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Not all printing companies are created equal. There are those that are able to give you full color printing for your marketing collaterals. Still there are printing houses that offer excellent offset printing to provide you a cost effective print job, hence, bigger savings.
1. Before I order my bags
2. About printing processes
1.1 What are the minimum quantities for printed bags?
The minimum quantity that you can order depends on a number of different factors, but primarily on the number of colours that you are printing onto the bags and how quickly you need the bags. The table below should give you an idea of the most common minimum order quantities.
Bag Type |
1 colour printing |
2 colour printing |
3 colour printing |
4 or more colour printing |
Cotton Bags |
We can screen print from as little as 100 bags regardless of how many colours you would like to print. |
Jute Bags |
We can screen print from as little as 100 bags regardless of how many colours you would like to print. |
Laminated Bags |
We can overprint 100 bags with a 1 colour logo. |
From 2 colours the minimum order is 250 bags. |
For 3 colours or more we the minimum order quantity is 500 bags. If you require a smaller quantity please speak to our team who can suggest alternatives. |
Flat Handled Paper Carriers |
For simple 1 colour designs, we can overprint our stock bags from a little as 500 bags. |
The minimum run of 2 colour printing is 5,000 bags. |
The minimum run of 3 or more colour printing is 10,000 bags. |
Twist Handled Paper Carriers |
For simple 1 colour designs, we can overprint our stock bags from a little as 500 bags. |
The minimum run of 2 or more colour printing is 3,000 bags. |
Plastic Carrier Bags with Punched Out Handles |
The minimum quantity for 1 colour printing is 500 bags. |
The minimum quantity for 2 or 3 colour printing or more is 1,000 bags. |
If we are printing 4 colour process on patch handle bags the minim order quantity is 5,000 bags. |
Vest Handle Plastic Carrier Bags |
The minimum quantity for 1 or 2 colour printing is 10,000 bags. |
The minimum quantity for 3 or more colour printing is 50,000 bags. |
1.2 How quickly can I get my bags printed?
Lead times can vary depending on your requirements, and where we source the bags from. With the economies of scale that we now have through importing, the longer you wait the cheaper the bags!
Bag Type |
1 colour printing |
2 colour printing |
3 colour printing |
4 or more colour printing |
Cotton Bags |
We print on our stock bags in the UK and so can turn around bags within 7 working days. We can also print at source in the sub continent offering even better value for money, but lead times become 8-10 weeks. |
Jute Bags |
We print on our stock bags in the UK and so can turn around bags within 7 working days. We can also print at source in the sub continent offering even better value for money, but lead times become 8-10 weeks. |
Laminated Bags |
When printing on our stock bags we can deliver within 7 working days! |
Lead times from Europe start from 3 weeks although we can often air freight in bags faster should you need.
Far East lead times are commonly 10-12 weeks although again we can air freight in certain circumstances.
|
Flat Handled Paper Carriers |
Manufactured in the UK and so can turn around bags within 7 working days although our standard lead time is 3 weeks. |
Manufactured in Europe, the lead time is usually 4 weeks. |
Twist Handled Paper Carriers |
Manufactured in the UK and so can turn around bags within 7 working days although our standard lead time is 3 weeks. |
Manufactured in Europe, the lead time is usually 4 weeks. |
Plastic Carrier Bags with Punched Out Handles |
Manufactured in the UK and so can turn around bags within 7 working days although our standard lead time is 3 weeks. |
If we are printing 4 colour process the lead time is 4 weeks to ensure quality control is kept. |
Vest Handle Plastic Carrier Bags |
Manufactured in the UK and so can turn around bags within 7 working days although our standard lead time is 3 weeks. |
Far East lead times are commonly 10-12 weeks although again we can air freight in certain circumstances. |
We can offer a fast track services within 7 working days, depending on availability and artwork and subject to an additional charge.
1.3 Can I get a pre-production sample of my bags?
In theory the answer to this question is yes, however a lot of the cost in manufacturing the bags is in the set up of the machinery and so it actually become prohibitive cost wise to make them from most bag types.
We always send out a sample of a bag that you have received a quote on with a previous print that would allow you to get a feel for the material and quality. We also always send a visual proof to show you where the print will lay on the bag will be provided as a PDF format file which is emailed to you. We never print anything until you are entirely happy.
1.4 How do I go about getting a quote?
We are always happy to give you advice on printed bags to find the right solution for you. We promise to keep quoting you until you are happy so don’t be scared of changing your mind!
You can click on the Quick Quote link on our website and enter in your details for one of our consultants to contact you to discuss your requirements. If you prefer to call then we are available between 9am and 5.30pm (and sometimes after!) on 020 3002 9960. Quotes are sent to you by email usually within 24 hours unless you need an urgent quote or we are sourcing a more complicated solution in which we have to factor in other time zones of suppliers.
1.5 Do I have to pay for delivery?
Delivery charges vary for most of our printed products, and are often included (for example our cotton bags).
Your quote will outline clearly any delivery costs that apply to your order and are only ever charged at cost in the aim of being transparent.
1.6 Why do we have tolerance levels on printed bags and what are they?
A convention in packaging allows suppliers to deliver up to plus/minus 10% on the original quantity and invoice for the actual amount delivered. This is commonly known as a tolerance level and is a common part of our terms and conditions.
The main reason behind this is primarily as it avoids waste. Whilst it may seem a little unfair, there are good reasons. Carrier bags are usually printed from a roll of material that are measured by weight. When converted into bags, they are machine counted and placed into swatches of 50 or 100. At the initial weighing stage, the amount of reel used in setting up the machine and the run is unknown. If the set up to good print is rapid, it would be extremely wasteful to scrap good print.
