I get asked a lot of questions. Here are some! Please check here,
the clickable version of this page at http://www.iheartmachine.com/faq.html
or iheartmachine.com for any questions.
feel free to ask new ones right here.

How do I order stuff from you?
email your image, idea or order to iheartmachine@hotmal.com.
Paypal ordering is available from iheartmachine.com or myspace.com/iheartmachine (actually, it's down right now as I redo

Why is it so cheap/expensive?
I specialize in short runs for people who can't afford bulk/large quantities/wholesale. You can get cheaper, but it usually takes longer, is lower quality, or you have to order more. If anyone beats our prices, it's because they have the economy of scale (order more), have a special deal or discount they get on supplies, or they are not making any money. I don't have a storefront, warehouse, real employees, etc, but I do have a child and can't exactly give it away.

Why is turnaround so fast/slow?
Supply and demand.
Supply: As I mentioned in the above question, I don't have a warehouse. I keep supplies and shirts around, but not huge quantities or wide varieties. I order when you order a lot of the time. The suppliers and the shippers can vary in speed, and sometimes I am at their mercy.
Demand: Summertime is tour season, and many people will order at the same time, often with last-minute deadlines. Turnaround will vary widely during those times. Wintertime may have stretches that are very open and I get right to it, but at Christmas people may buy things as presents, so think ahead!.

My agent/manager/design person/buddy is going to deal with the images, is that ok?
I'd rather deal with one person if I can help it. I've had issues in the past with the idea person talking a lot and the money person never coming through. If you are sending me the images or placing the order, you are responsible for paying me. Work it out however you want amongst yourselves, and when you are ready to order just order.

I'm trying to start my own screenprinting/button/competing business. Can you give me some advice?
Not really. Nobody ever gave me any, and I did it the old-fashioned way: by ruining a ton of shirts until I got it right. Buy Screenprinting for Fun and Profit. Don't buy substandard supplies. Practice.

I have an idea, but no intention of buying from you. Can we talk about it all night?
*sigh* If I had a dollar for every person who threatened to order something and then didn't, I would never have to actually make anything. I spend half my time answering emails.

My shirt split on the fabric along the image, what up with that?
That is a setting error. The ink got too heated and lost it's elasticity. My fault, totally. Bring it back and I'll replace it, on a one-by-one basis.

My shirt is getting cracks on the image, is it defective?
No. You've owned band shirts before, right? They aren't any more indestructable than any other shirt. If you wash them cold and dry them cold they last for years, but if you wash hot, dry hot, use bleach, wear it three times a week, etc. they will wear out.

One of my shirts/buttons is misprinted in some way, what is your problem?
Hey, even the big shops full of machines and pros have misprints. If you've ordered a lot of merch over the years, you will see misprints from anyone. Major (unsalable) misprints on buttons run around 2%, and for shirts around 2 per order. An additional % will have printing that is not ideal ( kinda crooked or something) and other variations. I order extra for just that reason and if they all print you get the extra. You also get the misprints, so, hey, free pajamas or something, right? If I made a bunch of mistakes I'll make it up to you.

Can I get a discount?
I occasionally do sales when I'm overstocked, have a new item to promote, when things are slow, or get a great supplies deal that won't last. But most of the time my prices are as low as I can get them. You are getting a discount! Please understand that I am very busy, and giving you a better deal means I have to turn down someone else who's willing to pay full price. Why wouldn't I give the better customers the discount in that case? In fact, my very best customers DO get discounts, but they had to buy their way there. If you are a superstar, and would look good on my resume, I might do it. But if you are a superstar, you really should be able to get a good deal someplace else anyway.

I get a better price from another business/my friend, can you match it?
By all means: if you have a hook-up, take it! I have no desire/need/ability/time to get into a bidding war. You should really be going to your buddy anyway, especially if they are willing to take a loss for you. I'm not offended at all when someone makes a business or personal decision like that. I'm interested to know what the market prices are and what the competition is up to of course, so thanks for the tip! Um...do you think your friend could hook me up as well?

Can I get a discount for ordering multiple items/services?
Yes. The time saved in communication, delivery, hassle. etc. Let me know what you want and I'll give you a quote. Usually it will be a percentage off the cheaper item.

I have a few designs, but I can't pick which one to do. Can you help?
I can tell you which ones work better, or which ones I like more. For buttons you can spilt designs (or for that matter they are so cheap you can just order one and then order something else the next time). It's not the end of the world. Just pick one!

Can I get my stuff by (specific date/deadline)?
I'll try. Let me know your deadline and I'll tell you. I can usually beat my posted turnaround time.

Can I get 200 buttons by tomorrow?
Maybe. It's worth asking!

Can I get a million shirts by tonight?
No. You should learn to keep track of your time better. See the above answers.

Can I buy blank shirts / just get a screen / just get the printing from you?
Yes. I can do any single portion of the process, including assembling a screen, making a design and color-separating to be printed someplace else, burning the screen, selling the shirts. The only exception is American Apparel and some other brands that do not allow resale of blank shirts.

