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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
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Ordering
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Ordering
1.
Can we order from your web site? If you are an end-user, you cannot order directly from ADMATCH-REGAL. But don’t let that stop you from getting ideas and information that can help your business. All prices on this web site are User Prices. As the end-buyer you can conveniently place your order with a qualified Promotional Products distributor at any time day or night. If you are a distributor, please consider the web site prices to be the governing prices effective at all times. On this web site you will find current prices and Specials that override the fixed annual prices in our print catalogs. ASI-member distributors can order directly from this website in the asicentral password-protected section.
2.
Can I place a reorder over the phone? If you are a distributor, you are always welcome to call us about a reorder to be processed but we require confirmation in writing on your purchase order before we can start production.
3.
Which are your most popular items? By “popular,” we mean (based on 2005 total sales) the most-ordered and best-value items and we have indicated these in RED PRICES on each of the 4 product category index pages. Just go to our Home Page and click on the image or drop down menu for (1) Wooden Matches (2) Book Matches (3) Long Matches (4) Paper Specialties to see these highlighted items.
4.
What information do you need to quote on a job? Always try to be as specific and complete as possible. In particular, we need to know:
a. The item by number or description. 5.
Can I order less than your minimum quantity? On each item where it is stated “Less-than minimum not available,” we mean that it will cost as much as our minimum to produce any lesser quantity. This is because the press preparation time is much greater than the actual production running time. So we cannot save you any money by producing a lower quantity.
6.
Is cellowrapping or shrink-wrapping available? Yes, on most items. Please inquire for pricing and be sure to specify the configuration of the product to be wrapped (how many pieces and in what layout) so we can determine the amount of material and labor needed for the job.
7.
Can you warehouse my order? Generally, we do not warehouse completed orders. However, we can perform a warehousing service for our standard fee of $30 for the first 30 days and then $3.00 per carton per month provided the entire order is paid in full.
8.
Can you split ship my order with split billings over a period of
months? Except for matches, we do not normally arrange multiple shipments over an extended period. In exceptional cases for non-match orders, we could warehouse finished inventory on special terms to be determined. As for matches, ordering split shipments with split billings within one year is a standard practice. Usually, we produce each segment of the order according to the schedule of shipments. This gives you the benefit of a total quantity price without tying up your money and storage space. There is no extra charge if the entire order is taken within 12 months. Any portion of the order extending beyond the one-year period will incur a 10% up-charge. 9. If I am a new distributor do I need to pay a deposit with my order? Yes. We require a 50% deposit along with your bank and trade references, including their fax numbers. This way we will not be holding up your client's order while credit checking your company. 10. What methods of payment do you accept? We accept Visa and Mastercard or company checks.
11.
What is your cancellation policy? Orders must be cancelled in writing on the distributor’s letterhead. If no work has started, there is no charge. Orders cancelled during preparation or production will be charged for all processed work, including setup, proofs, film separations, plates, and dies plus a cancellation fee of $25. Orders completed at the time of cancellation will be charged at the full price.
Artwork
1.
What is the imprint area for each product? On each item page in this website there is a link to the product design template. Click on the link to download the template showing the exact dimensions at 100% scale for artwork preparation. Follow the easy prompts for downloading, which should take less than a minute. 2.
How do you accept artwork? A.
Artwork must be Macintosh compatible. Please adhere to our digital artwork requirements. Your distributor's order must accompany the artwork before pre-press work can begin. 4. Where do I send artwork? Distributors can email to art@admatch.com. For item #s 6000-7000 distributors should email to stockart@admatch.com. It is helpful for distributors to include their purchase order with the artwork. If you cannot attach your purchase order electronically, please fax or mail it. Always note on the artwork email your PO# and company contact information so we can match up the artwork with your purchase order when both are received.
5.
How long will you keep my artwork? Digital artwork will be kept indefinitely in our archives. Conventional color-separated mechanicals which we can be scan will be returned to your distributor upon request. Otherwise, they will be discarded for lack of storage space.
Prep Charges
1.
