will seek your approval before switching to a materially different method.
  • Each decoration method has its own look, feel, texture, and durability profile.

Sampling and approvals

  • We encourage ordering a paid sample for critical branding, franchise work, colour-sensitive orders, or large runs.
  • We proceed based on the accepted written order details, and a formal production proof where PrintBarn has specifically issued one. Online Designer mockups are not automatically formal production proofs.
  • Mockups are visual guides. Final output may vary slightly depending on garment size, fabric texture, print method, and production limitations.
  • For high-value or exact-match projects, a paid sample is the best way to confirm expectations before full production.
Alignment
Prints and embroidery are aligned to the approved template unless otherwise specified. Small production tolerance may apply.
Opacity
Ink coverage is selected according to fabric colour and method. Vintage, faded, or distressed looks require explicit request.
Thread match
Closest Isacord or available thread match is used to approximate Pantone or brand references, considering sheen and fabric tone.
Print feel
DTF, screen print and heat-transfer vinyl each have different hand-feel. DTG printing is not a service we currently offer. A print feeling different from another method is not automatically a defect.
Visual inspection
Quality concerns are reviewed based on normal viewing distance, approved order details, and practical wearability, not only extreme close-up photos.
07Customer-supplied garmentsCare and risks for customer-provided garments

We accept customer-supplied garments when possible, but they carry extra risk because we do not control the original manufacturing, fabric content, dye process, prior handling, or previous washing conditions.

Before production

  • Customer-supplied items must be clean, unused, stain-free, and ready for decoration.
  • Garments should be clearly labeled by size, colour, quantity, and decoration location when dropped off.
  • Customers should provide extra pieces when possible, especially for high-value, delicate, or hard-to-replace items.
  • We may refuse garments that are too delicate, dirty, damaged, coated, heat-sensitive, or unsuitable for the requested decoration method.
  • Packaging, tags, folds, or special handling requests must be clearly communicated before production.

Risk and responsibility

  • We are not responsible for manufacturer defects, fabric flaws, hidden stains, dye bleeding, shrinkage, or heat sensitivity in customer-supplied garments.
  • Some fabrics may react unexpectedly to heat press, embroidery tension, adhesive, stabilizer, or washing.
  • If a customer-supplied item is damaged due to a garment defect or fabric reaction outside our control, replacement value may not be covered.
  • Decoration charges may still apply for work completed on customer-supplied garments.
  • Customer-supplied garments may not be covered for replacement value unless the issue is confirmed to be directly caused by our workmanship.
For important or expensive customer-supplied garments, we strongly recommend testing one item first or providing an extra garment. This helps reduce risk before full production.
08Care to keep your guaranteeWashing, wear and decoration lifespan

Wash and wear

  • Wash cold, inside out, with similar colours.
  • For DTF decoration, wait at least 24 hours after production before the first wash, wash inside out in cold water at about 30°C on a gentle cycle, and avoid bleach, fabric softener, dry cleaning, and direct ironing over the transfer.
  • Tumble dry low or hang dry; avoid high heat.
  • Do not iron directly on prints or embroidery.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, stain removers, or fabric softeners on decorated areas.
  • High heat washing and drying may damage prints, adhesives, embroidery, and fabric integrity over time.
  • Repeated exposure to high dryer temperatures may cause cracking, peeling, fading, texture changes, or shrinkage over time.
  • Washing garments together with rough fabrics, heavy zippers, towels, or abrasive materials may accelerate wear on decorated areas.
  • Some fabrics, dyes, detergents, stain removers, and softeners may react differently under heat and washing conditions, which can affect garment longevity.
  • To maximize the lifespan of decorated garments, all products should be washed and dried strictly according to the recommended care instructions.

What to expect

  • Minor shrinkage may occur depending on fabric type, washing method, and drying temperature.
  • Slight colour or texture softening over many washes can occur with certain decoration methods and materials. PrintBarn does not offer DTG printing.
  • Different garment brands, fabric blends, dye treatments, and colours may respond differently even under identical washing and drying conditions.
  • Dark garments and heavily dyed fabrics may retain heat differently and can react differently compared to lighter-coloured garments.
  • Heat-sensitive fabrics, stretch materials, polyester blends, fleece, and performance garments may require extra care compared to standard cotton garments.
  • Decorated garments are wearable products, and gradual aging from repeated washing and daily use is considered normal wear over time.
  • Repeated washing, regular use, friction, stretching, and drying may naturally change print texture and garment feel over time.

Improper care can reduce decoration lifespan and may exclude damage caused by washing, drying or handling. This does not exclude claims for independently confirmed production defects or rights protected by law.

