Promotional wear supplier for promo distributors, agencies and corporate buyers: planning, decoration and white label
Promotional wear is a deadline business: an event, a launch or a trade show date does not move. Here is how distributors and agencies plan factory-direct promo apparel so it arrives on time and on budget.
Published 27 October 2026 · Blackthorn World
In short
Factory-direct promotional wear works for distributors and agencies when three things are planned: a deadline-led timeline (8–10 weeks from artwork to delivery), a decoration method chosen by budget and quantity, and white-label packaging for resale. Blackthorn World makes logo tees from about $6, polos from $5.50, hoodies from $11 and drawstring bags from $1.50 FOB, from 50 pieces per style.
Work back from the event date
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Artwork, sizes and quantities confirmed | Week 0 |
| Sample or digital mock-up approved | Weeks 1–2 |
| Bulk production | Weeks 3–5 |
| Air freight and customs | Weeks 6–7 |
| Buffer before the event | Weeks 8–10 |
For a repeat item with approved artwork, the sample step can be skipped and time shortened. Sea freight is cheaper for large corporate programmes that are not tied to one date.
Choose decoration by budget and quantity
- Screen print — the cheapest per piece on solid colours and larger runs.
- Embroidery — the most premium look for polos, caps and jackets; best for small logos.
- DTF and heat transfer — full-colour logos on small runs without screens.
- Sublimation — all-over designs on polyester, ideal for event and sports promo (see sublimation vs screen print vs embroidery).
What resellers need from a supplier
- White label — your or your client's neck labels and packaging, no Blackthorn branding.
- Mixed items in one order — tees, polos, hoodies, caps and promotional bags shipped together.
- Consistent blanks — the same garment for repeat orders, so a client's second order matches the first (see blank T-shirts, blank polos, blank hoodies).
- Mock-ups — artwork mock-ups to show the end client before production.
Prices and minimums
Logo tees start at about $6, polos at $5.50, hoodies at $11 and drawstring bags at $1.50 FOB, from 50 pieces per style. See our promotional apparel price guide and tees, polos and joggers.
FAQ
How far ahead should promotional wear be ordered?
Allow 8–10 weeks from artwork to delivery by air; repeat items can be faster.
Which decoration is cheapest?
Screen print on larger runs; DTF or heat transfer for small full-colour runs; embroidery for premium polos and caps.
Can you supply white label for resellers?
Yes, with your or your client's labels and packaging.
What is the MOQ for promotional clothing?
50 pieces per style.
How much do promotional polos cost?
From about $5.50 per polo FOB; tees from about $6 and hoodies from about $11.