top of page

Frequently asked questions

Below you'll find answers to the questions that we get asked most by our clients. We've also included a glossary of different industry terms as well!
Image by Shapelined

FAQ

  • Does NorthPoint offer design services?
    Yes! Our Design Team is happy to work on/assist you with any projects that you have. Just let us know what it is you need help with, and our team will get to work right away!
  • Can I use my own artwork, designs, or logos?
    We can absolutely work with your artwork, designs, or logos. We're happy to use them 'as is' if you love the design, or we can slightly modify and tweak them to display better depending on the media that they're being used on.
  • Do you have art templates that you can share?
    Yes! Our Design Team is setting up artwork for all kinds of designs on all kinds of items every single day. We're happy to send over a design template to you if you'd like to set up the artwork yourself.
  • What file types do you accept?
    We accept a range of different file types including .JPG, .PDF, .PNG. For design work, the best file types are in an art format such as .AI, .EPS, etc. however our amazing Design Team can work with just about any file type!
  • Will you keep my logo's and artwork on file?
    Absolutely! We'll keep all of your logos, artwork, and brand guidelines on file for future orders!
  • How long are your production times?
    Production times range based on the type of project that we're working on. There are also multiple variables that can affect timing including design work, pre-production samples, digital proofs, and how large the order is. It's always best to plan ahead and give yourself ample time to ensure that your project will be ready on time. However when that's not an option, be sure to ask your NorthPoint Account Executive to give you an estimate on timing to ensure we'll be able to hit your in-hands date.
  • What are Set-Up Charges?
    Set-Up Charges are an additional cost that is included on some items that we offer. These charges occur when our Production Team needs to use addtional screens, dies, or other items to create and produce your artwork.
  • Do you offer any samples?
    Yes! If there's a product or piece of apparel that you'd like to see before ordering, we're happy to obtain a sample for you.
  • Wait a minute..So NorthPoint can produce all of my branded promotional products, printed collateral, apparel, and tradeshow materials?
    Yes, yes, yes, and YES! NorthPoint is a full-service branding company, meaning that we have the capabilities to handle all of your branding needs. Whether it's promotional products, apparel, printed collateral, or tradeshow materials (booths, pull-up banners, back walls, etc.), our team can design, produce and ship all of your branded items. Basically, if you want to put your logo on something, we can help with that!
  • Requesting a new Username/Password:
    If your company is currently using NorthPoint's Managed Inventory system and you need to get set up with a Username/Password, then please reach out to your primary point of contact at NorthPoint to have one set up for you. Alternatively, if you're unsure of who to reach out to you can contact: sales@northpointprinting.com
  • How to log into your NorthPoint Managed Inventory Account:
    To log into your account, you can click on the 'Login' button on the top right of this page, or you can use this Login Link and then enter your username and password to log in.* *If you've forgotten your username and password, you can retrieve it by clicking on the 'Forgot your password?' link on the Login page.
  • How to place an order using Managed Inventory:
    To order items from inventory, first log into your Managed Inventory account. Once logged in, you can click on the 'Inventory' button in the main navigation bar or the 'Order From Inventory' icon below on the main page. Once on the Inventory page, you'll need to add items to your cart. Adding an item to your shopping cart is just like shopping at any online store. Simply enter the quantity of items you'll need in the white text box under the 'On Order' column and then click 'Add to Cart.' Once you've clicked 'Add to Cart' the item will appear in your cart to the right. When you're ready to checkout, just click 'Proceed to Check Out' or click the image of the shopping cart in the top right. Next, you'll want to review and update any items in your cart. Once you've reviewed your cart you can click 'Enter Ship-To Address' to enter the shipping address for your order. On the Address page, you can enter a new address or use a previously saved address by clicking 'Use this Address' on the left hand side of the page. Once complete, click 'Save and Return to Cart.' To add a return label, click the checkbox next to 'Add Return Address Labels.' Next, let us know your delivery date by adding it (and any additional notes) in the 'In-Hand Date' box. Finally, you can attach a shipping label by selecting 'Shipping Label' under the file type dropdown in the 'Attach File to Order' section. Once complete, click 'Checkout Now' to checkout. If you added Return Address Labels or attached Shipping labels, they'll show up as line items in your cart along with your inventory items. Once you're ready to place your order, click 'Submit Order.' After submitting your order, you'll be brought to the confirmation screen where you can navigate back to your Dashboard or view your open orders. (You'll also be able to see that your order is 'Pending Approval' by your supervisor.
  • Determining the status of your order:
    The best point of contact for order information or to find a tracking number is to reach out to your NorthPoint Account Executive. If you're unsure who that is, you can also always reach out to sales@northpointprinting.com.
  • How to look up an order:
    1. While on the NorthPoint dashboard, click on "Orders" in the top Menu. 2. Then select "All Orders Search" from the drop down. 3. Enter the order number you want to look up in the 1st box called "Order No" and press the search button. 4. You will see your search result for the order number you've entered. From here, press "Quick View" as this will tell us the most information about the order. 5. If applicable, a swag store order number will be listed here if this order was generated from your swag store. 6. Here is the shipping address for this order. 7. Here you can find the shipping method and tracking number for this order.
