SignTracker is designed for sign shops, but the platform is flexible enough to handle basic apparel decoration and promotional product quoting. With the correct data structure, you can build working apparel quotes that include sizes, colors, decoration charges, and finishing labor.

If apparel decoration is your primary business, Printavo is the application for apparel shop management in the Inktavo family. Printavo includes mockups, quoting tuned to apparel decoration, size matrix workflows, and live supplier feeds from S&S Activewear and Sanmar.

This guide explains how to import apparel and decoration data, how to build the necessary four column lists, and how to use these items within SignTracker quoting templates.

1. How to Access the Materials Import Layout

Before you build any apparel or decoration data, it is important to understand where that data will be loaded in SignTracker. All apparel blanks and decoration methods are imported into the Materials section under Settings/Quoting/Quoting Items. This section contains the Import layout that shows exactly how your spreadsheet must be structured.

Where to Find the Import Layout

1. Log in to SignTracker.
2. Select Setup
3. Click Quoting.
4. Click Quoting Items/Materials.
5. Select Import at the top of the Materials page.

You will now see the Import grid.
This grid contains the four required fields that SignTracker accepts:

• Name
• Unit Price
• Unit
• Category

Sections 2 and 3 in this guide explain how to create the data that will be pasted into this layout.

Copy and Paste Data Into the Import Layout

This is the fastest way to load apparel and decoration items.

Steps:

1. Create a four column spreadsheet in Excel or Google Sheets.
2. Highlight the rows you want to bring into SignTracker.
3. Copy the rows.
4. Return to Setup > Quoting > Quoting Items/Materials > Import.
5. Click in the first cell of the grid.
6. Paste the copied rows.
7. Confirm the columns appear under Name, Unit Price, Unit, and Category.
8. Use the Category field to assign categories if needed. You can drag the fill handle to apply the same category to multiple rows.
9. Click Save.

Your apparel blanks and decoration materials will now be visible in the Materials list.

2. Build Product Lists Using the Four Column Structure

Once you know where your data goes, the next step is creating the apparel and promotional item rows that will be imported into Materials.

Your spreadsheet must include these four columns:

• Name
• Unit Price
• Unit
• Category

How to Populate the Columns Correctly

Name Column

Include all details for the product:

• Item name
• Description
• SKU if applicable
• Color
• Size

Example:
Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton 100 percent Cotton T Shirt S

Create one row for each size and color combination.

Unit Price

Enter your wholesale cost for the blank item.

Unit

Use each.

Category

Create categories such as:

• Apparel and Headwear
• Promo Products

These categories will appear in the Materials dropdowns during quoting and template building.

 

3. Add Decoration Methods to Materials

Decoration pricing is also treated as a material. This lets you add decoration to apparel templates and control the pricing inside SignTracker.

Use the same four column structure.

Name Column

Be specific. Include decoration type and any variables such as color count or location.

Examples:

• Screen Printing 1 to 3 Color
• Screen Printing 4 to 6 Color
• Embroidery Full Front
• Embroidery Left Chest
• Embroidery Patch
• DTG Print
• DTF Transfer

Unit Price

Enter your actual decoration cost or contract print cost.

Unit

Use each.

Category

Use categories such as:

• Screen Printing
• Embroidery
• Digital Print
  
   

Examples

4. Build Quoting Templates for Apparel and Promo Items

Create a quoting template for each apparel item. If you offer many colors for one style, create a template for each color or include multiple colors on a single template.

Each template should include:

• Every size you sell
• All decoration methods you plan to offer
• Optional labor items such as fold and bag or hang tagging
• Any upcharges you use often
  
   

When creating a contract from a template, simply remove or zero out sizes or decoration options that do not apply.

Where to Find Quoting Templates

1. Log in to SignTracker.
2. Select Setup
3. Click Quoting.
4. Click Quoting Templates

Refer to the Help Center for additional instructions or setting up Quoting Templates.

5. Use Contract Notes for Decoration Details

Contract notes allow you to document garment decoration specifics that you do not want the customer to see.

Variables may Include:

• Number of ink colors
• Thread colors
• Decoration dimensions
• Placement details
• Contract printer information
• File names and PO references

Notes are internal and not visible to the customer unless you choose to display itemization.

6. Customer Itemization Options

You can choose to show or hide itemized sizes and decoration methods when sending a contract.

The sample quote below shows how individual sizes and decoration charges can be displayed clearly if you choose to show itemization.

7. Add Labor Items for Packaging or Finishing

Labor can be entered as a Labor item or as a Material item in your quoting template depending on your state tax rules.

Common labor items include:

• Fold and bag
• Poly bag
• Hang tag application

Include these items in your apparel templates.

8. Markup Strategy for Apparel and Decoration Materials

You can add markup in two ways.

Markup in the Materials Database

Many shops add 5 to 10 percent to each material to cover:

• Wholesale fluctuations
• Supplier increases
• Freight costs

Markup in the Quote Itself

You can also set a Materials markup when creating a quote.

Combined Strategy

Using both methods creates a buffer that protects your margin.

9. When Printavo is the Better Fit

Printavo is the recommended shop management platform for apparel decoration because it is designed specifically for decorated apparel production with features such as mockups, size matrix tools, inventory feeds from S&S and Sanmar, and apparel focused workflows. SignTracker remains the Inktavo shop management solution for signage and can support basic apparel quoting, but apparel driven businesses are best served by Printavo for managing apparel decoration workflows.

For more information on how Printavo supports apparel decoration, visit: https://www.printavo.com/

For more information on Printavo and how it optimizes shop management for apparel decoration, visit: https://www.printavo.com/