Double Trouble: Is Your Decorator Playing Both Sides?
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re a reseller. You hustle to win business, nurture client relationships, and deliver high-quality decorated apparel on time, every time. You rely on your decorator to help you execute. So why does it sometimes feel like they’re not entirely on your team?
If your decorator is splitting their time—and priorities—between resellers and retail clients, you might be caught in a silent tug-of-war. And guess what? You’re probably losing.
Two Hats, One Problem
Decorators who serve both the wholesale reseller market and direct-to-consumer retail jobs often position it as a strength. “We do it all,” they say. But when push comes to shove, guess who gets top priority?
Retail clients bring in bigger margins because the decorator controls the whole pie—garment, decoration, pricing, and delivery. With resellers, decorators are working on tighter numbers, with less flexibility. And when production schedules get tight, one of those orders gets pushed to the side.
Spoiler alert: it’s not the retail job.
The Hidden Cost of Split Loyalties
At first glance, it may seem like just a scheduling issue. But the impact runs deeper:
- Delayed Production – Your job waits while retail orders jump the line.
- Inconsistent Service – You get templated answers while their storefront customer gets hand-holding and VIP treatment.
- Backdoor Poaching – In some cases, decorators even use your project details to pitch directly to your client (yes, we’ve seen it happen).
This isn’t a partnership. It’s a competition, and you’re footing the bill.
Case Study: When Priorities Collide
One of our HTG resellers shared a story that still stings. They had a big client with a multi-location apparel rollout. Everything was on track until the decorator hit "unexpected delays" due to high demand.
Turns out, the shop was prioritizing a bulk retail job for a local school district—one they’d secured through their own marketing.
Our reseller's project shipped late, their client was frustrated, and trust was damaged. All because the decorator was juggling priorities... and the reseller was holding the shorter end of the stick.
The Contract-Only Difference
At Hightech Grafix, we work exclusively with resellers. That means:
- No competing storefront
- No retail-side distractions
- No chance we’re chasing the same clients you are
You don’t have to worry about getting bumped down the schedule, and your client relationships are never at risk. Our loyalty is clear—and it’s with you, the reseller.
What You Can Do Right Now
If this hit a little too close to home, you’re not alone. But the good news? You can protect your business by asking the right questions:
- Do they advertise direct-to-consumer services?
- Is their website retail-facing or contract-focused?
- Do they make it easy for you to quote jobs fast, accurately, and with confidence?
- Are they transparent about turnaround and capacity?
If your current decorator is playing both sides, it may be time to make a clean break.
Final Thought
In this business, trust is everything. And that starts with knowing your partners aren’t also your competitors. A decorator that serves two masters will always be split in their priorities. But a contract-only partner? They’re dialed in—on your side, your timeline, and your success.
Let’s leave the double-dealing to the soap operas. You deserve better.
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