Custom jersey questions

[SadieKate]

Under the influence of the bubbly stuff and endorphins, there was a unanimous vote by all present for Amici Veloci team jerseys. We didn't go any further with who was going to head-up this effort but I thought I'd at least start a thread trying to collect info.

It's easy to locate vendors who will do custom jerseys but I'd like to gather everyone's collective knowledge about how to actually make the project happen on a reasonable budget from a consumer's point of view.

What questions should we ask the vendor? Does anyone have direct experience? Pros and cons about a vendor? In what format was your artwork? What price range should we expect if we want to have full color jerseys? Potentional hidden costs?

I haven't been terribly impressed with the less expensive semi-custom jersey designs but maybe someone knows something I don't.

Jo, did I hear you have some experience? Anyone?

[Bike Goddess]

Sadie dear- Voler makes custom jerseys as you may know. If you give them a sketch of what you want, they will do the artwork for you. From my experience with the BBC (my local club) the minimum order is 25 pieces. I believe the price for a jersey is about $75.00.

Depending on what time of the year and how busy they are, I would say it takes a couple of months at least from when they actually get an order from you to the delivery time. We have a meeting tomorrow night so I can ask more detailed questions then. Once they have a design, then you can order other kinds of merch- jackets, vests, long sleeved jerseys, etc.

I'm happy with all of my Voler jerseys. They hold up well and they are very comfy! Hope this helps! :) :)

[SadieKate]

Anything helps, Nancy. Did Voler charge extra for the artwork? And, was this a fully custom jersey or one of their semi-custom designs? Thanks.

[snapdragen]

Voler is one place, there's some others - I'll have to check my computer when I get home.

I also found a place where you can get t-shirts made.

[SadieKate]

Someone at the Cascade Bicycle Club is keeping a nice list of vendors.

http://www.cascade.org/Community/Team_Jerseys.cfm

[jobob]

LBTC had chimed in about Jos at one point

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=20708#post20708

[LBTC]

thanks, jobob. I sure did! Jos did an amazing job on our barking spider jerseys. it's the yellow one right there on the home page

http://www.jos.ca/

the mens say woof! racing up each side, the ladies ones say spider babe. yes. I am the original spider babe. :D

Ron really knows what he's doing and he's such an amazing cyclist with such a great history that I just love the idea of supporting his business, too. :o

good luck, and keep us informed about the progress on custom jerseys. I'd likely want one myself....

thanks!
~T~

[spazzdog]

LBTC... love the Barking Spider jersey.

I collect fun & unusual jerseys. Your group wouldn't happen to have a mens small you'd like to sell would you? Gotta have the "woof" thing since I am a dog :D

spazz

[spazzdog]

I have this little listing from playing with the idea of designing jerseys:

http://www.customsublimation.com/index.html

http://www.aussieapparel.com/Aussie%20design%20catalog.htm

http://www.voler.com/

http://www.bikeatac.com/2005/semi-custom-jerseys.html

http://www.hiddenbaysports.com/

http://www.hincapiesports.com/sportswear/index1.html

That oughta get ya started! :eek:

spazz-o-encyclopeadia

[LBTC]

LBTC... love the Barking Spider jersey.

I collect fun & unusual jerseys. Your group wouldn't happen to have a mens small you'd like to sell would you? Gotta have the "woof" thing since I am a dog :D

spazz

Thank you, spazz. I was a part of the "design team" - it was a group effort of the guys who own the shop, DH, me, and then DH's sign making sister finished the ideas off....

and, yes, I think there probably is a men's small availabe! :D I'll check with Scott at the shop, but do feel free to look at their website and send an email to order, if you like! :)

http://www.barkingspidermountainbike.com

tell him the Little B***h That Could sent ya ;)

Namaste,
~T~

[SadieKate]

thanks, jobob. I sure did! Jos did an amazing job on our barking spider jerseys. it's the yellow one right there on the home page

http://www.jos.ca/


Wow! I got a call back from a web inquiry in about 5 mins! Most impressive!

Unfortunately, they don't do set-in sleeves and since everyone has heard me complaining about the fit of raglan, well . . . . :o

[SadieKate]

OK, I suppose I should be getting a head count as this will help us figure out what vendor to use. I've got some time in my life right now to do some research so I might as well take advantage.

If we go with Voler, "like items" such as short sleeve and sleeveless jerseys as well as vests (both wind and thermal) will count toward a 25 unit minimum. Skinsuits will even count! Who wants one of those?

[CorsairMac]

OK, I suppose I should be getting a head count as this will help us figure out what vendor to use. I've got some time in my life right now to do some research so I might as well take advantage.

If we go with Voler, "like items" such as short sleeve and sleeveless jerseys as well as vests (both wind and thermal) will count toward a 25 unit minimum. Skinsuits will even count! Who wants one of those?


ooooooo mememememmememememme (NOT) but I Would love an AV jersey!......and I would wear it with honour!! SS and sleeveless would take care of me ma'am if that's what you're wanting to know. I would even pay in advance if that makes it easier!

