"Demystifying the Promotional Products Glossary of Terms: Your Ultimate Guide"
Are you overwhelmed by all the confusing terms and acronyms in the promotional products printing industry? Do you feel like everyone else understands what’s going on, but you don’t have a clue? Are you confused by all the different charges when purchasing custom promotional products and branded apparel?
Well, no more! We are here to help demystify this oft-confusing world for your business or organizational needs - with our comprehensive guide to understanding all of the terminology used. Covering topics such as die-cutting, screen printing, spot color, and much more, join us as we take an insider’s look at deciphering these complicated phrases and procedures.
We will break down all the terms in the Promotional Products Glossary alphabetically, one at a time.
A
Acrylic Knit
A synthetic man-made fiber that is used in fabric and yarn. It is made of many of the same elements as acrylic plastic.
Acrylic Plastic (PVC)
A lightweight, shatter-proof plastic that closely resembles glass but is more transparent. It is also often called plexiglass. We carry a variety of acrylic plaques and acrylic trophies.
Anti-Fraud Ink
Anti-fraud ink is designed to prevent methods used by those who try to check wash in order to forge their own information. Protect yourself and your associates by trying one of our custom pens with anti-fraud ink.
Anti-Static
Anti-static material prevents the buildup of static electricity. Fine Promotions offers a few apparel items with anti-static properties.
Appliqué
A smaller piece of fabric is meant to be sewn or attached to a more significant piece of fabric, usually to decorate it. The most common example of these are patches. Including patches on products is a trend that can easily garner many impressions for your brand.
Art or Artwork
When we talk about “art” or “artwork,” we often refer to the logo or other design that will be imprinted on your product.
Art Proof
An art proof is a visual representation of how your artwork will look on your chosen product. Fine Promotions always provides an art proof to every customer before their order goes into production. As soon as you approve the art proof, we will send your order into production!
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B
Biowash
Apparel that is tagged as “biowashed” has gone through a process that removes extra fibers and pre-shrinks garments so it doesn’t shrink after their first wash. The process also creates a softer, easier-to-print-on fabric and a longer-lasting garment. Several of our garments are pre-shrunk to guarantee their lasting power.
Broadcloth
Also called Poplin, broadcloth is commonly used in dress clothes and polo shirts. It is typically made from cotton fibers and has a plain weave, which minimizes its texture and weight.
Bulk
Buying from Fine Promotions often means buying products “in bulk.” This basically means buying products in large quantities, often at a more competitive price. Typically, the more items you order, the lower the per-item cost. Buying larger quantities is also desirable when you want to distribute your stock over a longer period of time.
C
Camera-Ready/Print-Ready/Production-Ready Art
Camera-ready, print-ready, or production-ready is where your artwork can satisfactorily be imprinted on your chosen product. Fine Promotions won’t stop until you feel your art meets this critical requirement.
Canvas
Canvas is a high-quality and durable fabric made from PVC cotton or linen. It is often used to make custom tote bags such as our best-selling Budget Canvas Tote
Catalog Price
The catalog price is the published price of an item. Starting from this price point, extra fees are added, or discounts are deducted.
Chenille
Chenille is a soft yarn often used for lining fabric products. In our case, chenille is what is used for the hair on our Moptopper™ products, which can be used to clean device screens.
Chino
Chino cloth is a lightweight, twill fabric commonly used to make dress pants. However, Fine Promotions carries custom caps made with chino.
Color Match Charge
Decorators can only carry a limited amount of inks, foils, threads, etc. We try to keep as many popular colors in stock, but when a particular decoration color is needed to match your logo, this may mean that ink needs to be mixed or a special foil needs to be ordered.
Corporate Gifts
Promotional corporate gifts are elegant and professional ways to represent your brand. They are a way to thank employees, customers, and clients and prospect for new ones. We have a wide variety of personalized corporate gifts on our website. Check them out!
Cost Per Thousand/Cost Per Mille/Cost Per Impression
In marketing, you might hear the terms cost per thousand (CPT) or cost per mille (CPM). These terms refer to the cost one incurs after their advertisement has garnered thousands of impressions. Cost per impression, which is used more frequently when talking about promotional products, is the cost one incurs for every impression their advertisement earns. Promotional products are a one-time expense. As time passes and they garner more attention, their cost per impression will decrease, making them the most economical marketing method.
