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Shop Operations & Pricing
Industry Terminology • Shop Operations & Pricing

What is Turnaround Time?

Technical definition, shop floor implications, and pricing strategies for commercial apparel decorators.

Quick Definition

The total number of business days required from final artwork proof approval and payment receipt to finished order shipment or customer pickup.

Deep Dive & Practical Application

Standard commercial decorator turnaround time typically ranges from 7 to 10 business days. Turnaround countdown clock does NOT begin when the customer requests a quote; it begins only when three criteria are met: (1) Approved digital artwork mockup, (2) Signed quote/invoice payment, and (3) Physical receipt of all blank inventory at the shop receiving dock.

Rush fees (+25% for 5-day, +50% for 3-day, +100% for 24-hour rush) are applied when jobs must bypass the scheduled production queue.

Shop Floor & Profitability Impact

Clear turnaround policies and automated proof approval portals prevent miscommunications and eliminate unauthorized expedited rush demands.

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