FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How many different products do you offer?
A: We represent and work with over 3,300 manufacturers, both domestic and overseas, and offer a selection of more than 750,000 products, available with your logo or custom imprint.  If you can't find what you're looking for in our online catalog, chances are we can find it for you or have it custom made. 

Q: How do I determine the best products with the greatest ROI?
A: Just give us a call...that's what we do best!  We're here to consult with you and find functional solutions to your marketing needs.  To maximize your overall Return on Investment, consider (1) The cost per recipient, (2) How long the product will be in use for, (3) How conspicuous and mobile the product will be in your market, (4) The message and image the product reflects onto your company, and (5) The functionality or measure of utility the product offers to the end user.

Q: What types of imprinting methods are available?
A: Different types of products offer various personalization options.  For example, leather and vinyl products can be embossed, debossed, or hot stamped, wearables and totes can be silk-screened or embroidered, and crystal or wood products can be laser engraved.

Q: Can I order unimprinted, or blank, items?
A: Certainly.  Please contact us for blank unit pricing.

Q: Can I order samples before I place a larger order?
A: You bet; just give us a call or send us an email.

Q: How long should I allow for production and shipping of my order?
A: Normal production time for most products ranges from one to three weeks once a proof is approved, however rush service with 24-hour to 3-day turnaround is available upon request for most items.  Shipping time varies according to the location of the manufacturer and the shipping service used.  Standard shipping is by ground (up to 7 business days) with expedited service available upon client request.  Additional rush charges may apply and will be invoiced accordingly.

Q: Will there be over-runs or under-runs when I place an order?
A: As an industry standard, clients should allow for a 10% variance for under-runs or over-runs.  You will only be charged for the actual quantity shipped.  Please specify if you require exact quantities.

Q: What are your artwork requirements when submitting our logo?
A: When possible, artwork should be submitted in its highest quality form, which is referred to as Vector Art, or commonly called Line Art or Camera-Ready Art.  Our art department works best with Adobe Illustrator files.  If these files cannot be obtained, email us your logo and we can give you an estimated cost for reproducing it for quality printing.  Embroidery requires a process called digitizing, which is quoted based on stitch count.

Q: Do you offer special program pricing or other discounts?
A: Yes, the relations we have with our manufactures allows us to offer our clients very attractive discounts.  Our consultants can provide more information on volume discounts and other end-user agreement opportunities.

Q: What are my payment options?
A: All first time orders require a prepayment by check or credit card.  All orders thereafter will be invoiced net 30 days.

Q: How can I best determine the number of products to order for a trade show event?
A: Many people make the mistake of basing this off of the number of estimated attendees quoted by the promoters, and order larger quantities than needed.  This often leads to a less expensive promotional item when fewer items of greater quality would serve better.  We recommend using this simple formula: 
To figure your ideal quantity, multiply the number of hours the exhibit will be open by the number of staff you will have in attendance and then by the number 30.  For example, if you have a trade show for two days, or 16 hours, and you have 2 staff people, you would need 960 items to give away (16x2x30 = 960).  The number of attendees does not matter so much as your staff can only average one person every two minutes effectively, so in this case you should plan on giving away 1,000 products at the most.  We would rather see you achieve better results by distributing fewer products of greater value and allowing for more time to interact with each person.

Q: How long has The Focus Group been in business?
A: Our company was launched in 1996 in Spokane, Washington.  We've had the fortune to serve businesses both large and small, in literally dozens of industries.  We're experienced, educated, creative...and really fun to work with!