Frequently Asked Questions


What information do I need to start an order?

Unless you will be using the Team Storefront interface, you will need a check, credit card or purchase order for the $200.00 deposit. You will need some idea of the design you would like so that the art team has a place to start working. You will need to know which product/s you'd like to order. If you are not sure, or have questions, don't hesitate to call us so that we can walk you through the different options!

How do I start the order process?

You must first create an account for yourself on our web site. If you already have an account, simply log in to your current account. Once you are logged in, you will see your account dashboard. Here you can choose to start a new order or to place a re-order. You will be prompted through the steps. For detailed instructions click here.

How does your pricing work?

Our pricing is fixed. There are no hidden art charges. You pay what is listed plus shipping. That's all. Check out our cycling pricing, nordic skiing pricing, running pricing, and soccer pricing.

Do you offer shop pricing?

Yes. We offer MSRP pricing for shops.  For more information on this, contact us at 651-330-2718 or info@podiumwear.com.

What is your minimum policy?

Beginning August 2023 we are updating our minimum order policy from a 5pc minimum order to a $999 total spend on initial orders. Re-orders of the same designs have no minimum requirements.

What is your re-order policy?

Each account is allowed two below-minimum re-orders of the same product and design per calendar year.  

*Please Note: Any change to the colors, text, logos, art, etc. of an previously ordered style is considered a new order and is subject to those terms.

How and when do I pay?

Credit Card Orders

A $200.00 deposit is required to start your order. 50% of your remaining total is charged once the order goes into production. The remaining balance is charged during the last steps of production. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We will also accept personal checks and school purchase orders (see Purchase Orders below).

Team Storefronts - Ship to Manager, Team Captain, or Coach

No deposit is required, however a credit card must be entered in order to start the order. This card will only be charged if the order is cancelled ($200 in the event of a cancellation), or if the final storefront does not meet our $999 minimum on initial orders, we offer the option to order more product, or the difference up to $999 will be charged.

Team members place their orders individually and use their own credit cards to pay for the items they order. There is a $5.00 processing charge added to each individual storefront checkout.

Team Storefronts - Drop Shipments to Individual Customers

No deposit is required, however a credit card must be entered in order to start the order. This card will only be charged if the order is cancelled ($200 in the event of a cancellation), or if the final storefront does not meet our $999 minimum on initial orders, we offer the option to order more product, or the difference up to $999 will be charged.

Team members place their orders individually and use their own credit cards to pay for the items they order. Items will be shipped directly to the individual team members rather than a single shipment to the storefront manager. A processing fee based on shipping destination will be added to each individual storefront checkout. This fee includes shipping costs.

Can I pay via check or purchase order?

Yes. Orders that will be paid by check or purchase order must be approved through the Podiumwear office before they are confirmed. Please choose check/purchase order from the payment options when beginning your order, and then call the office for approval. We will invoice you accordingly.

How does a Team Storefront work?

Click here to read all about our Team Storefront option and how it works.

How does the artwork/design process work?

When you start your order, you will be asked to state your design idea in the box marked 'Artwork Sketch Upload and Idea Input'. Include as much information in the space provided as you can. It will never be too much! If you have a sketch, photo or art file containing more details, these can be uploaded via a link that will be emailed to you directly after you’ve started your order or you can send files to design@podiumwear.com, please include your order number in the subject line. If the art team has questions, they will contact you via the contact information you have provided. The designer assigned to your order has five business days to upload an initial design (3D images) for your approval. Please note that the 2D art is your actual proof, and the 3D art is just a representation of what the garment will look like on the body. If you should request a revision, a revised design will take an additional three business days. As you are looking at your 3D proof, it is very important that you study every aspect of the design very closely to be sure it will look exactly the way you are expecting. Be sure to zoom in on the file to check spelling, logo placement, colors, etc. The customer is liable for spelling, logo placement, colors etc as presented in the approved production proof. Once you have approved your artwork, you will need to input your final sizes before your order can be released into production. Once the art is approved and sizes are in, you will receive an email confirmation with your estimated ship date.

