What is the Order Process?
What does the item cost include?
What is a Setup Charge?
What is a Pantone Matching Charge?
Do I need a paper proof?
What type of art is necessary?
Can you rush my order?
What is an overrun/underrun?
What is your return policy?
1) What is the Order Process? 
The order process happens in 5 steps.
Step 1 of 5: Order and Art Approval.
We write up the order and send the art mockup to you via email. When we receive your signed approval, we put the order into production.
Step 2 of 5: Proofing
Our printing facility sends us a final emailed proof of your art. We send this to you to approve before printing. Printing begins after we receive your signed proof. For larger orders, we may require preproduction sample. In this case, we will print one item and send it to you for your approval. This adds production time and a preproduction sample charge.
Step 3 of 5: Printing
This is the actual production and/or printing of the items. It usually takes 2-3 weeks. Call us for faster production times. For large, overseas orders, it takes 12-15 weeks. Shipping time is additional.
Step 4 of 5: Shipping
After the order is printed, we use the most economical ship method, given your time frame, in order to get the order to you. Ocean shipping (3 weeks) is the most economical shipping method for larger shipments. For medium-sized and smaller shipments, a 1-week service is most economical. We can ship as fast as overnight.
Step 5 of 5: Delivery!
Our carrier delivers the order to you in time for your promotion. Every time.
2) What does the item cost include?
The item cost usually includes the item itself and the act of running the item through the printing machines once. In embroidery cases, it includes a certain number of stitches. Additional printing colors or locations will require the item to be run through the process again, resulting in additional color/location charges. Other charges applicable to all orders are Setup Charges, proof charges, shipping and tax.
3) What is a setup charge?
Setup charges apply to all new orders and to some repeat orders. It takes a printing facility 3 hours to “set up” a silkscreen machine for a printing job. It takes an embroiderer 1-2 hours to digitize a logo so the machine embroiders it correctly. It takes an embosser 3-4 hours to cast a die for the embossing. Setup charges are meant to recuperate some of the cost of labor involved in setting up the machinery for printing. Most setup charges range from $45.00 to $62.00. Some exceptions apply.
4) What is a Pantone Matching System (PMS) Charge?
Manufactures have their standard imprinting colors. Many items can be imprinted with a PMS (Pantone Matching System) color; an additional charge will often apply for the labor involved in mixing the ink. Typical PMS Charges vary from $40.00 to $60.00.
5) Do I need a paper proof?
Paper proofs insure that your artwork has been transmitted correctly to the manufacturer. You will receive an email proof 1-3 days after your order has been put into production. Your immediate approval is required in order to keep your production schedule. Production time starts after approval of proof. In some cases a pre-production proof is required or may be requested. A pre-production proof is a sample of your imprint on the item ordered. Additional charges will apply.
6) What type of art is necessary?
Art must be vector and saved as an EPS or AI file. The preferred program for art is Adobe Illustrator. All text must be saved as outlines. All colors must be shown as PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors. Art must be vector to insure the imprint on items is not jagged or blurry. If you do not have usable artwork we can have it created for you. Call for a quote.
7) Can you rush my order?
All efforts will be made to accommodate rush order requests. In many cases, a rush order charge will apply, and the piece price may increase.
8) What is an overrun/underrun?
When factories imprint the merchandise they always print more than what is ordered to allow for misprints. After the printing is done they discard any products with misprints and ship the remainder. Most of the time this amount is slightly more than what is ordered, occasionally it less. We will bill you for the actual amount shipped. The normal industry standard is 5%-10% over or under the quantity ordered. Some items such as plastic bags or paper products have a 25% over or under run. You will be billed for the actual quantity shipped.
9) What is your return policy?
Once items have been decorated, they can not be returned or exchanged unless there are defects in workmanship. Returns without authorization will be refused. All return requests must be made in writing within 10 days of receipt of goods.
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