Coast Advertising FAQ
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Do not hesitate to phone or email us if you can not find what you are looking for here.
ART WORK
Coast Advertising doesn’t require you to upload files and move them around on the screen. We want you to spend your time finding just the right product for your needs. We’ll handle the artwork for you – just send us the files by email or a hardcopy by mail. Our skilled graphic artists will catch unforeseen problems, make recommendations, and review your artwork and lay it out for you on a proof.
What if i don't have art work?
If you don't have artwork, it's not a problem. Sketch out or send us a file describing what you're looking for and we'll help you out. We will do simple typesetting of your name and message at no charge! Please specify font style.
If you can't find an acceptable electronic file that meets our requirements, you can probably ask the person who created your logo for a vector file and have it emailed to us. Sometimes when the files are large, our clients prefer to send us a disk. Please remember to ask them to use the requirements below.
As a last resort, if you have "Camera Ready" artwork than can be scanned, you can send it to us at the address below.
Camera Ready artwork means, black and white laser printed artwork of 1200 dpi or higher.
The following artwork is not considered Camera Ready: Photographs, slides, transparencies, negative stats or films that need to be reversed to positive, halftone art that needs to be resized, low resolution laser printed artwork of less than 1200 dpi (we recommend sending black and white 1200 dpi laser prints at 200% larger than actual size), photocopies, faxed art, letterhead, business cards, Web images or any other art that needs to be touched-up, color separated, or multi-color art to be made one-color or otherwise improved. Stats, PMTs or computer scans of the above are not considered camera ready.
Remember, artwork should never get in the way of doing a promotion. If you can't find art that meets our electronic submittal requirements, we can always assist at our reasonable rates. We'll tell you up front what the additional charges will be. Once we recreate your art, you won't have this charge again. A proof will be provided for you to review.
What if I want a specific color match imprinted?
Most of our decoration methods offer the opportunity to closely match the imprint color to a specific requirement. Our customers who require specific matches provide us with a "PMS" color number for each special color in their artwork. PMS stands for Pantone Matching System ®. Please note that in most cases, on most imprint methods, there is a charge per color for this service as inks need to be carefully blended to achieve a close match to your color. This charge is also applicable on reorders. If your logo is to be embroidered, we will select a thread which most closely matches your PMS color and you will have the opportunity to see this choice when you approve your "sew-out."
What graphic file should I send you?
Acceptable Files in either Mac or PC Formats:
Art files must be created in Adobe Illustrator 8.0, Macromedia Freehand 9.0, CorelDraw or lesser versions. All CorelDraw (CDR) files Must Be saved as an AI file EPS (Adobe Illustrator, EPS, Curves.) All files must be saved as EPS and all text converted to outline. EPS format files provide superior reproduction quality allowing images to be resized with no loss of sharpness or detail.
Artwork with Text
We recommend that all text be converted to outlines when possible. If not, all fonts, font suitcases, printer fonts and screen fonts must be included with art and files that contain curved copy. PC versions of the above software must have text converted to outline since our systems are Mac-based and cannot use PC fonts. Please note that the smallest text size that can be imprinted is typically around 6-8 pt. with some exceptions, for embroidery letter should be non-serif and at least 3/16" to 1/4" in height. It is often necessary to modify or drop text entirely for small imprint areas.
Single Color Artwork
We prefer Adobe Illustrator files, however we can use .jpg or .tiff files if their resolution is 600 dpi (dots per inch) or higher at the size of the imprint area. The logo should be in black on a white background. Web images are 72 dpi and are not acceptable. If your item is to be embroidered, we can use a web graphic.
Multiple Color Artwork
Send only original, native vector, EPS files. We can not accept art files from the following Mac or PC platforms: BMP, Photoshop EPS, JPG, GIF, PICT, or TIFF. Do not attempt to save these files in an acceptable format. We cannot guarantee files sent from PC platforms (BMP, DOC, GIF, PICT, PPT) or any other than our preferred file formats or acceptable software will be usable. PC files such as DOC, EXE, PCX, PPT, P65, or XLS are not acceptable. These file formats are generally low resolution-- only suitable for viewing on-screen-- not for printing and cannot be appropriately modified. If your item is to be embroidered we can use a low quality graphic.
LARGE QUANTITY DISCOUNTS
Price reductions for quantities greater than those shown on our site may be available. Please place your order or contact one of our promotional consultant for an exact quote. We have discount programs for frequent and loyal customers. More information is available by contacting your promotional consultant.
