Discover answers to common queries about our expert printing services. From file formats to delivery options, find solutions to enhance your printing experience effortlessly.
How do you charge for graphic design services?
Graphic design services are charged by the hour.
What are some examples of promotional graphics?
Whether you need signs on the wall, ceiling, floor, table or self-standing displays we’ve got you covered. Banners, posters, window graphics and signs are a few examples.
What is the purpose of promotional graphics?
Promotional graphics make your message pop. Thomas Printworks helps you create and deliver the materials that promote your business no matter how big or small the project. We’ll collaborate with you to design the display, help you decide the right materials for your project, and produce it with precision.
Do you offer custom sizes?
Yes, we offer any and all custom sizes but are limited to file size and maximum width of our printers.
What is the fastest turnaround for a large format poster order?
Typically large format poster orders can be received, processed and printed in 24-48 hours. Larger orders may take longer.
Will the decals stick to my wall?
In most cases, yes. We offer several different substrates that have adhesive to stick onto walls. If there are any concerns one of our representatives can come on site for a wall adhesion test.
Can I order another banner design for the pop-up display?
Yes, your previously used pop-up display can receive a new banner for future use as long as the display is in good shape.
What files can I upload for large format printing?
We can accept almost any file type. The most popular files today we see are Adobe products, with most being a print-ready PDF for Illustrator file.
What is the maximum size for large format printing?
We have roll to roll printers that can print as wide as 16 feet (5 meters).
What is the difference between digital printing and large format printing?
Today they are mostly one in the same – we print from digital files onto our large format printers. We can also scan up to a 36" × 60" hard copy original to convert to large format digital printing.
What is a branded environment, exactly?
A branded environment is a space that an organization designs to reflect its mission, values, and aesthetic. This space essentially takes your brand, brings it to life, and invites visitors to step inside.
What is an example of a branded environment?
Wall graphics, vinyl wall coverings, dimensional lettering, window graphics, privacy films, wayfinding signage, ADA signage, acoustic panels, and floor graphics are all components of a branded environment.
Do you make ADA signage?
Yes, we can provide directional, restroom, handicap parking and other ADA compliant signage, with or without Braille markings.
Can you print on fabric?
Yes! Fabric is ideal for trade show graphics, banners, lightboxes, scenic backdrops and event signage. Ask us what the best option is for you.
Do you print window graphics?
Yes! Colorful window graphics are durable enough to be used both indoors and out. Choose between static cling and window perf.
What is the importance of environmental branding?
Environmental branding design is a powerful way to achieve differentiation. A visually cohesive and engaging environment helps enhance brand recognition, create memorable experiences, and establish brand consistency across various touchpoints.
What is marketing supply chain management?
Marketing supply chain management involves overseeing the entire process of producing, storing, and distributing marketing materials. It ensures that promotional items, print materials, and other marketing assets are produced efficiently, stored securely, and delivered on time to the right locations.
How can marketing fulfillment services benefit my business?
Marketing fulfillment services streamline the process of storing, assembling, and shipping marketing materials, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities. Benefits include reduced costs, improved efficiency, better inventory management, and the ability to scale operations more easily.
What types of items can be handled through marketing fulfillment?
Virtually any marketing material or promotional item can be managed, including brochures, catalogs, trade show displays, branded merchandise, and more. These services are designed to accommodate a wide range of products and materials.
Can I customize marketing materials for different regions or audiences?
Yes, through the use of our Visualogistix web portal, you can tailor marketing assets to specific regions, audiences, or campaigns. This flexibility ensures that materials are relevant and engaging, improving their overall effectiveness.
What is a web portal for ordering customized materials, and how does it work?
A web portal is an online platform that allows users to customize, order, and manage their marketing materials and promotional items. Users can select templates, edit designs, choose quantities, and place orders, all within a user-friendly interface. This streamlines the ordering process and ensures brand consistency.
How does warehousing of marketing products work?
Warehousing involves the storage of marketing materials and products in our secure, managed facility. This service includes inventory management, ensuring that items are stocked at optimal levels and available for distribution when needed.
What is involved in national fulfillment services?
National fulfillment services cover the logistics of distributing marketing materials across the country. This includes managing inventory, packing orders, shipping, and tracking deliveries to ensure materials arrive on time and in excellent condition, regardless of the destination.
How do I track inventory and orders?
