Are you a good fit for Custom?

 

Making custom goods is a process. There are many safeguards in place to ensure the product you expect is the product you receive. Communication and expectations must be clear. Physical samples are often a good idea. These safeguards take time and should not be skipped. 

If you do not have the time or the patience to go through the process you are not a good fit for a custom project. 

If you do have the time, the attention to detail and want to make a fantastic product that no one else can make, that no one else can buy, that will knock the sox off your colleagues and clients then YES you are a good fit for custom. 

 

Are the minimums high?

• Not as high as you think. If we’re sourcing an item that’s ten cents a piece the minimum order quantity may be 10k pieces but if we’re sourcing an item that’s $100 a piece the minimum order quantity may be 10 pieces. So, the minimum order quantity will vary from product to product.

 

Are the turnaround times long?

• Longer than domestic production, that’s for sure. What you can anticipate is 2-3 months from concept to delivery. To break that down: 
  • 2-4 days: confirm supplier capability, production schedule and pricing. 
  • 1 week: You will get a quote which needs to be approved and you have to supply vector format artwork. How long that takes depends on you. 
  • 1-3 days: virtual proof. That will need to be approved. 
  • 1 day to 2 weeks: pre-production sample. Which will need to be approved.
  • 30 days production
  • 30 days by sea
  • 1 week from port to delivery at your location.

 

Can the turnaround time be sped up?

• Yes. Knowing what we want and being decisive regarding options leads to clearer communication with our supplier, proofs that meet or exceed our expectation and speedy production time. There is a difference between a backpack, a backpack with computer sleeve, a backpack with contrasting side panels, interior sleeve that can accommodate a 16” laptop, an interior pocket for computer accessories and an exterior pocket with organizer.
• Yes, if we can approve the quote quickly and have our artwork together.
• Yes, if we can approve the proof and pre-production sample with photos rather than a physical sample. Note: This is not always possible. With garments and most other high end products it is wise to get a pre-production sample in-hand.
• Yes, if the supplier’s production schedule is less than 30 days.
• Yes, if we ship the finished goods by air rather than sea. Note: Shipping light, small objects like USB drives or lanyards is cost effective. Overnighting a pallet of journals is cost prohibitive.

 

What is the proofing process?

• The proofing process is somewhat dependent on what we are sourcing but you can anticipate a combination of or all three of the following: Paper proof, virtual sample, pre-production sample. 

 

Are split shipments possible?

• While it’s typically best to ship all goods to one location split shipments are usually possible.

 

Terms

• Typically terms are 50% down and balance when the goods are ready to ship.

 

Taxes, Duties, Customs

• Whenever possible those will be included in the pricing.

 

Can I use my own shipping account and/or Customs Broker?

• Absolutely