6 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Custom Vinyl Stickers

Ordering Custom Vinyl Stickers can be a task free of the common pitfalls that may cause frustration in wasting time, money, and energy. Stickers are one of the most versatile ways to promote your brand, personalized items, or add some flair to your marketing materials. Small mistakes in ordering, though, can very easily turn a creative project into a frustrating experience.

In this article, six critical mistakes to avoid while ordering Custom Vinyl Stickers are pointed out to make sure your designs turn out just the way you want them.

1. The Wrong Material

The first and most important step in making an order for custom vinyl stickers is picking the right material for your application. They are available in a host of types: glossy, matte, transparent, and weatherproofing amongst others. A majority of people begin with the cheapest option, which may not be suitable for their intended use.

For example, using a non-weatherproof material when you need outdoor stickers may lead to peeling or discoloration after a little exposure to the weather elements. Similarly, window decals that require transparency can come out mediocre with ordinary vinyl.

Solution:

Discuss your exact needs with the supplier: ask him about resistance, available finishes, and what will suit your project best in order for your stickers not to be affected by whatsoever condition, whether indoor or outdoor.

2. Providing Low-Resolution Artwork

Probably one other more ordinary mistake is low-resolution, and incorrectly formatted artwork, this is because vinyl stickers will not show up to your standards with blurry or otherwise pixelated images.

Low-resolution artwork results in poor printing, especially when important details or text are applied to the design. The difference between the quality of low-resolution and high-resolution does not just stop there stickers might be produced exactly as per your file-you may have to pay extra to manipulate your artwork by the supplier using special software.

Solution:

Make sure your artwork is high resolution, at least 300 DPI. We prefer vector file formats:.AI,.EPS, and.PDF. These formats will not lose any quality if enlarged. Please ensure that all fonts have been outlined and colors are in the correct color mode before submitting your order.

3. Failure to Consider Size and Dimension

The worst mistake one could make when ordering vinyl stickers is the incorrect size. A sticker that is too large might not even fit on the surface where it needs to go, while a small sticker won't do the work it should and carry your message across.

Many customers assume that standard sizes will be able to work for their needs, only to realize with a design that looks awkward, or illegible on their chosen size, it is too late.

Solution:

You may need to physically measure the surface on which the stickers are to be applied. In cases like these, visibility at very short or long distances from your design may make it more or less prominent than one can appreciate from a given vantage. Many suppliers have templates you can see your design in, with options for viewing said design at various sizes; be sure to take advantage of this resource and discuss exactly what size you need rather than make mistakes.

4. Omitting a Proofing Process

One critical mistake is failing to review proof of your custom vinyl stickers before they go into production. Once printing has begun, it's a done deal, and you will get exactly what the final product will look like. This may include misspelled text, misplaced elements, or the use of wrong colors.

Without a proper proofing process, you would end up with stickers that will not be what you might have expected, which of course is a waste of both money and time.

Solution:

Always request digital proof from your supplier. Check it for typos and color accuracy, anything out of alignment, and for any unintended changes to your design. When you can, request physical proof to assess print quality when placing a large order.

5. Not considering adhesive quality

Vinyl stickers are not created equal, especially in the case of their adhesives. The application of weak adhesive stickers could peel off or slip from the surface that is usually exposed to water or changes in temperature. On the other hand, very strong adhesives can destroy the surfaces they stick to, or they may leave residue after removal.

Solution:

You need to let the supplier know what type of surface the sticker will go onto: whether it's smooth, not smooth, made of metal, plastic, or glass. Good suppliers offer different kinds of adhesives for almost any purpose. High-quality suppliers often take into consideration whether it has to be removable, permanent, or just repositionable. Using the correct one guarantees that stickers will behave precisely as planned without damage or causing a real hassle.

6. Overlooking Shipping and Delivery Times

Rushing to place the order and poor attention to the delivery timelines lead to disappointments, especially if you need the stickers at an event, launch, or promotion. Most are victims of not knowing how to account for the production and shipping duration in advance, which may cause late delivery or hurried orders at extra cost.

Solution:

Allow yourself to plan and discuss delivery timelines with a supplier. Inquire about estimated production times, and methods of shipping, if any delays may occur. If you're working on a tight deadline, consider expedited production or local suppliers to ensure delivery on time.

Bonus Tips to Order Custom Vinyl Stickers

Avoiding these common mistakes is just the beginning. To maximize your satisfaction with the final product, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Work with reputable suppliers only:

Go for a provider whom you can trust with good reviews and proven results in delivering quality custom vinyl stickers. Check if they have sample galleries or testimonials to show their work.

2. Communicate Clearly:

Provide detailed instructions and share your vision with the supplier. Clear communication helps ensure that your expectations are met.

3. Order a Test Batch :

Order a small batch for big projects. That way, you can judge the quality, size, and finish before you're ready to place an order in full.

4. Think About Packaging:

If you are using stickers in product branding, they should fit perfectly with the general outlook of the packaging; consistency is what strengthens a brand.

5. Explore Finishing Options.

Your options for finishing your customized vinyl stickers include adding lamination, a foil accent to your sticker, or the shape cut out of your sticker with a die-cut. The added flair gives your sticker a boost of visibility and longevity.

Conclusion

Ordering custom vinyl stickers is one great way for your creativity to flow or as a way to do some serious branding. But with this process coming into place, one may wade in with more caution.

Not making some of these common mistakes, such as wrong material choices, low-resolution artwork, and no proofing, potentially saves you from many possible costly mistakes and has the exact outcome envisioned.

Whether you are designing them for personal projects or business use, the following tips will help you get the most from your investment in custom vinyl stickers.