Our Visualogistix solution provides online tools or dashboards that allow you to track inventory levels, order statuses, and delivery updates in real-time. This ensures transparency and control over your marketing supply chain.
Can marketing fulfillment services integrate with my existing marketing strategies?
Absolutely. These services are designed to complement and enhance your current marketing efforts. By ensuring efficient production, storage, and distribution of marketing materials, you can execute campaigns more effectively and respond flexibly to market demands.
What should I look for in a marketing supply chain and fulfillment partner?
Look for a partner with a strong track record of reliability, scalability, and quality service. They should offer comprehensive services, including production, customization, warehousing, and national fulfillment. Transparent pricing, robust inventory and order management tools, and excellent customer service are also critical.
What materials are commonly used for trade show booths?
Trade show booths are often made from lightweight, durable materials such as aluminum for the frame, with fabric or vinyl graphics. The choice depends on the design, budget, and whether the booth is intended for repeated use.
How can I design a trade show booth that stands out?
Focus on bold, eye-catching graphics, clear messaging, and an open, inviting layout. Interactive elements like touch screens, product demos, and engaging activities can also attract visitors. Lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting key areas.
What’s the turnaround time for trade show booth production?
Typically, it ranges from 1 to 2 weeks, but it can vary based on the complexity of the design and current workload. Planning well in advance is key to ensure timely delivery.
Can trade show booths be reused for multiple events?
Yes, many trade show booths are designed for reuse. Modular and portable designs can be easily adjusted to fit different spaces and updated with new graphics to keep your presentation fresh.
How do I transport my trade show booth to the event?
Smaller, portable booths can be transported in carrying cases by car or plane. For larger booths, you may need to coordinate with a logistics provider specializing in trade show transport to ensure safe and timely delivery.
What are the most effective ways to attract visitors to my trade show booth?
Effective strategies include pre-event marketing, offering promotional items, hosting contests or giveaways, and ensuring your booth is visually appealing and welcoming. Also, leveraging social media to engage attendees can increase foot traffic.
How important is lighting in a trade show booth?
Extremely important. Good lighting can highlight your branding, draw attention to products, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Consider a mix of spotlighting, ambient lighting, and possibly interactive light elements.
Can I set up my trade show booth myself, or do I need professional help?
It depends on the booth's complexity. Portable and pop-up booths can often be set up without professional help, while larger, more complex booths might require the assistance of experienced installers.
What are the best practices for booth staffing?
Choose staff who are not only knowledgeable about your products and services but also friendly and engaging. Ensure they are well-trained to answer questions and interact positively with booth visitors. It’s also important to have enough staff to avoid overcrowding and to allow for breaks.
How can I measure the success of my trade show booth?
Success metrics might include the number of leads generated, sales closed, customer interactions, social media engagement, and feedback received. Setting clear goals before the event and gathering data during and after the event will help in evaluating your booth's effectiveness.
What makes direct mail an effective marketing tool?
Direct mail stands out in a digital world, offering a tangible connection with recipients. It can be highly targeted, personalized, and creates a lasting impression, often leading to better response rates compared to digital methods alone.
How do I target the right audience with my direct mail campaign?
Start by analyzing your current customer base to identify common characteristics, then use this data to build or rent a mailing list that matches your target demographic. Consider factors like location, age, income, and purchasing habits to refine your list.
What's the best way to design a direct mail piece that gets noticed?
Use eye-catching visuals, bold headlines, and clear, concise messaging that speaks directly to the recipient's needs or interests. Including a strong call-to-action (CTA) is crucial to guide them on what to do next. High-quality printing and unique materials can also make your piece stand out.
How often should I send out direct mail to my customers?
The frequency can vary based on your industry and campaign goals, but a good rule of thumb is to space out mailings to avoid overwhelming your audience, while still keeping your brand top-of-mind. Monthly or quarterly mailings are common strategies.
What are some common types of direct mail?
Popular types include postcards, flyers, brochures, letters, and catalogs. The choice depends on your message, budget, and objectives. Postcards are great for quick, impactful messages, while catalogs and brochures can provide more detailed information.
Can I personalize direct mail campaigns?
Absolutely, and you should! Personalized mail pieces, addressing the recipient by name and tailoring the content to their interests, significantly increase engagement and response rates. Variable data printing technology makes personalization easy and effective.
What should I include in my direct mail piece to track its effectiveness?
