Setup Fees & Run Charges

A setup fee covers the one-time physical preparation to print your specific design — making the screen, plate, die, or machine programming. It is charged once per design per product, not per unit, and is itemized on your quote. Want it broken out line by line? Get a free itemized quote, or see how the whole price builds in pricing & quotes.

Across the industry, setup commonly runs $25–$75 per design or color depending on the method and product. Your quote states the exact figure for your item — and exact reorders at Promotional Product Inc. pay no setup at all. Ask for your specific number on a free quote; see how it fits the total in pricing & quotes.

No. A setup fee pays for production tooling — screens, plates, dies — while art fees would cover design labor. At Promotional Product Inc., standard art prep is free, so "setup" on your quote is tooling only, never hidden design charges. See what is and is not included in artwork & logo files, or ask us to review your file.

No — exact reorders (same product, same design) carry zero setup charges at Promotional Product Inc. It is one of our core promises and a major reason repeat campaigns cost less than first runs. Ready to repeat a past order? Contact us to reorder and we will reuse your saved tooling for free.

Spot-color methods need separate tooling per color — two colors means two screens or plates, so each adds its own setup. That is also why a free one-color logo conversion is such an effective budget tool. Send your logo and ask about a one-color version, or read more in artwork & logo files.

A run charge is a small per-unit fee for decoration beyond the included standard — typically each additional imprint color or location. Example: $0.20 per unit × 250 units for a second color equals $50. We list run charges separately on your quote. Get the exact math for your order on a free quote, or see the full price breakdown in pricing & quotes.

Printing a second spot — the back of a tee, the opposite side of a bottle — adds a setup for that location plus a per-unit run charge. We itemize it so you can weigh the extra visibility against cost. Comparing one location versus two on custom t-shirts? Ask us for both quotes side by side.

When you need an exact Pantone ink rather than a free stock color, the supplier blends custom ink — typically a per-color fee (around $40–$60 industry-wide, shown on your quote). It applies each time that ink must be mixed. Need brand-exact color? Send your PMS numbers for a quote, and see color setup in artwork & logo files.

If one order prints the same art in different ink colors across product colors — white ink on black totes, black ink on white totes — the press must be cleaned and re-inked between runs, a small itemized fee. Planning mixed-color tote bags? Ask us how to avoid the change charge by grouping colors.

A digitizing fee is the one-time cost to convert your logo into an embroidery stitch file. Once paid, your digitized file is archived forever — reorders and new embroidered items reuse it free. Embroidering apparel or bags? Ask us to digitize your logo, or learn the details in artwork & logo files.

A die charge is the cost to create the custom metal die used in debossing, embossing, foil stamping, or custom-shape cutting. Like screens, your die is kept on file, so exact reorders do not repurchase it. Decorating coins & medallions or leather goods? Ask us for your die quote — it is itemized once.

Some products can run below their stated minimum for a flat LTM fee covering the inefficiency of a tiny run. If you need 15 of a 25-minimum item, ask — we will quote the LTM option when available. Tell us your quantity and we will find products that fit, or see thresholds in pricing & quotes.

Digital proofs at Promotional Product Inc. are always free, with unlimited revisions. Optional physical pre-production samples carry a quoted cost (item plus setup) since the factory runs a real piece. Want a free digital proof before you decide? Request one with your order, or browse options across all products.

A personalization charge is a small per-piece fee for variable data — individual names, titles, or numbers — covering the extra handling each unique piece requires. It is listed per unit on quotes that include personalization. Naming each piece for an event or team? Ask us to quote personalization on your chosen item.

A rush charge is a fee for compressing production below the standard window, reflecting overtime scheduling and queue priority. Our twist: on guaranteed rush orders, missing your date means we refund that rush fee. On a tight deadline? Tell us your in-hands date and see how timelines work in pricing & quotes.

Shipping one order to multiple addresses adds per-address handling — boxing, labeling, and documentation per destination. We quote it per address, and it is usually far cheaper than placing separate orders. Sending to several locations or franchisees? Send us your address list for a quote.

For eligible returns of unused blank goods, a restocking fee (commonly 15–25%) offsets inspection and re-shelving. Custom-decorated items cannot be restocked — which is exactly why the free proof stage matters. Unsure about a return? Ask us before you order, and approve a free digital proof first via our help center.

Manufacturing runs can finish slightly over or under the ordered count (industry tolerance is commonly ±5%). You are billed only for what ships, and if a shortage would hurt your event, tell us — we will plan buffer stock. Need an exact count for a giveaway? Ask us to build in a buffer when we quote.

Standard prep is free, but files requiring extensive manual rebuilding — low-res complex art, full redraws — can carry a quoted fee, always communicated and approved by you before any work or billing happens. Not sure if your file qualifies? Send it for a free review, or read file requirements in artwork & logo files.

A spec (speculative) sample is a custom-decorated single piece produced before you commit to an order — priced at item cost plus setup. It is useful for executive sign-off on big programs and is quoted on request. Need a real branded piece to show stakeholders? Ask us for a spec sample quote on your item.

Changes before production are free where feasible. After production starts, changes may incur costs for materials already consumed — and we will tell you the exact impact before anything is altered. Need to adjust a live order? Contact us right away so we can catch it before production begins.

No fee from us — we will ship third-party on your UPS or FedEx account on request. Your carrier bills you directly at your negotiated rates; we just need the account number and service level. Want to use your own carrier rates? Send us your account details when you place the order.

No surcharges on standard card payments. The total on your order confirmation is the total charged — your payment method does not change it. Questions about how billing works? Ask our team, or see accepted methods in pricing & quotes.

Final freight reflects actual packed weight, dimensions, and destination. We confirm the real figure on your order confirmation before production — the number you approve is the number you pay. Want freight locked before you commit? Ask us to confirm shipping on your quote.

Choose one color, one location, stock ink colors, standard production, quantities at a price break, and reorders of saved designs. Follow those six and your invoice is essentially product plus freight. Want help hitting them? Ask us to optimize your quote, and see the savings logic in pricing & quotes.