By Score Promotions

07/02/2015 Sometimes we get questions about the mysterious “Setup Charges” appearing on a client’s invoice, which is especially true for first-time buyers who are less familiar with the promotional product industry practices. We put together this quick guide for our buyers so they may understand the principle behind a setup charge.


Let’s start with the basics…

What is a Setup Charge?
A setup charge is the cost associated in preparing the materials necessary to imprint your logo or messaging on your desired item. This may include preparing an etching plate, screen or digital file for different imprint methods such as silk screening, pad printing or laser engraving. In most cases, this is a one-time charge to produce the materials necessary, and will not be charged again for any future exact repeat orders on the same product.

Setup Charges vs. Artwork Costs
A setup is never charged for the artwork proof process. Art proofs are created by the talented experts in our Art Department and sent to you for approval before the order process begins. In comparison, a setup charge typically occurs after the artwork proof has been approved and accepted.
Artwork proofs are provided at no cost with Score Promotions!


Setup charges for different Imprint Methods
It is evident that different materials require a different imprint method – not only to better suit your budget but also to present your logo and art in the most attractive manner possible.
Some of the common imprint methods include:

• Silk Screen Printing/Colour Print
• Pad Printing
• Embroidery/Stitching
• Full-Colour Printing
• Laser Engraving
• Sublimation
• Sand Carving
• Deboss/Emboss

Read more: we previously wrote a blog post describing each of these promotional product imprint methods for your reference.

Why pay additional setup charges for multi-colour logo or messaging?
The setup charges explained above are applicable to each colour and each location used. In order to apply a second colour to a silk screen print, a second screen must be created. Here’s why!

The first screen only permits the first colour ink to be pushed through the screen and onto the product. The second screen would not permit ink to pass through the same holes as the first. The second ink colour would be pushed through the new screen, to produce the multi-colour effect.
For example, if Score Promotions were to silk screen our logo on t-shirts, 2 screens would need to be created.

Explaining setup charges for “Repeat Orders”
A repeat setup charge is applied on new orders using the exact same sized logo or art as the previous order. Our multiple factories will keep client artwork on file in order to increase efficiency for repeat orders; less labour involved ensures a lesser setup charge. A repeat setup charge could be as low as nothing!
For example, if you had ordered a pair of sunglasses with a 2” wide logo, then put in a second order for the same pair of sunglasses with the same logo at 1” wide, the repeat setup charge would be applied to your invoice. We would utilize the same logo as your original order, but would need to create new materials due to the decrease in imprint size.

CONCLUSION
In short, all items do require a setup charge in order to prepare the appropriate materials for your order. We are happy to speak with you directly if you require more clarification on any of the points in this article. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the setup charges on promotional products, please leave a comment below or get in touch with us via email: info@scorepromotions.com or call: 1-888-573-0986. We’re always here to assist!