Using the same washing machine, same dryer, same water, or same cycle does not guarantee that different garments will react the same way. Garment brand, fabric blend, dye treatment, colour, decoration method, print placement, and heat sensitivity can all affect the final result.
09Embroidery guaranteeThread, digitizing, stitch and 3D puff

Stability and durability

  • Underlay and density are tuned to fabric for balanced coverage and minimal puckering.
  • Loose threads are trimmed; small remnants are acceptable within industry norms.
  • 3D puff is available only where artwork and garment allow; small edge trims can remain after foam compression.
  • Embroidery backing may remain visible or noticeable inside the garment depending on the item and design.
  • Slight puckering may occur on thin, stretchy, soft, ribbed, or delicate fabrics.

Readability and colour

  • Letters below 4 mm may lose clarity; we recommend larger fonts or simplified artwork.
  • Pantone to thread is an approximation; the closest available thread is used to achieve consistent results.
  • Embroidery placement tolerance is ±1 inch for chest, sleeve, cap and other decoration locations. Embroidery design size may also vary by ±1 inch, consistent with the Refund & Return Policy.
  • Fine details, gradients, shadows, distressing, and very thin lines may need to be simplified for embroidery.
  • Thread sheen may look different depending on lighting, fabric colour, and viewing angle.

Need absolute colour control or critical positioning for franchise branding? Request a paid stitch sample and approval photo before full production.

10Shipping, shortages & partial ordersDelays, parcels and affected units

We pack custom orders based on the confirmed products, sizes, colours and quantities. If a delivery appears damaged, incomplete or different from the accepted order, please contact us promptly and send clear evidence.

  • Damage in transit: Save the packaging and photograph the exterior, shipping label, damaged items and interior packing materials. We will review the order and available carrier options.
  • Missing or incorrect pieces: List the affected sizes, colours and quantities so we can check packing and production records.
  • Partial-order errors: Where only certain pieces are affected, we normally propose a remedy for those pieces while reviewing any broader rights or commitments.
  • Estimated delivery: Courier tracking and checkout dates are not guaranteed arrival commitments unless PrintBarn has confirmed a specific deadline in writing. Rights that arise from applicable law are preserved.
  • Return shipping: Do not return items without instructions. If PrintBarn confirms an error, we will explain the reasonable shipping arrangement or applicable reimbursement.
For a complete explanation of cancellation, return authorization, timelines and available remedies, please review our Refund & Return Policy.
11How to use your guarantee7-day report and 14-day return initiation

If you believe there is a workmanship issue, please report it within 7 days of delivery. When a return is approved, initiate the return within 14 days of receipt unless PrintBarn provides different instructions. These administrative windows do not limit non-waivable statutory rights.

1
Email contact@printbarn.ca with your order number, clear photos in good light, and a brief description of the concern.
2
Please include photos of the full garment, close-up photos of the issue, the inside care label if available, and washing or drying details if the issue appeared after use.
3
We review the order details, approved proof, production method, garment type, photos, care history, and timeline to determine whether the concern is workmanship-related.
4
We confirm the remedy when applicable: remake, replacement, repair, store credit, partial credit, or refund if a remake is not feasible.
5
Follow return instructions if a return is required. In some cases we may issue a prepaid label and authorization number.

For event-dated orders, reach out before your due date so we can help with production and shipping plans.

Claims submitted without clear photos, order details, care information, or the ability to inspect the item may be delayed or declined if we cannot fairly verify the concern.
12Remedies and review processRepairs, remakes, replacements and refunds

Every concern is reviewed case by case. Our goal is to be fair, practical, and honest while protecting both the customer and the custom production process.

When covered

  • Production error
  • Wrong approved item produced
  • Major placement issue outside tolerance
  • Confirmed cure or adhesion issue
  • Confirmed embroidery stability issue
  • Clear workmanship issue verified by our review

Possible remedies

  • Repair when practical
  • Replacement or remake for the affected item only
  • Partial credit when appropriate
  • Store credit when appropriate
  • Refunds when a remake or replacement is not feasible, when otherwise appropriate, or when required under applicable law
  • No voluntary remedy for ordinary variation within our disclosed tolerances or an issue unrelated to workmanship, subject to applicable consumer rights

Review factors

  • Approved proof
  • Garment type and fabric
  • Decoration method
  • Care instructions followed
  • Photos and return inspection
  • Normal production tolerance
Submitting a claim does not automatically guarantee a refund, remake, or replacement. All concerns must be reviewed first. If the issue is found to be within normal production tolerance, caused by garment care, related to approved order details, or not connected to workmanship, the claim may be declined.
Please do not send items back without prior confirmation. Unauthorized returns may be refused, delayed, or returned to sender.
13Frequently asked questionsQuick answers to common questions
Does the guarantee include shipping delays?

