Imagine a high-stakes B2B order: 500 premium technical jackets from a brand like Storm Creek or UNRL, provided by your client for a Direct to Film (DTF) project. During the final heat press stage, the dwell time is slightly off, or the fabric's recycled polyester content reacts unexpectedly, leaving a permanent scorched square on a $120 shell. Without a clear contract, who writes the check for the replacement?
In the absence of a written agreement, legal liability for client-supplied goods falls under the concept of Bailment for Mutual Benefit. This means that as a print shop, you are legally obligated to exercise "ordinary care" over the items. If a garment is damaged due to negligence, you are liable. However, in the 2026 custom apparel market, the definition of "negligence" is blurry. Is a heat-press mark on a sensitive synthetic fabric negligence, or is it an inherent risk of the process?
To fill this legal gap, professional print shops must use a Spoilage Allowance Clause. This contractual term explicitly shifts the risk of "acceptable loss" back to the client. By setting a 2-3% spoilage threshold, you establish that a certain number of ruined items are a standard part of the manufacturing process, and the shop will not be held responsible for the replacement cost of those blanks.
DTF printing requires temperatures between 280°F and 320°F. While modern 2026 films allow for lower temperatures, many technical fabrics used in corporate wear are prone to specific issues that can trigger massive liability claims:
A Spoilage Allowance is a percentage of the total order that the printer is allowed to "spoil" (damage) without being required to replace the garment. For shop-supplied garments, the shop usually just grabs another tee from the shelf. For client-supplied blanks, however, you cannot easily replace a specific high-value item without destroying your profit margin.
When drafting your terms and conditions, avoid vague language. Use this specific structure to ensure your protection is airtight:
"Client-Supplied Garment Policy & Spoilage Allowance: [Your Company Name] maintains a standard production spoilage allowance of 2% per design location (minimum of 1 piece). While we strive for 100% accuracy, the Client acknowledges that heat-pressing involves inherent risks, including but not limited to scorching, pressure marks, and dye migration. [Your Company Name] is not responsible for the replacement cost of any client-supplied blanks that fall within this 2% allowance. For high-value items (MSRP >$50), the Client must provide overages if exact quantities are required."
Make it mandatory for B2B clients to provide 2-3% extra blanks in every size. If they provide 100 items and need 100 back, they must supply 103. If they refuse, your contract should state that the final delivered quantity may be less than the ordered quantity, and the invoice will be adjusted to reflect only the successfully printed items.
For garments with a high replacement value (e.g., North Face, Patagonia, or specialized flame-resistant gear), require a separate High-Value Waiver. This document should state that the client accepts all risks associated with heat application on these specific materials, regardless of the spoilage percentage.
Often, client-supplied blanks arrive with holes or stains from the distributor. In 2026, many shops use AI-driven intake cameras to scan inbound goods. Ensure your contract notes that you are not responsible for manufacturer defects found during the intake process and that these items count toward the spoilage total if they cannot be printed.
To protect your bottom line, audit your B2B contracts today. Ensure your Spoilage Allowance is clearly defined and that your clients understand that "Bailment" does not mean "Full Insurance." By setting clear expectations before the heat press is turned on, you transform a potential legal nightmare into a standard, manageable production risk.
