Here we’ve compiled answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions. If you want more information on any topic, please call us at 281.240.6700

What is the relationship between Blue Jungle Marketing and HALO Branded Solutions?

Blue Jungle Marketing is a minority owned women business who also has a partnership with HALO Branded Solutions.  Most of Blue Jungle’s administration and office support come from HALO Branded Solutions.  While Blue Jungle Marketing serves as a separate entity from HALO, they also enjoy the benefits of being associated with the third largest promotional products company such as competitive pricing, preferred vendors, ability to provide company stores and fulfillment, recognition programs and other support programs.

Overview
After you place your order,  you will receive an automated confirmation email from HALO Branded Solutions within 24 hours.  Please keep in mind that sales tax and Shipping and Handling fees are estimated at this point in the process.

Our Customer Service team will then email a proof to you. Once we receive your approval of the proof via email or fax, as well as approval for your selected payment option, we will submit your order to production. No order will go into production without your approval, so rest assured you’ll be able to get any questions or concerns answered before then.

After your order ships, we will send you an invoice via email. This will show you the final order total, including the final sales tax and Shipping & Handling calculations. If you paid via credit card, we will charge your credit card at this time.

Artwork

What artwork formats do you accept?
For most products with 1-2 color imprints, we will need vector art to avoid art preparation charges; we prefer an .eps file or a high resolution PDF.  For most full-color imprints, we will need hi-resolution artwork at 600 dpi or higher. However, in either case, we can work with whatever electronic format you provide. Clean, sharp camera ready art (black and white laser printed artwork of 1200 dpi or higher) is also accepted. If your artwork requires cleanup or additional preparation, our graphic design team can assist you with that for a small fee, often as low as $15 – we can even provide full graphic design services if you need us to produce artwork from scratch.

What are my imprint color options?
Each product has a unique set of standard imprint colors. We may also be able to match a PMS (Pantone® Matching System) color. If the product detail page asks you for a PMS color, any extra change will be denoted on the page. If you don’t see an option for PMS color match on a given product, contact us to determine availability on your selected product and any associated charges.

When is an art preparation charge required?
An art preparation charge may be incurred if the artwork submitted doesn’t meet the factory’s standards for imprinting, or if you are unable to provide artwork in our desired format. Art specifications vary per product ordered. If artwork is not available, HALO has full graphic design services available; please contact us. Please keep in mind that in most cases, we can offer artwork at no cost for the first version.  Any corrections or modifications are subject to art charge.

Will my artwork be kept on file for future orders?
Yes. HALO will keep artwork from online orders for at least one year after ordering.

What is a reverse imprint?
Reverse Imprint is the reverse of colors in the artwork and may be a useful technique to use to get your logo or artwork to pop on your selected product color. (Example: what is white in the art file will print black and what is black in the art file will print white.)

Can I print tone on tone?
Tone-on-tone printing is a subtle method of imaging. The term refers to printing a color on top of the same or very similar color (i.e. the same "tone"). For example, black ink printed on a black piece of fabric (or any color printed on the same color of paper or fabric). It can be an attractive and contemporary look, but will not be suitable for all products. Contact us for assistance.

Orders and Pricing

What are the standard minimum order quantities?
Minimum order quantities vary by product. Please refer to the individual product detail pages. In some cases, we can produce less than the minimum quantity shown, typically at additional expense; contact us.

What is a set up charge?
A setup charge is assessed to make the plate from the artwork and set up the machine for imprinting. This is not an art preparation charge.

Is a set-up charge required for a repeat order?
In many cases, no, you will not be charged a setup charge for an exact repeat order. In some cases, there will be a small fee for the setup on a repeat order.

What is a screen charge?
A screen charge is charged to transfer the art image to a screen used in silk-screening.

What is digitizing?
Digitizing is the process of converting printed artwork to a format that can be used in an embroidery machine.

Can I imprint or embroider in more than one color?
Yes. You can typically imprint 1-4 (or more) colors per location but a 1-2 color screen print is most typical. You can typically embroider up to 9 colors per location. Full Color process imprinting is available on some products for photos and full color artwork. HALO will help you determine the best imprint method for your objective and budget..

What is a Run Charge?
A run charge is the cost to run each piece under the sewing machine or silk-screening machine.

Can I add, cancel or delete items on my order?
You may add, change or delete items from an order prior to it being produced; call or email us for assistance. You will be responsible for any costs incurred after the order is placed. Once production has started, you will be responsible for the full purchase amount. Production will not begin until we’ve received your proof approval.

Can I get a sample of the product?
Yes; please request a sample directly by contacting us. Please note that samples are intended for clients evaluating a product for a planned future purchase. They are not intended for personal use. Some samples will have a random imprint; others will be imprint-free. Some samples are for review only, and are thus non-functioning. Samples may not be available for all products. More costly samples may require a deposit. Your sample will be mailed to the shipping address you provided. . If you have questions about our free sample program, please contact us.

How can I see what my imprint will look like prior to ordering?
You will receive a proof via email prior to the order being produced. We will require your approval via email or fax before putting your order into production.

Can I receive a pre-production sample for approval prior to my order placed into production?
We may be able to secure a pre-production sample printed with your artwork before you commit to a full order. Contact Customer Service for pre-production sample fees and timelines.

What if I receive more or less than I ordered?
Every effort is made to fill your order with the exact quantity ordered. However, due to standard industry imprinting processes, this is not always possible. We reserve the right to ship and bill up to 10% over or under the quantity ordered. Plastic bags are especially susceptible to overruns/underruns. If you have concerns about potential overruns or underruns on your order, contact us.

