Selection

Choose from our catalog or ask us to find a few choices to fit your needs and budget. Our sales representatives will be happy to assist you in any way they can.

Estimates

We will provide you with an estimate following your selection. Price estimates are mostly determined by quantity of the order and the stitch count of your design. If available, include your design with your estimate request. If no artwork is included we will base production costs on an average 6000 stitch logo. The estimate is a close approximation of your costs. An exact estimate cannot be determined until after your file is digitized for embroidery.  A sales representative will contact you personally with your estimate. Our sales representatives are always available to answer your questions and help with any special needs.

Artwork

If you do not have an embroidery file you will need to send us artwork of your logo or design. We can accept any common file format such as .jpg, .eps, or .gif. We can also work from faxes of letterhead, line art or hand drawn sketches. Faxes must have PMS color indications noted. Embroidery formats such as .dst, dsb, etc. are gladly accepted.

Digitizing

The digitizing process will turn your line art into a three dimensional design.  The process is critical to a quality product. We will digitize your artwork for the specific fabric it is to be applied to. If you already own a file, we may have to revise it or re-digitize it to meet the needs of your application.

We will convert your artwork into a digitized embroidery file or “tape.” (The term “tape” refers to a time when embroidery was programmed using a ticker tape type process). Today a professional artist digitizes “tapes,” or files on a computer. These files are very different from digital image files common to desktop publishing. A digitized embroidery file plots the placement of each needle hole and stitch.

Special Order Threads

We will order thread to match your PMS colors if you require. Threads are not available in every color but we can nearly match any color.

Placement

You will need to choose where you would like your logo placed on the garment. Due to the complexity of many of the products we sell, it is not always possible to provide you with your first choice. We will work closely with you to choose a secondary placement option should garment construction require it. Proofing of placement is quick and easy with photos sent via email. We provide two placement photos options for you to choose from at no additional charge.

Sew out

Each design and fabric requires a different "recipe" to achieve the desired result. Our Embroidery Specialist chooses the right backings, toppings, needle type and size, machine speed and hoop size. Often it will require a few sample runs on a fabric swatch to adjust these variables correctly. Every project is different, so we make the extra effort to make any necessary adjustments prior to production to give you the finest image possible.

Samples and Mock-ups

You will receive a sew-out of your design for approval. If you would like your sew out e-mailed to you, we will include a photo mock up of your logo and placement. Physical samples take longer to process due to shipping times, however we are more than happy to sew a sample garment for you after your sew out has been approved.

Production

We will put your items into production only after you have approved the design and placement

We do not embroider through a garment lining. CIO will open the lining of your garment in an inconspicuous place prior to embroidery and sealing. Once the embroidery and sealing is completed, the garment will be re-sewn to our “factory finish” standard.  This process is what sets us apart from our competition. Currently the industry standard for embroidery does not consider the garment’s function or technical specifications. Standard embroidery of a three-inch logo will add up to 10,000 holes in a new waterproof jacket. Unfortunately, most high-tech garments that have been embroidered in America are sold to the customer without the proper sealing process. Consequently, embroidery acts as a wick, pulling water into your "waterproof" jacket. This wicking is intensified when the lining is also embroidered. Most embroidery houses will tell you that there is no other way to embroider the garment without punching these holes through the layers of high-tech fabric, but fortunately Corporate Image Outfitters has the technology and certification to professionally open and close the lining, seam-seal the embroidered area and protect the integrity of the waterproof fabric.

CIO is the only Gore® Certified Embroidery facility in the United States. We have the equipment and expertise to properly seam seal any waterproof/breathable outerwear. Not only will you stay dry in your new garment, the manufacturer warranty will stay intact. No one else in the country can offer you this service.

In addition to embroidery, our sealing services are applicable to many other situations including patches, ski patrol crosses, PSIA, NSA, and EMS emblems. If you have a special project, just ask us.

Turnaround

Once Corporate Image Outfitters receives all information necessary to begin production of your order- including the digitized logo, correct thread color, and other requirements of production - we schedule up to three weeks to complete  the order.  Rush orders can be arranged to meet your special needs.

Payment options

We accept credit cards and checks. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of approval of the sample garment. Your order will be scheduled for production upon receipt of the deposit.  Final payment is due at the completion of the project. Your order will be shipped upon receipt of the final payment. Other payment terms are available upon request.

Shipping

CIO prefers to use FedEx shipping options. FedEx or FedEx Ground , depending on the your needs, will deliver your order.  Freight shipments can be arranged to meet your requirements for large orders.

Embroidery Appreciation

Individuality in each finished product is an inextricable and celebrated part of embroidery. Embroidery by nature pushes and pulls the fabric it is woven through. Variations in the embroidery machine, thread, and fabric peculiarities ensure that each and every time a design is stitched, it is unique.

Satisfaction Guarantee

If we make an error that results in an inferior product, we will replace it. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.