|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MerCom?
MerCom is a full-service merchandise communications agency.
We can put your name on anything from pens to cars, baseball
caps to raincoats. In fact, if we can
buy it, we can probably put your logo on it! We take our innovative ideas,
creative solutions and featured brand name products to
provide you with great promotional
marketing and ad specialty results!
^ top
Do you guarantee your products and services?
We guarantee everything that we provide - period. This
guarantee includes providing the utmost in customer service.
If your product or imprinted logo is not exactly
as you approved it, we'll make it right or return your money - guaranteed.
^ top
Why should I consider using promotional products in my marketing mix?
When used properly, promotional products are a highly effective means of getting
your company's name into the public eye and keeping it there. According to industry
statistics, promotional products are a $15 billion market. In comparison, billboards
are a $2 billion industry. To illustrate the value of promotional products, in
the recent national tobacco settlement, it was agreed that the use of promotional
products must cease, because they were deemed too powerful an influence upon
a prospect's behavior. The possibilities are infinite. Please contact us at MerCom and we'll
provide you more information on how to use promotional products to
meet your goals and needs.
^ top What featured brands can you source?
MerCom has access to just about every brand currently on
the market. This allows us access to thousands of items to determine
what will meet your needs. If we don't have the perfect item, we offer
custom manufacturing to create it. Our experienced consultation team
even offers its services to help design just the right item for customization.
If you can dream it, we can create and customize it.
^ top
Can you help with creative ideas and solutions?
MerCom has a vast array of creative resources. We attend
numerous trade shows throughout the year and subscribe to numerous
industry publications. We keep abreast of the latest products and
the hottest trends. Then, we go the extra mile, and maintain a dynamic
series of strategic relationships with related firms across the country
to assure that we can offer you cutting edge solutions.
^ top
What is camera-ready artwork?
Camera-ready art is defined as art that a printer can take
directly into production without modification or retouching.
The term usually refers to a very high contrast black and
white image. When
art must be modified, there may be an extra charge. If camera-ready
artwork is not available to you or if you have any questions
regarding you artwork, please contact us. We can help.
^ top
What types of graphic files can I use?
In general, the most prevalent and easiest to use are any
file with a .EPS, .BMP, or .TIF extension to its name. Other file
types may work, but it is always best to check with us first.
^ top
What resolution do I need?
For best results, we recommend 600 dpi or higher.
^ top
How do I measure the resolution my artwork?
If your logo or artwork was provided or created with in your
company, check with the artist first. They will be able to determine
the image's width and height in pixels, and thus calculate the dpi.
If you can't find the answer internally, simply email the file to
us and we will evaluate it for you.
^ top
Can I use a graphic from my web page as artwork?
Regrettably no, due to its low resolution. To assure a high
quality reproduction, artwork must be 300 dpi (dots per inch)
or higher. A typical web layout is done in 72 dpi and would reproduce
poorly
in a print environment. The higher the resolution, the better
the reproduction. See "What types of computer files can I use" for
more information.
^ top
Can I use a graphic created in Microsoft® Word?
No. Graphics created in Microsoft® Word are rendered at low resolution,
similar to the graphics used on a Web page. See "What types of
computer files can I use " for more information.
^ top
How will my logo and color appear on an item?
You'll see it before it goes into production. All production
will include an artwork confirmation. Artwork is usually printed at
100% of the image size. In almost every case, your PMS colors can
be reproduced. If an exact duplication is not possible, we will produce
a spec sample of the art for your review and approval.
^ top
What is color-separated artwork?
For multicolor imprints, each color must be printed separately.
The artwork will consist of multiple pages, called overlays. Each
overlay features a specific color to be printed. When you stack the
overlays on top of each other and line them up, the image will appear
as a whole. If color-separated artwork is not readily available to
you or has never been created, we can easily provide this service
for you.
^ top
What are the different types of imprinting?
Deboss is a printing process whereby a die is created and
used to press or stamp an imprint into the surface material,
resulting in a depressed imprint. This process is usually available
on vinyl,
leather and faux leather products. When no color is used,
the result is a "tone on tone" imprint. This is also known
as a blind-stamp deboss.
^ top
What is embroidery?
A process whereby a computerized embroidery machine stitches
colored thread into the material. This process is usually available
on all garments and other cotton, canvas, polyester and nylon products.
^ top
What is laser engraving?
This is a process whereby a laser is used to burn an impression
into the coated surface or material of an item. This process is available
primarily for metal and plastic products.
^ top
What is pad printing?
A process whereby ink is applied to a material via a printing
press. This process is available on almost any material.
^ top
What is screen printing?
A process whereby ink is pressed though a fine mesh screen,
leaving a color imprint on the surface of the material. It is also
called screen print. This process is generally available on cotton,
canvas, polyester, nylon, and leather products. It may also be used
on ceramics, plastics, and foam.
^ top
Do you offer quantity discounts?
Often, manufacturers will offer discounts on large quantity
orders. What constitutes a large quantity differs for each manufacturer.
We would be happy to discuss price breaks with you. We may be able
to negotiate a lower price, and pass the savings on to you.
^ top
Are there minimum order requirements?
For apparel, to be cost effective, the minimum requirement
is 24 total pieces. For other promotional products, the typical minimum
is generally 150 units, but can vary. For a reasonable fee, most manufacturers
allow small orders, so whatever the size of your order, contact us
and we'll find out what we can do for you.
^ top What are your set-up fees?
Set-up fees vary by process and cover pre-production costs
such as screen or machine preparation. These fees are typically only
charged on your first order and waived on future orders. In some cases,
depending upon the material being printed, a minimal re-set fee may
apply. Of course, we will make every effort to prevent extra fees
by retaining materials from your previous orders.
^ top
Why is embroidery set-up so expensive?
Direct embroidery requires a very detailed set-up process.
This process is done by hand on a computer, where your image is recreated
in order to be rendered using threads. The type of garment, the location
of embroidery, the type of fabric, and the overall fine details of
the design must be accounted for. Quality digitizing is very important
because the workmanship determines the overall quality of the finished
product. Embroidery pricing and set-up costs are based upon a total stitch
count. For example, a typical left-chest, 2x3-inch logo will average
approximately 6,000 stitches.
^ top
If our logo has already been set up, can we reuse it elsewhere?
Yes. If another firm has already set up your logo, you more
than likely own it. We will gladly assist you in obtaining the information.
^ top
What is an over- or under-run?
Due to the nature of the printing process, please allow for
an average 5% production variance on most products. This
refers to a few more units than you ordered, or a few less. This
will vary according
to manufacturer, and printing process. If this is an issue
of concern, please let us know ahead of time.
^ top
What is your return policy?
Our greatest concern is your satisfaction, so we will do
whatever it takes to send a satisfactory order. In order
for us to serve you best, please notify us of any problems
as quickly as possible.
Because all of our products are custom printed, we regret
that unused products cannot be returned.
^ top
Do you appreciate referrals?
You bet! The greatest "thank you" we as a company can receive
is for a client to refer our services to others.
^ top
|