What is the 1-time $55 “setup charge” on each new order? This is a flat 1-time pre-press charge, which includes the rendering of a .pdf color proof or a black-and-white proof that can be faxed. Every order takes a different amount of time to prepare. The setup charge covers the general average of all orders. If we see that your order will take longer than one hour, we will first notify your distributor of the anticipated art charges to be added. 2. Is there a setup charge on each color or only on the entire order? The $55 setup charge applies once to the entire order, regardless of the number of colors. There is no setup or plate charge on exact reprint orders.
3.
Why is there both a
setup charge and a 1-time plate charge per color for napkins, debossed coasters,
and wrapped toothpicks but no plate charges for any of the other
products? Napkins, debossed coasters, and toothpick wrappers are printed by letterpress and require a stamping plate for each color. The cost of materials and plate-making for the original stamping plates are passed to the customer as a 1-time charge. This way the customer pays once for the plates. If we were to amortize the cost of the plates into the cost of the product the customer would be effectively paying for them again on repeat orders. The other products are all printed by offset on sheet-fed rotary presses, which is a more economical plate-making process. With offset-printed products we charge for plates only on plate revisions when the customer decides to make a change. However, on offset jobs that also include foil hotstamping or die-embossing, we do charge for the original stamping plates or dies. 4. Are there any color matching charges for Pantone colors? No. But be advised that we cannot guarantee an exact color matching due to the differences between Pantone paper and the various paper stocks we use for printing matches, napkins, tissue packs, placemats, coasters, and other products.
Printing
1.
Is there an extra color charge for printing 2 or more sides of
your products? All of our products are printed by offset or letterpress. One entire side of the sheet can be printed in one pass per color at no extra cost. However, if the sheet-fed cover paper is also being printed on the underside there is an extra charge for each color.
2. What are the differences between
offset and letterpress printing?
3.
Is there an extra charge to print Pantone colors? No. In fact, we ask you to supply Pantone color numbers on every custom-printed order. If a color swatch is supplied and the corresponding Pantone number is not indicated on your order, we will select the closest Pantone equivalent. The Pantone number gives us a definite target to hit on new and repeat orders. We will make every effort to closely match the chosen Pantone colors. However, exact color matches are not possible due to the different contents of Pantone paper and the various product paper stocks.
4.
Is there a color charge for white? No. For any product that is printed on a white paper stock, there is no charge for white, which can be used as a background or reversed out of full ink coverage. We do not print any of our products with white ink.
5.
Can you do a full coverage bleed? Yes, on any product except napkins, letterpress coasters, and toothpick wrappers. We can also do a full bleed on offset-printed pulpboard coasters (see items #4066-A, 4066-B, 4066-C, 4066-D, 4066-E, and 4066-F). 6. Can you achieve a matte finish? We use a matte varnish on match boxes and books, sewing
kit booklets, and toothpick box and booklets
7.
What is “spot” varnishing and is it available? In contrast to overall varnishing, shiny "spot" varnishing registers the varnish on a particular selected part of the copy/design. The effect is to highlight that part of the copy/design. The charge for spot varnishing is the same as a 2-color charge. It is available on any of our imported match books and boxes (items from #1002 to1053,1060 to 1069, 2010 to 2031, and 2038 to 2040). 8.
What do you mean by a “slug line” or "tag line"? This term refers to the distributor’s name and location/phone number that we imprint on each feasible product in small 2-4pt. type (1 / 36 to 1 / 18 inch per character). The slug line is required by the federal government on advertising matches and we have carried the practice over to other items as a courtesy to the distributor. The slug line placement and size do not interfere with the customer's advertising copy. On non-match items the slug line can be voided at the customer’s discretion. In addition to the distributor’s slug line, the mandatory country of origin for any imported products, as required by U.S. Customs, will likewise be imprinted in small 2-4pt. type.
Manufacturing
1.
Since you offer sulfur-free match tips in a limited
selection of colors for wood matches, is there any difference in the way
they light as compared to regular match tips with sulfur? Match tips with sulfur light very smoothly. But anyone who has struck a match is familiar with the distinctive smell of sulfur. When a match is extinguished the remnants of the sulfur are still pungent enough to act as a deodorizer. The point of a sulfur-free odorless match tip is that it enables pipe and cigar smokers to enjoy just the aroma and taste of their tobacco, without the intrusion of sulfur. Match tips without either sulfur or a close substitute for sulfur cannot ignite softly and smoothly. We use an odorless flammable compound as a sulfur substitute with certain match tip colors that can still provide easy lighting specifically for pipe and cigar matches.
