Okay, the sample items have arrived! Attached are some pics and my impressions.
First, I knew the image samples would look "perfect" and much better than the actual items. I've tried ordering some inexpensive merch in the past, and quality was pretty bad, so I had low expectations even though I was specifically looking for a company that would offer higher quality at a reasonable price-point.
The TLDR is: I think we hit the mark here. Cost is fair, and product quality is certainly on the higher end.
More details:
I ordered a mug (white), some stickers, a t-shirt (navy) and a hat (khaki).
The mug: I'm not a coffee drinker, so I don't have a lot of experience using mugs, but I can't see how this could look any better. The mug itself is quality and the logo is glossy like the rest of the mug - not an imprint or after-the-fact add-on. The quality of the logo is also very high. I neglected to get it in the pic, but it of course has a generous-sized handle opposite the logo.
The stickers: I was half-expecting to get something that looked like someone put a sticker page in a color laser printer and printed them. That's not at all what I got here. These are very high quality and pre-cut around the edges. I'd say the quality is on par with the stickers that come with a new SIG firearm or a Magpul order. They are glossy and very sharp. I was worried that the smaller ones would be hard to read and the larger ones would be pixelated - not the case in the least. I will definitely be getting more of these for myself.
The t-shirt: I got it in Navy and deliberately ordered a larger size (3XL). The t-shirt is good quality, definitely not something you'd get from one of the racks at Wal-Mart. 100% ring-spun cotton, 6.1 oz fabric, and is pre-shrunk. If I hold it up to the light, I can't see through it. Now, it's not a Carhartt, but it's also not going to disappoint. The logo is also sharp and vibrant. I went with a DTF print, so it's on top of the shirt (very thinly). I may try a DTG print - those are the ones that are 'soaked' into the shirt fabric and will eventually crack and fade more... which is why I went with DTF instead here.
I might offer both as options. With the HUGE full size logo on the back, it makes the shirt "heavier" - but it definitely stands out. I also think I will offer some without the logo on the back.
Overall, I really like the shirt, but the Navy color I picked probably wouldn't be my first choice if I did it again. Regardless, there will be multiple color choices.
The hat: The hat is super great quality. 100% cotton and is adjustable. The logo is embroidered, uses 5 colors and is perfectly centered. The biggest issue is that the text in the logo is difficult to read - but that's just a byproduct of the text being pretty small. I like the hat; it looks good and wears well. I may see if I can add "ArizonaShooting.org" to the back of the cap, just above the opening.