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MINIMUM ORDER SIZE
Minimum quantities for promotional items vary widely. Please ask your promotional consultant for information regarding minimum order size and minimum quantities for the particular promotional item being considered.
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ORDERING PROCESS
Shortly after placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation for your approval that will include details of your order. Please sign and return the order confirmation within 24 hours so as not to effect your expected date of shipment. Late approvals from customers may require expedited shipping methods or in some cases rush production charges. A proof will be sent and will need to be returned with approvals within 24 hours.
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PAYMENT QUESTIONS
First Time Orders
First-time orders from Coast Advertising require a 50% prepayment, and 50% at completion. We recommend the use of a credit card to facilitate rapid fulfillment of your order, but you may also use a company check, money order, or even cash if you choose. Please be aware that forms of payment that require funds to clear into our account can delay your order. We will not ship orders until our bank has cleared your funds.
Credit Cards
The majority of our customers prefer to pay for their orders by credit card. Coast Advertising accepts Visa, & MasterCard. We do not recommend submitting your credit card information via email, you can call in or fax your card information to us. When providing credit card information, please include your order number, the type of card, the card number, the expiration date and your full name and billing address as it appears on the card.
When paying by credit card, you will be charged 50% of the amount stated on your Order Confirmation upon approval. This secures the merchandise and puts the order into production to be customized.
Information regarding account number and expiration dates as well as authorized signatures will be held entirely confidential by Coast Advertising and its representatives.
Company Cheques
Customers may pay by company check. We require that the funds clear our bank in order for us to ship your product. If time is of the essence we strongly recommend using a credit card.
Corporate Accounts
We will be happy to set up a corporate account. Please request a credit application.. Credit review typically takes 3 days and production will not begin on orders until the review process is complete. If your order is urgent, please use a credit card or call us to make other arrangements.
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RUSH SERVICE
What if I need it really fast?
If you are working on a very tight deadline, we have a wide selection of products that can be produced and shipped out within 5 business days. Please call us for personal assistance. Please note that you must consider delivery time when figuring out when you will receive your order. We can only guarantee that your order will leave the factory on time according to the shipping method that you specify. Rush orders often incur additional charges and you may be required to limit the complexity of your artwork. For rush orders, you must submit your art by email.
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SAMPLE AND PROOFS
Can I see it Before I buy it?
Samples: We know that it’s important to be able to evaluate items first hand. In order to help you purchase with confidence, we have developed the following sample policy. We will provide a sample of the product you are ordering for free. Requests for multiple samples will be billed to you including freight costs. The cost may be credited when you place an order.
Proofs: Proofs will generally be faxed unless an e-proof or virtual sample is available. A signed approval must be received within 24hours to protect your shipping date.
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SHIPPING INFORMATION
We make best efforts to ship your products to your desired destination in the most economical way possible given your specified date and production limitations. The most economical means of transportation is typically Ground. In some cases where product is extremely heavy, another common carrier may be used.
Should you have special shipping needs, including the need to divide shipments among multiple destinations, please contact your promotional consultant.
All orders are shipped FOB (freight on board) from the factory. This means that you own the merchandise from that point on. We guarantee that your items will leave the factory on or before the ship date specified on our Order Confirmation. We cannot be held responsible for goods lost or delayed by common carrier, international Customs departments or by 'acts of God'. We will typically notify you with tracking information within 24 hours of shipment. If you have any questions or problems, please call your promotional consultant.
We are able to ship to most locations in the US and Canada.
All orders will be shipped and billed with your order at published rates for that carrier. If you prefer to use your own account, we can accommodate you. Please provide us with the carrier name and your account number either via email or fax.
Unless otherwise specified, all shipments sent best way.
Coast Advertising sends its products from a network of factories around the country, orders placed on the same day may arrive at different times. If you have unique needs regarding arrival of products, please be sure to specify those needs to your promotional consultant.
Split Shipments
Do you have a trade show in Calgary and a sales meeting in Toronto? At Coast Advertising, it is no problem at all for us to send your items where they need to be. Just specify that you need your order sent to multiple locations. We require that at least one full carton of product is shipped to each location. Freight will be billed individually for each shipment on your final invoice and a handling charge of $10.00 for each additional location may be added.
