Promotional items are more than just giveaways; they are powerful tools that leave a lasting impression, keep your brand at the forefront of people's minds, and establish your brand as trustworthy and reliable.

At Pinpoint, we understand the importance of selecting the perfect thoughtful promotional items for your next event. 

We go above and beyond to consider all the necessary factors when suggesting items for your activation. From your budget and theme to the demographics of your target audience, we take everything into account to ensure we offer you the best options to choose from. However, we also understand that time is of the essence.

The in-hands date is a crucial factor that can make or break the success of your promotional campaign. Sometimes, the most brilliant ideas have to be left behind because there simply isn't enough time to bring them to life. But don't worry, we'll work closely with you to make sure we execute your dream items within the given timeframe.

At Pinpoint, we are committed to helping you make a big impact with your promotional items. Let us assist you in selecting the perfect thoughtful items that will make your brand shine at your next event.

But first, it's important to understand how long it takes to deliver customized promotional items so that you can plan accordingly and avoid any last-minute stress.

Starting Your Timeline

Your timeline begins with the receipt of your Event/Item Brief. This includes important details that outline your unique needs and help us find the perfect promotional items for you.

Brief Outline/Discovery Questions:

• Theme or event type that the item is supporting.  
• Demographic
• Quantity
• Budget 
• Item Color
• Event or Company Logo - What does it look like and how many colors ie 1-2 color or multi color?
• Item type inspiration: ie – Small give aways, executive gifts, apparel, Desk items, Cool and trendy tech Gifts, Illustrations of Core Values.
• Brand Style and Colors: Ie Fun primary colors, Whites and Neutrals
• Key words and other important elements of the Brief or Brand.  Ie – Sustainably Focused, Flamingo mascot, Brand theme leans into circles, Event theme is Father Time.

All of the above key points help set us on the path of finding your perfect item.  There is no hierarchy in the order of importance, as each one of them brings the perfect promo supporting swag into focus. 

Delivery Date and Location

One of the most important details to consider is the delivery date and location (City/State). It's crucial to receive your items at least one day before you need them. Keep in mind that most deliveries can't be counted on before the end of the day, so receiving them at 6pm won't be very helpful. Always consider the day before you need your items as your firm deadline.   Once we are aware of when you need the items in your hands, we will work backwards from there to ensure that any selected items can be produced on time.

Production and Delivery Timeline

Here is an example of a typical production and delivery timeline in the Promotions & Apparel world:

• Receipt of Brief and follow up questions: 1 business day
• Curated options and Presentation:  3-5 business days
• Client Feedback and Element Final Selection: 1-2 business days
• Estimate /Quote: 1-2 business days
• Estimate Approval, Art, Order Entry and Proof Creation: 2-4 business days
• Client Proof Approval: 1-2 days
• Production: 7-10 business days 
• Shipping: 2-5 business days 

While 7-10 days is standard production time, you can see how sometimes that can be deceiving.  In total, most orders take around 18-25 business days, which is about 4-5 weeks from the brief to delivery. This is the standard lead time, but it may vary depending on the supplier, time of year, product, process, or other factors. Rush production is available for some items but may come with additional fees and limitations.

The Importance of Time

While we can create something for you in a shorter timeframe, it's important to note that many options may be eliminated due to time constraints. This could mean choosing a more expensive version, limited color options, or alternative suppliers. Giving more time allows us to explore more possibilities and make your promo dreams come true. 

Planning Ahead

To avoid last-minute regrets, it's best to plan ahead. By looking at your event calendar for the coming year, we can set up timelines and stay on top of your promo needs. Promo doesn't have to be an afterthought. With Pinpoint on your side, we can make your swag the most sought after at any event and keep your brand top of mind for your clients.

Custom Orders and Large Quantities

For completely custom items produced overseas or large quantity orders, the timeline is different. These orders can take 3-4 months or require increased pricing for air freight. However, the payoff is completely customized items and large quantities at amazing prices.

Remember, understanding timelines is key to successful promo planning. With Pinpoint, together we can make a lasting impact with your promotional items.