Cotton Combing
Combing is a step in the process of creating yarn and fabrics. The main difference between the two is that combing is done when one desires a smoother, more aligned yarn. Promotional apparel brand Bella Canvas™ prides itself on offering quality combed and ring-spun products.
Cotton – Ring-Spun
Ring-spun cotton has been through a process that twists and thins fibers. This creates strands that are stronger and more durable than regular cotton. Pieces made from ring-spun cotton are also softer due to cutting down on loose fibers.
Cover Stitch
A cover stitch is the name given to the type of stitch used to hem t-shirt bottoms and sleeves. It is a stitch that allows for maximum stretchability and durability.
D
Debossing
The debossing method is imprinting a logo design or message into your print piece, creating an indented effect. Just like embossing, you can choose to leave the debossed area as is for a subtle effect or add to it with ink or foil stamping. Debossed logos can frequently be found on leather or leather-looking materials and some fabric and wood materials. Check out our selection of custom debossed products.
Denier
Denier is a unit of measurement used to determine the thickness of threads used in fabrics. Fabrics with a higher denier count tend to be thicker and more durable.
Double-Knit
Double-knit fabric has two layers that are usually knit simultaneously. This adds thickness and durability, sometimes adding to a piece’s look.
Drop Shipping
Drop shipping is the technical term for Fine Promotions’s business model. Essentially, you, the customer, buy products from us. Once your order has been finalized, we send your order info to a supplier who imprints and ships your items directly to you. This method is often used in wholesale and custom product industries which makes it ideal for a promotional product company like us!
Dyed Garment
Garment dyeing is a clothing coloring option that occurs after a garment has been completed. This method gives clothing a softer, more distressed look and feel. It also helps to prevent shrinking.
Dyeing
Dyeing refers to the addition of dyes to fabric to change its color. There are several ways to achieve this, including garment and yarn dyeing.
Dye Sublimation
Dye sublimation is the art of simplicity with a touch of pure brilliance. It's a transformative process that infuses color deep into the very fabric of the material itself. And the best part? It's a decorating method that stands the test of time.
If you've ever rocked a Tie Dye T-Shirt, you've experienced a close relative of dye sublimation. It's a process that opens up a world of possibilities, offering an array of benefits that redefine promotional imprinting:
Dye sublimation brings your designs to life with an enduring burst of full-color brilliance. Whether it's your company logo, intricate artwork, or a stunning photograph, the result is vivid, enduring, and never fades away.
E
Earth Tones
Earth tones are a harmonious collection of colors that draw inspiration from the natural world around us. This versatile palette encompasses a rich spectrum of hues, including warm browns, serene greens, soothing grays, sunlit yellows, and earthy oranges. These colors effortlessly mimic the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors, bringing a touch of nature's elegance to your design and decor choices."
Embossing
While debossing adds a subtle elegance by pressing a design into a surface, embossing takes your branding to new heights by creating a raised, tactile logo and design. Embossed logos are a mark of distinction, often gracing promotional paper products, apparel, and pens. Explore our collection of embossed logo items, where elevated branding meets exceptional quality."
Employee Incentive/Appreciation
Employee incentives are more than just rewards; they're a powerful form of positive reinforcement and employee appreciation. Recognizing and celebrating your employees' hard work and achievements can be a game-changer for your company's morale and motivation.
One fantastic way to express your appreciation is through promotional products. Discover the endless possibilities of employee incentives and employee kits Let us help you create a workplace culture that celebrates success and inspires greatness."
Engraving
Engraving is a meticulous art that involves the precision carving of text or intricate designs into various materials, with metals being a popular choice, especially for items like trophy nameplates. We offer the artistry of engraving to personalize your items.
Discover the elegance of engraved and laser-engraved imprints across many of our products, where craftsmanship meets personalization. Make your mark with us today."
EPS File
EPS, or Encapsulated PostScript, stands as a stalwart in the realm of graphic file formats. Revered for its precision and fidelity, EPS files are often crafted and exported using Adobe Illustrator, a renowned vector graphic software.
At Fine Promotions, we hold EPS as one of our preferred artwork file formats. Why? Because it effortlessly encapsulates the essence of your logo in a high-quality image, ensuring your brand shines with clarity and brilliance."