  • How to read your billing statement:
    Your provided Purchase Order number If applicable, the Division the invoice belongs to will be listed in the Ship To area. Itemized list of orders numbers, matching the order numbers of the ones placed through our Managed Inventory platform. Description of the charge: “Release from Inventory” is for the shipping for the placed order. Description of the charge: “Return Service” is for the return labels that are requested via the checkbox at checkout. The total amount due for this invoice.
  • Adding a new user to your NorthPoint Managed Inventory Account:
    Adding a new user to a Managed Inventory Account can only be done by a Supervisor. What the Supervisor needs to do is first log into their Managed Inventory account. Once in, then click on 'Manage Users' and on the next page click on '+ Create New User.' Then, simply enter the user's information and create them a new username and password. Once complete, send that information over to the new user and have them log in.
  • Managed Inventory permission levels:
    There are two different permission levels for NorthPoint's Managed Inventory software: Supervisors: The Supervisor role is the highest level of access for Managed Inventory. They have the ability to submit orders (no approval required), run reports, manage users, and can approve orders submitted from users. Users: The User role is the most common level of access. It allows the user to submit an order, however that order will require approval from a supervisor before it is submitted into the system for processing and delivery.
  • What is NorthPoint Gives Back?
    NorthPoint Gives Back is a donation program, powered by you! NorthPoint can donate your no-longer-wanted inventory and donate them to various local charities and programs.
  • How do I donate products I no longer want/need?
    NorthPoint Managed Inventory now has orange labels for items that haven’t seen any movement in over 275 days. This will alert you to items that may be a good fit for donating. Once you have decided you would like to donate the item, simply press the "Donate Now" button.
  • Who can donate?
    Only supervisors have access to the donate button to avoid any accidental donating. If you are a user, contact the supervisor to discuss any plans to donate.
  • Are there any handling fees for donating?
    Each donation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis if it will incur handling fees. Your Account Executive will reach out to discuss if that will occur prior to moving any donated items.
  • What can I donate?
    Anything in your Managed Inventory is eligible for donating. Here are some suggested situations where donating is ideal: • Promos and apparel that have old branding. • Left over event t-shirts that you won’t ever need again. • Items that are just plain old or simply no longer wanted.
  • Bleed
    In the printing world, Bleed refers to objects or images touching the edge of the page, extending past the trimmed edge leaving no white margins behind. We recommend adding at least .125 inches or 3mm bleed to your design files.
  • Brand Guidelines
    Brand Guidelines (also referred to as Brand Style Guide or Standards Manual) are the set of rules that define your brand's identity. It contains comprehensive information for those seeking how to properly use your brand by explaining in detail what is acceptable and what should never happen.
  • CMYK
    (C)yan - (M)agenta - (Y)ellow - Blac(K)
  • Crop Marks
    Crop Marks are short lines around the corners of your document indicating where the edge of your final document size should be trimmed.
  • Deboss
    Deboss is the method of using a heat-pressed die and pushing it into the material to create an imprint. (Recommended For: Journals, Leather Goods, Silicone Bands, & More)
  • DPI
    Dots Per Inch. Typically, 300/DPI is recommended to give you a crisp clean image.
  • Embroidery
    Embroidery is one of the most popular decoration methods for apparel. It's done by using a needle to create a design with different colored threads. (Recommended For: Apparel)
  • Full Color/4-Color Process
    With Full Color/4-Color Process printing, the ink is digitally printed directly on your item. This method allows for more color combinations and gradients since it uses CYMK ink like a standard printer. (Recommended For: Specific Promotional Products & Printing With A Gradient)
  • HXD
    HXD is one of the newest decoration methods in the industry. It brings your logo to life using a combination of unique styles that only this imprint method can provide. These 3D imprints come in standard or metallic finish, or any combination of the two. (Recommended For: Apparel, Bags, Journals, & More)
  • Laser Engraving
    Laser Engraving involves using a laser to etch an image or design for a crisp clean look. (Recommended For: Metal, Glass, Ceramic, & Wood Surfaces)
  • Negative Space
    Negative Space is the empty space around the subject of an image.
  • PMS
    (P)antone (M)atching (S)ystem
  • Raster Files
    Raster files are composed of pixels. Each tiny pixel is basically a small square of color, and each square is arranged in a grid to form an image. (File Types: .JPG .PNG .GIF .TIF)
  • RGB
    (R)ed - (G)reen - (B)lue
  • Safe Zone
    The Safe Zone is the space, at least .125" (3mm), inside from the trimmed edge of the document.
  • Screen Printing
    Screen Printing is the most common method of decoration. A stencil, or screen for each color in your design is created so that one color of ink is applied at a time on your garment or product. (Recommended For: Apparel & Promotional Products)
  • Variable Data
    Variable Data is the method of using technology to add personalized unique information into a desgin, automatically.
  • Vector Files
    At it's most basic level, a vector file is composed of paths to create shapes. They use points, lines, and curves so that the image can be scaled to any size as needed without losing quality. (File Types: .AI .EPS .SVG .PDF)
  • White Space
    White Space is the negative space that's left blank between objects in a composition or design (and it doesn't necessarily have to be white). This empty space is essentially anything unused between text boxes, graphics, lines, and photos.
Gradient

Still have a question? 

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks! Message sent.

bottom of page