2) Can you send a catalogue or 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.

3) Can you handle the design/artwork? What does that cost?

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, graphic, and clip art 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.

4) How long does it take to produce stickers and decals?

Production on most decals and stickers averages 8-14 working days (depending on product, die-cutting, quantity ordered, etc.) plus shipping time. Paper labels average a 4-7 day production schedule (not including embossed or foil stamped labels). Four color process jobs average 15 working days. There will be an estimated time frame listed on your specific product price quote. Rush orders are sometimes possible (added charges are sometimes needed) depending on traffic levels 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.

5) 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.

6) What is your minimum order (quantities)?

Our minimum order on most screen printed stickers and decals is 125 (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 stickers such as truck door signs and equipment decals. If you need a sticker larger than 25 square inches please e-mail your specs. and ask about specific minimums. If you need fewer custom decals then our minimums, review small run resources.

7) Can I see a sticker proof before placing my order?

Due to the setup 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. All four color process jobs will receive a color key proof. Please review carefully. 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%.

8) 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 screen printing spot colors but are limited to a resolution of 300dpi. and screens between 20-50%.(see more info)

Four Color Process is a blending of 4 colors (CMYK) to create multicolor 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. Websticker.com can provide additional specs and details regarding 4-CP. You may also want us to review artwork to see if converting to spot colors is an option. Not only is the turn around time faster and costs lower for spot colors but often it makes for a more visually effective sticker.(see 4CP info)

9) Can I use screens, gradients, and/or halftones in my sticker & decal designs?

Yes, with screen printing you can do screens, gradients and halftones. But keep in mind the resolution quality of these fades, blends and color percentages will not be what you see on your computer screen or even what you print out of your printer. Solid dots are used to create the various shades of ink. (see examples page)

Not all screens, gradients and halftones will work effectively in sticker designs. We recommend you e-mail your designs for review. We will be happy to make recommendations, adjustments, and any cost saving or image enhancing suggestions. (more info)

10) What factors effect the price of custom stickers & decals?

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.

11) Can I do multiple stickers and group them for better pricing?

Yes, if your sticker remains the same size/shape and color(s) we can do a copy change for $45. Only one color can be effected by the change and changes must be in multiples of 125. Also, an order can be split between different colors with a color change ($45). The design must stay the same, just one color can be effected, and changes must be in 125 increments. We can not mix copy changes and color changes on the same order.

It is sometimes possible to place multiple stickers on one sheet using thermal die cutting or face slitting. If you are utilizing the similar colors, need equal quantities of each, and they can be sold or distributed as a grouped sheet, this option should be considered. We will not gang stickers on one sheet and then cut them as a separate service. You can group stickers on a sheet but the final cutting would be your responsibility.

We can not print material changes or change size/shape within one order.

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

The bulk of the work we handle at Freely Creative, Inc. involves screen printing on durable, long-lasting materials for outdoor use (we also flexographically print label products). 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, and vinyl plastic.

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 life span at the best possible price.

13) I've got a great idea for a sticker! How do I protect it, sell it, or make them and distribute them for profit?

We hear this question a lot and although we focus on production and not distribution we can perhaps help point you in the right direction and share our opinions. As far as protecting ideas from us, there is nothing to fear as we have no interest in selling pre-made stickers commercially and focus entirely on servicing our clients custom needs.
Protecting ideas - Your original graphics and phrases are covered by a copyright the moment they are written or created. You can use the "C" symbol without registering the work. Officially registering with the Library of Congress costs about $30 and is necessary if you were ever going to need to take legal action. In most cases with stickers, legal action would never be worthwhile. We suggest adding the "C" symbol on original material (it's free) to discourage copying.

If you are using an original graphic, logo, or phrase that is integral to your business, you need trademark protection. You can find much more information, forms, and answers to questions on copyrights and trademarks at :

http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm

Selling the idea - As with any product idea, it is very difficult to sell sticker ideas. You could target a specific company with what you believe would be a profitable product (sticker) but these companies usually have plenty of their own ideas. It makes more sense to initially create them and sell them yourself. If it is properly protected and a huge hit you could then look, perhaps, towards distribution partnerships, licensing, etc. But these arrangements are not very common.

Selling them yourself - Many of our clients sell or distribute their stickers online with their web site. Selling directly to the public is always the most profitable. But, if you want to sell off-line through retailers there are a few options. You can drive around pushing your wares to whoever will listen or you can find a sales rep to do it for you. We recommend finding a sales rep already selling to the stores you want to target with your product(s). They cover much more ground then you could on our own and are connected with other rep networks to cover even more ground. Sales Reps usually get a percentage of the sales they make. 15% is what one of our clients pays. Reps also will probably not be interested in one product. They want to represent a full line of desirable stickers and perhaps have display options - whatever helps promote and sell the products.
    As a general rule, retailers like having a 100% mark up. If it sells to the end customer for $2, sell it to the store for $1. If stickers sell for $1 sell them to the store for 50¢. It is also desirable to sell them in quantity. You don't want to deal with selling 10 stickers at a time (unless you are selling direct). Sell them to resellers/retailers in batches, perhaps 50, 100, 150, 200 with larger quantities having a better price. Encourage stores to buy more and make it worth their while. You don't want to deal with consignment - it's a nightmare to keep track of. If anything, offer to buy back unsold merchandise after a certain amount of time has passed. But again, why encourage people buying larger quantities if you are going to buy it back (perhaps damaged). They then have paid less for the product.

"Frequent questions regarding custom printed car stickers & stickers designed & printed by Websticker.com."