Our guarantee covers a production commitment expressly confirmed in writing by PrintBarn, not general estimates or courier transit times. If a courier problem occurs, we will help review the available options, including shipping-related remedies where appropriate or required by law.

What if the print cracks or peels?

Within a reasonable wear period and when care instructions were followed, we will remake or credit if there is a confirmed issue with cure or adhesion. Claims related to cracking, peeling, fading, or texture changes may not be covered if the garment was exposed to high heat, harsh chemicals, improper drying, or care conditions outside the recommended instructions.

Why do colours look different in person?

Screens display RGB light while inks and threads reflect colour on fabric. Fabric texture, garment colour, thread sheen, lighting, and production method can all affect the final appearance. Up to 10 percent variance is normal and not considered a defect.

Why can two garments react differently in the same wash?

Different garment brands, fabric blends, colours, dye treatments, print methods, and decoration placements may react differently even when washed in the same machine, same water, same dryer, and same cycle. For this reason, identical washing conditions alone do not always confirm a workmanship issue.

Are customer-supplied garments covered?

Our workmanship is reviewed under the guarantee, but the garment itself may not be covered if the issue is caused by fabric sensitivity, manufacturer defects, dye bleeding, shrinkage, previous washing, coatings, stains, or unknown garment conditions outside our control.

Can I return a custom order if I changed my mind?

Custom printed and embroidered products are made specifically for each order. Change of mind, preference changes, customer-selected sizing, or approved design decisions are not covered as return reasons unless there is a confirmed workmanship issue.

Is the online Designer mockup a formal production proof?

No. The online Designer and ordinary mockups are visual guides, not formal production proofs. A formal proof is one PrintBarn specifically prepares and sends for approval. Finished items may vary within disclosed sizing, placement and colour tolerances.

Do I need approval before sending a return?

Yes. Please contact us first and wait for return instructions. Items sent without prior confirmation may be refused, delayed, or returned to sender.

Do small imperfections qualify for a remake?

Not always. Custom apparel is not mass-produced retail packaging. Small placement differences, minor texture variation, slight thread or print differences, and cosmetic details that are not clearly visible during normal wear may fall within normal production tolerance and may not qualify for a remake.

Can I request a full refund if I am not satisfied?

Because custom printed and embroidered products are made specifically for each customer, full refunds are not automatically available for preference changes, approved designs, sizing choices, or normal production variation. If there is a confirmed workmanship issue, we will review the most appropriate remedy fairly.

What happens if only one item in my order has an issue?

If a confirmed workmanship issue affects only one item, the remedy usually applies only to the affected item, not the full order. We may repair, remake, replace, or credit the affected piece depending on the situation.

Can another printer's product be used as proof of a defect?

Another product can be helpful for comparison, but it does not automatically prove a defect. Different printers, garments, fabrics, print methods, curing methods, inks, adhesives, colours, and washing history can all affect how a product looks and wears over time.

Do you cover issues after the product has been used or washed?

We review post-use or post-wash concerns case by case. If care instructions were followed and there is a confirmed workmanship issue, we will help fairly. However, damage caused by high heat, harsh detergents, abrasion, heavy use, repeated washing, or improper care may not be covered.

Can I reject the full order because of one affected item?

Usually no. If an issue is confirmed on one item, the review and remedy normally apply to the affected item only. The rest of the order remains valid if it was produced correctly and matches the approved details.

What is the decoration size and placement tolerance?

For embroidery, DTF and screen printing, both decoration size and placement may vary by up to ±1 inch. We review any specific written measurements confirmed by PrintBarn, along with the order record and applicable consumer rights.

Does the 7-day issue-report window cancel my legal rights?

No. Seven days is our standard time to report an issue promptly, and approved returns should normally be initiated within 14 days of receipt. Neither window cancels non-waivable legal rights.

What if a shipping parcel arrives damaged or a few items are missing?

Photograph the outer carton, contents, labels and affected items and contact us promptly with your order number. We will check the fulfilment record and help resolve verified shortages or damage. Remedies generally address the affected goods, subject to applicable law.

14Contact and return addressOur team and return location

If you need help with a workmanship concern, return instruction, remake review, or order-related question, please contact us before sending any item back. This helps us review your case properly and confirm the correct next step.

Contact information

Return address

PrintBarn.ca
Unit 16, 877 Alness Street
Toronto, ON M3J 2X4
Canada

Please include your order number, clear photos, and a short description of the issue when contacting us. Returned items should not be sent without prior confirmation or return instructions from our team.

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