FAQ
You can find numerous answers to many of the common questions we get asked below. If you need further help, contact us. We would be happy to help.
General
HOW DO I SET UP AN ACCOUNT?
To set up an account with us please complete the New Client Contact Form so we have all your billing and shipping information.
Do I Have To Pay Sales Tax?
Typically, you will pay sales tax on your order unless you provide us with an ST-101 form that designates you are reselling the items and collecting sales tax from the end user. Non-profit status does not give you sales-tax exemption.
Proofing
How Does The Proofing & Approval Process Go?
Once you place an order, we will email you a proof to approval before production of your items begins. This is your final chance to verify that spelling, colors, and artwork and graphic placement are correc
What Is A Paper Or Digital Proof?
A paper or digital proof is a mock-up of what your logo or artwork can look like on an item. It is used to make sure placement, color and sizing is correct before production begins. Super helpful to see a visual and strongly suggested by ITB Team.
What Is A Pre-Production Proof?
A pre-production proof is a run of 1 unit of the actual item with your logo or artwork on it. There is usually added time and cost for this because of the process to do 1 item with a custom imprint. We recommend when specific Pantone colors must be matched exactly or if there is a question on how the end result will look before doing the entire job.
What About Freight & Shipping
Orders will be shipped via USPS, Fed-Ex or UPS and we’ll choose most economical method to get it to you in time. Most orders will have a freight charge because it has to ship from a factory or warehouse. If you need a freight quote prior to ordering please ask your Brand Ambassador.
What Are Typical Turn-Around Times?
Normal turnaround time for apparel is 10 working days. Hard goods items vary depending on decoration method but most have a lead time of 7-10 working days. Completely custom items made from concept to production will vary anywhere from 4-12 weeks depending on the item.
Why Are There Setup Charges? How Much Are They? Are They Recurring?
A setup charge is the cost to create a die, plate, screen, embroidery file or other format to get your art or logo on an item. The charge will vary—usually between $25-$75 and we will always let you know what the setup will cost before you order. Some items will incur a repeat setup charge and some items have no setup charge.
What Are Order Minimums?
Screen printing: 24 pieces. Sizing can be mixed to achieve quantity pricing as long as imprint is same on all.
Embroidery: 12 pieces. Sizing can be mixed to achieve quantity pricing as long as imprint is same on all.
Hard goods: This will vary from 1- 1000’s depending on the item. The good news is there are lots of items to choose from and your Brand Ambassador has special skills to source the right fit for you.
Embroidery: 12 pieces. Sizing can be mixed to achieve quantity pricing as long as imprint is same on all.
Hard goods: This will vary from 1- 1000’s depending on the item. The good news is there are lots of items to choose from and your Brand Ambassador has special skills to source the right fit for you.
Over-runs & Under-runs:
An overrun is getting more than you ordered. It is most common when doing high volume orders. The factory may start with a higher count to make sure you get what you need. If they all turn out perfect, you will be charged for the additional items. Any that don’t pass QC (Quality Control) will result in an underrun and you won’t be charged for those.
What About Rush Orders?
Rush orders may be available if you need items in a quicker turnaround than standard lead time. 24 Hour, 48 Hour and 5 day Rush are common with some factories. There may be an added charge to accommodate this as other orders in queue will be bumped and extra time or man hours added to production day.
What About Our Off-shore Programs?
Offshore programs can be a great way to save money if you need high volume or can wait extra time. Labor costs and factory capabilities overseas allow for significantly lower pricing than domestic production.
Product Safety & Compliance:
In the Bag takes product safety and compliance seriously. Our vendors comply with strict testing guidelines by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on items containing lead, phthalates or children’s items and are labeled or tracked as required. Prop 65 warning labels for any items being distributed in California are available and will be used on any shipments to California that apply.
Fulfillment:
In house fulfillment is available for all orders. We can kit, combine, package, wrap or include print collateral on any orders. Please talk to your Brand Ambassador about any charges this may incur.
What About Client-Supplied Items?
Not all retail items are suitable for decoration. Any client-supplied goods will be subject to our approval and must be new with tags. If we accept and can decorate you will need to sign a waiver releasing our responsibility for anything that may go wrong in the decoration process. We can’t be held responsible for items we did not supply.
What About Order Cancellations & Changes?
Up until a proof is approved for production you may cancel or change an order. Once a proof has been approved there will be cancellation charges.
There Is A Damaged Or Misprinted Item In My Order. How can I remedy The problem?
If you receive a damaged or misprinted item, please let your Brand Ambassador know immediately so we can get it taken care of.