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F
Fill In
Sometimes, small intricacies within your logo pose a challenge in the world of printing and foiling. When a particular area becomes too compact for ink or foil to adhere properly, it may lead to unintended results. For instance, the small circle inside a lowercase 'p' might lose its definition and transform into an unintended shape, resembling a hammer more than the letter 'p'.
To maintain the integrity of your logo, we may recommend adjustments such as increasing the font size or simplifying specific details. We aim to ensure your logo looks its best and communicates your brand identity flawlessly."
Foil Stamp/Hot Stamping
Foil or hot stamping is a transformative process where dried ink or foil meets heat to create a lasting impression. This elegant technique involves using a custom-made die to craft your design. A roll or sheet of exquisite foil is carefully positioned above the item, awaiting its transformation.
When the heated die makes contact with the foil, it leaves the wrong one, which can diminish it. It's a decision that deserves careful consideration.
If you're seeking guidance in choosing the perfect font to represent your brand, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist you in crafting a logo that speaks volumes and resonates with your audience."
Font
Times New Roman, Arial, and Helvetica may seem ordinary, but they share a remarkable trait. These are fonts, the artistic styles of text that can transform how your message appears. The font choice influences the size, boldness, italics, and more, all contributing to your text’s overall look and feel.
Regarding your logo imprint, font selection becomes a critical factor. The right font can elevate your brand identity, while the wrong one can diminish it. It's a decision that deserves careful consideration.
If you're seeking guidance in choosing the perfect font to represent your brand, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist you in crafting a logo that speaks volumes and resonates with your audience.
Four Color Process (CMYK) Defined:
Four Color Process, often abbreviated as CMYK, is a printing technique that uses four primary ink colors—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—to reproduce a broad spectrum of colors. Each ink color is printed in layers of tiny dots, varying in density, to create vibrant and detailed full-color images on various print materials. CMYK is a standard in the printing industry, ensuring color accuracy and consistency in promotional products, brochures, posters, and more. It allows for precisely blending colors to produce captivating visuals that engage and resonate with your audience.
Free On-Board Shipping Point (FOB)
The location where a particular item is shipped from. Fine Promotions notes this information on every product page to make it easier to calculate shipping costs.
Fulfillment
Order fulfillment refers to the processing from when you order to when you receive your items. For more information about Fine Promotions’s fulfillment process, see the entry for “drop shipping.”
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G
Garment Wash: Distressing for Style
Garment wash is a versatile term encompassing various techniques to impart specific aesthetics or textures to clothing items. This includes processes like stone, acid, and dyeing, among others. When an article of clothing appears "distressed," it has typically undergone some form of garment wash. A popular example is caps featuring this distressed appearance, created through specialized washes. These techniques add character and uniqueness to clothing, offering consumers various style options that cater to their preferences.
GIF: Animation in a Limited Palette
GIF, which stands for Graphics Interchange Format, is a file format primarily employed for raster-pixel images. What sets GIFs apart is their capability to be animated. However, there's a limitation: each frame of a GIF can only contain up to 256 colors. This constraint makes GIFs less suitable for photographs, where a vast range of colors is needed for realism. Nevertheless, for graphics with a limited color palette, GIFs shine, delivering crisp, compact animations and graphics with clarity and charm.
Gift with Purchase or Donation: The Power of Promotional Products
Promotional products are versatile tools in strengthening customer loyalty, whether as gifts, incentives, or expressions of gratitude. They make for ideal tokens of appreciation when offered as free gifts with a purchase, elevating the overall shopping experience. Similarly, promotional items can serve as heartfelt thank-you gifts in exchange for donations, fostering goodwill between your brand and its supporters.
Giveaways: Memorable Tokens of Appreciation
Giveaways are tangible expressions of appreciation and branding prowess offered to potential or existing customers, clients, and employees at no cost. These items are enduring reminders of your company or organization, leaving a lasting impression. Popular giveaway ideas include reusable cups, branded keychains, desk accessories, and tech gadgets. By sharing these tokens, you strengthen your brand presence and create positive associations and connections with your audience, making giveaways valuable in marketing and relationship-building efforts.
