Printed flags and banners are key visual marketing tools used by various businesses and events. Over the years, ordering these flags and banners from China has become popular thanks to the influence of mobile e-commerce apps. Ordering from overseas may sound like a daunting task, but with Everest Print’s insider’s guide, you will realize that ordering custom-printed flags and banners from China is not as complicated as you think it is. When you know the process already, you’ll be surprised at how convenient and easy it can be.
What is the Custom-Printing Process?
Custom printing, simply put, is having a printed design that is uniquely yours. It is defined as having anything that distinguishes you or your brand. It could be any collateral or material that makes you stand out from the rest.
In an exchange in the Quora forum, custom printing is having an image of any size printed on any material you prefer. It is a personalized form of printing that defies the limitation of a traditional printing process. You have more freedom in choosing the pattern, color, font, and image of your design.
Before placing an order, it is essential to have a better understanding of what a custom-printing process is. You will know what to expect once the order comes in. Custom printing is the process of transferring unique designs into a vinyl or fabric material. The following are the steps involved in having custom-printed flags and banners.
- Choose your Design. Make sure that your design is print-ready and final. Once it has been forwarded to the printing house and the green light is given to start printing, it will be problematic to make any more changes. Check the font, spelling, format, color gradient, and the overall look of your design.
- Pre-Press. This is the process where images are optimized and the color setting is adjusted.
- Printing. With the use of premium-quality printers, the design is brought to life.
- Finishing. If you opted for additional customization elements such as adding hemming, this is where it is added.
Why work with quality custom printer providers?
Exceptional skills. These companies have already established their brands thanks to their highly-skilled workforce. Their company is run by exceptional people with exceptional talents in their fields. Each of them is contributing to the success of their print house.
Investment in Technology. To keep up with the demand and growing competition, investing in technology is an advantage. You may have to put out more money but in the long term, you can produce more and save time and other resources efficiently.
Quality Materials. These quality print providers have sourced materials that are of premium quality. By using high-quality materials, the integrity of the design is sustained. Colors do not fade. Designs do not tear up easily.
Inspections Process. With this in place, the output that is produced is of high quality. There is no reason for spending time and resources on handling customers’ complaints or product returns.
Excellent Customer Service. In any business, one of the things that make you continue working with them is having a strong support service. If your complaints are handled timely and your queries are always addressed, it gives you a positive impression of the brand.
Competitive Pricing. As the saying goes, ‘You get what you pay for.’ If you are after premium-quality printed flags and banners, make sure to do competitive pricing research. Some suppliers will offer much lower prices but would deliver poor-quality output.
Customization options. How would you feel if you are given plenty of options when it comes to the printout? It gives you the impression that the manufacturer you’re talking to is flexible. It could also make you feel that they understand their customer’s needs thus options are laid out.
Research for Reliable Suppliers
There are plenty of suppliers you can find in China. One important key to your business success is to find a trusted supplier to work with you. Make sure that you are working with reliable suppliers by doing research before making any payment. Here are some of the due diligence you can do:
● Search through online directories
● Check Trading platforms
● Read website feedback and comments
● Join industry forums
Some of the things that you need to look at are
● years in the industry
● customer reviews
● Customer service
● quality control protocol
● business permits and registrations
● price comparison
● custom-print options
Steps to Order Custom Printed Flags and Banners
Now that you have a list of possible suppliers for flags and banners from China, connect with them to discuss your requirements.
- Start communicating
To avoid any misconception, make sure that you convey the things you need such as preferred materials, no. of pieces, dimensions, and designs. Make sure that you are aligned with the person on the supplier/manufacturer side about your specific requirements. You have to get confirmation that they can deliver what is required on the agreed timeline.
- Order Placement and Payment
Once the design is agreed upon by all parties involved, place your order and make the necessary payment. Depending on your arrangements, some suppliers will ask for at least 50% payment before starting the printing process.
- Submission of Final Artwork
Once you have aligned with the customer service or account manager of the print house, it’s time to submit your final artwork. If adjustments are needed to be made, clearly convey to them what needs to be adjusted and how. They will have to show you the revised design once adjustments are made.
- Confirmation of design
Once you have the revised designs, review them with your team and send your written approval to the print house provider. Only after getting the green light from your side should they start with the printing process.
- Production
Once payment is confirmed, the printing house will start its production operation.
- Shipping and Tracking
Once all the orders are ready, they will be packed and shipped to their destination. You will be provided with a tracking number to let you know where the products are.
- Delivery
Depending on the location, it could take days or weeks before your shipment arrives at your agreed location. Upon arrival, make sure to check the quality of your order so you can give feedback to your supplier right away.
Should you encounter any issue, make sure to raise it promptly. If you wait for weeks or months before raising your concern, sorting it out with customer service could be challenging.
Products to Choose From
There are several products you can choose from to customize. Some of the products involve:
- Banners
- Flags
- Stickers
- Signs
- Displays
- Canopy Tents
Ask the suppliers if they can provide you with samples. You will also have first-hand experience with the quality of the product they can produce. Most suppliers such as Everest Print will agree to send samples for bulk orders.
Understanding Shipping and Logistics
One of the common misconceptions about having a supplier from overseas, China to be specific, is that it is difficult to connect with a freight forwarder. But customers can find local forwarders in their own country. These local forwarders normally have partners in China. Customers also have the option to find and use their preferred Chinese supplier’s freight forwarding companies. Delivery of orders can be done either by train, sea, or air. Choosing air freight is the fastest route but could be more expensive as compared to sea freight. Make sure to do online research and evaluate the cost versus the speed.
There are important things to take into consideration when you are working with a China supplier.
- Secure all customs documents. Make sure that your supplier has all the necessary documents for them to send the order to your address.
- Be familiar with importing regulations from your country to avoid any other unwanted costs. Know what their importing restrictions are on the products you’ve ordered.
- Stay aware of taxes. Be knowledgeable of the taxes and duties that you need to pay to get your order shipped. Get in touch with a customs officer to get answers. Be on top of the costs for customs payments.
Post-Order Support
The after-sales or post-order support remains a crucial part of the business. Suppliers such as Everest Prints make sure that customers feel valued even after the order is made. Customers could easily reach out should there be any concerns or questions with their ordered flags and banners. The purpose of having a strong post-order support system is to make sure that queries and concerns are addressed promptly. In addition, this is also an excellent mechanism for feedback and reviews. The more positive reviews the suppliers can get, the better. This will help them attract more possible customers in the future.
Understanding the process of ordering custom-printed flags and banners from China will enable you to make informed decisions. You now have an overview of the steps to take, the restrictions to be aware of, and the ways to navigate around your way through different suppliers. With this guide available, ordering in China is not as overwhelming as you thought it was. Contact us today so we can discuss your requirements.
2 Responses
I am looking to have a variety of banners and posters printed and shipped to sydney
The following is what i need and would appreciate a quotion FIS sydney Australia
1) 10 x Vinyl banners with eyelets and rope 2.5mtr x 1.8mtr
2) 40 x Corflute signs printed 1 side 600 x 800
3) 100 x electrostatic window decals 600 x 800
4) 10 sets of vinyl car stickers 400 x 600
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