TIP 1: Ordering Overseas
One of Monitor's top recommendations when it comes to ordering promo items is to plan in advance and order from our network of overseas factories. Not only will you save money OR get a better quality item for the same price domestically but, in most cases, you will hold so much more creative control over the end-product.
1) Often times you can save 30% or more when ordering overseas.
2) Embellishments that may not be possible or are too expensive domestically, such as a multiple color imprint, can be done for a fraction of the cost overseas.
3) Producing overseas is one of the only ways to get something fully customized if the project at hand warrants a one-of-a-kind item.
Tips to mastering the overseas order:
- PLAN AHEAD: Build in at least 8-12 weeks for production and delivery. There are circumstances where we can deliver in 6-8 weeks or even faster if we ship by air, but standard production is always going to save you the most! Just keep in mind that this 8-12 weeks does not include time for all the stuff that transpires before the order is placed such as product design, finalizing artwork, sign-off, etc; so plan for that also!
- MINIMUM ORDERS: In most cases, the minimum overseas order is either 5,000 pieces or $7,500, whichever comes first. The more you order the better price you get. Consider collaborating with others within your organization to see if they can add to the order so everybody gets a better price!
- ASIAN HOLIDAYS: Make sure you confirm production timelines with Monitor to be sure there aren't any factory closures during your production schedule. For instance, many factories shut down for several weeks for Chinese New Year so extra production days need to be added in for holidays and festivals. Feel free to contact Monitor for a full list of overseas holidays.
- GET CREATIVE: Almost anything is possible when it comes to an overseas order as long as you build in enough time to get it done. Let's say, for instance, producing a pink giraffe piggy bank (??) aligns perfectly with your brand and target customer. Jot it down on paper or sketch something out and we will figure out a way to source and produce it.
One of Monitor's top recommendations when it comes to ordering promo items is to plan in advance and order from our network of overseas factories. Not only will you save money OR get a better quality item for the same price domestically but, in most cases, you will hold so much more creative control over the end-product.
1) Often times you can save 30% or more when ordering overseas.
2) Embellishments that may not be possible or are too expensive domestically, such as a multiple color imprint, can be done for a fraction of the cost overseas.
3) Producing overseas is one of the only ways to get something fully customized if the project at hand warrants a one-of-a-kind item.
Tips to mastering the overseas order:
- PLAN AHEAD: Build in at least 8-12 weeks for production and delivery. There are circumstances where we can deliver in 6-8 weeks or even faster if we ship by air, but standard production is always going to save you the most! Just keep in mind that this 8-12 weeks does not include time for all the stuff that transpires before the order is placed such as product design, finalizing artwork, sign-off, etc; so plan for that also!
- MINIMUM ORDERS: In most cases, the minimum overseas order is either 5,000 pieces or $7,500, whichever comes first. The more you order the better price you get. Consider collaborating with others within your organization to see if they can add to the order so everybody gets a better price!
- ASIAN HOLIDAYS: Make sure you confirm production timelines with Monitor to be sure there aren't any factory closures during your production schedule. For instance, many factories shut down for several weeks for Chinese New Year so extra production days need to be added in for holidays and festivals. Feel free to contact Monitor for a full list of overseas holidays.
- GET CREATIVE: Almost anything is possible when it comes to an overseas order as long as you build in enough time to get it done. Let's say, for instance, producing a pink giraffe piggy bank (??) aligns perfectly with your brand and target customer. Jot it down on paper or sketch something out and we will figure out a way to source and produce it.
After working with numerous promotional product companies over the years, we finally found a trustworthy partner in Monitor. Beyond what you expect to find with a premium vendor ( the most competitive pricing, attention to detail, unsurpassed quality, and timely delivery) what really separates Monitor is their amazing customer service.
- Jason Hirsch, Chill Foundation