When will my Craft Express order ship and arrive in the U.S.?

Orders placed by 2 pm Eastern ship the same day. Most in-stock items, like sublimation blanks, DTF transfers, and heat press supplies, arrive in about 4–6 business days, depending on your address and the carrier. We do not ship to U.S. Territories, including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, Midway Islands, American Samoa, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Need it sooner? Pick an expedited option at checkout.

What is the Craft Express return policy?

Email support@craftexpress.com within five days of receiving your order. We can’t accept returns after 15 days. Opened or used Craft Express consumables aren’t eligible. All returns must be unused, in saleable condition, and in the original, unopened packaging. Return shipping is your responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or we sent the wrong product. If your package is damaged, contact support@craftexpress.com right away. You must get an RMA number before sending anything back; returns without an RMA will be refused. After you receive an RMA, we need to receive your return within 14 days.

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation is a print method where special ink turns into gas under heat and bonds to a polyester coating. The color becomes part of the blank, so it stays bright and won’t crack or peel. You’ll use a sublimation printer, ink, paper, and a heat press. It works on polyester shirts and coated items like mugs, tumblers, and photo panels. In Charleston, SC and across the U.S., find beginner bundles and sublimation blanks at craftexpressus.com. Ready to start? Check our starter guides and bundles.

What are the disadvantages of sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing is popular for bright color and a soft hand, but it does have limits. The main disadvantages of sublimation printing are material restrictions, light color requirements, size and shape constraints, sensitivity to heat and pressure settings, possible color shift, and fading with long sun exposure. You also need the right blanks and a reliable press to get consistent results. The good news is that most drawbacks have simple workarounds. Below I explain each drawback in plain terms and share practical fixes so you can choose the best process for your project.

Is sublimation printing good quality?

Yes. Sublimation printing delivers high quality results on polyester fabric and on hard goods with a polymer coating. The dye turns into gas under heat, moves into the surface, and sets inside the material as it cools. Because the color becomes part of the item, prints look vibrant, feel smooth, and resist cracking or peeling. On the right blanks, with light colors and correct settings, sublimation holds up to regular use and many wash cycles. The key is matching your blank, paper, and press settings to the project.

What is the difference between a regular printer and a sublimation printer?

A regular home or office printer is made to put dye or pigment ink on paper. A sublimation printer is made to print special sublimation ink onto transfer paper that you press with heat onto polyester or a polymer coated blank. The regular printer is for documents and photos on paper. The sublimation printer is for custom mugs, tumblers, shirts, and gifts where the color becomes part of the surface. If you want to print on paper, use a regular printer. If you want permanent full color designs on polyester and coated hard goods, use a sublimation printer with a heat press and the right blanks.

How much does a sublimation printer cost?

Short answer, a sublimation printer for home or small shop use usually costs about $680 to $1,800 for the printer alone, and about $900 to $2,500 if you choose a starter kit with ink and extras. For example, at Craft Express the Sawgrass SG500 is $679.95 and the larger SG1000 is $1,799.95. VersiFlex all in one kits currently start around $899.95 and go up to about $2,499.95, depending on size and what is included. You will also want a heat press and transfer paper. A flat press runs about $299.99 to $499.99, and a mug or tumbler press is about $349.99. Paper starts around $19.99 per pack.

Can any printer do sublimation?

Short answer, no. Not every printer can do sublimation. You need a printer that is built for sublimation ink or a compatible inkjet that is dedicated to sublimation from day one. Regular home or office printers are made for dye or pigment ink on paper, not for gas dye that bonds to polyester or a polymer coated blank. A true setup also uses sublimation paper, a heat press, and blanks made for sublimation. If your goal is permanent full color designs on mugs, tumblers, and light polyester shirts, choose a sublimation ready printer and the right tools for the job.

Is the Sawgrass Printer worth it?

