Why a sample strike-off saves time and rework
A sample strike-off is a real pre-production print on the actual garment or a near match, done before the full batch goes through the press. It is the simplest way to test whether your logo, artwork or lettering sits where it should and reads clearly from a normal viewing distance. For schools, clubs, surf shops and event organisers in Jeffreys Bay and the wider Kouga area, that check can prevent a costly reprint when a collar, seam, pocket or print area changes the way artwork looks.
We recommend a strike-off whenever the order has fine text, more than one colour, an oversized back print, special placement, or a new garment type. It is also useful if you are ordering for a coastal team or staff wear where the cloth, colour and finish need to match what people expect in daily use. On darker garments, light colours and fine lines can behave differently, so the sample shows you that upfront.
- Confirms print size and position
- Checks readability of small text and line work
- Shows how colour behaves on the chosen fabric
- Helps approve the final layout before the full run
- Reduces waste on larger orders
What is checked on a strike-off
Every sample is set up to answer practical questions. Is the print centred? Is it too high or too low? Does the sleeve print fit the available space? Does the ink hold clean edges on a textured hoodie fleece or a soft T-shirt knit? We check all of this before you commit to production. If the garment has a tricky seam, zip, hood seam or neck area, the sample shows how to adjust placement so the final run looks tidy.
We also look at ink coverage, registration between colours and whether the artwork needs slight correction. In some cases the artwork may need to be simplified for better print results, especially for small caps or neck label prints. That is not about changing your design for the sake of it, it is about making sure the finished piece wears well and prints consistently across the batch.
- Artwork position and scale
- Print clarity on the chosen fabric weight
- Colour match against supplied references or approved artwork
- Heat, wash and wear suitability for the intended use
- Consistency for repeat orders later on
How the sample process works at our JBay base
Once you send through the enquiry form, our team reviews the brief, garment type and print areas. Leandi handles the quote stage, while Ridwaan checks the artwork setup and Thobeka prepares the press side of the job. If the artwork is ready, we move to sample preparation without delay. If it needs adjustment, we sort the line weight, sizing or colour separation first so the sample is worth approving.
The sample is produced at our Jeffreys Bay industrial area base, with production managed by Anele and finishing handled by Jason. Megan keeps the client informed through the process, which helps when you need to approve items for a school event, a club run or a retail launch. If there is a correction after the sample, we can update the artwork and run another strike-off before full production starts.
- Send your garment details and artwork through the enquiry form
- We review size, placement and print method
- Artwork is prepared or adjusted if needed
- A sample strike-off is produced for approval
- Approved samples move into the full production run
Turnaround for samples and approval timing
Sample timing depends on artwork readiness, garment availability and the print complexity. Simple one-colour samples can often be turned around faster than multi-colour work or oversized prints. If the order is urgent, tell us early so we can plan the press schedule around it. Coastal weather, load-shedding and courier timing can all affect the flow of work, so a bit of lead time helps keep things moving smoothly.
For planned school orders and club wear, we suggest allowing enough time for the sample review before the final production date. That gives your team time to sign off on the layout and size without rushing. If the job is for a launch, tournament or event in Gqeberha, St Francis Bay or Humansdorp, a sample can be the difference between a calm handover and last-minute changes.
- Simple samples: often same day to short lead time, depending on queue
- Multi-colour or large format samples: allow extra setup time
- Approval turnaround improves when artwork is final before submission
- Repeat order samples can be quicker because the setup is familiar
Pricing for strike-offs and how we quote
Sample strike-off pricing is based on the print area, number of colours, garment type and whether the sample is being done on the exact final garment or a comparable piece. A one-colour chest sample is usually simpler than a full back print on thick fleece, and neck label work has its own setup needs because the print space is small. We quote clearly so you know what is included before anything is started.
In many cases the sample cost can be carried into the full order if the job goes ahead, depending on the setup and the final quantity. That is helpful for schools, clubs and local brands that need to control spend carefully. We aim to keep the pricing practical and fair, especially on repeat supply where the artwork and sizing are already approved. No hidden extras, just a proper sample and a clear next step.
- Quote depends on colours, placement and garment type
- Sample cost may be credited on approved full runs where applicable
- Bulk orders usually bring the per-item price down
- We explain setup, print and finishing costs separately
Garment types and print specs we test
We test samples on T-shirts, hoodies, caps, team kit and event wear. The sample lets you see how the chosen garment handles the print and whether the fabric weight suits the intended use. In Jeffreys Bay and the surrounding coastal towns, humidity can affect storage and handling, so we also check that the garment is in good condition before we print. If the item is too stretchy, too textured or too thin for the artwork, we will say so and suggest a better option.
Our sample checks are especially useful for oversized back prints, sleeve prints and prints near the neck line. A small logo on a cap needs a different level of precision from a large supporter shirt, and the sample shows that difference before the full run is started. For school wear and club uniform, a strike-off also helps standardise the look across different sizes, which matters when the order includes both youth and adult garments.
- Print areas: chest, back, sleeve, neck label and cap front
- Best for one-colour, multi-colour and repeat orders
- Useful when switching garment supplier or fabric weight
- Helps confirm sizing across small, medium and large garments
Keeping samples useful for future reorders
Once a sample is approved, we keep the key details on file for repeat order support. That includes the approved artwork version, placement, colour notes and print size, so the next run starts from a known point. For schools, clubs and surf-town businesses in Kouga and nearby areas, this makes reordering much easier when the season changes or fresh stock comes in.
We also suggest checking your printed garments from time to time if they are in regular use. If a batch is exposed to strong sun, repeated washing or rough field use, the print may need a refresh on the next order cycle. For workwear and event wear, that review is usually done before the next season or campaign. It keeps the look consistent and avoids any awkward mix of old and new stock.
When you need the sample to do its job properly, keep the artwork final, the garment choice fixed and the approval notes in one place. That keeps the process simple and helps us produce the final run without unnecessary changes.
Key facts
| Service | Sample Strike-Offs |
|---|---|
| Best for | Pre-production approval of layout, scale and garment choice |
| Print options | One colour, multi-colour, oversized back, sleeve and neck label |
| Typical use | Schools, clubs, surf-town brands and event wear |
| Base | Jeffreys Bay industrial area |
| Coverage | Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis, Oyster Bay, Kareedouw, Gqeberha and Kouga region |