[SadieKate]

ooooooo mememememmememememme (NOT) but I Would love an AV jersey!......and I would wear it with honour!! SS and sleeveless would take care of me ma'am if that's what you're wanting to know. I would even pay in advance if that makes it easier!Sure thing. Does this mean 1 each shortsleeve and sleeveless (2 total)? Women's or men's version?

[Bike Goddess]

Sadie K- I'll be at my bike club meeting tonight and find out about the artwork. I'm sure you've seen our jersey, it stands out because the artwork is quite simple which I like.

Chico Wildflower and Wine Country jerseys are beautiful, but not as simple and a little harder to read as you pass by (my opinion). I love them, however, and wear them a lot! :)

[spazzdog]

With that cool Team Amici Veloci tat design on it... you bet!!

Are they race or club cut?

Either way, 1 mens small sleeve-impaired for meeeeeeeee! :cool:

spazz

[SadieKate]

Are they race or club cut?I have no idea until we pick a vendor. Just trying to get a sense of volume. Maybe if we can drum up business we can get up to the next quantity? Ah, just a dream . . .


Either way, 1 mens small sleeve-impaired for meeeeeeeee! :cool: For the literal-minded me, can you confirm if that means sleeveless? I have to ask DH to explain jokes to me sometimes. I can play the straightman for any comedy routine. :o

[Adventure Girl]

OK, I suppose I should be getting a head count as this will help us figure out what vendor to use.Please count my head! :p
I usually don't wear jerseys with "stuff" on them. I like very plain, simple stuff (I have rather austere taste). But I do want a Team Amici Veloci Jersey! Any chance we can get them with raglan sleeves? :D

[Veronica]

I'd like one too, but no elastic on the bottom. Although I suppose I could ship it off to Penny and have her take it out and make it all pretty. :)

V.

[aka_kim]

One for me too.

[SadieKate]

. . but no elastic on the bottom.Not a problem!

Tell you what, AG, you can send it to Penny and have her put in some raglan seams! ;) And, me too, on the simple. I only have a few special jerseys with "stuff" on them.

[SadieKate]

Unless you specify otherwise, I'm putting you down initially for 1 shortsleeve of your gender. We can get detailed and put it in concrete later - like whether you really meant sleeveless.

Do any spousal units want a jersey?

[CorsairMac]

Sure thing. Does this mean 1 each shortsleeve and sleeveless (2 total)? Women's or men's version?


ahhhh sadiekate ma'am...thats why I loves ya!! I would Much rather have a mens jersey and yes - 1 short-sleeved, 1 sleeveless IF you're going that route.

[Bike Goddess]

Sadie Kate- Here's the official word from our club person who deals directly with Voler. Artwork is FREE!!!! :D

When the Benicia club wanted a club shirt, we only had a concept, not an acatual design. Voler took the ideas and made a design which then they emailed pictures back and forth until the design was approved.

So, could probably give them ideas of what we would want on a shirt and let them do the rest! Since they do this all the time, they would probably figure out something very cool! :cool: :cool:

Ed, club member, said the way to go is to just go on their site on the internet and go from there. He also said that prices are for different GROUPS-I believe that is also explained. From what you said before it looked like you had figured that out already. (Smart person that you are! :p )

He also said that if we could get an order for 50 shirts the price goes down quite a bit. That might be hard to do, depends on how many people actually come up with the $$, etc.

One other detail- we'll have to figure out how to pay one person in the group who will then do the ordering. I suspect you've thought of this also! :D

Count me in for something, that's for sure! :D

[SadieKate]

Thanks, Nancy, for all the info! I have you down for one jersey for now.

[jobob]

Put me down for 1 women's short-sleeve and, if it's an option, 1 women's sleeveless.

[spazzdog]

Sadie... yes, 1 sleeve-impaired means 1 sleeveless. Men's small please.

sorry 'bout that :o

spazz

[Veronica]

Jo, you gotta change your tagline. You ain't got flabby thighs honey. :D

V.

[snapdragen]

Count me in too! Men's size M probably - even when I'm at my fightin' weight, I've got no waist.... :rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

Got it alll down on my handy-dandy spreadsheet. Not worrying too much about size at this point. I need numbers, styles and gender choice so I can look for vendors that will let us mix and match.

Bubba really wants arm warmers but they are not in the "like item" category with the jerseys. I'll have to do a little more research on these.

I hope you all don't mind me taking the bull by the horns here. I've got the time to do the research and the access to the graphic design team down the street. I told them we'd put their logo on the jersey since they've donated some time to us. We'll be an officially-sponsored bike team. :p They liked our name so much they've already added us to their list of clients on their website (www.twintheory.com)

If anyone has any real concerns like no elastic and set-in sleeves :D , let me know. My first goal is to narrow down the bewildering choices in vendors and we'll re-group.

[CorsairMac]

wow...........just think - to be part of an officially sponsered team at my age and novice status! :D I have no concerns Sadie - I think what you're doing is awesome and I'm just sitting at your feet in humility and respect!

Corsair "I can't even do my tattoo right" Mac

[Bike Goddess]

SK- Interesting that you bring this up re putting someones name on our very own jersey.