Use tracking mechanisms like unique URLs, QR codes, or promo codes that recipients can use when they respond. This allows you to measure engagement and conversions directly attributed to your direct mail campaign.
How do I ensure my direct mail complies with postal regulations?
Work with the team at Thomas Printworks, let us help you design your mail piece to meet size, weight, and postage requirements, avoiding costly mistakes.
What is the best way to integrate direct mail with my digital marketing efforts?
Create a cohesive campaign by using similar messaging and visuals across both direct mail and digital channels. Encourage recipients to visit your website or social media pages through QR codes or special offers, enhancing the synergy between offline and online marketing.
How can I budget effectively for a direct mail campaign?
Consider all the costs involved, including design, printing, mailing list rental, postage, and tracking. Starting with a smaller, targeted mailing can help gauge response rates and ROI before scaling up.
How much does direct mail cost?
Cost is quoted on a case by case basis.
Do I have to complete any postal paperwork or take the pieces to the Post Office?
No. We take care of all the paperwork and get the mail to the post office. However, we do need to know if you have your own postal permit or not.
Can you design the mail piece of me?
We can help with design. However, it must be quoted on a case-by-case basis depending on the design, and complexity of the project.
Can I use this service if I already have pieces printed?
Yes - we have a lettershop that overprints, inserts, etc.
Can I use my own mailing list?
Yes - we can use your own provided mail list as well as acquire list data by zip codes. We also can provide lists with targeted demographics.
What if I need help building my campaign?
Our number one priority is the success of your direct mail campaign. From our assistance in finding the target audience, to messaging/look, our team of direct mail experts assist you all the way. With Tactix360 (our Direct Response Marketing tool), we offer Unlimited Mail Tracking, Informed Delivery, QR Code Offering, plus a range of digital services that enable you to track and measure your response rate and ROI with a simple customer dashboard.
What are your file requirements for uploading?
We accept PDF, EPS, TIFF, JPEG, INDD (InDesign), PSD (Photoshop) and AI (Illustrator) files. For more information, see our File Submission Guidelines.
For mailing lists, we accept CSV or Excel formats.
What’s the difference between EDDM and direct mail?
Traditional direct mail targets a specific demographic. You can use it to send brochures, flyers, and postcards to a mailing list that consists of people that fit your target age, gender, income, and other variables. On the other hand, EDDM targets a specific geographic area (saturation mail). It must go to the local SCF where the carrier will deliver. While EDDM postage is cheaper, there is zero trackability and is not targetable.
Can you scan my architectural plans?
Yes, we scan documents of any size into virtually any electronic format.
Do you provide signage for construction sites?
Thomas Printworks can provide all the signage a constructions site requires, including branding signage, barrier graphics, project banners, safety signs, information signs and wayfinding signs.
How much does it cost to print blueprints?
Blueprints are now printed as plain paper bond prints and are very economical. The cost is based on a sliding scale – the more you have in your order the lower the unit price will be.
What is the difference between construction documents and design documents?
Construction documents are typically architectural and engineering designed documents. Design documents most often contain color graphics and logos.
Can I order different plan sizes in a single order?
Yes.
Can I order my plans larger or smaller than the size it is designed for?
Yes, we have the software and ability to size your plans larger or smaller at any time. Keep in mind changing the size can change the scale they were originally designed for.
Can I submit multiple orders to be shipped together to avoid additional shipping charges?
Yes, whenever possible we combine customer orders together to avoid additional shipping charges.
How long does it take to process my order and ship it?
The majority of orders can be processed, printed and shipped within a few hours and same day. Larger orders may take longer and our production team can advise based on order size.
What brand printers do you use?
We are standardized companywide using the HP Pagewide brand of printers.
What are vehicle wraps?
In simple terms, vehicle wraps (aka fleet graphics) are vinyl adhesive decals applied to the exterior of a variety of vehicles in order to both enhance branding and leverage vehicles' high visibility as an advertising or marketing channel.
What type of vinyl is used for vehicle wraps?
We use adhesive Vinyls such as 3M and Avery, as well as other premium products, with protective lamination.
What is the best surface for vinyl wrap?
Vinyl wraps will easily stick to glass, metal, plastic, and varnished wood as long as the surface is smooth and clean. You can even use vinyl wraps on walls, especially those with a fresh top coat of water-based, semi-gloss latex paint.
