FAQs | Affordable Promos | Promotional Products

Questions we hear all the time.

We’ve put together answers to the questions we get most often. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just reach out and we’ll get back to you same business day.

Ordering

How do I place an order?

We handle every order personally — no confusing online forms, no automated replies. Just email info@affordable-promos.com with the item(s) and quantity needed, imprint color(s), location and copy, proof type (virtual and/or physical), packaging requirements, in-hand date, and shipping destination. We’ll reply with availability, a fully itemized quote, and next steps. Once payment is received and your proof is approved, we go into production and send a tracking number when shipped.

Can I place a rush order?

Absolutely — thousands of products can be produced in 1–2 business days. Rush production and priority shipping are available for an additional fee. Call us at (919) 283-3878 to discuss your timeline and we’ll make it work.

Can I get a sample before ordering?

Yes — and we genuinely recommend it. Call us at (919) 283-3878 to arrange samples of any product you’re considering. It’s the best way to make sure you love what you’re getting before you commit.

Will I see a proof before production?

Every single order includes a virtual proof confirming your imprint before production begins — no exceptions. Physical product proofs are also available upon request — typically $45 + item cost + setup and shipping, with a 2–10 business day turnaround.

Printing Methods

What imprint methods are available for promotional products?

ColorPrint — Ink printed color by color (silkscreen, pad print, screen print, transfer). Most cost-effective for logos.
Full Color / 4CP — Digital photographic process with halftones and color gradations, ideal for photo-quality images.
Emboss — Raises artwork into a 3D effect on the product surface.
Deboss — Presses artwork into a recessed impression on the product surface.
Laser engraving — Etches artwork onto the surface for a high-end look at a lower cost.
Embroidery — Reproduces logos in thread with precise detail, colors matched to your logo.
Hot stamp — Foil imprinting in a range of colors; gold and silver are most popular. PMS matching is not available with this method.

What imprint methods are available for apparel?

Embroidery — Thread-stitched logo directly onto the garment. Durable, professional look, especially popular for hats and polos.
Screen printing — Ink pushed through a stenciled mesh screen, one color at a time. Most cost-effective for bulk orders with simple, bold designs.
Direct to garment (DTG) — Full-color design printed directly onto the fabric. No minimums, no color limits, ideal for detailed artwork and smaller runs.
Direct to film (DTF) — Design printed onto a film transfer, then heat-pressed onto the garment. Works on virtually any fabric including dark materials and performance wear.

Artwork

What file formats do you accept?

Vector files are always our first choice. Adobe Illustrator (.ai) or .eps files with fonts converted to outlines give us the cleanest results. We also accept high-resolution raster files (.jpg, .pdf, .bmp, .tif, .gif) at 300 DPI or higher. Need to convert an .ai file? We can do that for a $25 fee.

What if I don’t have ready-to-use artwork?

No artwork? No problem — that’s what our designers are here for. Send us what you have — even a rough sketch or a business card — and we’ll quote the project before any work begins. Design services are billed at $50/hour.

Can you match my PMS colors?

We can attempt PMS (Pantone Matching System) color matching on most products. That said, exact matches aren’t always guaranteed due to variations in surface materials and colors. Most vendors charge an additional fee for PMS matching — ask us for pricing on specific items and we’ll give you a straight answer.

Shipping

What is your shipping policy?

Products ship FOB factory — ownership transfers to you when the carrier picks up the order. We can ship on our account (freight charges invoiced at published rates, insurance included) or on your account (you’re responsible for insurance and any carrier disputes). For drop shipments, split shipments, or international orders, give us a call at (919) 283-3878 and we’ll walk you through the options. Note: we are not responsible for delays caused by weather, customs, or other circumstances outside our control.

Still have questions? We’d love to help. Call us at (919) 283-3878 Mon–Fri, 8:30am–6:00pm EST, or email info@affordable-promos.com. You’ll always reach a real person.