Master specifications
Final art size, placement reference, inks, screens, garment style, and print order create the repeatable recipe.
All services
Trade screen printing in Chicago
Your standards. Our production floor.
Contract printing is production on behalf of another business. We protect the relationship with accurate intake, repeatable specs, accountable communication, and quality control that lets you stay focused on your client.
CAOS CREATES / CHICAGO Trade-focused production Client-supplied goods accepted Repeatable job specifications
Built for production partners
Capacity is useful only when the result is dependable.
Contract work removes the retail discovery layer and starts with a defined production package: purchase order, garment counts, art, separations, ink references, locations, deadlines, finishing, and packing instructions. The clearer the handoff, the easier it is to repeat the job without interpretation drift.
We count incoming goods, preflight the production files, flag conflicts before setup, and document approved specifications. That discipline helps agencies, decorators, labels, and resellers add capacity while keeping control of the customer experience.
ACTUAL CAOS WORKFrom our shop
Detail you can actually see.
Fine lines, multiple colors, and garment texture all change how a print needs to be approached. We review those relationships before production begins.
View the production piece Make Something Like ThisInside the work
A clean handoff from purchase order to packed job.
- 01
Production intake
We review the PO, garment matrix, art, color callouts, placements, packing instructions, and in-hands date as one job packet.
- 02
Goods count
Client-supplied garments are counted by style, color, and size; discrepancies or visible issues are reported before production.
- 03
Technical preflight
Separations, dimensions, line weight, underbase, mesh needs, and garment compatibility are checked against the order.
- 04
Approval standard
A digital proof, strike-off, or agreed reference defines placement, ink color, and print character before the run.
- 05
Scheduled production
Screens, inks, press sequence, curing, and operators are planned around the actual job requirements.
- 06
QC and reconciliation
Finished pieces are inspected, final quantities are reconciled, and the job is packed to the approved instructions.
Expert production choices
Repeatability lives in the job details.
A contract printer should not guess what the reseller promised. These controls make expectations measurable.
Supplied-goods policy
Counts, defects, substitutions, extra pieces, and spoilage allowance should be agreed before the first shirt is loaded.
Color standard
Pantone references and approved samples are stronger controls than monitor colors or compressed mockups.
Tolerance
Apparel construction varies, so placement and color expectations need practical production tolerances rather than assumed perfection.
Change control
Revised art, garment swaps, quantity changes, and rush requests are documented so production always follows the current approval.
Packing logic
Size order, bundles, box labels, inserts, folding, and destination affect labor and must be included in the production brief.
Contract job packet
Send one source of truth.
A complete, versioned production package protects both shops and keeps the press from running on assumptions.
- Purchase order with style, color, size, and quantity breakdown.
- Final art and separations at production size.
- Pantone Solid Coated ink references and underbase instructions.
- Placement diagram with measurable references.
- Required in-hands date, ship method, and destination.
- Packing, labeling, finishing, and approval requirements.
Where it shines
Contract printing is the right move when...
- Your shop needs overflow capacity.
- An agency needs a production partner behind the scenes.
- A brand supplies garments and production-ready art.
- A reseller needs consistent repeat runs.
- The job requires documented QC and reconciliation.
- You want to expand output without adding equipment or labor.
Before production
Questions, answered by printers.
Every design, garment, and deadline changes the best production route. We'll review the details before we quote.
What is contract screen printing?
It is trade production performed for another shop, reseller, agency, or brand rather than a typical retail order. The contracting business manages its client while the printer executes the approved production specifications.
Can we supply the garments?
Yes. Send a complete packing list and separate goods by style, color, and size. We count incoming pieces and flag discrepancies before production.
Do you need production-ready separations?
They are preferred for a true contract handoff. We can discuss prepress support when files need cleanup or separation, but it should be scoped before scheduling.
How are misprints handled?
Apparel production carries a normal risk of spoilage. The allowed percentage, replacement responsibility, supplied extras, and treatment of defective garments should be agreed in writing before the run.
Can you repeat an earlier job?
Yes, provided the same garment and materials remain available. Saved specifications improve repeatability, but garment dye lots and substrates can still introduce variation.
What makes a quote accurate?
Exact garment counts, art size, number of colors and locations, supplied-goods status, finishing, packing, deadline, and delivery details are all needed.
Built for your project
Let's make the right piece.
Send the artwork, quantity, garment type, print locations, and deadline. We'll recommend the production plan.
Start your project DESIGN / MAKE / DELIVER