LEAD TIMES & DEADLINES
“When will I get it?” is the question behind every order, and we understand why: there is usually an event, a function or a very important Monday on the other end. The honest answer is that it mostly depends on when you approve your artwork. This guide explains the timeline, the seasonal crunch, and what to do when your deadline is genuinely scary. (Spoiler: phone us anyway.)
The standard timeline
Production takes 7 to 10 working days from artwork approval. That start point matters: the clock doesn’t begin at your first enquiry or even your deposit, it begins the moment you sign off your artwork layout. The practical implication: the fastest way to speed up your order is to respond quickly to your artwork proof.
Exact timing within that range depends on your branding type, order quantity and production method, your Branding Consultant confirms a precise timeline when you order, and keeps you updated at every stage from production to dispatch.
Working backwards from your event
For a safe timeline, build your schedule from the event date backwards: delivery buffer (2 to 3 days, longer for outlying areas), production (7 to 10 working days), artwork approval (same day if you’re quick), quote and consultation (hours to a day), plus your own decision time. Rule of thumb: for smaller orders, allow two to three weeks from enquiry to delivery. More complex orders, large quantities, multiple branding processes, custom products, need longer.
The year-end rush: order by September
The festive season is our industry’s peak, and every year the same thing happens: stock of popular gifts runs out and branding capacity fills up. For year-end and festive gifting, place your order by September or early October. Ordering early doesn’t just guarantee your deadline, it means the full product range is still available, not just what’s left.
The same logic applies in miniature to winter clothing (order before the first cold front) and major event seasons.
When the deadline is tight: talk to us anyway
We’re deadline-order specialists, and it’s genuinely part of who we are. Lightning fast, never rushed: speed never compromises quality. When a deadline is on the line, we prioritise urgent orders and our dedicated nightshift crews keep production running after hours, meeting tight timelines without compromising quality. No deadline is too tight to at least ask.
If you’re up against it: contact us immediately with your event date, have your logo ready in vector format (see Artwork & Logo Requirements), approve your artwork the moment it arrives, and pay promptly, production starts when payment reflects. Every hour saved on your side is an hour of production gained.
The timeline at a glance
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Quote after enquiry | Within hours |
| Artwork layout for approval | Confirmed by your consultant |
| Production | 7 to 10 working days from artwork approval |
| Delivery | Varies by region, confirm with your consultant |
| Year-end orders | Place by September / early October |
| Urgent orders | Contact us, nightshift crews available |
Got a date in mind?
Tell us your deadline in your quote request, and we’ll tell you honestly whether we can hit it, and how.