How long does the artwork/design process take?

For orders with NEW items not previously ordered, your designer has 5 business days to get you an initial design once you have sent in your initial artwork idea and vector logos to Podiumwear. Designers have 3 business days to get you any subsequent revision. Re-Orders with no new art can be posted immediately.

*Remember, design time affects your ship date - so be aware that each request for revision causes a delay in production.  Clear and precise communication with your designer will keep revisions to a minimum and get your custom apparel in your hands quicker! (Podiumwear needs a minimum of 4 weeks to produce your order once the art/design process is finished.)

Do you charge for art time?

We provide 1 Initial Design and 2 Revisions free of charge. Additional Revisions will be charged at $250 per Revision. We provide additional Revisions free of charge for our Gold customers.

How do I get artwork/designs to Podiumwear?

Artwork and designs should be emailed to design@podiumwear.com after you have started an order on our site.  Please reference your order number in the subject line of the email.  We are flexible. Our art team will take anything from a sketch on a napkin to a fully designed vector file and work with you to make your design come to life. 

How should I submit logos?

All logos should be in Adobe Illustrator vector format (please contact us if you need help converting files). Once you start your order you will be directed to a site where you can directly upload logos/files. You also have the option of sending them to design@podiumwear.com after you have started an order on our site. If you chose to email your logos, please reference your order number in the subject line of the email.

What is vector format?

Vector graphics provide complete flexibility for manipulation, meaning they can be scaled and resized without becoming pixelated. Vector format is vital for use on printed materials to ensure a clean professional look. Vector file types typically include .AI (Adobe Illustrator), .EPS (Encapsulated Postscript), and .SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). Some .pdf (Portable Ducoment Format) files can be vector, it will depend on what program the file was exported from. If you're not sure if your logos/art assets are vector, send what you have and our Designers will assess and provide their recommendation.

How do I choose colors?

There are three ways to choose your colors. 

  1. Choose colors from our standard color chart.  Choosing from our tried and true named colors is the fastest way to get your colors finalized.  A swatch of fabric with our standard colors will be sent to you when you start your order.  Simply let your Podiumwear designer know which color/s you would like.
  2. Create a custom color.  If you are looking for a color that's not on our standard color chart, we can create a custom color for you.  Talk to your Podiumwear designer about what you'd like.  We will send you a mini-uniform proof on fabric to approve or reject.  This method takes longer because you will need to wait for a physical proof to be mailed to you once the design is finished.
  3. Match colors to an existing garment.  If you are trying to match the color of an existing garment, we can attempt to match the color as closely as possible.  Our fabrics are different from those of your previous supplier's.  For this reason, the color will never be an exact match.  We will send you a mini-uniform proof on fabric to approve or reject. This method usually takes several attempts, making the process much longer.  If this method is right for you, please mail your color-matching garment to:  Podiumwear. 2408 W. Territorial Rd., St. Paul, MN 55114

Can you match PMS colors?

We can work with Pantone (PMS) colors, but customers should be aware that PMS colors are designed for paper printing and slight color shifts do occur when printing on different fabrics. We can not guarantee an exact match to Pantone colors.

Can you match colors to an older uniform or one made elsewhere?

Sorry, we can not guarantee perfect color matching to apparel made in previous years by Podiumwear or other manufacturers.   Equipment, inks and fabrics are upgraded from year-to-year making it impossible to replicate the exact conditions from a former print & sublimation run.  We will, however, work hard to ensure that the color is as close as possible.  We ask that you send us a sample for use in matching. When matching old uniforms or PMS colors, we will send a unique mini-uniform proof on fabric for approval. Please be sure you are 100% happy with the color you choose.  Podiumwear is not liable once a color has been approved by the customer. Podiumwear cannot reprint an order based on dissatisfaction of an approved color.