What file format do you need?
I don't have email/image editing software, can I still order from you?
I know what I want, but I have no art skills at all and no friends with any either, what do I do?
I can't figure out your template, what do I do?
I prefer to be emailed a .psd or.jpg. I can take almost any format though, from word to paint. I can take it on a disc, or on paper (I have a scanner). You can mail it to me or walk it over. You can get me the font, sketch it on a napkin, describe it to me, whatever. The template is optional, and mostly just so you know what to expect. I don't care if you use it as long as the image is round and large. Design can cost extra though!

I don't have Paypal, can I still order from you?
Yeah. I take cash and check. Make your check out to Levi Eleven.

You say you get your shirts from a resale place: are they defective somehow?
No. They are from places that are going out of business, liquidating or are overstocked. They are the same brand names and quality as any shirt anyplace else. That being said, manufacturer defects are not unheard of. I don't try the shirts on or go over every inch. If you do notice any problems that made it past me, let me know and maybe we'll both get our money back!

I want American Apparel/some specific or fancy brand, can I get it?
Yes, but it will cost more. Ask for a quote. American Apparel and some other brands do not allow resale of blank shirts, only ones I print on.

This link on your site doesn't work. Are you stupid or something?
Maybe. There are a ton of links to keep up with while still making all this stuff. Thanks for the tip.

I want to cancel my order, is it too late?
Probably. Doesn't hurt to ask. If I paid for or printed your shirts already then you are in. You are welcome to take any unprinted shirts and whatever money is left.

I want to change something about my order, is it too late?
Maybe. Doesn't hurt to ask. Changing ink colors before I've printed is ok, that kinda stuff. Redesign might cost money. See above answer.

I have a great idea for a shirt/button/whatever, want to hear it?
Maybe. Can I steal it? I'll totally make one for you, no charge, if you let me have your idea and I like it. If you think it's a million-seller, then order some and sell them yourself. I'm not going to license your idea, or make them and give you a percentage, if that's what you are hoping.

I want an example before I order anything, how can I get one?
For buttons: send me a self-addressed stamped envelope. For shirts: order one of mine or one from one of my clients. Or come over.

My friend says you are a jerk, why should I order from you?
You shop from jerks all the time I bet. Also, your friend is lying/jealous.

Hey, I knew you from high school/college/someplace, how's it going? I like your stuff!
Uh... ok, I guess? You can use my business email to send personal messages... if you want. I might write back. I'm not into the "glory days" or any of that shit though. And you don't need to message me to tell me you like my stuff. I have a healthy ego, not that I don't appreciate it. I don't really have time to answer those kinda messages though.

Can you get my band a show with your band if we order something?
No. No offense or anything, I'm just not getting paid enough to be a booking agent or manager and I don't have the time. Second, I'm honestly not any good at it, and other people in my bands handle that stuff. Third, I don't want to get my business mixed up with my band. I only represent myself here. Finally: if I give one person a show, then how can I turn down the next band who asks and might totally suck? I'm not saying I won't play a show with you if you have one, I just can't really set it up myself.
You can use this page of mine if it helps: Albuquerque and Southwest music contacts.
You can contact my bands directly here: Romeo Goes to Hell. The Dead Electric.

I noticed you made something for this band/business, can they get me a show?
That wouldn't be very cool of me. While I endorse most of my clients, many of them I've never met, and maybe I don't even know you. I can't speak for them. Follow their links and ask them yourselves. Check the above answer.

I swiped this image from someone, can I make it into something?
I don't have the time or ability to check up on everything submitted to see if it happened to be plagerized, but since you told me, stupid, no. Now, satire, that is ok. Using something as a starting point? It's a deal. Clip art? Fine. "Recontextulization," anybody? You should really come up with your own ideas though.

I saw my button on some dude, how did it get there?
Someone in your organization told me I could use your button for promotional purposes. This means I like it, and you are getting free advertising, it isn't coming out of your supply, so shut up.

I really have my heart set on this one idea, but you said it'd look like shit. What should I do?
Get a second opinion? Plenty of places will do things I am not capable of, and you will pay them money for it.

Can you sponsor my band/make items for charity/get paid off the back end?
I'd honestly like to, but just can't. Well, actually your band might suck, but in theory the idea is generally cool. If I ever am making enough money that I'm not in danger of having to get a second job, I would love to get into this. As far as band sponsorships and buying on credit, I'd probably be proactive and pick the recipients myself, sorry. I'm impressed by your motivation though.
As far as charity, I will give you a discount, usually a bulk-type price for a smaller number, but I need even more turnaround than usual.

I emailed/myspace'd/called you about a project and did not get a response, what is up with that?
Sorry! I don't have a secretary, I get tons of calls and messages each day, and my filters and screens are very high. The chances are you just ended up in my junk mail or I returned your call to someone else by mistake. Add to that the reliability of message services and cell phones... well, I hope you will try again! If I haven't responded with anything in a few days, that is probably the case, and the best way to reach me is always to try again. Especially if you have a deadline!