How does TRENCH differ from large domestic suppliers?
TRENCH can offer you much better service at a fraction of the cost. And here’s why: Like most domestic suppliers, yours has a warehouse full of products that focus on a certain category such as caps or pens. But because TRENCH doesn’t warehouse most products, our overhead costs are much lower. And we offer virtually every kind of product, thanks to our long experience in virtually all product categories. What’s more, TRENCH's international network of stringently audited manufacturers and sophisticated global logistics capabilities ensure your product will be of consistently high quality and delivered on time at the right price. The fact is, you can’t find a better partner than TRENCH, no matter where you’re located.
What is TRENCH’s experience with large projects?
In a word: extensive. Here’s where TRENCH's strengths in logistics and quality assurance really come into play for our clients. Our factory-direct approach provides enormous efficiency and pricing benefits for clients. Bottom line: size is not an issue with us. And it needn’t be with you.
How does TRENCH ensure that I’ll receive the most efficient pricing?
One of the greatest advantages we offer our clients are the highly competitive—and almost always lower—prices than those offered by domestic suppliers. We’re able to deliver such competitive factory-direct pricing through our direct negotiations with overseas factory owners and managers. But, remember, not only is our pricing better, but so is our quality, at every level.
What is TRENCH’s capability to work within a very tight timeframe?
We've have delivered projects in under one week, but it is not our preferred way of working. Even in the more realistic realm of the possible, we’re fast. Depending on the quantity, you can expect the following timeframes for Canadian delivery from overseas: existing items: 40 days via air and 70 days via ocean; custom projects (including tooling): 90 days via ocean. The point is, to us, time is one of the most important elements that have made TRENCH’s clients happy they’ve placed their brand in our trust, time and again.
What are the start-to-finish steps involving my order?
Please visit our -How we work- page for detailed information on the process we use to ensure we supply quality, budget friendly products on time.
How do I know what’s happening with my project?
We appreciate how important it is for our clients not only to feel in control but to be in total control, every second of the project. To that end, we provide you with a TRENCH account executive, who is not just your main contact but who also understands your requirements, based on first-hand experience as both a client and a supplier. The account executive works with you to set timelines, including a complete detailing of materials, decoration specifications, task dependencies, deadline dates, and ship dates. These milestones are developed at the start of each project and reviewed regularly with you. So you’re always kept informed, and never feel out of the loop.
What are TRENCH’s terms of business?
They’re quite standard, and fair. For your first three projects, a 50% deposit is required, with a balance due upon delivery. And we certainly look forward to agreeing on new terms as our relationship with you develops.
What are your artwork specifications?
TRENCH 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 to artwork@trenchmarketing.com. Our skilled graphic artists will catch unforeseen problems, make recommendations, and review your artwork and lay it out for you on an art approval document.
Artwork formats
Acceptable Files in either Mac or PC Formats
Art files can be created in Adobe Illustrator CS3, or earlier versions of these programs. Files from other programs may be acceptable if they can be saved as an EPS. All files must be saved as EPS or AI and all text converted to outline. EPS and AI 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 your art. 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 5 mm height. It is often necessary to modify or drop text entirely for small imprint areas.
Single Colour 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 Colour Artwork
Send only original, native vector, EPS or AI files where possible. Bitmaps & jpeg files created in Photoshop or similar programs can be used for some four colour printing and embroidery applications that use photos and illustrations as a basis.
Recommended around 300 dpi or higher with artwork set to size. These files will remain as bitmaps and cannot easily be edited. If your item is to be embroidered we can use a low quality graphic. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our art department and we'll walk you through it. Remember, it might be a bit of a hassle now, but once we have it on file, you'll never have to deal with it again.
Considerations for Offset Printing
Color Mode
CMYK is the industry standard for offset printing and you need to submit your files in CMYK color mode. If your file uses the RGB color mode, you need to convert it to CMYK, otherwise the colors will appear dull and washed out.
Color Density
High Density: A very high application of ink in one spot may not dry properly and result in smear. We do not recommend using a color density higher than 300%.
Low Density and Gradient Color: Working with a very low color density (up to about 10 or 15%) always incurs a certain amount of unpredictability. Depending on offset ink application and the paper used, the colors might have a diminished visibility, and gradient designs (fades to white and crossfades) might not start or end exactly where you intended.
Rich Black: If you have a solid black area in your artwork, set the color values of that area to the following combination to achieve a rich black: C 60%, M 40%, Y 40%, K 100%.
Color Appearance
Note that your monitor does not accurately display the colors as they will look in print. In general, colors look brighter on screen.
Resolution
Resolution must be 300 dpi. Lower resolutions may result in poor printing quality.
File Format
We highly recommend setting up your file as a PDF. PDF is vector-based, which will produce sharper graphics than pixel-based formats
What if I do not have artwork?
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 – offering you 3 options to choose from.
If you can't find an acceptable electronic file that meets our requirements, you might consider asking the person who originally 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 our requirements below.
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. Please see our Graphic Services section. Once we recreate your art, you won't have this charge again.
|
