Frequently Asked Questions

Straightforward answers to real questions.

Businesses, churches, teams, and local organizations often ask similar questions when considering a merchandise store.

  • How does print-on-demand work?
  • Is it better to use a local screen printer?
  • Can we run a private store for staff or members?
  • What happens when someone orders?

This page answers the most common questions about how Shop Solid Ground stores work, what to expect from print-on-demand, and when this type of store makes the most sense for your organization.

If you’re exploring ways to offer branded apparel without managing inventory or organizing group orders, the information below should help clarify how everything works.

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
  2. Store Access & Store Types
  3. Products & Customization
  4. Orders & Fulfillment
  5. Design & Setup
  6. Pricing, Commission & Fundraising
  7. Comparing to Traditional Printing
  8. Returns & Order Issues
  1. Getting Started
    • Q: What is print-on-demand (POD)?
      • Print-on-demand is a process where apparel and merchandise are produced after an order is placed, rather than printed in bulk ahead of time.
      • Instead of ordering large quantities and storing inventory, items are created individually when someone places an order.
      • This allows businesses and organizations to offer branded merchandise without needing to manage inventory, collect payments, or organize group orders.
    • Q: How do we get started?
      • If you’re interested in setting up a store, you can submit a request through the website.
        • From there we can discuss:
          • products you’d like to offer
          • logo placement
          • store access (public or private)
          • any setup requirements
      • Once everything is ready, we’ll publish your store and provide a link you can share with your team or customers.
    • Q: Can our business or organization have its own store?
      • Yes. We can create a dedicated store page where your team, customers, or supporters can order branded apparel anytime.
      • These stores can be customized with specific products, designs, and branding that represent your organization.
  2. Store Access & Store Types
    • Q: Can stores be public or private?
      • Stores can be set up as either:
        • Public stores
          • Anyone can browse and order products
        • Private stores
          • Password-protected
          • Accessible only to staff, members, or invited customers
          • Private stores are commonly used for:
            • employee uniforms
            • internal team apparel
            • member-only merchandise
    • Q: Can we share our store with customers or supporters?
      • Yes.
        • If your store is public, you can share the link with customers, fans, or supporters so they can order merchandise directly.
        • Many organizations use their store as a way to offer branded apparel year-round.
    • Q: Can stores be seasonal or temporary?
      • Yes.
        • Some stores stay open year-round, while others are used for specific periods such as:
          • sports seasons
          • events
          • conferences
          • fundraising campaigns
          • limited merchandise drops
        • Stores can be updated, paused, or removed whenever needed.
  3. Products & Customization
    • Q: What kinds of products can we offer?
      • Most stores include products such as:
        • t-shirts
        • hoodies
        • polos
        • hats
        • sweatshirts
        • jackets
        • bags
        • accessories
      • Stores can be customized depending on what makes the most sense for your organization.
    • Q: What brands are available?
      • Products can come from well-known apparel brands such as:
        • Under Armour
        • adidas
        • Champion
        • Columbia
        • Bella + Canvas
        • Comfort Colors
        • Next Level Apparel
        • Gildan
      • Brand availability can vary depending on supplier inventory.
    • Q: Can we control what products appear in our store?
      • Yes. Each store is customized with products selected for your organization.
        • You can choose things like:
          • product styles
          • colors
          • brands
          • logo placements
        • Products can also be added or removed later.
    • Q: Can we offer multiple logos or designs?
      • Yes. Stores can include multiple designs or logo variations.
        • For example:
          • full logo versions
          • small chest logos
          • alternate or vintage logos
          • event-specific designs
    • Q: Can we add new products later?
      • Yes. Stores are flexible and can be updated over time.
      • If you decide to add new products, designs, or seasonal items later, they can usually be added without rebuilding the store.
  4. Orders & Fulfillment
    • Q: Is there a minimum order quantity?
      • No. There is no minimum order requirement.
      • You can order one item or many.
        • This makes it easy for:
          • new employees needing uniforms
          • replacing worn items
          • individuals ordering personal merchandise
          • small teams that don’t need bulk quantities
    • Q: How long does it take to receive an order?
      • Orders are produced after they are placed.
      • Typical production time is 2–5 business days, followed by shipping time depending on the delivery destination.
      • Most orders arrive within about 1–2 weeks.
    • Q: Who produces and ships the products?
      • Products are created through a print-on-demand fulfillment partner and shipped directly to the delivery address provided during checkout.
      • Orders are delivered using third-party shipping carriers.
    • Q: Do we have to manage inventory?
      • No. Products are created only after someone places an order.
        • This eliminates the need to:
          • store inventory
          • distribute items
          • collect payments from multiple people
          • manage order spreadsheets
    • Q: How do customers place orders?
      • Customers simply visit your store link and order through the website.
      • Orders are processed individually and shipped directly to the customer.
  5. Design & Setup
    • Q: Are there setup or design fees?
      • Often there are no setup fees, especially for printed products.
      • However, some products (particularly embroidery) may require one-time setup or digitization work depending on the design.
      • If any setup costs apply, they will be discussed before products are published in your store.
    • Q: What is digitization?
      • Digitization is the process of converting a logo into a format that embroidery machines can read.
      • This is typically required for embroidered items such as hats or polos.
      • Digitization is usually a one-time process, and once completed the design can often be reused.
  6. Pricing, Commission & Fundraising
    • Q: What do you get out of this?
      • We earn a small commission on each order placed through the store.
        • This helps cover:
          • store setup
          • maintaining the storefront
          • design preparation
          • hosting and administration
      • Businesses and organizations don’t have to manage the technical side of operating the store.
    • Q: Can we use the store for fundraising?
      • Yes. Some organizations add a small margin to product prices and use the store as a fundraising tool.
        • Supporters can purchase merchandise, and the organization receives the difference.
          • This works well for:
            • nonprofits
            • school groups
            • sports teams
            • community organizations
  7. Comparing to Traditional Printing
    • Q: Why use this instead of a local screen printer?
      • Local screen printing is still a great option for large bulk orders.
      • This store model works better when you want:
        • small quantities
        • ongoing orders throughout the year
        • staff ordering items individually
        • customers purchasing their own merchandise
        • no inventory to manage
      • Many organizations use both options depending on their needs.
    • Q: How do you support local SEO?
      • We implement location-based keywords, SEO best practices, and structured data to help improve your visibility in local search results.
    • Q: Can you help with Google Business Profiles?
      • Yes—we offer setup and basic optimization services for Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business).
    • Q: Do you offer SEO services beyond initial setup?
      • Yes—our Full Support Plan includes ongoing blog writing and SEO monitoring. For one-time needs or scoped projects like title/meta optimization or Google Business Profile assistance, we offer custom work through our add-on services.
  8. Returns & Order Issues
    • Q: What happens if an item arrives damaged?
      • If an item arrives damaged or defective, contact us with your order number and photos of the issue.
      • We will work with the fulfillment provider to arrange a replacement or refund when appropriate.
    • Q: Can items be returned or exchanged?
      • Because products are made to order, returns or exchanges usually cannot be accepted for issues such as:
        • incorrect sizing
        • ordering the wrong item
        • change of mind
      • We recommend reviewing sizing charts carefully before placing an order.
      • If there is a quality issue, we will work to resolve it.

Still have questions?

Get in touch here to request a store or ask more questions.

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