Frequently Asked Questions....

Can you recommend a material for my application?
Can you match my sample?
Can you help me improve the design of my form?
Do you guarantee your products?
Can I get samples?
What do I do if I want to run a trial order?
How do I get a quote?
Do you sell printers or ribbons?
Do you produce metal tags or plastic cards?
Do you sell stock labels?
Do you print 4 color-process or "prime" labels?
Do you have a price list?
How do I place an order?
What is the minimum quantity?
Can you accept artwork electronically?
What is camera-ready copy?
Why do I need a proof?
When do I incur artwork charges?
What is a tooling charge?
What are your credit terms?
Do you accept credit cards?
How do I check the status of my order?
When can I expect my product?
Can I store product at your facility for later release?
How do I release an order from storage?
Will you send me samples of my order?
Can I get a proof of delivery?

Can you recommend a material for my application?  [top]
Once we learn about your application, we can recommend a material that will fulfill your requirements.
Can you match my sample?  [top]
We will manufacture your order according to the specifications you provide. If we are unable to match the construction of your sample, we will discuss alternatives with you.
Can you help me improve the design of my form?  [top]
We will give you pricing according to your specifications. But if we see a possible improvement to your product, we will provide you with the alternative suggestions. In addition, if you have the challenge of designing a completely new application, we would be glad to work with you to develop the ideal solution for your needs.
Do you guarantee your products?  [top]
We stand behind our products and our workmanship. We guarantee to manufacture your order in complete compliance with your specifications. If we fail to fulfill the specifications of your order, we will replace the product at no charge. However, we cannot guarantee the function of the product. For this reason, whenever you are introducing a new product or solution, we recommend that you conduct a trial. Our Research and Development team will gladly assist you in this process so that the effectiveness and functionality of the design is tested prior to production.
Can I get samples?  [top]
We will gladly send samples to you. We have a sample kit available that shows a wide variety of the types of products that we manufacture. If you have a particular request, please ask our estimators or your sales representative. If we do not have exactly what you are requesting, we will send you a combination of samples that should demonstrate our ability to handle the different aspects of your individual request. Typically, we send the substrate that you need as well as examples of other products with similar construction to what you need.
What do I do if I want to run a trial order?  [top]
Please talk with your customer service representative to obtain a quote and set up the trial.
How do I get a quote?  [top]
Please click here to receive a quote. Our estimating department will gather all of the information that they need from you to be able to give you the most accurate, most economical quote possible. Please note, our goal is to answer quote requests within 24 - 48 hours.
Do you sell printers or ribbons?  [top]
Yes, we can supply printers and ribbons designed to work with our labels.
Do you produce metal tags or plastic cards?  [top]
We do not produce metal tags or plastic cards. But, in some cases, we can provide alternatives in synthetic materials, such as Valéron®, Tyvek®, etc.
Do you sell stock labels?  [top]
We are a custom manufacturer and create products based on our end-users’ specifications, therefore, we do not produce stock labels. We do however, design and sell blank labels, tags, and label/form combinations that the customer then imprints with his or her own specific information. In addition, we can produce simple tags and labels of common sizes on unusual materials with quick turnaround. These types of products are usually industry specific – as in a weatherproof or gas-splash tested material.
Do you print 4 color-process or "prime" labels?  [top]
No. We are a flexographic printshop, and we can print up to five colors in some cases. We specialize in printing on unusual substrates for specific industrial applications, rather than prime labels for the consumer.
Do you have a price list?  [top]
Since everything we do is custom, we price each product individually.
How do I place an order?  [top]
Please send your order via e-mail, fax, or mail. Since everything we manufacture is custom, please provide your specifications in writing. If you have any questions or changes regarding the order, please contact your salesperson or customer service representative as soon as possible so that your exact specifications are clarified before going to press.
What is the minimum quantity?  [top]
Generally, the minimum order quantity is 5,000, unless we are working with you on trials that will lead to larger orders. (Due to minimum requirements with our vendors, some specialty material and size combinations result in a larger minimum.) Please talk to an estimator for more details.
Can you accept artwork electronically?  [top]
Yes, you can send artwork electronically. Please click on upload artwork and follow directions to upload your files. Please reference further file requirements for proper upload.
What is camera-ready copy?  [top]
Camera-ready copy is artwork that has the copy properly positioned with corner marks that show exactly where the copy should be placed and how it should be registered.
Why do I need a proof?  [top]
If you send us artwork that is not camera ready, we will make the necessary adjustments and then send you a proof. This protects the integrity of the order, making certain that we understand your requirements completely. Please note that our turnaround time begins once we have everything we need to process your order. We will start manufacturing your order once we receive your approval on the proof.
When do I incur artwork charges?  [top]
Artwork charges will be incurred if camera-ready artwork is not sent. We will get your authorization before we do any work that will result in extra charges.
What is a tooling charge?  [top]
We charge for tooling when we need to make mechanical adjustments on press to run the order. In some cases, we will purchase a die to run an order. All dies remain the property of Chicago Tag and Label.
What are your credit terms?  [top]
The net is due in 30 days. In many cases, we offer a one percent prompt pay discount for invoices paid within 15 days of the invoice. For new customers, we request credit information when the order is received. The order is initiated, but it does not proceed into the plant for production until credit has been approved.
Do you accept credit cards?  [top]
Yes, we accept VISA and MasterCard.
How do I check the status of my order?  [top]
To find out the status of your order, you can send us an e-mail, call us, or fax us your request. If you need to make changes to an order that is already in process, call your sales or customer service representative immediately. We will handle your requests promptly, but changes may effect estimated delivery dates. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, provide an update on the status of your order, and, if appropriate, offer the best alternatives available.
When can I expect my product?  [top]
Our standard delivery time is two to three weeks from receipt of your written purchase order, camera-ready copy, and established credit terms. When we give you an estimated delivery date, it is based on the complexity of the product and the elements required to manufacture the product. Depending on the circumstances in the schedule and the timing of materials, we can sometimes improve an estimated delivery. Several factors contribute to whether or not we need to charge a rush charge. They are determined on an individual basis.
Can I store product at your facility for later release?  [top]
Yes. We do offer storage to our customers. Please talk to your sales representative for details.
How do I release an order from storage?  [top]
Send us your request in writing via fax, mail, or e-mail with your shipping requirements. Normally, we will ship your order within one business day of your request.
Will you send me samples of my order?  [top]
Yes, we send five samples of every order with our invoice. If you require more samples, or if you want them sent to another location we will gladly accommodate your request.
Can I get a proof of delivery?  [top]
Yes, you can get a proof of delivery. If you know you will need a proof of delivery when you place your order, simply instruct us to provide it upon completion of the order. Some of our carriers provide information via the Internet; others send us their proofs via fax. We will happily forward that information to you upon request.