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USE OF TRADEMARKS
About the Use of Trademarks on Our Site
Logos shown on products on our web site appear only to illustrate the products we offer and the variety of ways in which they can be decorated. The use of logos that are trademarks or copyrighted work of other companies are never intended to suggest that Coast Advertising owns the rights to those trademarks, or that Coast Advertising would make those products featuring the trademarked logos of others available to any purchaser without the permission of the owners of the trademarked or copyrighted art or copy.
About the customer's right to use of trademarks
Any customer ordering custom-imprinted merchandise from Coast Advertising represents and warrants to Coast Advertising that he or she has the unrestricted right and authority to use, copy and distribute each copyright, trademark, service mark, trade name, logo, statement, portrait, graphic, artwork, photograph, picture or illustration of any person or any other intellectual property in the way it is applied to promotional merchandise. Purchase of merchandise from Coast Advertising in no way, shape or form grants a customer permission to reproduce logos, nor does it transfer, grant, or lease ownership of any logos or trademarks to a customer.
To use any logo a customer MUST have written permission from the registered owner of the logo or trademark, or be an authorized agent or affiliate of the registered owner of the logo. A customer may NOT use any logo in a manner that may infringe copyright laws. A customer also may NOT use any logo in a vulgar, illegal, and/or unlawful manner. Coast Advertising assumes no responsibility for damages or any wrong doing that the purchaser may cause using a logo. Coast Advertising shall not be held liable for the unauthorized, improper, or illegal use of any logo or trademark that is applied to promotional merchandise purchased through Coast Advertising. Coast Advertising will also not accept responsibility or liability for the actions of clients who have misrepresented their ownership of licenses or trademarks. Coast Advertising will reserve the right to refuse orders from any customer who has violated or otherwise infringed upon the intellectual rights of others.
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PRODUCTS GLOSSARY
Advertising Specialty
A useful or interesting item of merchandise usually carrying an imprinted advertising or promotional message and given with no obligation. Another, though older, term for promotional products.
Blind Embossing
A design which is stamped in a promotional product without metallic leaf or ink giving a background effect.
Business Gift
Merchandise given by a business in goodwill, without obligation to its customers, employees, friends and the like. Unlike promotional products, the business gift often is not imprinted with the advertiser's identification.
Cloisonne
Metal emblems that are stamped from a die. A colored paste made from ground glass is applied into the recessed areas of the emblem. The emblem is then fired at 1400 degrees and polished by stone and pumice to achieve brilliant color. Gullies and ridges separate each individual color, so fine lines between colors are difficult to achieve. This is considered a very high-quality product, and is slightly more costly than other alternatives. Used in emblematic jewelry and pins.
Cost Per Thousand (CPM)
The cost of reaching one thousand units of a media vehicle's circulation or audience with a particular advertising unit. Thus, the cost of an advertising unit divided by the circulation or audience (however it is defined) of the media vehicle in which it appears. Since promotional products are advertising media, one can calculate their CPM just as one would in traditional advertising.
Dealer Incentive
Premium or other reward given by manufacturer to retailers or distributors in return for a specified bulk purchase.
Debossing
The image is depressed into a material such as paper, leather or suede, so the image sits below the product surface. Ink may or may not accompany the stamp (color stamping).
Decal Transfer
A water-soluble decal, printed on an offset or letterset press, is submerged in water and slid onto the product to be imprinted. The decal is rubbed with a cloth or squeegee to remove any excess water and air from between the product and the decal. The product is then kiln-fired. Once fired, the decal becomes fused with the glaze. Hairline registration and superior reproduction of detail make it an excellent choice. This imprint withstands washing very well. This method is labor intensive, since each decal must be aligned and applied by hand. Used in when many colors and tight registration are desired on less than perfect porcelain, ceramic and glass products.
Die
A mold into which molten metal, plastic or other material is forced to make a special shape, such as pen barrels or rings. Also a tool made of very hard material used to press a special shape into or onto a softer material such as coins and emblems.
Die-casting
Molten metal is injected into the cavity of a carved die (a mold).
Die Cutting
The use of sharp steel blades to cut special shapes from printed sheets.
Die-Stamp
Steel plate engraved with desired image used to “stamp” (apply) gold or silver leaf.
Die-striking
A method of producing emblems and other flat promotional products. A blank, cut from a metal sheet, is struck with a hammer that holds the die.