Glass Etching
Glass etching uses chemicals or other processes to create designs within glass. These etched designs have a frosted, translucent look and feel rougher than unetched glass. This is a great way to give a subtle, yet noticeable look to your logo when it’s imprinted on glass awards.
Grommet
Grommets, sometimes called eyelets, are essential metal or threaded rings used to strengthen fabric openings. These sturdy reinforcements are commonly found in various applications, such as drawstring bags. In the case of drawstring bags, grommets are typically placed at both bottom corners to prevent tearing around the holes where the drawstrings thread through. This reinforcement ensures durability and longevity, making grommets a crucial element in maintaining the integrity of fabric-based
Gusset
Gussets are added pieces of fabric that are meant to expand or reinforce a piece. Here at Fine Promotions, we offer gussets as a feature on many of our custom tote bags to ensure that the product you receive can carry as much as possible.
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H
Halftone Printing: Dots Mimicking Shades
Halftone printing uses varying-sized dots, closely or distantly spaced, to simulate shades of gray or colors. This compensates for printers limited to solid colors. Larger, denser dots create darker areas, while smaller, scattered dots yield lighter tones. This technique extends to four-color process printing, where each color employs unique, microscopic dots to reproduce a broad spectrum of colors, enabling intricate image and photo reproduction in print. Halftone printing blends science and art to achieve captivating results.
Heat Transfer Printing: Imprinting with Heat
Imagine ironing a design onto a t-shirt – that's a lot like how heat transfer printing works to achieve a sharp logo or design on various items. The process begins by printing your design onto transfer paper, and then applying it to the product using a heat press. Afterward, you're left with a pristine imprint when the transfer paper is removed.
Heat transfer printing is a cost-effective alternative to screen printing because it involves less setup. This method offers efficiency and precision, making it a popular choice for adding logos and designs to a wide range of products.
Henley Shirt: Unconventional Neckwear
A Henley shirt is a distinctive garment characterized by its absence of a traditional collar. Instead, it sports a short row of buttons, snaps, or similar fasteners that begin at the neckline but do not extend all the way down to the shirt's hem. This unique design element sets the Henley apart, offering a blend of casual style and comfort, making it a popular choice in contemporary fashion.
Herringbone: A Versatile Pattern
Herringbone is a visually captivating pattern composed of rectangular shapes arranged in diverse configurations. This pattern can produce a zigzag, striped, or crosshatch appearance, adding a touch of sophistication to various surfaces. While commonly associated with tiling, herringbone is not limited to ceramics and can also be found in fabrics. A prime example is a ladies sweat shirt in a herringbone pattern, showcasing its adaptability in fashion and design.
Imprinted Products: Boosting Your Brand Identity
Imprinted products are items that bear artwork or designs printed onto their surfaces. At Fine Promotions, we excel in crafting imprinted products that serve as powerful tools for promoting your business. These items not only carry your brand's visual identity but also help you leave a lasting impression on your audience. From custom merchandise to promotional materials, our imprinted products are tailored to elevate your marketing efforts and connect with your customers.
Incentive: The Drive to Achieve
An incentive is a compelling reward or motivator designed to inspire individuals to take specific actions. Whether encouraging employees to excel at work, enticing clients to engage in business relationships, or providing students with reasons to excel academically, incentives are powerful catalysts for desired behaviors. Promotional product giveaways, in particular, serve as versatile and effective incentives for various purposes, leveraging tangible rewards to drive motivation and achieve desired outcomes.
Ink Change: Adapting to Colorful Requests
Occasionally, customers may seek multiple imprint colors on a single item, a request we're eager to fulfill. However, it's important to note that accommodating this change typically incurs an additional cost. This additional expense arises because we must halt the production process, meticulously clean all ink or foil, and then initiate the changeover. Despite the extra cost, this approach is more cost-effective than placing two separate orders for additional items. By consolidating the order and managing the ink change, we can maintain the combined quantity pricing, as there's no need to set up all the equipment anew, ensuring cost-efficiency and convenience for our valued customers.
Inkjet
Your at-home and in-office printers provide inkjet printing. Basically, this print method takes a digital image and prints it onto paper or another single-sheet material by shooting dots of ink onto the item. Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are used to print any color that might be found in the image. For more information, see the “four-color process” entries and “halftone.”
