FAQ
Q: I can't find a specific item, can you help?
A: We offer a wide variety of products in addition to those you see listed on our web site. If you need additional help locating a product, please contact our sales specialist at 1-877-462-6394 or 617-331-4722.
Q: What Image formats do you accept?
A: Image Programs In Order of Preference:
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Adobe Illustrator®
(Preferably saved as vector art)
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Adobe Photoshop®
(.eps format)
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Corel Draw® * IBM-PC only
(All text converted to "curves" and file exported to "Adobe Illustrator EPS" format)
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Macromedia Freehand®
(All text must be converted to "curves" and file exported to "Adobe Illustrator EPS" format)
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Other Programs - Save artwork as vector in .eps format
Images must be at least 600 dpi to be run through the image printing process.
Please send all graphics sized at 100%.
(We may not be able to view other program files, please convert them to adobe compatible formats.)
Q: What about Fonts?
A: If you are using a special font, it is critical that you include the font when sending your artwork, you may select the font by finding it in your font directory and saving it to your desktop, then attach it with your artwork when sending. If you use the Style palette to modify your font, it must be converted to outlines, or saved as a rasterized flat layer image.
Q: Do you offer graphic design services?
A: Yes, we have a graphic artist, in house, that can recreate your logo and add whatever else you need to print on your items. We charge $50.00 per hour to recreate your logo in the high resolution format needed. We are very quick, and most logos can be recreated in less than one hour. Also, you may consider showing these requirements to your graphic designer so he or she can get you the appropriate copy, usually the original digital artwork, non web version of your logo.
Q: How long will it take to get my order?
A: Once your order is placed, it usually takes approximately 10 business days for your products to be shipped. Please let us know if you need the merchandise by a specific date.
Q: What are the Payment Terms?
A: A 50% deposit is required for the order to be considered placed. Balance due at delivery. We accept Visa, Master Card, money orders, and checks.
Q: What is the difference regarding decorating types?
A: Screen Printing / Silk-Screening
An image is transferred to the printed surface by ink, which is pressed through a stenciled screen and treated with a light-sensitive emulsion. Film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to light, hardening the emulsion not covered by film and leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to press ink through. Also, you must create a different screen for every color you are going to print, and then screen each color separately allowing drying time in-between.
Embroidery
Stitching a design into fabric through the use of high-speed,computer-controlled sewing machines. Artwork must first be "digitized," which is the specialized process of converting two-dimensional artwork into stitches or thread. A particular format of art such as a jpeg, tif, eps, or bmp, cannot be converted into an embroidery tape. The digitizer must actually recreate the artwork using stitches. Then it programs the sewing machine to sew a specific design, in a specific color, with a specific type of stitch. This is the process known as digitizing.
Deboss
Achieved by depressing an image into a materials surface so that the image sits below the product surface.
Emboss
We Impress an image in relief to achieve a raised surface.
Hot Stamp
Setting a design on a metal relief die or plate, which is then heated and pressed onto the printing surface to achieve a deboss.
Etching
Using a process in which an image is first covered with a protective coating that resists acid, then exposed, leaving bare metal and protected metal. The acid attacks only the exposed metal, leaving the image etched onto the surface.
Laser or Foil Stamp
Applying metallic or colored foil imprints to vinyl, leather or paper surfaces. Usually with a deboss.
Die-casting
Injecting molten metal into the cavity of a carved die (or a mold)
Die-striking
Producing emblems and other flat promotional products by striking a blank metal sheet with a hammer that holds the die.
Colorfill
Screen printing an image and then debossing it onto the vinyls surface.
Pad Printing
A recessed surface is covered with ink. The plate is wiped clean, leaving ink in the recessed areas. A silicone pad is then pressed against the plate, pulling the ink out of the recesses, and pressing it directly onto the product.
4-color Process
A system where a color image is separated into 4 different color values by the use of filters and screens (usually done digitally). The result is a color separation of 4 images, that when transferred to printing plates and printed on a printing press with the colored inks cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and black, reproduces the original color image. These four colors can be combined to create thousands of colors just as your computer printer does.
Laser (Engraving)
Imprinting method by which art or lettering is cut into a material by a laser beam that vaporizes the portion exposed through openings in a template.
Sublimation
Dye transfer process where the image consists of a colored dye permanently embedded into the material surface of pores. Used to imprint messages, graphics and photographs on a variety of items, primarily mouse pads, mugs, T-shirts, caps, and trophy medals.
Decal
Artwork is produced on a transparent decal, then applied to product.
Offset Printing
A process of transferring ink from a metal printing plate to a rubber-covered cylinder. Used on more complex artwork and for higher quantity runs.