Die-Struck (Die-Stamp)
A die is used to press an image into a softer metal such as brass or gold. The die is put into a press, and the press is released and actually squeezes the metal into the recess of the die making the imprint on the metal. The height of detail is not as deep as casting; the letters and images are shorter. Fine detail and deep images cannot be achieved because the lines and gullies in the die may break during the striking process. Used in metals such as medals, coins and belt buckles.
Direct Premium
An item given free with a purchase at the time of the purchase. Includes on-packs, in-packs and container premiums as well as those given separately.
Direct Response Advertising
Advertising that seeks an immediate response from consumers by mail or telephone usually outside established channels of distribution. Direct response advertising may be carried by mail, by the broadcast media or by the printed media.
Embedments
Materials such as a product replica, for example, are suspended in a clear substrate, usually poured acrylic or Lucite(r).
Embossing
Stamping an image on a material, such as paper, leather or suede, so the image rises above the surface of the object. As in debossing, ink may or may not accompany the stamp.
Embroidery
A design stitched onto a material through the use of high speed, computer controlled sewing machines. The design is reproduced with tightly-stitched thread. Embroidery is most commonly used on logo patches and directly on some wearables. Fine detail is difficult to achieve.
Engraving
The cutting or etching of designs or letters on metal, wood, glass or other materials. There are three engraving techniques. hand-engraving, hand-tracing, and computerized laser engraving. Engraving is performed with a diamond point or rotary blade that cuts into the surface of the product. Engraving offers a permanent imprint that will not wear off because it is cut into the metal base. Used in metals such as trophies, pens and nameplates.
Etching
The product to be imaged is coated with a resist (a protective coating that resists the acid). An image is exposed on the resist, usually photographically, leaving bare metal and protected metal. The acid attacks the exposed metal thus leaving the image etched into the surface of the metal. Very fine lines can be reproduced by this process and the only tooling is a piece of film, so spec samples are easily-made.
Flexography
A flexible rubber plate is wrapped around a cylinder for speed and control. As the paper moves under the printing plate, it is pressed against the printing plate by another roller, and the ink is transferred onto the paper. A separate plate is needed for each individual color. Typically done on less expensive materials than screen printing. The inks are very thin and not as durable as those used in screen printing.
Font
The collection of a typeface including the lower case, caps, numbers and special characters having unified design. This can be an important consideration when copy includes foreign terms or names with special characters. The different kinds and quantity of characters in a font will vary according to the manufacturer of the typesetting system.
Four-Color Process: The reproduction of full-color artwork through the combination of four process ink colors - magenta (red), cyan (blue), yellow and black - in specified intensities. Colors are separated into individual color plates so that when printed in register, they produce a full-color illustration. Four-color separations refer specifically to the process colors: magenta, cyan, yellow and black.
Fulfillment
The process of packaging and shipping an order for a distributor. Fulfillment may be performed by a supplier, a distributor or an independent fulfillment house.
Glass Etching
A process in which a piece of glass is covered with a template that has a design cut out of it. The glass is then sandblasted while the portion of the item not covered by the template is protected. The template image is thus etched into the glass.
Halftone
The reproduction of a continuous tone artwork (such as a photograph) done by filtering light through a screen that converts the image into a pattern of dots of varying size.
Heat Transfer Printing (Direct Transfer Process)
Image is screened on a transfer substrate which is then laid directly on the material to be imprinted. The image is then “transferred” from the substrate to the material through the use of heat and pressure. Works best on cotton and cotton blends.
Heat Transfer Printing (Sublimation)
A process in which a design is transferred to a synthetic fabric by heat and pressure. The heat causes the inks to turn into a gas so that they penetrate the fabric and combine with it to form a permanent imprint.
Hot Stamping
Method is which type or designs in the form of a relief die are impressed with heat and pressure through metallic or pigmented foil onto the printed surface. It is used to decorate fabric, leather, paper, wood, hard rubber, coated metal and all types of plastic. Hot stamping is a “dry” imprinting process meaning the object can be handled immediately after the stamping without fear of smearing the imprint.
Image Advertising
Advertising designed to make its recipients feel more favorable toward the advertiser by portraying the advertiser in a favorable light.
Incentive
Reward for a purchase or performance; as it applies to promotional products, it could be, depending on the response required, an ad specialty, premium or prize.
Ink Jet
A printer that reproduces by projecting ink onto paper without the mechanical impact of plates.
