It’s a nightmare: The final count just doubled, a new sponsor just signed on at the eleventh hour, or your supplier just called to say your shipment is delayed. The event is in five days, and you have no custom bags to hand out.
When the clock is ticking, you need a partner who has expertise in rush custom bags. We can handle your rush and ensure you have what you need, when you need it. Here are five things you need to know!
1. Know your options
Some custom bags are made to order and take weeks, some bags can be printed in 24 hours. Rush custom bags have limitations, so it’s important to set your expectations accordingly.
- One color printing: When you are looking at a rush bag, you’ll need to pare down your design. Most bags can only be printed in one color, and in one location as a rush.
- Full color is a no-no: Full color printing takes longer than screen printing. The process is completely different and generally is not available as rush service.
- Quantities matter: Some of our factories limit the number of bags they will produce with rush service to keep the production floor available for other clients. Let us know right away how many bags you have to have so we can make sure the factory can accommodate you.
2. Know your in hands date (the REAL date)
When you’re faced with a true emergency, timeline buffers have to go out the window. With rush service, literally every day counts. We are trying to get bags in your hands ASAP, but we will need all the time you can give us! If we deliver early, well, that’s the best case scenario. But we need to know your actual timeline at the outset. Don’t hold back!
3. Shipping matters
Rush service means very little if the bags have to ship from across the country. When thinking about rush custom bags, we also consider where the bags are shipping from, and where they are shipping to. You don’t want to spend your budget expediting shipping if you don’t have to. Finding a bag factory that’s close to your event location will save you time AND money!
4. It will cost you extra
Yes, you will have to pay for rush service, and maybe expedited shipping if the dates don’t work out any other way. The cost will vary by bag, from low cost or free, up to $150 per order. When compared to the cost of a failed event or any brand damage of handing out flimsy, unbranded plastic bags, the cost is worth it.
5. Be flexible
Ultimately, the key is to be flexible! If we can get you rush custom bags by your event date, we absolutely will! We’ll show you all the options and help you determine the best one for you. But it may require reimagining the “perfect” bag that you originally envisioned for the event. By simplifying your design and considering options that you may not have before, we will make sure that you have custom bags that you’re proud of!
