TAT vs. RTS: Choosing the Right Option for Your Order

When you shop for custom products like Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers, you’ll often see two important acronyms: TAT and RTS. Understanding the difference between "Turnaround Time" (TAT) and "Ready to Ship" (RTS) is essential for managing your projects, meeting deadlines, and getting your items exactly when you need them. Whether you're a small business owner stocking up on inventory or a hobbyist working on a personal project, choosing the right option can make all the difference.

This guide will break down what TAT and RTS mean, explore the benefits of each, and help you decide which option is best suited for your specific needs. Knowing this information ensures a smooth ordering process and helps you plan your creative endeavors with confidence.

What Does Turnaround Time (TAT) Mean?

Turnaround Time, or TAT, refers to the period it takes for a product to be produced before it is shipped. These are items that are made to order. When you place an order for a TAT product, the production process begins only after your purchase is complete. This timeframe includes everything from preparing your design and printing it to curing, quality checking, and packaging it for shipment.

TAT does not include shipping time. Shipping time is the additional period it takes for the carrier (like USPS or UPS) to deliver the package to your doorstep after it leaves the warehouse.

Total Time for TAT = Production Time (TAT) + Shipping Time

Products with a Turnaround Time

The most common examples of TAT products are customized items. At Texas Transfers and Designs, this includes our popular Custom DTF Transfers. When you upload your unique artwork, we need time to process the file, print your design, and prepare it for application.

TAT is necessary for these products because they are not sitting on a shelf waiting to be picked. Each one is created specifically for you, ensuring the highest level of personalization and quality control.

Benefits of TAT Products

• Ultimate Customization: TAT allows for complete personalization. You can have your own logos, artwork, or unique graphics printed without limitation. This is essential for businesses looking to create branded merchandise or for individuals wanting a one-of-a-kind design.
• Freshly Made Quality: Because these items are made to order, they are always fresh. Your DTF transfers haven't been sitting in storage for months, ensuring the adhesive and inks are in optimal condition for a perfect press.
• Access to Unlimited Designs: The TAT model makes it possible to offer a virtually endless catalog of designs without needing a massive warehouse. If you can design it, we can print it.

When to Choose TAT

You should choose TAT products when your project involves custom artwork or when you are not on a tight, immediate deadline. It’s the perfect choice for planning future inventory for your small business, preparing for an upcoming event, or creating personalized gifts. The key is to factor the production time into your project timeline.

What Does Ready to Ship (RTS) Mean?

Ready to Ship, or RTS, means exactly what it sounds like: the product is already made, packaged, and waiting in our warehouse to be sent to you. These items are pre-made and in-stock. When you order an RTS product, the only time you need to account for is the processing time to pull the item from the shelf and the shipping time.

Total Time for RTS = Processing Time (often 1-2 business days) + Shipping Time

Ready to Ship Products

RTS items are typically our most popular, non-personalized designs. This includes a wide variety of our transfers, from seasonal graphics and trendy sayings to timeless patterns. You can find many of these in our New Designs and themed collections like Faith Designs. These are designs we've identified as top-sellers and have printed in batches to have them on hand for quick fulfillment.

Benefits of RTS Products

• Speed and Convenience: The single biggest advantage of RTS is speed. If you need a design quickly for a last-minute order or a weekend project, RTS is your best friend. There is no production time to wait for.
• Proven Popularity: RTS items are often tried-and-true bestsellers. You can be confident that you are choosing a design that has resonated well with other customers, which is a great advantage for business owners testing new products.
• Simplified Ordering: With RTS, what you see is what you get. There is no need to upload files or worry about design specifications. You simply pick the design you love and add it to your cart.

When to Choose RTS

Choose RTS when speed is your top priority. It's ideal for:

• Filling a last-minute customer order.
• Needing a design for an event this weekend.
• Quickly stocking up on popular graphics for your shop.
• Spontaneous crafting projects when inspiration strikes.

TAT vs. RTS: A Head-to-Head Comparison

How to Plan Your Orders Effectively

For small business owners, a smart strategy often involves using a mix of both TAT and RTS products.

• Use TAT for Your Core Branding: Order your company logos and signature designs as custom TAT transfers. Plan these orders in advance so you always have your essential branding on hand.
• Use RTS for Trendy and Seasonal Items: Quickly jump on trends or holidays with fast-shipping RTS designs. This allows you to be agile and responsive to what’s popular right now without a long wait.

If your order contains both TAT and RTS items, it will typically ship together once the TAT products are complete. If you need your RTS items sooner, it's best to place a separate order for them.

Both TAT and RTS serve valuable but different purposes. Turnaround Time offers the boundless potential of customization, allowing you to bring any vision to life. Ready to Ship provides the unparalleled speed and convenience needed for the fast-paced world of commerce and creativity.

By understanding the key differences, you can better plan your projects, manage your inventory, and meet your deadlines with ease. The next time you shop, you'll know exactly which option to choose to get the products you need, right when you need them.