Proofs & Approval
How proofing and order approval work at Promotional Product Inc. Every order includes a free digital proof with unlimited revisions, and nothing prints until you approve it. Since 1997 we have used this approve-before-production process to guarantee you get exactly what you sign off on.
25 questions Β· All FAQ topics
What is a digital visual proof?
A digital visual proof is a free, true-to-scale mockup showing your exact artwork placed on your exact product, with size, position, and colors simulated for your approval before anything is produced. Nothing prints until you say yes. Want to see your logo on a product? Start your order and we will send a proof.
Is the digital proof really free?
Yes β every order includes a free digital proof with unlimited revisions, at no extra cost. It is central to how we guarantee satisfaction: you approve precisely what we make. We have worked this way since 1997. Have a project? Request a free proof and review your design before you commit.
How long does it take to receive my proof?
Typically within 24 hours of receiving complete artwork β often the same business day. Rush orders get prioritized proofing so approval never becomes the bottleneck. Sending print-ready artwork files speeds things up. Need it fast? Tell us your deadline and we will prioritize your proof.
How do I approve my proof?
Reply to the proof email with your approval, or use the approval link in the email. Your written approval timestamps the production clock β turnaround days count from approval, not from order placement. Because approval starts the clock, it affects your delivery timeline. Questions before you sign off? Call us.
What should I check on my proof before approving?
Check five things: spelling and numbers (every character), logo version, imprint color(s), placement and size, and product color and size details. What you approve is exactly what we produce β read it like a contract. Double-check your logo file and artwork too. Unsure about anything? Ask us first.
Can I request changes to my proof?
Yes β revisions are unlimited and free. Reply with your changes (move it up, make it 20% larger, swap to the stacked logo) and a corrected proof follows, usually within hours. There is no limit and no charge for edits. Ready to fine-tune your design? Send your revisions and we will turn a new proof around.
What happens if I never respond to my proof?
Production waits β we never print without your approval. We will follow up by email and phone, but prolonged silence pushes your delivery date day for day, so approve promptly on deadline orders. Approval timing directly affects your production schedule. Lost the email? Contact us for a fresh copy.
Is there a deadline to approve my proof?
For standard orders, the practical deadline is your own calendar β each day unapproved delays delivery by a day. For rush orders we give you a specific approve-by time to hold the guaranteed date. Your approval date drives the whole production timeline. On a deadline? Tell us the date you need.
Can someone else on my team approve the proof?
Yes β name your approver and we will send the proof directly to them. Multi-stakeholder sign-offs are fine too, and production starts on the final authorized approval. Just tell us who needs to review it when you place your order. Need to add an approver? Let us know and we will route the proof.
Can I approve a proof from my phone?
Yes β proofs are mobile-friendly emails, so you can review the PDF or image and reply "approved" from your phone. Just zoom in on the text before tapping send to confirm spelling and numbers. The same five-point proof checklist applies on mobile. Questions on the go? Reach us.
Do reorders get a proof too?
Exact reorders can skip proofing (same art, same product) to save time, or you can request a fresh proof for peace of mind β your call, stated at reorder. Anything that changes from the original triggers a new proof automatically. Placing a repeat order? Tell us your preference and we will set it up.
What is a proof waiver?
A proof waiver lets you skip the proof step on extreme rush jobs so production starts instantly from your supplied print-ready art. It trades review for speed, and we only offer it when art is clean and time demands it. Print-ready vector artwork makes a waiver safer. On a tight deadline? Call us.
Will the colors on my proof match the final product exactly?
The proof nails layout, size, and placement, but on-screen color is a close simulation, not a calibrated promise. For exact color, provide PMS codes and consider a pre-production sample on critical jobs. Sending PMS color codes with your artwork gives the best match. Color-critical job? Talk to us about options.
What is a pre-production proof?
A pre-production proof is one real unit of your order β actual product, actual decoration β produced and photographed or shipped for sign-off before the full run. It adds about 5 to 10 days plus a quoted cost, and is ideal for high-stakes programs. It is the surest way to confirm color and decoration. Want one? Request a pre-production proof.
Can I get a photo of the first pieces off the line?
On many orders, yes β ask for first-article photos and we will send shots as production begins. It is a lightweight midpoint check between the digital proof and delivery. It fits naturally into your production schedule without slowing things down. Want first-article photos? Add the request to your order.
What if I spot an error after approving the proof?
Call immediately at 1-888-212-5501. If production has not started, we will fix it free. Mid-production changes depend on the stage and may carry costs, and approved-as-printed errors are the one gap our guarantee cannot cover β so speed matters. Catch it early by reviewing your proof carefully. Spotted a problem? Reach us now.
What if the delivered product doesnβt match the approved proof?
That is on us β our satisfaction guarantee applies in full, with a reprint, replacement, or refund. The approved proof is the contract both sides are held to, so any mismatch from it is our responsibility to make right. We have stood behind this since 1997. Received a mismatch? Contact us or call 1-888-212-5501.
Why does my proof show slightly different logo proportions than my file?
Production-safe adjustments β minimum stroke weights, imprint-area fitting, and decoration-method constraints β are applied and shown transparently on the proof. If anything looks off, just say so, because revisions are unlimited. These tweaks keep your logo printing cleanly at production scale. Want it adjusted? Tell us.
Can I get proofs for several products in one order at once?
Yes β multi-item orders receive a proof per decorated product, sent together where possible so you can approve the whole campaign in one sitting. Each item gets its own accurate mockup. This works well for matched programs across apparel and accessories. Ordering several products? Send your list and we will proof them together.
Do you proof personalization lists (names on items)?
Yes β you approve the layout proof plus the data list exactly as you supplied it. Names print exactly as your spreadsheet reads, so double-check spellings there, because the list is part of the approval. Personalization is common on name badges and awards. Sending a name list? Share your spreadsheet and we will proof the layout and data.
How are embroidery proofs different?
Embroidery proofs simulate stitches and list thread colors, and for critical jobs a physical sew-out can be added. Expect a faithful stitch interpretation of your logo, not a pixel-identical print. Learn more about how embroidery decoration reproduces fine detail. Embroidering apparel? Ask about a sew-out.
Can the proof show my product in different colorways?
Yes β ask and we will proof your art on each product color you are ordering, so you confirm contrast and ink choices per colorway before approval. Seeing every colorway helps you avoid low-contrast surprises. This is useful across apparel and multi-color drinkware. Ordering multiple colors? Request a proof per colorway.
What does "approved as is" vs. "approved with changes" mean?
"Approved as is" releases production immediately. "Approved with changes" means we apply your listed edits and may send a final confirm. Minor edits can proceed straight to production at your instruction to save a cycle. Either way, nothing prints until you give the green light. Not sure which to choose? Ask us and we will guide you.
Does proof approval lock my quantity and pricing?
Approval locks your artwork and specs, while your order confirmation locks quantity and pricing. Changing quantity after approval is possible pre-production, and totals re-confirm before we proceed. See how pricing and quotes are set. Need to adjust quantity after approving? Contact us before production starts.
Why do you insist on proofs when other sites skip them?
Because reprints, disappointment, and missed events cost far more than 24 hours of review. Free proofs with unlimited revisions are why our reorder rate and our satisfaction guarantee hold up. We have proofed every order since 1997 for exactly this reason. Ready to order the right way? Start with a free proof.
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