Where is Podiumwear apparel made?

We proudly design, print, dye-sublimate, cut and sew all of our products in our St. Paul, MN factory. Please see more about our manufacturing process here.

How long does it take to produce my order?

Production time does not start until you have approved your art and colors, submitted your final sizes and quantities and clicked the "send my order to production" box. It usually takes us between 4-6 weeks to produce an order. This varies by season and order volume. While we always try to ship your product in 5 weeks, a 6-week production time is possible during peak times. If you are trying to meet an event date, please notify us at initial contact and we can better assess whether it is possible to meet your date requirement.

Can I get this done quicker?

Need your order done in less than our standard production period? We can help! When you start an order, check the box for Rush Processing to have the design and production move at an accelerated rate. In order to ensure that the order is completed on time, we ask that you pay for overnight shipping of a color swatch/mini-proof and request no more than one-revision to your design. Our minimum rush fee is 25% of the total order cost added to the final amount or $250, whichever is greater. Please communicate with us your preferred in-hands date when you request that an order be rushed.

How do I know my estimated ship date?

When you submit your order to production (after artwork and colors are approved, and final sizes/quantities are entered), you will receive an estimated ship date via email.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, but this is now limited. International shipping rates apply and are determined upon shipment. Click here to learn more about our shipping policies.

Do International clients have to pay taxes?

Yes. Internationl shipments from Podiumwear are subject to import taxes, value-added taxes, duties and other fees.  Your government won't deliver our products without payment.  Podiumwear can not calculate the amount of taxes/duties that will be due, as it varies by address and country.  The customer should check with their tax agency.  Podiumwear will not undervalue our products so customers can avoid taxes and duties.

Will I be charged taxes if I order from within the United States?

No. Since all our apparel is produced in and shipped from Minnesota (which has no clothing tax), there will be no tax charged.

*Due to recent Supreme Court decisions regarding state sales tax, this policy is pending.

What is dye sublimation?/ How does my artwork transfer to fabric?

Dye sublimation is the process of using heat to transfer dye into mediums such as plastic, paper and fabric. In sublimation, heat is applied so that the dye transitions between the solid and gas states without going through a liquid stage. Essentially, the dye becomes part of the fabric. This is why there is no peeling off of the design as you see in screen printing. We are proud to be using the very latest sublimation equipment to complete your designs. Come down to our facility any time if you'd like to see the process in action!

How should I take care of my Podiumwear garments?

Wash garments immediately after wearing. Do not allow garments to remain soiled with sweat and grime by setting in a bag or hamper for an extended time.  If immediate washing is not possible, allow the garment to air-dry until you can wash them.  Always wash in cold water and air-dry.  Wash with regular or mild detergent (no bleach or Woolite).  Avoid fabric softeners, oils and solvents.  Do not iron or dry clean.

*Avoid contact with abrasive surfaces like exposed Velcro on gloves, sports bags or other gear. Damage of this type is not covered by our warranty policy. 

Can you make repairs if I tear or crash in my Podiumwear garment/s?

Yes, we can make repairs, depending on how extensive the damage to the garment is.  We will need to see a photo of the damage to determine what can be done and the potential cost of the repair work.  If you would like to inquire about a repair or crash replacement, please contact us directly at 651-330-2718 or info@podiumwear.com.

What is your warranty policy?

Podiumwear offers a lifetime warranty on all garments.  Our warranty covers manufacturing defects.  It does not cover damage due to contact with Velcro or other rough surfaces, overexposure to high temperatures, accidents, crashes or the natural breakdown of materials over extended time and use. Podiumwear will not warranty garments for damage incurred from failure to follow Podiumwear care instructions.

Podiumwear will not warranty garments for design or color issues once the design and colors have been approved by the customer.  Podiumwear will not warranty garments for color issues if the color approval process has been waived by the customer.

Can I see the complete Podiumwear policies, terms and conditions?

Podiumwear Official Policies, Terms and Conditions

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