Payment, Credit & Sales Tax

What are the payment options available?
Credit card payments are the fastest way to get your order into production. HALO does extend in-house credit to some organizations pay by check or money order. All pricing reflects U.S. dollars, and all billing is processed in U.S. dollars.

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Can I request in-house credit for a new account?
HALO extends credit to customers upon a credit review. If you need to receive your order by a specific date, we suggest paying by credit card. The HALO Credit approval process may take up to five business days, and thus may delay production of your order. To apply for credit, your initial order must total at least $1,000, and you will need to submit a credit application. If you wish to apply for credit, please contact us to receive a credit application.

HALO’s terms of sale are Net 10. A finance charge of 1.5% per month (which is an ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 18%) will be added to accounts over 30 days.

Credit is not extended to: any business in existence 18 months or less, individuals, independent agents (such as insurance and real estate agents), non-commercial customers (such as non-profit organizations, churches, reunions, political candidates) and International customers (billing address outside U.S.).

If you are requesting in-house credit for a first order, production will not begin until credit is approved. If you already have a credit account with HALO, you will be invoiced after the order ships.

When do you charge my credit card? 
We will authorize your credit card while your order is being processed. Your credit card will not actually be charged until after your order has shipped.

Is my credit card and account information secure?
Yes. We follow strict industry protocols for the protection of your personal data. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Do you charge sales tax?
Yes. Due to our extensive network of Account Executives, we are a registered reseller in all states that collect sales tax. We must therefore collect appropriate state, county and/or city sales/use tax for your "Ship To" address (other than addresses in Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon).

My organization is exempt from sales taxes. How do I place a tax-exempt order? 
We must have your current tax exempt certificate on file to begin production. If we do not have a current certificate on file, please email your tax exempt certificate to us.

Shipping and Delivery

What are standard production times?
Production varies per product ordered and are listed on the product detail page. Some products can be produced in 24 hours; 5 days is more typical. Few take more than 10 days to produce. Production times begin after we receive approval of your proof, not including the day approval is received. If proof approval is received after 3 PM CT, it will be considered as if received the following business day. Production days do not include shipping time.

What happens if a product is backordered?
Customer Service will notify you in the event of a backorder and provide an estimated stock date. He or she will help you select an alternate product if you have a deadline to meet.

How do I reserve Closeout product?
Closeouts offer fabulous, limited-time discounts available only while supplies last. Product cannot be reserved at our factories until you have placed your order and HALO has confirmed with the factory that the product is available in the quantity you require. We strive to keep online Closeout availability updated online, but are not able to guarantee stock availability.

How can I get my order faster?
You may request a rush service on an order. Rush service production times and charges vary per product ordered. Contact Customer Service for more information.

What are my shipping options? Can I ship on my own shipping account?
Our standard carrier is UPS. We offer Ground, Next Day Air Saver and 2nd Day Air. If you require additional options, contact Customer Service. If you prefer to use your shipping account, you will have the opportunity to enter your shipper and account number during checkout.

How much does Shipping & Handling cost?
During checkout, the site will provide you an estimate for Shipping and Handling charges. This estimate will be close to the final shipping charge. Final charges will be calculated by UPS based on the final weight and carton dimensions of your order. Note that for bulky or oversize items (such as sport water bottles), the final Shipping and Handling fee may be more than the estimate provided during checkout due to oversize shipping cartons. Products at risk of such underestimation will be denoted on the product detail page.

Can I ship to multiple addresses?
Yes. Drop shipments can be made to multiple locations for a small fee. Contact Customer Service.

Can I ship internationally?
Likely yes, depending on the product, which factory is decorating it and your ship to country. Contact Customer Service for details.

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Can HALO develop custom products or provide even lower prices for products sourced overseas?
Yes. We combine decades of global sourcing experience with an international network of manufacturers and logistics resources to offer lower costs, increased customization and flexible delivery options for large custom projects. Typical projects appropriate for international sourcing are for orders of $5,000 or more and 60-120 days lead time. Learn more about Global Sourcing & Custom Designs.

What if my order is defective?
Once an approved order is imprinted or embroidered, it cannot be returned to the factory. In the unlikely event of a product defect, contact Customer Service within ten days of merchandise receipt for return instructions. Do not ship products you wish to return until you receive instructions from HALO Customer Service.

Are your products safe?
Every order you place with HALO Branded Solutions comes with the most comprehensive product safety and social compliance protection available in our industry. We maintain over $2 million in product liability coverage on the products we sell. Our insurance certification is available upon request. We also require the most extensive indemnification certification from the manufacturers of our products for each of our clients. We will not put an order into production without certified compliance with all federal, state and local product safety laws. We work with the most trusted domestic and international product safety testing facilities. Product testing is available upon request, with costs absorbed by the Client. We recommend product testing where appropriate, based on the target recipients of each product, and the composition and decoration used on the product. In addition, we lead the industry in social compliance. We are active members of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), and maintain a regional and international auditing network for workplace safety at the point of manufacture for our products.

Is HALO Prop 65 compliant?
HALO requires all suppliers to sign HALO's Indemnification Agreement and Certificate of Conformity, both which specifically cover Prop 65 compliance. HALO is a part of a group of 11 distributors working together to understand and determine best practices for the past year. HALO is working with PPAI legal services.