Yes, for most beginners and small shops a Sawgrass Printer is worth it. You get a purpose built sublimation printer with color management software, automatic maintenance, and strong support. That mix makes day one setup simpler and helps you get repeatable results faster. Sawgrass printers are designed for sublimation from the ground up, they include WiFi and efficiency updates in the current SG500 and SG1000 models, and they work with matched inks and paper for clean transfers on polyester and coated hard goods. If you want reliability, help when you need it, and fewer variables to chase, Sawgrass is a smart buy. If your only goal is the lowest possible entry price and you enjoy tinkering, a different path might fit, but plan for more trial and error.

Should I buy a Sawgrass Printer?

If you want a smooth, beginner friendly path into sublimation, the short answer is yes, a Sawgrass Printer is a strong buy. It is purpose built for sublimation, so you get matched ink, helpful software, and automatic upkeep that make day one easier. That means fewer clogs, steadier color, and less guesswork while you learn to press mugs, tumblers, coasters, and light polyester shirts. If you prefer to tinker to save a little up front, another route can work, but most new crafters get to great results faster with a Sawgrass. Sawgrass printers are designed for sublimation and include color tools, self maintenance cycles, and active support, which is a real comfort when you are just getting started.

Why is the Sawgrass Printer so expensive?

Short answer, a Sawgrass Printer costs more because you are buying a complete, purpose built sublimation system, not just a paper printer. The hardware is tuned for gas dye, the software manages color and media presets, the inks are engineered for consistent transfers, and the package includes self maintenance, warranty, and live support. All of that reduces trial and error, which saves time and blanks. If you value reliability and a smooth learning curve, the premium often pays for itself in fewer reprints and faster setup.

What kind of printer is Sawgrass?

If you’ve been exploring sublimation printing, you’ve probably come across the Sawgrass printer. So, what kind of printer is Sawgrass? A Sawgrass printer is a dedicated sublimation printer designed specifically for printing with sublimation inks. Unlike regular inkjet or laser printers, Sawgrass models are built from the ground up for sublimation, making them reliable, consistent, and beginner friendly. With a Sawgrass printer, you can create vibrant designs that permanently bond to polyester fabrics and coated hard goods like mugs, tumblers, and keychains.

Can a regular printer be used for sublimation?

The short answer is no, a regular printer cannot be used for sublimation printing. Sublimation requires special inks and a printer built to handle them. Standard inkjet and laser printers use dye or pigment inks that sit on top of paper or fabric, but sublimation ink turns into gas when heated and bonds permanently with polyester surfaces. To get bright, long lasting results, you need a dedicated sublimation printer, such as a Sawgrass or another machine designed specifically for this process.Trying to use a regular printer with sublimation ink can clog the print head, damage the printer, and produce poor transfers. If you want to explore sublimation, it’s best to invest in the right setup from the start.

How do I know if my printer can be used for sublimation?

If you’re curious whether your current printer can handle sublimation, here’s the quick answer: most regular printers cannot be used for sublimation. Sublimation printing requires a printer that is designed to work with sublimation ink, which turns into gas under heat and bonds with polyester surfaces. Regular inkjet or laser printers use standard inks and toners that don’t work for sublimation.The easiest way to know if your printer can be used for sublimation is to check the manufacturer’s specifications. If it’s not marketed as a sublimation printer, it likely isn’t one.

Can I do sublimation without a sublimation printer?

The short answer is yes, you can do sublimation without owning a sublimation printer, but your options are limited. A sublimation printer is the most flexible way to create custom designs at home. However, if you don’t have one, you can still make sublimated products using pre-printed sublimation transfers or by outsourcing your designs to a printing service. With these ready-made transfers, you only need a heat press and sublimation blanks to complete the process.So while you don’t necessarily need a sublimation printer to get started, having one gives you complete creative control over your projects.

Can any printer become a sublimation printer?

The quick answer is no, not every printer can become a sublimation printer. Only certain inkjet printers are compatible with sublimation inks, and even then, it usually requires a conversion process. Laser printers, office printers, and most all-in-one models cannot be turned into sublimation printers at all.Sublimation printers, like Sawgrass, are designed from the ground up to handle sublimation inks. These inks are special because they turn into gas when heated and permanently bond with polyester-coated surfaces. Regular printer inks don’t work this way.