J
Jewel-Tone: Gemstone Elegance in Color
The jewel tones color palette takes inspiration from the rich, vibrant hues of precious gemstones like sapphire, emerald, ruby, amethyst, and topaz, among others. These colors exude a sense of luxury and sophistication, adding a touch of elegance and playfulness to any design. Our collection boasts a range of promotional products in jewel-tone colors, allowing your branding to radiate refinement and poise, making a lasting and stylish impression.
JPEG: Balancing Space and Quality
JPEG, short for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is a widely used image format chosen when file size compression is necessary to conserve storage space. It's particularly popular for photographs composed of pixels. The compression process in JPEG aims to reduce file size, but a trade-off exists—higher compression rates result in lower image quality. While high-quality JPEG images are achievable, it's essential to exercise caution, as it's easy to inadvertently sacrifice image quality. If you possess a JPEG of your logo that could benefit from enhancements before imprinting, don't hesitate to send it our way. Our skilled art services team is ready to assist, ensuring your image is camera-ready and poised for optimal impact.
L
Lamination: A Protective Plastic Shield
Lamination involves encasing an object or surface with a protective layer of plastic. While you may be familiar with laminating paper documents to safeguard or make them erasable, lamination extends beyond paper. Many bags, for instance, undergo lamination to reinforce the fabric, impart water resistance, and simplify cleaning. This process bolsters durability and enhances practicality, ensuring that laminated bags can withstand the elements and everyday wear and tear.
Laser Engraving: Unveiling Hidden Colors
Laser engraving holds a fascinating secret: many engraved items conceal a layer of color underneath. We cut through this top layer with laser precision to reveal the hidden hue beneath it. For example, picture a blue metal pen with a film or paint coating over gold metal. We delicately cut through the blue layer with laser engraving, unveiling the radiant gold underneath. This process clarifies why we cannot easily alter the imprint color. However, on select items, we can achieve a unique effect by "oxidizing" a silver imprint, which transforms the underlying metal into a sleek black finish, adding an intriguing touch to the final product.
Leave-Behind Items: Leaving a Lasting Impression
A leave-behind item is a thoughtful gesture, often given after a meeting, conference, or event. These items can range from small tokens like business cards to more substantial offerings such as high-end corporate gifts. The essence of a leave-behind is to ensure that you stay prominently in the recipient's thoughts, reinforcing the potential for future business interactions. By leaving a tangible reminder of your encounter, you make a lasting impression and enhance the likelihood of fostering valuable business relationships.
Less than Minimum (LTM): Flexibility in Quantity
The minimum quantity refers to the mandatory number of a specific product that must be purchased. While many minimums are non-negotiable, some products offer flexibility through a "less than a minimum" (LTM) option. This involves paying an additional charge to accommodate lower quantities, which helps offset production costs. Alternatively, our customer service team at Fine Promotions can explore alternative products with lower minimums that still meet your needs. We're committed to assisting you product-by-product, providing all the necessary information to help you make informed decisions and find the best solution for your requirements.
Logo/Trademark/Service Mark: Unveiling Brand Identity
Your logo is the visual symbol or text that sets your business apart from others. Imprinting it on promotional items is a potent strategy because it fosters brand recognition, instantly identifying your company name.
A trademark, on the other hand, extends beyond just your logo. It encompasses anything that serves to distinguish the products you offer. For services, the equivalent term is a service mark. These distinguishing marks can encompass logos, brand names, product names, slogans, mascots, and elements that set your business apart.
Trademarks are protected by legal rights, with the highest level of protection offered to those who officially register their trademarks. Legal registration grants exclusive rights, preventing others from using these marks without permission, except under specific circumstances outlined by the law. Trademarks and service marks are pivotal in safeguarding a business's unique identity and branding assets.
Lumpy Mail: Curiosity that Drives Engagement
Lumpy mail is a clever direct mail marketing tactic that capitalizes on human curiosity. Research by Small Business Trends suggests that including a tangible item within your direct mail campaign can result in an almost 100 percent open rate. People are naturally inquisitive about what's inside, compels them to open the mailpiece. However, the effectiveness doesn't stop there.
