Shipping and Delivery Timelines
Custom orders follow a sequence. Your delivery estimate depends on how fast the design is approved, how quickly order details are confirmed, and how long shipping takes after production. This page explains how to plan your timeline, choose standard vs rush, and stay safe when you have a deadline.
Quick Overview
Timeline formula: Mockup approval → production → shipping transit.
Biggest lever you control: How fast you approve the mockup and confirm roster details.
Best move for deadlines: Submit your date upfront so we guide the right timeline.
The Timeline Formula
Think of delivery as three blocks that stack. Each one starts only after the previous is complete, which is why approval speed matters so much.
1) Mockup Time (Design + Approval)
This is the time it takes to create your mockup and get it approved. Production usually starts after approval, so approval speed affects everything downstream.
2) Production Time (Made to Order)
Once the design and order details are locked, your gear is manufactured. Production time varies by product type and whether you choose standard or rush.
3) Shipping Transit Time (Carrier Delivery)
After production, your order ships and tracking becomes available. Transit time depends on destination and shipping method.
Standard vs Rush
The right choice depends on your timeline and how ready your order is. Rush isn’t just about speed; it works best when your order is organised and approvals are fast.
- You’re ordering ahead of the season with breathing room.
- You have flexibility on the exact arrival date.
- You want a smoother approval process without pressure.
- You have a hard event date (tournament, opener, media day).
- You can respond quickly to mockups and questions.
- You can lock names, numbers, and sizes early.
What rush is meant to do: Rush compresses the production window. It works best when your order is “ready to run”- clear design direction and fast approvals. A slow approval on a rush order still delays production.
What "Ready to Run" Looks Like?
Your timeline becomes predictable when these items are locked. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about clarity. Missing any one of these creates a pause.
Final design direction confirmed
A clear reference image or specific instructions; "clean and modern" is enough
Logo file uploaded
Best version available; even a screenshot gets things moving
Team colors confirmed
Exact hex or Pantone preferred, or a clear description
Names and numbers decision made
Even just "yes, including" or "no, not needed" unblocks the design
Sizes collected or planned
Who is collecting sizes, and by when- assign a responsible person
One person assigned to approve mockups
Group approvals slow everything down; one decision-maker keeps it moving
Hard Deadline Playbook
Follow this plan exactly if timing is the highest priority. Each step removes a delay before it can happen.
Step 1: Lead with the deadline
In your first message, write:
- “Needed by: [date]”
- “Event: [tournament/opener/media day]”
- “Quantity: [estimate]”
Step 2: Start design immediately
Do not wait for the full roster to begin. Start the mockup while you collect sizes and numbers in parallel — the design and roster can move at the same time.
Step 3: Keep Approvals Tight
The biggest delay in any rush order is slow approvals. Treat this like a game-day decision.
- Send one combined list of edits, not multiple messages over hours
- Avoid switching design direction after the first mockup
- Assign one decision-maker; group input stalls the process
Step 4: Lock Roster Details Early
If names and numbers are included, set a hard internal deadline for your team to submit. Don’t leave this open-ended.
- Set a cutoff date for your team to submit sizes and numbers
- Confirm spelling format, first name, last name, or last name only
- Confirm number formatting; 0 vs 00, double digits vs single
Tracking & Order Status
Here’s what to check and when tracking becomes available; and how to diagnose a delay before reaching out.
When does tracking show up?
If You're Worried About Timing - Check These in Order
| Is the mockup approved? | BLOCKER IF NOT |
| Are sizes, names, and numbers confirmed? | BLOCKER IF NOT |
| Has production started? | CHECK STATUS |
| Has the order shipped with tracking? | ON ITS WAY |
Have a deadline?
Tell us the date and we’ll map the fastest path
Submit a design request with your deadline and logo. We’ll start your mockup so you can approve quickly and lock production.
Share your event date up front. We’ll help you stay on schedule.