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Originally Posted by scitecteach
Where are you purchasing T-shirts and buttons?
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This question is totally dependent on the resources of your team. While many teams can afford a few competition shirts, others can't, and it is up to you as a mentor to decide on reasonable costs. Here are a few considerations:
Regular Tshirts
These are the most common and least expensive team items. They can cost anywhere between $6-$12 per person, but are easy to get done and reliable. You can try shirt shops in your area, or you can simply go online and search for "custom t-shirt". You probably want custom because you'd be adding a logo. Search for a good deal based on number purchased, the color you need, and the sizes you need. Out of respect for the smaller people on your team, definitly have smalls available (I'm short...I love smalls...).
Polos and/or Jerseys
If you want a bit more style and variety, you can go for polos or jerseys. These are usually bought online as well, or at a local sports or custom store. You may want to shop around for your options a bit, and look for the best deal. We bought the jerseys at a local store (I think), but the polos came online. The store we purchase from is giving us discount for using the same polo design this year, which is a great value to the team budget. Finding deals like that is great.
Buttons
There are two ways to get buttons: you make them, or you custom order them. The custom ones are easy enough: Dori had a really really good link, and you simply send a file with your design (there are size limitations) and they send the buttons back to you within a certain period of time. I'd recommend a good quantity per competition, especially at Nationals. If someone on CD knows a good number per comp, I'd ask that they post in response, because I'm not sure what that would be.
You can also make buttons. Getting buttons can be expensive, and some of us students like to improve our tennis serve by punching buttons.
Get a button punching machine and materials (kits of these are simple to order online), design a button in adobe or something similar, and have at it! You may need a cutter as well, to make them even-looking and pretty. This is also a plus to have at competitions if you run out of buttons too soon. This is a low-budget option rather than getting buttons custom made.
You may also want to consider a small number of unique handouts that will serve as prizes and will get attention for your team.
Good luck!
- Genia