To make the most of lumpy mail, it's crucial to make the content personal, relevant, and captivating. This ensures that the mail will be opened and its contents will be read and absorbed. One effective way to create a "lumpy mail" effect is by including a promotional product within your direct mailing. This adds a tangible, interactive element that piques curiosity and enhances your marketing message's overall engagement.
P
Pantone Matching System (PMS): Precision in Color Reproduction
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is the ultimate tool for achieving color precision in the printing industry. Think of it as a comprehensive palette replicating virtually any imprint color you envision. Like selecting the perfect paint color for your living room at a local hardware store, you can present us with your desired shade, and we can match it.
While some imprint shades are produced using the "process color" method, which utilizes the four-color CMYK printing process, most Pantone colors require a "spot color" process. In spot color printing, inks are custom-mixed to match the specific Pantone shade, and the printing is done in a single pass. This meticulous approach ensures that your branding and promotional materials precisely reflect your chosen colors, fostering consistency and accuracy in your visual identity.
Pre-Production Proof/Spec Sample: Ensuring Visual Precision
A pre-production proof, also known as a spec sample, provides a sneak peek of how your logo or design will appear on a specific item before full-scale production. It's a critical step to ensure visual accuracy and quality. However, creating a pre-production proof typically involves a setup fee, reflecting the cost of preparing the customized item for your review.
Production Time: physical time to produce and ship
Production time represents the duration from when we receive payment or terms and obtain approval for your artwork to when the factory dispatches your ordered items. The production clock begins counting down once all necessary components are in place. While production time can vary depending on the specific item, it typically spans 4-5 business days, with an additional few days allocated for shipping.
We understand that flexibility is crucial and aim to accommodate your requirements whenever possible. However, expedited processing, known as a rush order, may involve an extra charge. Please note that production time encompasses weekdays from Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
At Fine Promotions, we offer diverse items to cater to every customer's expectations. If you have specific timing needs, don't hesitate to reach out, and we'll work diligently to identify the perfect item that meets your timeline, making your promotional dreams a reality!
Promotional Products: Memorable Branding Tools
Promotional products are tangible items used as marketing tools for businesses and nonprofits. These items typically feature the company's logo or branding and are often distributed for free to customers, clients, or supporters. What sets promotional products apart is their proven effectiveness.
Research indicates that promotional products rank among the most memorable, preferred, and highly regarded forms of advertising. Unlike many other marketing methods, these tangible items have a lasting impact, leaving a favorable and enduring impression on recipients. From branded pens and apparel to custom merchandise, promotional products offer a versatile and engaging way to promote and strengthen your brand's presence.
R
Random Sample: Try Before You Buy
At Fine Promotions, we understand the value of trying before you commit. That's why we provide free samples of many of our products, allowing you to assess their quality and appeal firsthand. These samples come pre-printed with a random logo, offering a tangible sense of the product's look and feel.
While we strive to fulfill requests for specific color samples, we must note that we may not always have every product color in stock. This is where proactive planning can be especially advantageous. By considering your needs in advance and exploring available options, you can ensure a seamless and informed decision-making process for your promotional endeavors.
Reverse Processing
Reverse Processing: The Illusion of Two-Color Imprints
Reverse processing is a creative technique we offer that can make a one-color imprint appear like a two-color imprint, and it comes at no additional cost to you. Our skilled graphics team handles this process, which involves utilizing the product's color to create the illusion of a second imprint color.
For instance, if a part of your logo uses the same color as the item, our graphics team can use their expertise to design the imprint in a way that seamlessly incorporates the product's color, giving the impression of a two-color design. This technique allows for visually striking and dynamic imprints using only a single ink color. It's a great way to maximize the impact of your promotional items, as exemplified by our best-selling custom PopSockets® that use this method to enhance the soccer ball artwork while utilizing only black ink.
Running Charge: Covering Production Costs
A running charge is an additional fee designed to offset the various expenses linked to the printing or production of your items. These costs can encompass materials, equipment setup, the time dedicated to the project, and other factors associated with the manufacturing process. It helps cover the ongoing expenses incurred while producing your custom items, ensuring that the final product meets your specifications and quality standards.
Rush Charge: Prioritizing Your Order
A rush charge is a fee that offsets the costs associated with expediting an order and moving it ahead of the regular production queue. It also covers any additional adjustments needed to quickly set up the production process.
