FAQs
Buying Process
Pricing on the website
Currently all pricing on the website is a “guide price”. If you are interested in a particular product just request a formal quotation through the website and we will get back to you with a formal quotation/estimate. The quotation/estimate will include the unit cost, the origination charge and the carriage cost.
What is an origination charge?
To explain simply it is a set up charge for each production run at the factory. This charge differs on the different types of branding. However, to use an example if you placed an order of 100 T-Shirts that are screen printed with your logo, then the screens need to be produced at the factory and this is the charge relating to this. There are many different methods of branding and effectively it is the charge relating to the set-up process.
What is the carriage charge?
This is the cost of delivery. In our standard carriage charge this is for delivery to a UK mainland address. If the delivery is for another part of the United Kingdom, then you need to tell us so we can make the correct carriage calculation.
I have an order with multiple branded products, for example mugs, mouse mats and pens, why am I being charged a carriage rate for each?
As we are a distributor, and we work closely with factories that produce the branded merchandise in the UK, Europe and Asia. In some cases, on a multiple product order the items are produced at different factories, so each factory will despatch the product separately. Hence a separate charge.
Can you deliver to other parts of the world?
Yes, we can. You just need to tell us where they need to be delivered so we can make the correct carriage calculations. In most cases there will be customs duty to pay on the deliveries to other countries.
How long will it take for the order to be delivered?
When we send you the quotation/estimate then we will indicate the “lead time”. This will include the manufacturing/printing period as well as the delivery time of the products. In the majority of cases the products tend to take between 5-10 working days. In some cases, there are products on an express service which can take between 3-5 working days. For products that are sourced from Asia the lead time are between 15-25 working days.
Artwork
What type of artwork should I provide for my branded merchandise order?
To progress your order to production we need your artwork in a vector format, such as eps, ai or editable PDF.
We cannot use non vector files, which are called raster images or bitmap files, you commonly see these types of files with the file extension as jpg, png, gif, tiff, bmp.
Why do we ask you for a vector file? The answer is quite simple in that vector files can be scaled infinitely without losing any of their detail, which means you get that same quality of the artwork on a large or a small branding area. Whereas with a raster or bitmap image due to the file being made up of pixels when the artwork is resized for a branding area then it will lose its quality. By using a vector file will allow the best print quality on the merchandise.
I don’t have the correct vector logo; can you help?
Sure, that’s not a problem at all. When it comes to the main order, we can redraw your non vectored logo into the correct vector format. There is normally a small charge for this work. You just need to contact us and we can help.
What is a pantone code?
If we are spot or screen printing onto the products, then we will ask you for the pantone code for the colour that is related to your artwork. When you have had your logo created the designer normally assigns the pantone code for the colours used. If you don’t have the information for the pantone codes, then we will match it to the closest possible pantone code.
Can I get to see how the product will look like with my artwork before I order?
We will produce a visual in a PDF, to achieve this we need your artwork in vector format. You can then review and request amendments if you need different positioning.
Can I order a printed sample before I place the main order?
Yes, this is possible but there is a charge associated with it. It normally involves the unit cost of the product, the origination charge and carriage. To get the exact cost and the lead time please contact us.
