What should you be providing your supplier for Branded Merchandise? The files, the logos, the colour codes, what does it all mean?

There are many different files you may need to provide your branded merchandise supplier. Depending on the item you are looking to have branded, you may need to provide numerous files and codes for the supplier to have your product properly branded.

?It is important to ensure the products you have match your branding as closely as possible. Keeping the brand consistent across all platforms helps with client recognition and ensures that your merchandise is working as hard as it can for your brand awareness campaigns.

What files do I need to send for branded merchandise?

?As mentioned above, there are various files you will need to send. It also may vary depending on the product you are looking to have branded. For example, some items have a limited amount of space available to print on. If your logo will not fit within that space it would be impossible to print the logo. Your supplier should speak with you about the print spaces on each item. However, as a rule of thumb, you should have an eps (vector) file of your logo. The colour codes you require, as well as any contact information you want to be printed. A bonus file to have available is any fonts you use. You can keep all of this information in a brand guidelines document, that way when you work with a new supplier you can send them the document as well as all files they may need.

What logos do I send?

?Here at etc. we only accept vector files (.eps, .ai, vector.pdf). If you do not have access to this type of file you can always speak with your Marketing department, they should have this on record. If this type of file is still not accessible to you, we can redraw the logo from the ground up for you. This enables us to use the right file as well as giving you an updated logo.

Please note that for some suppliers there may be a small setup fee for new products and designs. This fee will cover the initial setup of logos and artwork required for the product.

What are colour codes?

?There are various names for the colour codes you use. The most common name is “Pantone”, this colour code is a combination of 3-4 numbers with either a C for coated or U for uncoated at the end. Having the right colour code will ensure that your products are printed correctly and on brand.

There are other various names for colour codes, such as HEX code, CMYK colours, RBG and more. Each is ultimately the same thing, only the method of reaching the colour can vary. If you have access to photoshop you should be able to use the pipette tool to take the colour from your branding directly. You can then amend the colour reference to show the code you are more comfortable with. Alternatively, you can search on Google for the colour code to Pantone conversion.

Please note ETC. Branding will accept Pantone references for spot colour prints, however for 4 colour process or digital printing CMYK should be used.?Always speak with the supplier before assuming accepted codes.

What are font files?

?For some businesses, the font they use for their website and social media is an important part of their branding. Font files are the downloadable data files that will allow you to use a specific font. These files are important, especially if they are not a standardised font.

?When you request branded items, it is always important to include these files if they are non-standard fonts. Please note that some fonts may be more complex and as such may not work within the space allocated for branding. Always ensure that the font you choose is clear and legible on even the smallest of scales.

?If you don’t have the original file there are many places online where you can download the font files. These files can then be used for branded items during the printing process.

Ultimately, your supplier should explain to you which files are required for each item and talk you through any printing process which may make some decisions more difficult. There are many ways to have items branded and having an expert guide you through the process will ensure that you get the best branded items possible. Speak to us now to see how we can help you achieve your branded merchandise goals.