Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Sample Text ...

What custom products can you produce? What if I have an idea for a custom product?
Our production capabilities extend way beyond anything we could ever list on our website. From custom labels to window stickers to promotional products, we can create it. The creative part is up to you! If you have a custom label or sticker that needs to be produced for your project, contact us! The chances are great that we can produce it and it will stay looking nice for years.

With our die-cut stickers, we can create any custom lettering that you need. This lettering can be used on signs, boats, vehicles, products, or any smooth surface. We let your creativity come out, as our short-run production process is extremely flexible.
How do I order my custom design? What is the process to get my design from my computer to your machine?
The easiest way to order your design and receive a quote is to e-mail us every bit of information you have about your order. We work everyday of the week and at times 10 hour days. Most customers are amazed at the speed and accuracy of the e-mails we return. Most are returned within minutes, and every e-mail is returned within 24 hours.
What type of payments are accepted?
We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American express, Discover) and PayPal.com Payments. Money orders and company checks are also accepted.
How do your price your orders, what are my limitations with my design?
The benefits of our digital printing process are enormous. Our pricing is based solely on square footage, not color usage. You can use any colors you would like in your design and your quote still remains the same.

A 12 x 10" image with 2 basic colors will be priced the same as a 12 x 10" image that has photographic qualities.

Your limitations with our machinery are very small. We can print ANY color you need onto the surface of vinyl, banner material or inkjet paper. The whole process is computer controlled and the ability of the machinery to maintain consistency is outstanding.

From basic 2 color stickers, to 6 foot long event banners gracing your company name with 25 different colors, we can produce it, with no extra costs per color to you for your custom stickers or printing.
How much is the setup charge for orders?
FREE! We do not believe in charging the customer setup fees. We know how expensive advertising your business to be. We like to delete costs where we can to help the customer put the money elsewhere. A little extra work on our part is worth it for a happy customer.
How much is it if I want to add more colors to my stickers or prints?
FREE! Digital printing is very different from other screen printing processes. Our setup and printing works much like your home printer, we do not charge per color. We charge simply by quantity and size of your order.
How long will it take for me to receive my order?
The time for your production will vary, but we try diligently to try to get the orders out to you as fast as possible. Our standard turnaround time for custom sticker order is 7-10 days. Most other orders follow this standard as well. The size and detail of your order will depend on the shipping time. We will keep you updated if our initial estimate for arrival time is exceeded so you are never left wondering where your order is.
How much is shipping for my order?
All orders are shipped via United States Postal Service Priority mail and packaged well to ensure that your order will arrive in the condition it left in. For most orders, we can use a flat rate box that is a flat rate of $8.00 to ship. For smaller orders the charge is $4.00 for regular priority mail service. For orders that we cannot fix in this box, the appropriate amount will be added. We do not price gouge for shipping!
What format should my file be in when I e-mail it to you?
Digitally Printed Stickers: We recommend the file being in .EPS, .AI or .BMP format. These file sizes are higher quality formats and we can produce a better print with them. If created your file originally in these formats, then drawing in a cut line around the outside edge will tell the machine to cut the vinyl around your printed design according to that line.
Are my colors limited with your production type?
Digital Printing Production: Your colors are not limited with our process of digital printing. Our machine will produce poster quality (and higher) reproductions of your image without any discrepancies in the color. Our machine prints in CMYK Cyan Magenta Yellow BlacK format or CMYKLcLm Cyan Magenta Yellow BlacK [Light cyan] [ Light magenta]

Computer Cut Production: With this style of sticker, you are limited to the colors of vinyl that we have available in-house. The single color of the sticker is determined completely by what color the roll of vinyl is originally, no ink is involved in this process. You can find this color list in the computer cut stickers section.
How difficult is it to apply my stickers, will they come off when I wash my car?
Applying your stickers is a simple peel and stick process. Whether your stickers are computer cut with application tape applied or digitally printed, you won't have any trouble applying them on your own. If you feel uncomfortable doing it, e-mail us and we can send you a step by step guide on how to successfully apply them. They will not come off when you wash your car - they are permanent adhesive that won't be removed with normal washing.
Which type of sticker is best for my application?
Computer cut stickers generally hold up a little nicer then digitally printed stickers. Because the cut stickers are cut from a roll of vinyl that was produced into a single color, there isn't any chance for fading or cracking for at least 5 years.

