Tailor-made promotional item: 8-point checklist
Le 07 juillet 2014
Have you made the choice to manufacture and create a tailor-made business gift? Your specifications have been followed and validated, your customized branding has been carried out, etc. Do you think that everything is ready and you are impatient to receive your tailor-made promotional items? Be careful, many omissions are common and the slightest error can cause an unpleasant surprise during the long-awaited delivery, with serious financial consequences...
Checklist of common errors: pay attention to details!
Because each step is a source of error and misunderstanding with the manufacturer, especially if you do not speak the same languages, the support of a professional in goodies and tailor-made gifts field remains the best guarantee of obtaining the desired result. Since 1993, Asap Marketing has supported its French and European clients for tailor-made manufacturing with an flexible and experienced team. Asap monitors each stage of manufacturing in order to support the tailor-made project until delivery. Here is a checklist of common errors that you should pay attention to in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
1. Have I validated the final version of the business gift?
If the object in the photo corresponds, you should remember to check the technical characteristics: color, cut, size, material, etc.
2. Is the desired marking compatible with the constraints of the product?
Some marking techniques are not suitable for different materials, may only be available in one color or can only be used in a particular location. The support of an expert then allows you to be advised on the choice of customization technique.
3. Have I correctly entered the desired quantities?
Often this variable can go from 500 to 1000 then 800…
4. Have I checked all the details of the quote?
It is crucial to check that all the information appears in the quote: description of the object, exact dimensions of the product and marking (pay attention to mm and cm), four-color or pantone colors, type of branding/printing (laser screen printing, etc.), quantities, delivery date, etc.
5. Does the quote price include all costs?
In order to assess the correct final cost, it is necessary to take into account fixed costs and transport costs and not only focus on the unit price excluding tax.
6. Have I provided my logo in the right colors?
This involves checking that the correct colors have been transmitted, in full color or Pantone. Even for a full color logo, it is possible to print in one or two colors only, provided you share the Pantone references for these colors.
7. Have I provided my logo or phrase in .ai format?
This is the format used through Adobe Illustrator. Most manufacturers use this format instead of the pdf format. Marking and size, colors and fonts details are also often requested. Manufacturers generally charge for any necessary intervention and request another final page proof.
8. Am I sure the document does not contain any typos?
A final complete rereading of the document allows you to identify the last possible spelling errors.
It is better to read several times as the eye tends to automatically correct certain errors. For this reason organizing a proofreading committee at the time of the proof limits the risks. Calling on people not involved in the project allows you to have a fresh perspective and ensure that you spot all the typos.
Some steps may seem superfluous but they often represent a significant time saving to avoid costly errors. A minimal detail can have serious consequences on the desired advertising impact. A mistake in a title and the credibility of the company is affected. It is better to convince yourself that this verification time is not wasted and do not hesitate to make several back and forth between the proofs. This way these verifications will avoid an error on an business gift produced in 20,000 copies!