We had a similar discussion at our club meeting last night and my opinion is NO, NO, NOOOOOOOOOO!

We get bombarded by advertising everywhere we go and the last thing I want to do is advertise anyone on my jersey. If you all decide to go that way I will reconsider my options, no kidding!!!!

To me, this jersey is far too special. Please, let's keep it that way!

[SadieKate]

Nancy, I understand your concerns, but these two women have given their time for free to vector the logo and help with the creative process, and will probably give us more time at a reduced cost. I will be sure the logo is small and tasteful.

Go check out their website at www.twintheory.com.

[SadieKate]

Voler has the best website with the most information both in detail and logical format. They also seem to have the most flexibility with mix and match options. Geez, my mind is spinning!

Just called them and spoke with a VERY nice rep who gave me lots of info. The one negative is the elastic in the bottom hem. However, before you panic! They have sales reps here in Sacatomato who will let me have a fit session before we commit. Generally, they won't send out a fit kit until you commit but because we're all local I'm getting a little extra service.

1st production/ship date available is the week of Aug 22nd if we sign up now.

[Veronica]

I think we owe it to the folks at twintheory to have a tasteful logo on the jersey. They donated their time to help with the design. It seems only right.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

SK- Since you are a model for me anyway, you can be a shirt model too! :p :p :p

[aka_kim]

I love my Voler jerseys. The fabric is the best of any I own -- breathes and wicks well, feels silky. I always get a women's medium, and my only small complaints are the elastic hem, which on me always bunches around my waist, and a very long zipper, which, uh, sticks out from the bunched waist. I also think the quality of the Volers exceeds other brands, like Primal and Shebeest (who don't have custom jerseys, but just fyi).

[SadieKate]

Aargh, the dreaded elastic hem! If it bunches up on you what about us softbodies?

I'll go visit with the Voler reps and then do some more research. Anyone used www.pyroapparel.com? They have a choice of hem but don't talk about sleeves. www.hiddenbay.com has both but their extra fees could make it expensive.

[CorsairMac]

The elastic hem doesn't bother me - mine bunch too (cept for my primal wear jerseys) but I just look at it as way to change my arms - gives me a chance to sit up and pull the jersey back down. I've never worn anything else but that doesn't mean I wouldn't try!

[spazzdog]

I love the elastic... without it the jersey would ride right up over my barely existant boobies. :eek:

[SadieKate]

Well then, Spazz, you will be happy to know that there is elastic aplenty. :D Now before you elastic-spastics (me included) start to hyperventilate, I had a lovely visit with the Voler reps and they said that if we can wait until the 1st week of Oct for delivery (we'd only get the last week of Aug at the earliest anyway) we can be the first customers for their new women's club cut jersey. Not only that, but October is the big promotional month so we'd get 10% off and yours truly might be the model for the prototype.

Voler would let us individually choose jerseys in club cut or race cut in either men's or women's with either short sleeve or sleeve-impaired. Unisex windvests and thermal vests are in this same category so we get even more choices. I think we can all find something that would fit by going to Voler. Nobody else has this flexibility at low volume.

The fabric - Kim was right. Tres luxurious! It's this nice lightweight waffleweave similar to Castelli's Squadra. I am even equipped with a color sample pack so you can snuggle right up next to it.

The word came down today about the new women's club cut so we have perfect timing (as Jo would say, "But, of course." :p ). I asked John and Linda (the reps) if they had any further news to give me a call before Sunday so we can talk more 'round the table.

So, give me your thoughts, your feelings, your concerns. Can you wait until October? We could plan a special autumnal event and photo op.

SK

PS - The reps LOVED our team name and logo! (But, of course!)

[Bike Goddess]

Well, as I said before, I LOVE VOLER! :D :D :D :D

AND I love that you might be the MODEL! Is that the best or what! Our own TE Sadie Kate a star (we always knew that didn't we! :p :p :p )

[LBTC]

I'm almost surely in for one (price is somewhat of a determining factor...as well as the general potential instability of the job....) I'm usually a women's medium, although I needed a small in the barking spider jersey. would want to see more detail on the club cut vs. race cut for ladies....I'm pretty small, so I'd probably go race.... but it's worth it to look. not sure if I'd try a sleeveless for a change, too. :)

thanks for taking care of the details, sadiekate! it's a lot to look after!

three cheers for SK!!

namaste,
~T~

[CorsairMac]

*hums tune: if it takes forever, I will wait for you, for a thousand moments, I will wait for you* Aug, Oct, whatevah - ain't no matter to me hun! (my dad keeps telling me I'm too easy-going! ;) )

[spazzdog]

SadieKate...

On the advert. I was thinkin' and thought I'd share (in case you haven't made a decision yet.

The center of the back center pocket would be a nice place for the designer grrls advert logo... that way it doesn't have to be moved around based on jersey cut.

my 2 cents

spazz

[SadieKate]

Thanks, everyone, for the songs, suggestions, encouragement. Keep it coming! :)

Now if you'd please do a dance to appease the weather gods. This is seriously starting to worry us Diablo Divas. Besides, whoever heard of rain in California in May, for goodness sake?