Do I need a sublimation printer if I have a Cricut?

If you own a Cricut machine, you might be wondering if you also need a sublimation printer to make custom designs. The answer depends on the type of projects you want to create. A Cricut by itself cannot print sublimation designs. It’s a cutting machine, not a printer. If you want to make full color, vibrant sublimation projects (like mugs, tumblers, or polyester shirts), then yes, you’ll need a sublimation printer in addition to your Cricut.However, if your focus is on vinyl crafts, paper cutting, or Cricut’s Infusible Ink transfer sheets, you can still make plenty of projects without investing in a sublimation printer.

What is the difference between sublimation and DTF?

If you’re new to custom printing, you’ve probably heard of both sublimation and DTF printing. At first, they might sound similar because both involve transferring designs onto products, but they are actually very different methods. The main difference between sublimation and DTF is the type of materials they work on and how the designs bond to the surface. Sublimation fuses ink into polyester or coated blanks, while DTF (Direct-to-Film) uses a printed film and adhesive powder that transfers to a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton.Understanding the differences helps you choose the right process for your projects.

Article: Why Now Is the Time to Prep for Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Yet

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Aug 26, 2025

Why Now Is the Time to Prep for Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Yet

For small business owners, crafters, and weekend makers, the holiday season isn’t just magical, it’s the busiest and most profitable time of year. Whether you’re selling online, in a boutique, or at local craft fairs, customers are already starting to look for personalized gifts that feel meaningful, unique, and made with love.

This is your moment. But success during the holiday rush doesn’t happen by accident, it comes from smart planning and having the right stock ready to go.

Stock Up on Holiday Blanks That Always Sell

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from working with thousands of small businesses, it’s this: holiday blanks fly off the shelves especially once October rolls around.

Here’s what to grab now while inventory is strong:

Ornaments – Add custom names, photos, or holiday sayings
Mugs & Tumblers – Perfect for gift sets, teacher gifts, and cocoa kits
Seasonal Home Décor – Sublimate festive designs for entryways or kitchens
Giftable Blanks – Think tote bags, coasters, or pillow covers for holiday bundles

By stocking up now, you’ll be ready to say yes to every custom order that comes your way no scrambling and no worrying about out-of-stock items.

Shop Holiday Blanks Now

Why Craft Express Wholesale Members Have the Edge

As a Craft Express Wholesale customer, you’re already ahead of the game. Here’s why:

40% off all Craft Express products—including blanks, tools, and presses
Priority access to high-demand seasonal products while supplies last
Exclusive pricing that gives you healthy profit margins all season long
The ability to offer truly custom gifts your big-box competitors can’t

This is the kind of strategic advantage that sets your business up for serious holiday success.

Real Stories, Real Success

Through-out the years, we've seen wholesale customers turn the holiday season into their most profitable time of year:

One crafter doubled her sales just by offering custom mugs as teacher and coworker gifts
Another built an entire pop-up shop around personalized ornaments—and completely sold out before mid-December
Many others turn simple blanks into full gift sets, charging premium holiday pricing

All of that starts with having the right inventory, right now.

It’s More Than Just Stock—It’s Opportunity

When you buy from Craft Express, you're not just filling shelves, you’re:

Building opportunities for your business
Creating personalized keepsakes that families will cherish
Bringing joy to every home your products land in

That’s the power of small business—and we’re here to help you shine.

Don’t Wait Until the Rush Hits

We know how fast inventory moves once the holiday rush begins. That’s why we’re encouraging all our wholesale partners to prep now, before the wave of orders begins.

With 40% off, access to high-quality seasonal blanks, and the ability to offer one-of-a-kind gifts, you’re perfectly positioned to make this your most successful season yet.

Get Holiday-Ready with Craft Express Wholesale

Need help planning your holiday product line? Want bundle ideas or best-selling blank suggestions? Reach out, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s make this season magical (and profitable)

Written by Vik Patel