On average it takes 2 to 4 weeks to have corporate gifts with your logo made and delivered. That lead time covers approving the artwork, personalising the products and shipping. If you order at the last minute, you risk delays that can be really painful, especially in busy periods such as the festive season. In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions about lead times, so you’re always on time from now on.

What steps are there between ordering and delivery?

Between placing an order and receiving your personalised corporate gifts, you usually go through four phases: quote and approval, production, quality control and shipping. Each phase takes time, and a delay in one step pushes back everything that follows.

• Quote and confirmation: You send us your wishes and receive a proposal. Once you agree, a proof or digital mock-up is prepared for your approval.
• Production: As soon as you approve the proof, actual production starts. This is often the longest step, depending on the technique and the number of pieces.
• Quality control: The finished products are checked for print result, colour accuracy and finish.
• Shipping and delivery: The products are packed and shipped. Depending on the destination, this takes another one to three working days.

The approval stage is the step companies most often underestimate. The faster you review and confirm the proof, the sooner production can start.

How long does it take to print or embroider a logo?

Printing or embroidering a logo on corporate gifts usually takes 3 to 10 working days, depending on the technique chosen, the number of colour layers and the size of the order. Embroidery generally needs a little more preparation than digital printing.

With screen printing, a separate screen is made for each colour, which takes extra time for multi-colour logos. Digital printing (also known as DTG or full-colour print) is quicker to set up because no screens are needed. Embroidery requires your logo to be digitally converted into an embroidery pattern, which takes a little more time once but is then quickly scalable.

For smaller runs and simple logos, the fastest techniques are ready in 3 to 5 working days. For large quantities or complex designs, it’s better to allow 7 to 10 working days for production alone.

What is the average lead time for corporate gifts with a logo?

The average lead time for personalised corporate gifts is between 10 and 20 working days from order to delivery. That period includes the approval stage, production and transport. If you approve your proof quickly and choose a standard product, you’ll be at the shorter end of that range.

Factors that influence the lead time include the complexity of the logo, the type of product, the order quantity and how busy the producer is. In quiet periods an order can be handled faster; in busy quarters such as the end of the year, everything slows down.

If you’re really in a hurry, some suppliers offer a rush service. It comes at an extra cost, but sometimes makes a lead time of 5 to 7 working days possible for simple products.

What is the latest you should order for the festive season?

For delivery before Christmas and the year-end holidays, you should order by early November at the latest. If you wait until December, you risk your corporate gifts with logo arriving only after the holidays, which completely defeats the purpose.

The period from October to December is by far the busiest for suppliers of printed gifts. Production lines fill up, raw materials become scarce and courier services are overloaded. That has a direct impact on the lead time of corporate gifts ordered in that period.

A handy rule of thumb:

• Order before 1 November: plenty of margin, choice from the full range
• November: still possible, but choose products that can be delivered quickly
• Early December: only feasible with a rush service and simple products
• Mid-December or later: too late for personalised corporate gifts

If you are planning corporate gifts for other moments, such as a company anniversary or a trade fair in spring, you have more leeway. Even so, ordering four weeks in advance is always a safe margin.

Which factors make the lead time shorter or longer?

The lead time of printed gifts is determined by a combination of product-related, logistical and organisational factors. If you know these factors, you can consciously steer towards a shorter lead time.

Factors that shorten the lead time

• A simple logo with few colours
• Standard products from stock
• Quick approval of the proof
• Ordering outside peak periods
• Choosing digital printing instead of screen printing or embroidery

Factors that lengthen the lead time

• Complex or multi-colour logos with lots of detail
• Custom work or products that are not in stock
• Slow or multiple rounds of proof revisions
• Large orders with high quantities
• Ordering in Q4 or just before a holiday
• Delivery to multiple addresses (fulfilment)

The approval stage is the factor you as a client have the most influence over. Make sure you supply your logo in the correct digital format and that the right person can decide quickly on the proof.

How do you order corporate gifts with your logo without delays?

Ordering corporate gifts with your logo without delays is mainly a matter of thinking ahead. If you start early, give a clear briefing and respond quickly to proofs, you avoid most causes of overruns.

Follow this approach for a smooth order:

1. Plan your order at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. That gives you room for unexpected delays without running into trouble.
2. Supply your logo in a vector format (such as .ai or .eps). That avoids quality problems and extra editing time.
3. Choose products that are in stock. Ask which items are immediately available for printing.
4. Approve the proof quickly. Every day you wait is a day taken off your production time.
5. Communicate your deadline clearly. Say when the gifts must arrive at the latest, so the supplier can plan accordingly.
6. Ask about rush options if time is tight. Some products can be delivered faster than you think.

If you order corporate gifts regularly, it’s a good idea to draw up a plan early in the year for the key moments: the festive season, trade fairs, client days and anniversaries. That way you’ll never be pressed for time again.

How Maximum Image helps with corporate gifts with your logo

We understand that lead time is one of the biggest concerns for many companies when ordering personalised corporate gifts. That is why we ensure a smooth and transparent process from start to finish. Here’s what we do for you in practice:

• A quote within 24 hours: You quickly know where you stand, without having to wait days for a reply.
• Personal advice: We help you choose products that suit your deadline, budget and target group.
• Sustainable options: From eco-friendly water bottles to personalised gift boxes, we offer a wide range of high-quality and eco-friendly corporate gifts.
• Fulfilment and logistics: We also take care of shipping to multiple addresses if needed.
• Transparent planning: We communicate clearly about the lead time, so you never face any surprises.

Would you like to know what we can do for your company? Take a look at our full range of services or get in touch for a no-obligation quote. We’ll gladly help you turn up on time with the right gifts, thanks to Maximum Image.