Is there a guide to the Charles River website?
Yes, please click here to watch our video tour.
Does Charles River sell directly to the public?
No, we do not sell directly to the public. Click here to find out where you can purchase our products.
How can I pay invoices?
As of August 1, 2024, please pay invoices via credit card online through our online portal, via ACH, or mail check payments to:
Charles River Apparel, Inc.
PO Box 845081
Boston, MA 02284 – 5081.
Where can I send check payments via FedEx or UPS?
As of August 1, 2024, if you plan to send your check payment via FedEx or UPS please send to:
Charles River Apparel, Inc.
Attn: Lockbox Operations 845081
1 Cabot Road, Suite 202
Medford, MA 02155.
Does Charles River offer free freight?
Yes, online orders for blank garments (non-decorated) are eligible for free freight based on Column Pricing Level and the number of pieces included in the order. For more details, please see our Terms & Conditions.
Is there a Shipping and Handling fee?
Yes, there is a $4.95 fee applied to all orders.
Are there any additional charges for tall and extended sizes (2XL–6XL)?
Yes, orders for tall and extended sizes are subject to additional charges. For tall sizes, add $2.00. For larger sizes, add $1.00 for 2XL, $2.00 for 3XL, $3.00 for 4XL, $4.00 for 5XL, and $5.00 for 6XL.
How long will it take for my orders to ship?
Our goal is to ensure you receive prompt and quality service. All orders received by 3PM EST will be shipped the same business day.
Can Charles River Apparel guarantee on-time delivery?
Deliveries may be delayed due to transportation delays and issues beyond our control. Please consider placing orders early or choose expedited shipping methods to help ensure your items arrive when needed.
What is your standard production time on decorated orders?
Our standard lead times are typically 2-5 business days for a virtual proof and 7-10 business days for final production once the virtual proof is approved. Lead times may be delayed during the holiday season – September through December. Final production on decorated orders, after virtual proof approval, may take 15+ business days. We also have a holiday cutoff date, for all decoration orders, that is subject to change depending on capacity and demand. Therefore, we highly encourage placing your decorated orders as early as possible to ensure we can meet key delivery dates.
Do you expect any potential outbound shipping delays with your carriers (FedEx, UPS)?
Please plan for potential shipping delays during peak months, in particular in Q4, based on the expected surge in business combined with factors outside of our control relating to third-party carriers, such as FedEx and UPS, that have already communicated potential delays.
Does your company have a minimum piece requirement when placing an order?
For existing customers, we do not require minimums on blank orders. When placing an initial order for retail, monogram and resort accounts, we require a minimum of 48 pieces.
What state do your goods ship out of?
Our goods ship out of our warehouse in Sharon, Massachusetts.
Does Charles River Apparel offer terms?
Yes. To apply for terms, we ask that you download & complete our Credit Application. Once completed, please print and fax the form to our Accounting Department at 781-793-1133, or save and attach the form in an email to accounting@charlesriverapparel.com. Please note that as a net termed customer, if you opt to pay your outstanding invoice with a credit card, each invoice will be subject to a 2.75% convenience fee. If you opt to pay via check or ACH, no fee will be applied.
Is there anything I can give to my customer to help them choose sizes or to pass out as a guide to their employees?
Yes. We have created a Size Equivalence Chart that contains sizes and body measurements to assist with sizing—these are not garment measurements. Simply tell your customer to locate their measurements on the chart and that will tell them the approximate Charles River Apparel (CRA) size they should fit into. Click here to view the PDF size equivalence chart. For style specific measurements you can also tell your customers to visit our website. Each product has a product “SPECS” tab on the bottom of each page.
Where are your garments made? Are they made in the USA?
Our garments are imported from various countries around the globe and are not made in the United States. Our factories are required to meet higher quality standards and social compliance. We take great pride in our factory partnerships – some that have lasted 25 years.
Can Charles River Apparel help me set up logos for my customer?
Charles River Apparel has a full-service graphic design department to create, modify designs, and digitize them at competitive prices.
What is the return policy?
No merchandise will be accepted for return after 45 days from date of invoice. Restocking fee of 20% may apply. Returns cannot be accepted without a claim number issued by our customer service department written on the box. Merchandise received without the appropriate claim number will be refused. Closeout and discontinued merchandise are not returnable. It is the responsibility of the customer or contract decorator to inspect all merchandise upon receipt for correct style, color, size, and quantity prior to decorating or altering in any way. If any discrepancies exist, Charles River Apparel must be contacted within 72 hours of delivery to notify or request a claim number. Embroidered or decorated items may not be returned or exchanged unless there is a manufacturer defect.
How do I obtain an RA?
Please contact customer service at custserv@charlesriverapparel.com or 800-225-0550 to obtain a return authorization form.
Can I set up multiple web users with designated roles?
Yes, if you are an account admin you will have the ability to set up individuals users with specific roles/permissions. Please go to your "Manage Web Users" through your "My Account" to change or update roles.
Can I pay an open invoice with a credit card online?
Yes, you can pay with your credit card online. Go to view invoices and click on the 'open' invoices you'd like to pay, this will take you to the payment page. If you have a card on file, you will be required to update your verification # located on the back (front for AmEx) of your CC. If you do not have a card on file, follow the steps for adding your credit card information. Note for all Customers: If you opt to pay your outstanding invoice with a credit card, each invoice will be subject to a 2.75% convenience fee. If you opt to pay via check or ACH, no fee will be applied.
Can I pay with a credit memo online?
Unfortunately our systems are not set up to accept online payments using credit memos. If you'd like to use a credit memo for payment please contact us at AR@charlesriverapparel.com or 800-225-0550 ext 3.
Can I make partial payments online?
Unfortunately we cannot accept partial payments online. If you'd like to make a partial payment, please contact us at AR@charlesriverapparel.com or 800-225-0550 ext 3.
Do you have MAP policy?
Yes, we have a published MAP policy which can also be found in our Customer Resource Library or on the Resources tab on each product page.
Does Charles River Apparel offer any electronic integrations?
Yes, we provide a range of digital tools listed on our Integrations & Digital Solutions page. Find information on our supported systems such as PromoStandards, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and FTP feeds.