2.
Why do advertising matches take a month to produce? There are several phases of production. First is printing, starting with plate-making. We print flat sheets with multiple images. Then we cut the sheets into strips and run the strips through a friction applicator for the striker. Both printing and friction painting require drying time of a day or more. Then we slit the strips into single flats or “shucks” to be eventually folded and assembled into finished match books or boxes. Separately, paper stems or wood splints are made into matches by dipping the ends into a chemically formulated “batter” for matchheads. Finally, the paper match combs or wood match sticks are assembled into the printed shuck on folding and filling machines. Throughout the process quality-control procedures require extra time to ensure that these safety matches are indeed safe and functional. In theory, an individual match order by itself could be produced in as little time as one week but the pipeline is such that each order must wait its turn in each of the different production sections – printing, slitting, frictioning, match-making, assembling, and packing. All of which adds up to about a month with normal order volume.
3.
Do you charge for overruns? Every attempt will be made to ship the exact quantity on your order but with high speed printing and automated manufacturing we reserve the right to ship up to 10% over or under the required quantity and to invoice accordingly.
4.
Is it possible to print on the paper match stems of a book match? Yes, but only in one color positive on white stems. We can print plain lettering (not bold face) and a simple logo or design. Solid color printing is not available. Please inquire for pricing on minimum shipments of 100,000 books.
5.
What is your policy if we are not fully satisfied? We guarantee our products against defects in workmanship and incorrect imprints. If we are at fault on either of these points, we will re-make your job.
Production Time
1.
What do you mean by “normal” production time? This is the time-frame from the date of your proof approval to the expected date of shipment from our warehouse. Transit time to the customer’s location is not included.
2.
How long does it take to get a proof? From the date of our receipt of your order, you should receive a .pdf digital color or faxed black-and-white proof within 1 - 2 days. Pre-production press proofs may take 10 - 12 days.
3.
Why is it that delivery of your imported matches, facial tissues, memo books, towelettes, toothpicks, hand fans,
and sewing kits takes as long as 7 to 9 weeks? Actual production time in the factory after proof approval is normally 2 - 3 weeks. We ship to the U.S. in container loads at the end of each month, so any order completed early in the month waits to be consolidated with other orders. Then add about 4 weeks for sea freight and customs clearance before your order is ready to be shipped from our warehouse. 4. Do you have a RUSH service for imported products? Yes! Your order can get “priority treatment” with air freight and be delivered in 3 - 4 weeks. The charge and quantity per carton is specified under RUSH SERVICE for each item.
Shipping
1.
Do you charge for freight? Yes. All product prices are F.O.B. warehouse, with the exception of napkins, placemats, and hand towels. Freight charges pre-quoted by the factory are estimations only. Actual costs are determined by the carrier’s waybill upon shipment. The factory cannot be held accountable for any cost differences due to an under-estimate. Napkins, placemats, and hand towels are delivered with free shipping to any single point within the continental United States.
2.
Can you drop ship an order to more than one address? Yes. With the exception of napkins, placemats, and hand towels, there is no limit to the number of drop shipments for any one order and no extra handling charges. The minimum quantity for each drop is one standard shipping carton. Freight is charged F.O.B. warehouse, which always includes a $7 service charge for each UPS shipment plus $1.50 per carton for insurance. In the case of napkins, placemats, and hand towels, which are normally shipped to one destination without freight charges, drop shipments are not available.
Match Facts
1.
Has the non-smoking trend hurt your match business? Overall, yes. Even though advertising matches remain America’s number 1 collectible, some buyers shy away from promoting their business on matches because of the association with smoking. For this reason we have brought to market “match substitutes” such as our “Match-less Memos” (items #4080, #4083, and #4084) and toothpick packs (items #4042, #4043, and #4044) that advertise like match books and boxes. While industry-wide advertising match sales are down from their all-time peak in the 1970s, ADMATCH-REGAL’s match business has increased every year since 1980 and has more than doubled since 1990. Matches for restaurants, hotels and resorts, clubs, cruise lines, casinos, and other hospitality businesses advertise and promote those establishments near and far for years. Matches are recognized by marketing managers as a memento, a souvenir, a functional business card, etc. that customers like to take home. Match advertising is likewise indispensable for such users as manufacturers and retailers of tobacco products and candles.
