Frequently asked questions
Ordering
How do I get a quote or place an order?
Once registered to the Live Ink site, you will have full access to products and printing services. From within our site, you can either get a quote or order directly.
If your order is a bit more complexed or you would like some advice then you can always get in touch with your design and idea of order quantity on either hello@live.ink or 0117 9556117 and we’ll give you a quote asap.
Artwork
What artwork formats do you accept?
Before we start printing, we need your artwork in a print ready format.
Screen Printing:
For screen printing artwork should be vector files or minimum 300 dpi (ideally 600dpi)
- Acceptable files: PSD, AI, JPG, EPS, PNG or PDF
- Must be saved to at least 100% of intended print size
- Text layers must be flattened (‘create outlines’ for vector) or fonts provided with your artwork
- Maximum print size 37cm x 47cm
DTG Printing:
- Artwork resolution: 300 dpi at correct print size
- File extension: PNG with transparent background
- Max standard print: 40 × 45 cm
If you’re not sure or unable to supply any of these artwork files, please email whatever you have and we can recommend any changes if necessary.
If artwork is needs redrawing or has simple changes, we charge a flat fee of £30 + VAT
Do you provide visual proof?
By using our designer tool and uploading your artwork you can create a mock up. This will then be saved on your account so any reordering is made simple.
Please note that the size that artwork is displayed on a mockup is approximate as the ratio of artwork to t-shirt size will change across different t-shirt sizes. Your proof will state the size that artwork will be printed for you to confirm.
Once production has started any changes required will incur additional charges so please check your proof carefully before confirming.
Do you offer an artwork service?
If you need your artwork converting into a print ready format we can help with this. Just email the files you have so we can check what is required.
Most of the time converting artwork formats is free of charge however if it’s a complex design, there may be an artwork charge for cleaning up artwork or separating muticolour jobs.
We do not currently offer a full custom design service.
Copyright
When supplying artwork to Live Ink the customer accepts sole responsibility for copyright and the reproduction of images. It is deemed you are the owner & have permission to print artwork files supplied.
Screen printing
How much do your screens cost and why do I need them?
All our screen printing prices include screen set up.
A screen is required for each design/colour in the print as it has your artwork burnt into it and sits between the ink and the t-shirt to allow the design to transfer onto to the garment. We use aluminium framed screens with high tensile mesh to ensure durability and long lasting definition on your prints.
Can you screen print using plastisol inks, not water based?
We print using a specific range of water based textile inks that have very high eco certifications and industry leading print quality. The resulting prints are softer on the garment, vibrant, far less harmful to the environment and just as durable as traditional plastisol so we would recommend ordering a sample printed t-shirt if you have any concerns about waterbased prints.
What’s your maximum standard print area?
Our standard maximum screen-printing size is 37 × 47 cm. Please email if you require a larger print than this.
Can I change the colour of the print on some t-shirts?
Yes, as long as the design remains the same, we can change the print colour(s). There is an additional colour change fee of £5.00 per colour if the order is less than 100 garments.
Can you PANTONE match ink colours?
Yes, we can match PANTONE colours for screen printing. Please use numerical colour references from the Solid Coated range.
Garments
What garments can I pick from?
We offer a huge range of garments from T-Shirts, Hoodies, Sweatshirts including organic items just check out our garment pages. We also made things easy by listing items that we recommend in our LIVE products.
Can I have a mixture of garment colours and sizes?
Yes, you can mix the garment sizes and colours in your order at no extra cost.
Can I supply my own products?
We do not currently accept customer supplied garments for printing.
Invoice payment
Payment Terms
Most orders can be paid for once you have uploaded your artwork and filled in all your order details. If an order is more complex than an invoice will be sent across and unless otherwise agreed all invoices must be paid in full before production will start. Payment can be made by BACS, Bank Transfer or card payment.
Is Live Ink VAT Registered?
Yes 20% VAT is included in the final invoice.
VAT Number: 165 9334 82
Do I have to pay VAT if I place my order from overseas?
If the T-Shirts have a UK delivery address then VAT is still applicable, if the delivery address is outside the UK then VAT will not be included
Issue with your Order?
In the unlikely event that you are not happy with your order please note any issues must be raised within 7 working days of delivery so they can be rectified.
Production
Production will only start once full payment of your invoice has been made. If we have any queries at all relating to your order details we will contact you to clarify them.
On Demand Printing estimated turnaround is 3 - 5 working days
Bulk / Screen Printing orders estimated turnaround 7 - 10 working days from invoice payment, artwork approval and mock up sign off. We also offer an express service if required, additional charges apply.
Once your order has been dispatched, we’ll email you a dispatch notification.
Can I change my order once it’s on production?
If you would like to make significate changes to the order once it has been approved, then there will be a £20 + VAT admin fee plus any additional production costs involved.
If garment changes are made then restocking costs will be incurred.
Best to make sure all details are final before approving the order so additional charges aren’t incurred.
Delivery
What are your delivery costs?
Delivery is free on orders over £100 + VAT, otherwise it is £10.00 + VAT for 100 T-Shirts, shipped with DPD/UPS for next day delivery. If your order is for more than 1 large box the delivery costs maybe higher but we’ll confirm this with you in advance.
Can I collect from your Bristol Shop?
Yes you can collect your order from us between 9am–5pm Monday – Friday.
Which courier company do you use?
We use DPD/UPS next day delivery service, we’ll send you a dispatch notification when your items have been sent so you can track your order. Although we send all our deliveries with a national courier, we can only be responsible for your order until it is in the couriers’ hands, therefore we cannot be held liable for late deliveries by the couriers.
Do you deliver outside of the UK?
Yes we can deliver to mainland Europe but delivery costs will be higher and turnaround times can be longer. Please contact us if you wish to get your items sent to an address outside of the UK and we can provide full details for the cost and delivery timescales.
Washing instructions
Washing Direct To Garment prints
Any garment with DTG printing on should be washed inside out and at 30 degrees or less. Line Dry Only. Tumble drying is not recommended for any printed garment as the tumble-drying action of agitation and heat can shorten the life of your prints considerably.
Washing Screen Printing Garments
Although Screen Printing can provide a more durable finish, we recommend that you wash the garments inside out at no higher than a 40-degree wash.
Please note that garments provided by Live Ink for printing will have wash instructions on their labels – these are manufacturers guidelines and we recommend fully that you stick to them.
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please contact us and we will be happy to help.