Behind the Brand: Why Cardinal Prints Chose Printful as Our Production Partner
When Cardinal Prints launched, one of the biggest questions we faced was who can we trust to deliver the same level of quality and care that we promise our customers?
After testing several print-on-demand platforms, one stood out from the rest — Printful.
Finding the Right Partner
Our journey with Printful began about six months ago when we first launched Pastime Threads, a baseball-themed T-shirt line inspired by my love for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Like most entrepreneurs starting out, I spent nights watching YouTube videos, researching Shopify integrations, and reading reviews on the top print-on-demand services. Printful consistently came out ahead — not just for their technology, but for their transparency and customer service.
That first impression proved right. When a small printing issue happened early on — a missing backside print on one order — Printful’s support team issued a refund the next day and reprinted the shirt immediately. No hassle, no excuses — just results. That set the tone for the partnership we’ve built today.
Why Printful Works for Cardinal Prints
At Cardinal Prints, our reputation depends on delivering premium quality with every order — whether it’s a custom shirt for a local church in Joplin or a trending slot-machine design featured by Oklahoma Joe Slots on YouTube.
Printful allows us to do exactly that.
-
Quality that lasts: No cracking, fading, or peeling. We’ve tested other suppliers — the difference in print quality isn’t even close.
-
Seamless automation: Printful integrates directly with our Shopify store, automatically handling fulfillment, tracking, and packaging so we can focus on what we do best — designing.
-
Professional branding: Each order ships with our custom logo and branded packing slips, giving customers a professional unboxing experience that reflects our standards.
-
Flexible production: We primarily use DTG and DTF printing through Printful for maximum color accuracy and durability. Embroidery is available on request, but our focus remains on fast, high-quality tees.
A Personal Touch, Backed by Technology
One of the things I appreciate most about Printful is that their system makes it easy for small businesses like ours to look and operate like a large-scale brand.
Every order — from a single shirt to a full business bulk order — is managed through one automated workflow, with transparent updates every step of the way.
That efficiency matters. I still work a full-time job, and Printful’s backend saves me countless hours each week. It lets me keep my focus where it belongs: creating designs that connect with people.
And it’s not just shirts. I recently ordered a custom iPhone 16 Pro Max case from Printful with our logo and a QR code that links directly to our website. The quality blew me away — it’s better than any retail case I’ve owned. Printful’s product range gives me new ideas for how Cardinal Prints can expand beyond apparel.
What This Partnership Means for Our Customers
Our partnership with Printful means that every order you place through Cardinal Prints is backed by a fulfillment network known for precision, reliability, and accountability.
It means fewer delays, better print quality, and confidence that what you see on our site is exactly what shows up at your door.
As we move into winter, we’re expanding our catalog to include hoodies, long-sleeves, and new accessories — all powered by Printful’s production network. Each new product is personally tested before release, ensuring the same quality you’ve come to expect from our shirts.
Interested in Starting Your Own Printful Journey?
If you’ve been thinking about launching your own apparel line or branded merchandise, Printful is the partner I recommend.
Once my affiliate link is approved, I’ll update this post — so you can explore Printful for yourself and support Cardinal Prints at the same time.
Until then, you can:
👉 Shop our Printful-made designs
👉 Contact us for custom T-shirt projects