Freely Creative, The Power of Stickers. Common Questions about custom promotional decals and stickers

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Below are the most common questions we receive regarding our company and the promotional decal and custom sticker products we sell to the Action / Outdoor Sport Industry.

(click on question to move to answers or scroll down)
Who is Freely Creative, Inc.?
How do I get a quote and/or more information on my particular needs?

 

How do I send artwork and/or ideas to you?
Do you have a catalog you can send? Can I see samples?
Can you handle the design/artwork? What does that cost?
How long does it take to produce custom stickers/decals?
How do you handle billing/payment?
  What is your minimum order? Where are your price breaks?
  Can I see a sticker proof before placing my order?
  What’s the difference between “spot colors” and “four color process (4-CP)”?
  What factors affect the price of custom stickers?
  Can I get more details on your materials, inks, and production methods?
  Can you supply products other than outdoor quality stickers and decals?


If you have another question not covered here please e-mail.

 


Click here for more information about Freely Creative, Inc.

 

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How do I get a quote and/or more information on design, promotion, and my particular sticker needs?


The easiest method for getting prices, ideas and information is to visit our Quote Form and fill in as much information as possible. You can also call: (802) 253-2011, fax: 802-253-8752, or e-mail:

with your questions, logo/ideas, and specific needs. We do not have listed prices on this web site due to the custom nature of most jobs. There are many possible design, size, color, and adhesive possibilities. We also prefer to start a dialog with potential customers so that both parties are completely comfortable with the needs, details, and expectations of each individual job.

 

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Click here for information on acceptable design programs and e-mailing/sending artwork
to Freely Creative, Inc.

 

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Do you have a catalog you can send? Can I see samples?

We prefer not to send out catalogs. We have found it is of much more value to work one on one with you to determine your needs and make relevant suggestions. There are thousands of design possibilities; different materials, adhesives, sizes... narrowing down the choices makes the process easier for everyone involved. We will gladly put together a sample packet of our work when we are familiar with your project/needs. We want you to be completely confident with your choice of materials, adhesives, and the overall quality of our printed work.

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Can you handle the design/artwork? What is the cost involved?

Basic layout and design work is free of charge on all jobs. We can take your logo and resize, add text, figure out most effective layout and size, etc. Our art department can also create logo’s and layouts from scratch using thousands of font and graphic options. We will e-mail mockups, suggestions, and comments, and then with your feedback continue to improve and alter artwork until you’re completely satisfied and ready to order. Occasionally, more extensive logo design and identity development, recreating complex art, or custom graphic work may require art charges ($50 per hour). We also, obviously, need to charge for design work being used for applications other than stickers or products we produce. We will not go to print with substandard art.

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How long does it take to produce stickers/decals?

Production on most stickers averages 8-14 working days (depending on product, die-cutting, quantity ordered, etc.) plus shipping time. There will be an estimated time frame listed on your specific price quote. Rush orders are sometimes possible (added charges are sometimes needed) depending on how busy things are in the factory. If you have a specific date that your stickers are needed, just ask. We’ll do what we can to accommodate your delivery requirements. We will never say “yes, we can” (meet a deadline) unless we know we definitely can.

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How do you handle billing/payment?

We accept payment by check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express). We require payment in full to begin production for most first time orders. For repeat clients we may, at our discretion, set up 30 day terms.

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What is your minimum order (quantities)?

Our minimum order on most screen printed stickers is 250 (paper labels; 1000). Price breaks are at 125, 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2500, 5000, 10,000 and on up by 5000 increments. There are lower minimums for larger decals such as truck door signs and equipment decals. If you need a decal larger than 25 square inches please e-mail your specs. and ask about specific minimums.

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Can I see a sticker proof before placing my order?

Due to the set-up and films needed for screen printing it is not economical to produce one sticker sample. We do however e-mail (or fax) proofs of every design before going to print. We usually e-mail low resolution gif or jpg files. For all four color process jobs a color key proof will be sent for review. We will not begin any job without approval of art. While we try our best to proofread, it is the responsibility of the customer to carefully proof design layouts and copy. It is our responsibility to print a quality product that matches the approved proof. We guarantee the finished product 100%.

