FIREFIGHTER OWNED • IAFF APPROVED VENDOR • SERVING NORTHEAST OHIO & BEYOND REQUEST A QUOTE →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GOOD QUESTIONS.
STRAIGHT ANSWERS.

You don't need to know the difference between every production method before contacting us. These answers cover the things customers ask most often, and we'll help with the rest.

ORDERING

Not every project needs to be a large run. We built the company with flexibility in mind, so small orders are welcome. The best production method can change depending on quantity, artwork and garment type, so we'll recommend the most practical option.
Yes. Tell us how the apparel will be used, the look you want and your budget range. We can help narrow down garment styles rather than making you sort through endless catalogs on your own.
Sometimes. We will review the project before confirming whether customer-supplied garments are appropriate. Please understand that embroidery, printing and other decoration processes involve machinery, heat and production variables. Although we take reasonable care with every item, equipment can occasionally malfunction or a garment can be damaged during production. The Off-Duty Fireman Clothing Company is not responsible for replacing or reimbursing customer-supplied garments that are damaged during the decoration process.
Turnaround depends on the decoration method, garment availability, artwork readiness, quantity and current production schedule. If you have an event or hard deadline, include it in your quote request so we can tell you what is realistic before the order is finalized.

DECORATION METHODS

Embroidery is ideal for a polished stitched look on polos, jackets, hats, job shirts and similar garments. Screen printing is often a strong choice for larger runs of shirts with bold graphics. DTF printing works well for full-color designs, detailed artwork and flexible quantities. We can recommend the best fit after seeing the project.
Yes. We can work with departments, organizations and businesses on custom patch projects. Send the artwork or even a reference photo and tell us the approximate size and quantity you're considering.
Yes. Personalization such as names, ranks and titles is a common part of Fire & EMS and organizational apparel projects. Include the placement and approximate quantity when requesting a quote.

ARTWORK

No. A logo, sketch, patch photo, old shirt, PDF or reference image can be enough to start. We can tell you what needs to happen before the design is production-ready.
Digitizing converts artwork into stitch instructions an embroidery machine can follow. It is different from simply converting an image file. Stitch types, direction, density and sequencing all affect the finished result.
Vector artwork is built from scalable paths rather than pixels, which allows a logo or design to be resized cleanly for production. If your existing artwork is not usable, we can help determine what preparation is needed.

ONLINE STORES

It's a dedicated store for your department, union, business, school, team or organization. Approved products can be made available in one place so members or employees can order without relying on paper forms and manual collection.
Our current program offers individualized online stores at no additional store-setup cost. The exact platform can change over time, but the goal stays the same: make ordering easier for the organization and the people buying the apparel.
Use the Online Stores section and Find Your Store directory. The website is intentionally designed so organization stores can remain easy to find even if the underlying storefront platform changes in the future.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

No. The company is based in Northeast Ohio and serves customers beyond the local area. Shipping options depend on the order and destination.
Local delivery may be available for qualifying first-responder and department orders near the Chagrin Falls area. We'll confirm delivery or shipping arrangements when the project is quoted.

QUICK ANSWERS

Custom Apparel Questions, Answered

Straightforward answers about ordering custom apparel from The Off-Duty Fireman Clothing Company.

What custom apparel services do you offer?

We provide custom embroidery, screen printing, DTF printing, custom patches, heat transfer and specialty decoration, plus embroidery digitizing and artwork preparation.

Do you only work with fire departments and first responders?

No. The company was born from experience in the fire service, but we also serve businesses, schools, teams, unions, organizations and individuals.

Can I order only one custom item?

Yes. We can handle projects as small as a single item. The best decoration method depends on the garment, artwork and project requirements.

Do you offer online apparel stores for organizations?

Yes. We provide free individualized online stores for departments, businesses, schools, teams, unions and other organizations to simplify member and group ordering.

Can you help if my artwork is not ready for production?

Yes. We offer embroidery digitizing and artwork preparation, including vectorizing when appropriate, to help prepare supplied artwork for the selected decoration process.

How do I know whether embroidery, screen printing or DTF is best?

It depends on the garment, artwork, number of colors, quantity and the look you want. Tell us about the project when requesting a quote and we can recommend an appropriate decoration method.

Where is The Off-Duty Fireman Clothing Company located?

We are based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and serve Northeast Ohio and customers beyond the local area.

Do you ship orders?

Yes. We ship within the continental United States. We also offer free delivery to first responders and departments within 30 miles of ZIP code 44023.

How do I get a quote?

Use the Get a Quote form to tell us what you need, select a service, provide quantity and project details, and upload up to two artwork files. We will use that information to review the project.

How do I find my department or organization store?

Use Find Your Store and search by your organization name or a familiar abbreviation. Selecting the organization sends you through its permanent Off-Duty Fireman store link to the current storefront.