Most users of carrier bags are used by people who are using carrier bags all the time, so a difference of 10% is not an issue, and they gain from waste saving and efficiency which is ultimately passed on in a free market, and an extremely price conscious industry. For example, if you ordered 1,000 bags, you could receive any amount between 850 and 1,150 bags. If there is an under run, then you will be reimbursed the difference and if there is an over run then we will ask for the balance
This is not applicable to stock products that you order off our website, or items that printed onto stock products.
2.1 How many colours can I print on my bags?
The world is your oyster, we can replicate almost anything. However, the restrictions are mainly dependant on the quantity of bags that you would like to order. If you view the minimum quantities table that will help you get a feel for what is available.
Most of the bags that we supply are printed using flexographic printing presses, and so for full colour we use process printing. We can also supply digitally printed labels and stickers if you only require a small number of printed bags.
2.2 Is it possible to print white onto a coloured bag?
White is not a colour that can be ‘printed’ on paper or plastic as such without a certain amount of expertise. Often you would have to print the white twice, and as such would count as a second or third colour. If we start with a white material or base paper or film, we can often print the bag colour in 100% and “reverse out” the white. Our team will be able to advise you the best way to reproduce your design.
On items that are screen printed, such as cotton and jute bags, it is simpler to print white ink and depending on your artwork we can arrange this for you.
2.3 What is the print area that I can use on a bag?
For short runs on printed bags, there are certain restrictions that do apply. Our bespoke consultants will be able to guide you as to the best way to maximise the print area on the bags and our design team can also advise you about artwork.
2.4 What are printing plates or origination costs for?
All printing requires origination or printing plates in order to print the bags. The type of plates that are required are generally dependant on the type of bags. A brief guide is below:
Flexographic printing: e.g. plastic and paper (twist and flat handles)
With “flexo” printing you require printing plates that are also commonly referred to as “blocks” or “stereos”. The plates are made from a rubber material and usually last for 5-6 repeat prints. Once you’ve ordered them on your first order, the plates remain yours although are best kept with the printers.
Lithographic printing: e.g. laminated bags
Lithographic plates are usually included in the price of the printing as they proportionally make up less of the printing cost. As a result they are not relevant on this.
Screen printing: e.g. cotton bags and jute bags
Cotton and jute bags are screen printed and require origination. The screens do have a cost but this is built into the price of the bags. For environmental reasons the screens are recycled and as such you do not own them, the cost is built into the price. With any price you receive from us, you do not have to worry about any additional costs creeping up.
2.5 What is a pantone colour and why do I need one?
Pantone is a series of colour charts that allow a way of making sure that artwork is reproduced as it was intended. The guide provides an accurate method for teh selection, communication and reproduction of colours in printing.
If you are using a standard selection of colours, then it is essential that you identify the pantone colours that are relevant to your logo. We can guide you with this, or your graphic design or artwork team will be able to help you.
The Pantone chart does vary depending on which material you are printing on, for example pantones on plastic and paper vary slightly. Your bespoke packaging consultant will be able to advise you on how to ensure you get the best print reproduction.
3.1 What format do you need my artwork in?
In an ideal world, we require “print ready” artwork. This type of files that are OK to use are:
- an original EPS file
- Adobe Illustrator file
- Vector PDF file
- We will need your fonts to be “outlined”.
We also understand that sometimes getting the artwork right is difficult, especially if you’re not a graphic designer! That’s where we can help. Our in house design team can inspect your files to ensure that the print will be reproduced accurately. We care about your brand, we want it to be printed right.
3.2 I want to get a repeat order of my bags, what do I need to do?
If you have had bags printed with us before, it couldn’t be easier!
We will have all your details on file with the original proofs, artwork and your printing plates (unless a printing screen was used for printing our Cotton, Jute or Stock laminated bags). Prices may have changed since your original order so please call us on 020 3002 9960 in order to get an accurate quote. If your artwork has not changed then we can just send out the paperwork for you to sign and return and wait for delivery. If you have decided to change your artwork, we will need to have your new artwork in order to provide you with a new proof.
3.3 How can I pay for my printed bags?
Once you have approved the proof and are happy to progress with the order, we will send you some paperwork to sign and return and request payment.
Payment can be made by BACS transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card or Cheque.
Please note that Credit Cards will incur a 2% handling fee and funds will need to be cleared before we can complete the order for you.
3.4 I’ve heard the phrase “overprint” – what does it mean?
Simply put, overprinting is the process for printing on stock bags. For short print runs, it can often be cost effective to flexo or screen print onto bags that have already been made up as the manufacturing overhead is a lot lower.
There are a number of restrictions with overprinting, primarily to do with the number of colours that you can print, the complexity of the design and the areas of the bag that can be printed onto.
There are also a number of advantages of overprinting. The minimum runs are low, and turn-around times can be truly remarkable.
Our bespoke packaging consultants can help you decide what the best solution would be.
3.5 I’ve also heard the phrase “automatic print” – what’s that?
An ‘Automatic’ print is normally a phrase that is used when printing and bag manufacture is done one process.
The print quality is usually better as the equipment used is better quality. The finer detail can be printed as opposed to overprinting which has limitations. It is also a lot more cost effective on longer print runs so the prices are much more competitive.
The minimum print runs for automatic printed bags are higher than bags that have been overprinted and the lead time is longer. One or more solid colours or full colour process designs can be printed with the automatic process.
If you have any further questions then please contact our bespoke packaging consultants who will be more than happy to help.