Can I Get A Sample?
Random or blank samples are available to check out from our showroom. If we don’t have a specific sample of an item you need we can order one in for you. There may be a cost for this depending on the item- we will let you know prior to ordering.
What Are Blank Samples?
Blank samples will not have decoration on them.
What Are Random Samples?
Random samples are a representation of the item that will have a random imprint or logo decoration and may or may not be in the exact color or size you need.
What Are Spec Samples?
Spec samples are a sample of one item in the exact size or color that you need with your logo or artwork on it to be imprinted to your specifications. There is a cost for spec samples.
Artwork & Graphics
What Kind Of Files Are Acceptable?
In order to accurately reproduce your artwork, our processes require vector art. Preferred formats are .ai, .eps and vector .pdf. All fonts must be converted to outlines, curves or paths. If you need help with conversion or creation of artwork, our Creative Services department can assist!
Can You Print Half Tones?
Reproducing tints with halftones is possible in some situations, but dependent upon the item we are imprinting, and the decoration method. Consult with your Brand Ambassador for more info!
Can You Match My Colors
Many products feature Pantone (PMS) color matching, including screen printed apparel! If the item doesn’t have color matching for your brand’s specific colors, we can often get very close. There are some occasions when color matching services will incur a fee.
What About Graphic Fees?
If the artwork you provide is not in a useable vector format, you may incur a nominal one-time fee to convert your art. We offer graphic design services for $65/hour, billed in 30 minute increments.
How Do I Submit My Artwork?
You can email your artwork directly to your Brand Ambassador, or to sales@itbpromos.com. Be sure to include your project details and Brand Ambassador’s name (if you have one assigned) in your email.
What File Formats Do You Accept?
Vector art in .ai, .eps and .pdf formats. For some projects, raster artwork is acceptable and must be submitted at 300dpi resolution in CMYK color spac
What Is A PMS Color?
PMS, or Pantone Matching System, is an international formulaic color-coding system used in printing, textile and plastics industries to ensure that the color’s end result matches the specified numbered color from the PMS system. For our purposes, we abide by the PMS Coated system for spot colors, and also use their conversion factors when solid colors must be printed as CMYK (process or 4-color).
What Is A Spot Color?
A spot color (usually a PMS color) is a solid ink. Designating spot colors will ensure your brand colors are replicated accurately.
What Is Process Printing?
Process printing, or 4-color process printing, is a reproduction method that uses four colors of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) printed in tiny dots. When the final product is complete, the mix of colored dots fools the eye into seeing a full gamut of colors. This is now color magazines, newspapers, and even some t-shirts are printed. Process color printing allows us to get a full-color image in an economical way.
How Accurate Are The Colors I See On My Screen?
As a rule of thumb, unless you have a very specific calibration tool, you should never expect the colors on your screen to match a printed product.
How Long Is My Artwork Kept On File?
We keep your art in our database for a minimum of 7 years. Factories will typically keep artwork on file for 1-2 years. After that timeframe, new setup charges may apply.
Screenprinting & Embroidery
How Large and Where Can I Imprint My Apparel?
In most cases, we can print very large when screen printing! Our oversized print maximum is 17.5 x 19. Note that very small prints of complex artwork may lose detail, so work with us on getting the best results. We can screen print in a LOT of creative locations! Sleeves, legs, shoulders, side prints, etc. There are also some really cool options for overall prints on sublimated apparel. Bring us your creative ideas–we love a challenge.
What Is Digitizing?
When your job is set up for our embroidery machines, a very specific digital file (.dst or .emb) is uploaded to tell the machine how to sew your logo, and what thread colors to use. We “digitize” your logo, meaning we convert it to that format. Once digitized, we will make a “sew out” which is an embroidered sample made before we go into full production of your project. This proof ensures that the art and thread colors are correct when sewn.
Can I Select Specific Thread Colors, Or Match The Colors In My Logo?
Yes! We have a large selection of thread colors and will do our best to match your indicated PMS colors with our thread manufacturer’s PMS-matched threads. Of course, not all PMS colors are available, but we can get very close!
Vinyl
Do You Offer Vinyl Banners And Stickers?
Yes! Banners, stickers, and more! We love to make sticker sheets for our clients. It’s a fun way to spread your brand message.
How About Heat Press Vinyl And Stickers?
We offer many options for vinyl transfers for apparel and other fabric decoration. Full-color transfers are a great way to get your idea imprinted, and vinyl is a beautiful way to decorate softshell apparel and athletic wear.