Promotional Products FAQ & Glossary Hub

Whether you're planning a trade show, onboarding new hires, launching a customer gifting program, or sourcing everyday branded merchandise, there are a few questions that come up every time:

  • How fast can I get it?
  • What do you need for artwork and proofs?
  • How does shipping work—especially to multiple addresses?
  • What affects price (and what "setup fees" really mean)?

This hub is built for busy teams—especially deadline-driven event marketers, HR/People Ops, and procurement—who want straightforward answers and fewer surprises.

Looking for speed and certainty? PromotionalProducts.com highlights an on-time focus and offers rush service for eligible items and custom Promo Packs (kits) designed for easy distribution.

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Use the links below to jump directly to the topic you need:

Top FAQs

Promotional products (also called branded merchandise or swag) are items customized with your logo or message—like drinkware, apparel, bags, notebooks, tech accessories, and gifts—used to build awareness and relationships.

A rush order is any order that needs to be produced and shipped on an accelerated timeline. Eligibility depends on the item, decoration method, stock availability, and approval speed for proofs. For rush-capable items, PromotionalProducts.com offers rush service options.
> See: Rush Orders & Lead Times

A proof (or mockup) is the pre-production preview showing logo placement, imprint size, and key details. It's the main checkpoint to confirm accuracy before production begins.
> See: Artwork, Mockups & Proof Approval

In promo, "drop shipping" usually means sending orders to many recipient addresses (employees, customers, attendees) instead of one office or warehouse.
> See: Shipping & Multi-Address Drop Shipping

Promo Packs (custom promotional kits) are curated bundles that can be assembled, packed, and distributed as a kit—useful for onboarding, events, gifting, and campaigns. PromotionalProducts.com offers custom promotional kits/Promo Packs.
> See: Promo Packs & Kitting

A setup fee is a one-time charge that often covers preparing the decoration process (e.g., creating a screen, digitizing embroidery, setting up a laser file).
> See: Pricing, Setup Fees & Quotes

Often, yes—especially for crisp, scalable logos. Vector files are built from shapes/paths (not pixels) so they can scale without getting blurry.
> See: Artwork & Proof Approval

To get the most accurate quote quickly, send:

  • Item(s) you're considering (links or item numbers)
  • Quantity (or range)
  • Number of print locations / decoration method preference
  • Your in-hands date
  • Ship-to location(s) (one address vs. multiple)

> See: Pricing, Setup Fees & Quotes and Rush Orders & Lead Times

Key Terms & Definitions

  • In-hands date: The date you need the items delivered (not just shipped).
  • Production time: Time to customize and produce your order after proof approval.
  • Ship date: When the order leaves the facility.
  • Proof / mockup: The pre-production preview of artwork placement and imprint specs.
  • Vector file: A scalable logo format (AI/EPS/SVG/PDF) that stays sharp at any size.
  • PMS color: A standardized spot-color reference (Pantone Matching System).
  • MOQ: Minimum order quantity (smallest quantity available).
  • Kitting: Assembling multiple items into a single package/kit.
  • Drop shipping: Shipping to multiple recipient addresses rather than a single destination.
  • Decoration method: How your logo is applied (screen print, embroidery, engraving, etc.).
  • Setup fee: One-time production setup cost for the chosen decoration method.

(See more terms in the Glossary.)

Need more help?

If you're working against a deadline (event, onboarding start date, gifting drop), the fastest way to reduce risk is to share your in-hands date and your ship-to plan (single address vs. multiple addresses). PromotionalProducts.com provides contact options to request help and quotes.

Contact PromotionalProducts.com to request pricing or confirm rush eligibility.
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