2.
Which are your most popular matches? You will see 3 categories of matches on our Home Page – Wooden Matches, Book Matches, and Long Matches. Since there are over 70 styles and sizes to choose from, we highlighted in RED PRICES the ones that have been our steady best sellers and the ones which offer you the most economical advertising space. In general, box matches make up most of the growth in our match business over the past 10 years. We think that the growing percentage of non-smokers in the population has something to do with it. Colorful and attractive advertising match boxes with wood sticks are appealing as a collectible memento for non-smokers and smokers alike. Stick matches also have many practical applications that are valued for both household and recreational uses, such as lighting candles, fireplaces, barbecue grills, campfires, etc. Clearly, stick matches are the pipe and cigar smoker’s preferred means of lighting up. And they’re always good to have around when things don’t work in this electronic age – to light gas grills and stoves, pilot lights for water heaters and furnaces, and other appliances. Stick matches are ever the ultimate survival item.
3.
What are the differences between custom color and stock
color matchbooks? a. Custom matchbooks are individually printed and the colors are matched to required Pantone colors. Stock orders are gang-printed in a standard color. b. Custom matchbooks can be printed with any number of ink colors in any design arrangement. Stock orders are limited to 1 or 2 standard ink colors. c. Custom matchbooks can be printed on the inside cover in any number of ink colors with any design arrangement. Stock orders can be printed on the inside cover only in 1 color (positive). d. Custom matchbooks can be printed in process colors. Stock orders cannot. e. Custom matchbooks can be hotstamped and/or embossed. Stock orders cannot. f. Custom match books come with a choice of match tip colors on either white or black stems. Stock orders have only white tips on black stems. g. Custom match books are available in 9 different styles/sizes. Stock match books come in 2 sizes. 4.
What do you mean by “cigar" matches? This category of promotional match boxes embraces all sizes of extra long 3-inch matches and super-size 4-inch matches, as contrasted to the 2-inch wood matches for standard pocket-size boxes. The long wood matches are especially welcomed by cigar and pipe smokers who prefer a lasting flame for lighting their tobacco. But they are also useful for household needs and popular for recreational purposes (lighting fireplaces, barbecue grills, pilot lights, campfires, etc.).
5.
What are the differences between “domestic” and imported
advertising matchboxes? a. After proof approval, domestic (U.S. made) matchboxes (see items #1054, 1055, and 1056) are shipped in 3 weeks; imported matchboxes are shipped in 7 - 9 weeks. b. Domestic matchboxes have shorter match sticks. These are 1-5/8 inches long (about 40 millimeters). Imported matchboxes in the standard pocket sizes take 2-inch match sticks (50 millimeters) – 25% longer. Imported advertising match boxes are also available with 3-inch and 4-inch matches (see Long Matches). c. The match sticks for domestic boxes come with only white tips at no charge for shipments of less than 50,000 boxes. For shipments of 50M or more, colored tips on natural wood sticks are available in red, blue, green, yellow, or black at no charge. The imported box matches, starting at 5,000 boxes, offer a choice of 17 standard match tip colors on natural wood sticks at no charge: white, yellow, orange, light blue, dark blue, deep blue, lavender, purple, rust, dark brown, red, light green, dark green, burgundy, light pink, dark pink, and black tips. d. The domestic match boxes are assembled randomly without consistent orientation of the outer cover to the inner drawer. This eliminates the possibility of designing the box with a “top” and “bottom”. So be aware that side panel copy will be upside down relative to the open drawer on about half of the boxes. The imported match boxes do not have this limitation and are 100% consistent with the art layout for all 3 advertising panels of the box. Other Questions?If you think of any, and surely you will, please do not hesitate to ask your distributor. We will be delighted to learn more of your questions and answer them here for the benefit of all customers.
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