Artwork
The logo, text, layout, pattern, or packaging file used for decoration. Vector files are preferred because they can scale cleanly for printing, embroidery, engraving, and packaging.
CustomInChina Glossary of Buyer Terms
A practical reference for promotional product buyers working through RFQ, artwork, samples, production, packaging, payment, quality checks, and export shipping from China.
Artwork and Branding
Terms buyers see when logo files, mockups, proofs, and brand colors are prepared before sampling or production.
Artwork Proof
A digital layout showing logo position, size, color reference, and product view before sample or bulk work starts. It is a confirmation tool, not a substitute for checking a physical sample when color or placement is strict.
Bleed
Extra artwork area that extends beyond the final cut edge so printed packaging or inserts do not show a white border after trimming.
Camera-Ready Art
Clean artwork that can be used for production with little or no redrawing. In practice, suppliers usually still check file format, outlines, resolution, color mode, and imprint size.
CMYK
The cyan, magenta, yellow, and black color model used for many full-color print processes. It is different from RGB screen color, so buyers should not judge final print color by a monitor alone.
PMS / Pantone
A color reference system used to communicate brand colors. Pantone helps reduce ambiguity, but final results can still vary by material, coating, ink, lighting, and production method.
Raster File
A pixel-based file such as JPG or PNG. It can work for some mockups or full-color printing, but low-resolution raster files may need cleanup before production.
Vector Art
Editable line-based artwork such as AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG. Vector files are usually best for logos because they stay sharp at different imprint sizes.
Virtual Proof
A digital mockup that shows how branding may look on the product. It helps confirm direction, but exact material, color, and production finish should be checked through sample approval when needed.
Printing and Decoration
Common imprint methods and setup terms that affect cost, MOQ, sample route, and production lead time.
Debossing
A decoration method that presses a design into the product surface. It is common on leather-like goods, notebooks, silicone, and selected packaging.
Embroidery
Thread stitching used on caps, apparel, bags, patches, towels, and soft goods. Stitch count, logo size, fabric, backing, and color count can affect pricing.
Engraving
A method that cuts or marks a logo into metal, wood, glass, acrylic, or selected coated surfaces. Laser engraving is common for durable brand marks.
Four-Color Process
Full-color printing made from CMYK color separation. It is useful for photos, gradients, and detailed artwork, but color matching should still be reviewed before bulk approval.
Imprint Area
The usable space on a product where a logo or message can be placed. Curved, textured, small, or flexible surfaces may have tighter limits than they appear to have in photos.
Imprint Method
The decoration process used on the product, such as screen printing, pad printing, heat transfer, embroidery, debossing, engraving, woven label, or sublimation.
Screen Charge
A setup cost for preparing screens used in screen printing. It may apply by color, logo, size, or production batch depending on the item.
Screen Printing
A common imprint method where ink is pushed through a screen onto the product. It is often efficient for simple logos, solid colors, bags, apparel, drinkware, and flat surfaces.
Setup Charge
A cost for preparing production tools, screens, plates, digitized embroidery files, molds, or machine settings before the order can be made.
Sublimation
A full-color heat process often used on polyester fabric, coated mugs, lanyards, towels, and selected blanks. It works best when the material is suitable for sublimation.
Quotation and Order Terms
Terms used when comparing price, quantity, payment, and commercial conditions before placing a custom order.
L/C
Letter of Credit, a bank-supported payment instrument sometimes used for larger qualified export orders. Requirements and bank charges should be confirmed before quoting.
Less Than Minimum
An order request below the normal MOQ. Some products can support it with extra setup cost or limited options, while others cannot because of material purchase, tooling, or factory scheduling.
MOQ
Minimum order quantity. MOQ depends on the product, material, color, logo method, packaging, supplier route, and whether the order is sample, trial, or repeat production.
PO / Purchase Order
The buyer document that confirms item, quantity, price, delivery terms, artwork, packaging, payment terms, and other agreed order details.
Quantity Break
A pricing level based on order quantity. Higher quantities may reduce unit price, but freight, duty, packaging, setup, and cash flow still need to be compared.
Quote
The supplier price offer based on the buyer brief. A reliable quote should state quantity, product specs, logo method, packaging, sample cost, lead time, payment term, and shipping assumption.
RFQ
Request for Quote. The buyer should include product reference, quantity, logo file, imprint position, packaging, deadline, destination, and compliance needs to reduce assumptions.
T/T
Telegraphic transfer or bank wire. Many custom export orders use deposit before production and balance before shipment, with exact terms confirmed in writing.
Samples and Production
Terms that define how a custom product is checked before mass production and how production timing is managed.
Blank Sample
A sample without the buyer logo. It helps confirm product size, material, structure, color family, and general quality before paying for branded setup.
Golden Sample
The approved reference sample used to guide production and inspection. It should match confirmed specs, logo, packaging, and buyer approval notes.
Lead Time
The planned time needed to complete sample work, material purchase, production, inspection, packing, or shipment depending on context. Buyers should separate production lead time from transit time.
Mold Charge
A cost for creating or modifying tooling when the product shape, size, part, or logo detail requires a mold. Mold ownership and reuse should be confirmed before payment.
Pre-Production Sample
A sample made before bulk production using intended material, logo method, packaging, or production process. It reduces risk on custom or brand-sensitive orders.
Production Time
The time used for manufacturing after artwork, sample, payment, material, and order details are approved. It does not include international transit unless stated.
Rush Order
An order with a compressed schedule. Rush projects need fast artwork approval, realistic product selection, confirmed material availability, and shipping buffer.
Spec Sample
A sample made to the buyer specification, often including logo or packaging. It is more useful than a blank sample but usually costs more and takes longer.
Packaging, Quality, and Shipping
Terms that affect inspection, carton planning, customs documents, and delivery responsibility.
AQL
Acceptable Quality Limit, a sampling method used to judge whether a production lot passes inspection. It should be tied to clear defect definitions and an approved sample.
Carton Mark
The text or label printed on shipping cartons, often including item number, quantity, carton number, gross weight, net weight, size, destination, or buyer reference.
CIF
A trade term where the seller includes cost, insurance, and freight to the named port. Destination charges, customs clearance, duty, and local delivery may still be separate.
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid. The seller arranges delivery with import duty handling included when suitable. Buyers should confirm destination rules, product category, and what fees are included.
Drop Shipment
Shipping goods directly to a buyer location, event, warehouse, or customer instead of one central address. Multi-address projects need a clean shipping list and packing plan.
EXW
Ex Works. The buyer or buyer agent takes responsibility from the factory or warehouse. It can look cheap in a quote but shifts more logistics work to the buyer.
FOB
Free On Board. The seller typically handles export-side delivery to the named port or loading point, while the buyer handles main freight and destination costs.
HS Code
Harmonized System classification used for customs. Product material, function, and destination market can affect classification and duty review.
Overrun / Underrun
A small quantity above or below the ordered amount caused by production yield, printing setup, or packing count. Tolerance should be agreed before production.
QC
Quality control. For custom products it should check appearance, size, function, logo accuracy, color, quantity, packaging, labels, carton marks, and shipment photos when relevant.