Why are vehicle wraps important?
Vehicle wraps are a great way to increase your visibility with hundreds of views per day of your company brand and logo.
How long do vehicle wraps last?
While most vehicle wraps will last many years, we recommend changing the wrap in 3-5 years before image fading begins and the wrap begins to show signs of wear.
Can I send you a font to use?
Yes, we keep a comprehensive font library on hand and you can always send us your preferred font to use.
What is a promotional product?
Any items used to promote your business. These products feature your logo, tagline and contact details.
Do you have a catalog of items to choose from?
We utilize our website, https://promo.visualogistix.com/ to show a wide variety of most popular options as a convenient space to find ideas or specific items. The best way to find creative and new ideas would be to reach out to our Promotional Products Team. They stay on top of all the new offerings and can put together a creative ideation to meet your needs.
Do you offer uniforms?
Yes, we provide many options for uniforms. From in-office, stylish pieces to showcase your professionalism up front to more durable items that can survive the high activity demands of staff in a warehouse or delivery drivers. Let us put together a custom selection for you to choose from to help promote your brand!
What is the turnaround time?
While there are exceptions, typical turn time for receipt of decorated product from the point you approve an order to be placed is 2-3 weeks. This is after production ideas, selection, and quoting. Once you approve to order items, the order is created within 24 hours. Proofs are sent over 24-48 hours after order processing. Proofs must be approved by client before production begins.
Where will my products ship from?
We utilize an extensive network of vendors/manufacturers to source the wide range of products to offer. Selected product will determine where they are shipped from, since vendors are located throughout the country. In some instances, it makes sense to source product direct from manufacturers outside the US. IF this option is used, we provide this information to our clients, prior to ordering, and set the expectation of the timeline to receive product.
How much are setup fees?
Thomas Printworks has chosen an easy-to-understand pricing model for promotional products. While the industry has setup fees, and run charge fees for multi color printing, we provide quotes that have All-Inclusive pricing (except for taxes and shipping), so you do not have to get out the calculator to figure out the true sell price of an item! Our customers have come to enjoy the simplicity of our pricing model and have complimented us on how our pricing is very easy to understand.
What is your return policy?
Products with decoration are not able to be reused by any other client, therefore, these items are not returnable. This is the reason we require a digital response of approval on all proofs and why it is so important for the client to review the proof closely for any errors. Non-decorated products have a return option that varies per vendor. Your Promotional Products Specialist can assist with that information.
Do you offer design services?
We do offer limited design services and rely on the design ability of our top vendors; however, for full design creation and services, it is suggested that you contact a Design Firm to assist. Our cost for design services varies and will be quoted prior to any agreement of work.
How does your artwork approval process work?
For embroidery we require digitized artwork, files ending in either .dst or .emb. For all hard goods decoration and screen printing for apparel, we require vector art, generally files ending in .ai or .eps. Once you approve product selection and pricing; we submit our order to our vendor network. Within 24-48 hours, we receive a digital proof that will be emailed to our client for approval. We require an email back with approval of the proof before any physical production begins. This will be the client’s opportunity to view an art rendered image to show the decoration on the product and view how it looks and sizing accuracy. If the proof is not approved and there are requests to change something, we still have time to make those changes before production.
Can I get a sample of the product before ordering?
Yes, we can offer samples to our clients as blank or random samples at no cost. We can also provide spec samples (1 piece product with specific imprinted decoration) if needed to get a true feel of the product with decoration. Sometimes there is a cost associated with this process and that will be communicated prior to ordering the spec sample.
Do I qualify for discounts?
While we generally fall below MSRP on most products for all accounts, we reserve true discount structures for contracted customers. Contract scenarios require planning and discussions between the client’s sales team, the promo team, and management. If you are interested in exploring contractual agreements, please contact your account team or the promo team for further information.
How do I send in my files?
We have an eOrder system for your convenience. From ThomasPrintworks.com, select "eOrder". First time users will need to create a profile with a username and password.
What are your file requirements for uploading?
We accept PDF, EPS, TIFF, JPEG, INDD (InDesign), PSD (Photoshop) and AI (Illustrator) files. For more information, see our File Submission Guidelines.
Do you have AO sized paper?
Yes, we can print to A0 sized paper.
I have an account with Thomas Printworks located in another city. Can I use that account?
Yes.