Digitally printed stickers may not last up to 5 years on your vehicle before fading (rated for 2-3 years from the machine's manufacturer), but they make up for that in their absolutely stunning appearance. Computer cut doesn't allow the use of multiple color peel and stick, while digitally printed has endless possibilities. Each sticker has its own benefits which you can weigh when deciding on how you want your final sticker to look for years to come.
What type of machines do you use?
We currently have a Roland SC-545EX, XC-540, GX-300 and 54" laminator. Our printers can produce stickers up to 53" tall in full color poster quality and also produce your die-cut stickers. Our 54" laminator that is used on all digital orders that add years to the life of your stickers.
Are your stickers the same as screen printed stickers?
NO THEY ARE NOT! Screen printed stickers are a low cost (high setup cost!) production that creates a sticker that is good for short term promotional purposes, not something that you want to have applied to your vehicle for years. They tend to fade and look horrible after a very short time. It is like comparing a Ferrari to a Pinto, their both cars, but one has definite quality benefits over the other! You get what you pay for just like anything else. Our lamination capabilities add unmatched scratch resistance to your sticker order and help them stay looking great for years!
What is the largest/smallest sticker you can produce?
We can produce your computer cut stickers up to 23" tall. The smallest dimensions depends ultimately on your design for this process as each sticker is hand peeled by us. Our digitally printed stickers can be made up to 53" tall and we generally go as small as 2-3" in width.
With your machines, can you cut around the outside edge of my digitally printed sticker to make it a custom shape when it is applied?
Yes we can! After the image has been printed, a separate part of the machine cuts around the perimeter of your sticker leaving no white on the outside edge. We setup a bleed to ensure that your final sticker will look exactly how your image does, with no unsightly border where it wasn't printed on. We can die-cut your sticker into any size for no extra charge!
What is the typical use for your die-cut stickers?
Die-cut stickers have a wide variety of uses. Our most common use is dot-com stickers, which are applied in the 1/4 window of the vehicle for subtle yet effective advertising. Windshield Banners, which are made with the same process and only designed and created into a larger sticker are also very effective. We have produced vehicle lettering with 18" tall letters, sign lettering, vehicle graphics and custom stickers for every imaginable application.
What are the specifics on your magnetic signs?
Our magnetic signs are created with SafeMag 30 mil magnetic. The magnetic section that touches the paint is coated with a clear plastic to protect your paint. Each magnetic is created with our digital printing process by applying the vinyl to the sheeting. The sheet is then cut to shape. Magnetic signs are a very effective way to advertise your business. With our high quality products, they will do their job for years to come!
This company will make the stickers for me for .25/each, why are yours more expensive?
You get what you pay for! Our process is much more detailed and made on a machine that is designed for custom cutting and producing from vehicle graphics to outdoor signs.

Our process is 6 color and can produce vibrant graphics, while other screen printing companies can only produce the most basic image that doesn't hold up to the elements.
What can you print on for my needs?
We currently print on vinyl, outdoor banner material (perfect for car shows, events, etc.), or glossy paper for your photography reproduction needs.
What is the difference between digitally printed and die-cut stickers?
Digitally printed stickers have the ink "impregnated" into the vinyl with a specially designed printer that is computer controlled. A small plotter blade is also controlled that cuts your stickers into a custom shape.
Computer cut stickers are cut with a computer controlled blade to cut your design out of the vinyl. They are hand peeled, application tape is applied and are one color. Also controlled by a computer system.
How accurate is your machine, can I rely on Elephat.net  to produce my image accurately?
Yes you can! We know that you will only expect the best quality from us. We put the extra effort into every order to ensure every detail is correct with every sticker. We don't receive complaints because we are so upfront with the customer about their order. We ask BEFORE we make any changes to ensure they are well received. Communication and quality is the key to making you happy and we excel in this!
Can I see a test sticker before they are all printed?
We currently do not offer test stickers before printing due to our production rate, but we can send you a digital picture after the order is completed to ensure everything looks great with your order.
What type of materials do you use, will they last for my sign and vehicle needs?
For printed stickers we use only 3+ year Roland (Made by Oracal) white vinyl. It will last wonderfully on outdoor surfaces. We also use Oracal Laminate to cover all of our digital prints to ensure they will last nearly as long as our die-cut stickers. Most companies do not offer a laminate on their digital prints, but we believe in offering the highest quality products available to our customers.