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What’s the difference between “spot colors” and “four color process (4-CP)”?

Spot colors are not blends of colors that create other colors but individual colors that can be assigned PMS numbers. Our stock colors are spot colors. Halftone screens and limited blending are still possible when screenprinting spot colors but are limited to a resolution of 300dpi. and screens between 20-50%
Four Color Process is a blending of 4 colors (CMYK) to create multi-color effects or more detailed blends of color. Putting a color photograph on a sticker would require four color process. Printing a rainbow where colors blend one into another would require four color process. Four color process is printed at up to a 100 line screen and requires film separations ($250. average from computer file). Fine type, thin lines and critical solid colors may require an additional spot color. Freely Creative, Inc. can provide additional specs and details regarding 4CP. You may also want us to review artwork to see if converting to spot colors is an option.

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What factors effect the price of custom stickers?

Based on the information you supply to us for quoting we will always suggest alternatives or make design suggestions if it will bring down your price or give you better overall value. Below are some of the factors that effect overall pricing.
Material - Paper is less costly than white and yellow vinyl. Clear and chrome polyesters will cost more than most vinyls. Holographic materials, reflective and overlaminated vinyls, and static vinyl will cost more than basic vinyl and polyester. In many cases the type of adhesive and material can effect price considerably so comparing options and alternatives is a good idea.
Size - Stock sizes are less expensive than a custom size or shape. Larger sizes use more material and therefore usually cost more. There are different size price breaks for custom stickers (5 or less square inches, 9 or less, 16 or less, 27 or less, etc.) so sometimes an adjustment of size can reduce costs.
Colors - Each additional color added to your sticker (front or back) increases the overall price. We have 33 stock colors but exact PMS color matches will require a matching charge ($45). 4-color process jobs cost more than four spot colors which costs more than three colors, etc.. If you need to reduce costs, simplifying the color scheme can be one of the most effective ways.
Quantity - Price breaks for screen printed stickers are at 125, 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2500, 5000, 10,000 and on up in 5000 increments. Best pricing is at these breaks. The higher the quantity the lower the cost per piece. Larger stickers have lower minimums.

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Can I get more details on your materials, inks, and production methods?

The bulk of the work we handle at Freely Creative, Inc. involves screenprinting on durable, long-lasting materials for outdoor use. The screen printing process deposits the thickest ink film of all the printing processes. Ultraviolet (UV) light cured inks are used for this process. These inks, printed on appropriate outdoor materials such as vinyl or polyester, will last 3-5 years without fading, chipping or peeling. We can screenprint a variety of materials. The most commonly used materials are vinyl and polyester.
Vinyls are flexible and will stretch and shrink to a small degree. Vinyls are available with ultra removable, removable, permanent, and rough surface adhesives. Vinyl is also used for static decals (no adhesive). Vinyl is available in white, yellow, and frosty clear. Polyesters are the most durable of all materials. They do not stretch or shrink and are highly resistant to chemicals. A permanent adhesive is most common but ultra removable is also available on clear polyester. The types of polyester materials available include; clear, chrome, gold, and brushed chrome. Other Materials: We can screen print magnetic material, velvet textured plastic, destructible acrylic, holographic material, reflective material, satin aluminum, card stock, vinyl plastic, and a variety of paper label products. We also sell domed decals which have a poured polyurethane coating. Most materials/products can also be overlaminated for further durability. The proper material and printing methods for your specific job depends on its application and use. Please provide as much information about your proposed use/application to help us ensure that we print a product that will fulfill the desired needs and lifespan at the best possible price.

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Can you supply products other than outdoor quality stickers and decals?

Yes, we also offer flexographically printed paper roll labels, screen printed magnets, mouse pads, and a few other assorted products. Please ask if you have other custom printing needs. If we can’t help we will offer referrals whenever possible.

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Questions and answers regarding custom promotional decals and stickers created by Freely Creative, Inc.

 


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Email: Phone: (802)253-3185 Fax: (802) 253-8752
FreelyCreative Inc., P.O. Box 1363 Stowe, Vermont 05672