If you require an item sooner than our standard production time allows, inquiring about a rush charge is often a viable solution. It can be a cost-effective alternative to expedited shipping. Rush charges ensure your order receives top priority and can be completed in a shorter timeframe, making it a convenient option for those with tight deadlines. Be sure to explore our selection of items eligible for 24-hour rush service to find products that meet your urgent needs.
S
Screen Printing (Silkscreen): Detailed Imprints, Efficient Process
Screen printing, or silkscreen, achieves sharp and detailed product imprints. Here's the process:
Emulsion Screen: A heat-sensitive screen serves as the canvas.
Design Transfer: Your design on a clear film removes emulsion from the screen, forming a stencil.
Printing: Ink is pushed through the stencil onto the product using a squeegee, ensuring precision.
Curing: Heat sets the ink, allowing for swift production of multi-color imprints.
Automation: Technology has automated silk-screening for even greater efficiency.
While setup costs may be slightly higher, the lasting quality of screen printing makes it an excellent choice for promotional items.
Shipping Date
The shipping date is when your order is out of the factories’ hands and on its way to you. Based on this shipping date, we can make an estimate as to when your items will arrive.
Second Location Run: Double the Impact
When you desire your logo in two locations on an item, it often incurs an additional run charge. For instance, a common scenario is a customer wanting their logo on both the front and back of a t-shirt. However, if the imprint is identical in both locations, there might not be an extra setup fee.
This flexibility allows you to make the most of your promotional items, ensuring your branding message is visible from multiple angles and maximizing your brand's exposure. It's a cost-effective way to double the impact of your promotional products when needed.
Setup: The Precision Behind Imprints
The setup charge encompasses the expenses of preparing the equipment for custom printing. This involves meticulous tasks such as priming materials, ensuring the exact positioning of the imprint, and calibrating the right pressure, among other critical factors. Achieving precision in these details is paramount when customizing an item.
It's essential to note that setup charges can vary in amount. Factors influencing the cost include the chosen imprint method and the time needed to fine-tune every setting to meet the high-quality imprint standards expected. Typically, you can anticipate incurring a setup charge for each traditional color in your logo, reflecting the effort required to ensure a top-notch imprint.
Spot Color Imprinting Process: Precision in Simplicity
Spot color imprinting is as straightforward as it sounds. In this process, one color is printed at a time. Each color requires a separate setup if your logo or design comprises multiple colors. This method ensures precise color matching for your logo on every occasion.
By creating distinct setups for each spot color, we can guarantee that your logo's colors remain consistent and faithful to your brand identity. This precision is vital for maintaining the integrity of your branding across various promotional items and materials.
W
Woodtone/Woodgrain: The Natural Aesthetic
Woodtone, or Woodgrain, is a sought-after patterned finish found on a range of items, including journals, drinkware, and even sunglasses. Opting for woodtone or woodgrain products is an excellent choice when you want to convey a trendy and nature-inspired image.
These items are particularly fitting if you seek a wood-themed giveaway for your real estate, construction, or carpentry business. Woodtone and woodgrain finishes capture the rustic charm of wood, adding a touch of nature's allure to your promotional products.
Wrap Imprint: Embracing Full Circumference
Certain items, like mugs and cylindrical objects, can benefit from a wrap imprint. This method enables us to imprint the entire circumference of the item using a single setup. The ingenious technique involves keeping the screen stable while rotating the item during printing.
If you inspect the bottom of your mug and notice a small notch, chances are it's designed to accommodate a wrap imprint. This approach ensures your design or logo fully encircles the item, maximizing visibility and impact. It's a clever way to make the most of promotional products with cylindrical shapes.
Lost in Promo Translation? We've Got Your Back!
If you've just navigated this "promo speak" glossary and it feels like decoding ancient hieroglyphs, fear not! We have an amazing team of promotional products wizards itching to rescue you from the wordy wilderness.
Our gurus are here to unravel the mysteries of promotional product lingo and turn confusion into clarity. So, if you're feeling as bewildered as a squirrel at a disco, don't be shy—click [here](link to contact us) to summon our enchanting experts. They're ready to sprinkle some marketing magic your way! 🪄✨products.
Are you ready to use your new terms? Contact us today, and well find the perfect promotional product for you!