Laminated
Coated with a clear plastic or two separate sheets of paper joined together as a single sheet to provide a special thickness or varying colors from side to side.
Laser Engraving
A process in which an optically-read or stenciled art/copy is engraved (burned) into a material by a laser beam. Wood is the most common lasered material, but acrylic, some plastics, marble, leather and paper are also used. Metal requires specialized lasers.
Lenticular Printing
A process of creating multi-dimensional, animated or bi-view effects by photographing with an extremely fine screen and placing plastic made up of tiny lenses over the top. Sometimes called xography.
Letterpress Printing
The original method of mechanical printing, still used though to a lesser extent, based on relief printing. In other words, the ink is transferred from raised metal or rubber to the receiving surface. Also called rubber-plate printing.
Litho (Lithography)
A generic term for printed material. Most typically used to refer to offset printed paper that is intended to be mounted to a display.
Logos/Trademarks
A firm's registered symbol, outline, drawing, picture, brand, abbreviation or unusual type style of letter, word or brand name. Used in identifying and advertising and becomes recognized as synonymous with that particular company, brand or service.
Offset Lithography (OFFset Printing)
A printing method in which an inked image on a flat plate is transferred to a rubber surface before being pressed on the printing surface. The plate surface is treated to accept greasy ink in image areas that resist water and to accept water in non-image areas while resisting ink. In this method of printing, the ink is less likely to rub off after an object is handled as often happens with letterpress printing.
Overrun
An additional number of products in excess of what was originally ordered. Five to ten percent is generally considered customary and acceptable.
Pad Printing
A recessed surface is covered with ink. The plate is wiped clean, yet the ink remains in the recessed area of the plate. A silicone pad presses against the plate and pulls the ink out of the recesses. The pad then moves and presses directly against the product. Pad printing is excellent for imprinting small, unusually-shaped objects for which screenprinting is not practical. Small watch dials and cylinder shapes are some examples. This is not the most highly-recommended process for imprinting large areas; screen printing is better for large areas of ink coverage. Used in plastics, paper, ceramics, glassware, wearables, leather and vinyl.
Photo Etching (Metal)
Process in which an illustration and/or copy is imprinted into metal, usually aluminum, by acid and then sealed by an anodizing process. This is popular for awards and plaques.
Plate: An image carrier, rubber or metal which transfers the ink to the printing surface.
Point-of-Purchase Advertising (POP)
Advertising materials - displays, cards, etc. - which are placed within retail stores at the place where purchases are actually made.
Pre-Production Proof: A product imprinted with the specified design and copy of an issued purchase order. Its purpose is to clarify the appearance of the product and the imprint prior to manufacturing.
Premium
A product or service offered free or at a reduced price if the recipient performs some task, such as purchasing an item, meeting a sales quota, etc. Usually consumer-related.
Promotional Products: Useful items that can be imprinted with the name of a company or individual and given free to the end user without obligation.
Puff Prints
A screening process, using “puff inks.” After screening, the product is exposed to heat. A chemical additive in the ink will cause the ink to rise as it is heated to dry. This process must be used on a cotton weave material where the ink has something to latch on to. Therefore, it cannot be used on nylon. Used on wearables, such as caps and hats, T-shirts.
Register / Registration
Positioning of elements in printing so their images will be located precisely as desired on the printed sheet especially with reference to applying additional colors.
Screen Process Printing
A method in which image is transferred to the surface to be printed by means of ink squeezed by a squeegee through a stenciled screen stretched over a frame. Screens are treated with a light-sensitive emulsion, and then the film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to a strong light. The light hardens the emulsion not covered by the film leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to force ink through. Screen printing is capable of printing on irregular shaped objects. Glass, plastic, fabric and wood are popular materials on which to screenprint. Also called “silk screening.”
Set Up and Running Charges: Special charges added to certain products that are priced in the catalog without printing included in the price. The set-up charge covers the cost of preparing type for the copy on the press; the running charge covers the actual printing.
Specialty Advertising: Another, older name for promotional products.
Step and Repeat
The same image is printed continuously in a pattern on the same sheet of paper.
Thermography
A process for imitating copperplate engraving, such as on calling cards, by dusting the freshly printed ink surface with resin powder which, when heated, fuses with the ink to form a slightly raised surface. The finished product is very similar to embossed printing in feel and appearance but is much less expensive.
Underrun
A number of products less than what was originally ordered.
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