I don't see what I need on your site, does that mean you can't produce it?
Vinyl has so many different uses, that the easiest way to find out if we can produce what you need is to contact us. We have produced the most basic orders to the most extreme. All of the most extreme orders were started with a simply phone call asking if we could produce what was needed.

I need faster shipping, do you provide this?
We do offer faster shipping and production for your orders. We can ship your order via USPS Express (next day) mail. We can shorten your production time depending on your specific needs.

I will be using my stickers around harsh outdoor conditions, can I rely on your products?
We have personally tested all of our custom stickers and banners to ensure they will hold up to your abuse. We recommend cleaning the surface two to three times to ensure the adhesive can work properly.

I have gradients and glows in my design, is this an issue for digital printing?
We can produce any design under the sun onto white vinyl. No matter the glows, gradients or images involved, we have you covered.

Do you produce stickers for the inside of windows?
Our digital stickers cannot be applied to the inside of windows, but our die-cut stickers can be without an issues. We recommend exterior application as interior application makes the sticker difficult to view when window tint is applied.

Where are the breaks in pricing for bulk sticker orders?
We have breaks at 100, 250, 500 and 1000 stickers for both die-cut and digitally printed stickers.

How long should I expect before I receive a quote back for my custom sticker order?
We are online all the time (see 8 to 10 hours a day) so the chances that you have to wait more then 24 hours for a response, are slim. Most e-mails are responded to within just a few minutes.

My stickers will be around harsh chemicals, should I be concerned?
We have tested our stickers under bleach, mild cleaners and even under gasoline, with no negative effects to the print. The laminate adds an unmatched protection to the print. We recommend only placing the custom stickers under mild chemicals as it may cause the vinyl to curl.

I would like to see sticker samples, can you provide these?
We have sample packs that can be provided upon request. These include digital stickers and computer-cut stickers. We truly believe we produce a top quality product that you won't be disappointed with!

Can you produce vinyl products larger then just window stickers?
Yes! If you have the artwork, we can print it onto paper, vinyl or banner material. We feel that we should list the main products on our site and leave the customization up to you, the customer. We have produced full color vehicle graphics, promotional posters, large format window graphics and more. Your limits are your imagination.

What are the real difference between die-cut stickers and digitally printed stickers?
With die-cut stickers a die isn't used at all. These are made by the blade physically cutting into the vinyl - much like a razor blade into contact paper. The stickers are hand peeled and application tape is applied. When applied, the stickers look much like paint and have no background.
With digitally printed stickers, white vinyl is the base color and ink is printed onto the surface, much like your home printer works. The machine is removed from the machine and then laminated. The print can then be loaded back into the machine, where the contour cutting takes place. The same mechanism that creates the computer-cut stickers, is what contour cuts around your digital prints. The technology is amazing, but the output is even more amazing!

I only need peices of scrap vinyl for a custom project, can you provide this for me?
Yes we can. Simply send us an e-mail with how much of each color you need and we can send it to you very cheaply. A lot of scrap is created by custom orders, so we have a lot here to provide!

Do you offer lower quality stickers for a cheaper price?
No, we do not. All of our digital stickers are created with the same vinyl. A cheaper vinyl would lower our product quality, which we aren't willing to do. For the computer-cut stickers, we do not offer a lower quality vinyl either. A higher quality vinyl is actually much easier for us to work with, thus creating less time for your stickers creation, which in turn keeps the costs lower for you.

Elephat.net FAQ Questions were generated from customers like you!

Still have questions? Don't hesitate to e-mail us, we enjoy helping others with technical aspects of the sign industry!

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