We produce a wide range of printed and made-to-order display products from our premises in Staffordshire. This page explains our usual production times, delivery options and what to consider when ordering for an event or fixed deadline.
Production time and delivery time are separate. Your order first needs to be manufactured, finished and packed before it can be handed to a courier.
Choose the Delivery Service That Suits You
Economy Delivery
Our economy service is ideal when your deadline is flexible and you would prefer the lowest standard delivery charge.
- Usually 2–3 working days after dispatch
- Available for suitable mainland UK orders
- Transit times are estimated rather than guaranteed
Standard Delivery
Our standard service is used for most orders and normally provides the quickest routine delivery once production has been completed.
- Usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch
- Suitable for most mainland UK orders
- Transit times are estimated rather than guaranteed
Express Production and Delivery
Express is not simply a faster courier service. It includes priority production, allowing your order to move ahead of our normal manufacturing schedule.
- Reduced production time on many printed products
- Standard next-working-day delivery after dispatch
- Must be agreed before the order enters production
Production Time and Delivery Time Are Different
Most printed products have a standard production time of up to five working days. Courier transit begins only after the finished order has left our premises.
For example, an order with a five-working-day production time and standard delivery will normally arrive on the working day after production and dispatch have been completed.
What Does Express Include?
Express orders bypass our normal production queue. This can involve loading specialist materials specifically for one job, interrupting planned work, allocating additional labour and producing more material waste than would occur during normal batch production.
The express charge therefore includes two separate elements:
- A rush production surcharge based on the value of the printed goods
- Standard next-working-day delivery after the order has been dispatched
This is why the express charge shown on an order confirmation may appear higher than the standard courier charge alone.
Express Production Surcharges
| Product value | Rush production | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £99.99 | 25% of product value | £18 + VAT |
| £100–£249.99 | 20% of product value | £18 + VAT |
| £250–£499.99 | 15% of product value | £18 + VAT |
| £500 and above | 10% of product value | £18 + VAT |
Express availability depends on the product, stock, artwork approval and current production capacity. Please contact us before ordering if you have an urgent deadline.
How Our Delivery Charges Work
Printdesigns is a small, family-run UK business with fewer than 15 members of staff. We manufacture a large number of bespoke products in different sizes, quantities and configurations.
Our standard website delivery charges cover the vast majority of orders. However, it is not always possible to know the exact packed dimensions, weight or number of parcels required until an order has been reviewed.
Most Orders
Economy and standard delivery prices will normally cover routine mainland UK orders placed through the website.
Large or Unusual Orders
Bulky products, multiple parcels, pallets, heavy consignments or specialist packaging may require a revised delivery quotation.
We Will Contact You
Where additional transport is required, we will explain the options and cost before production begins. You may then proceed or cancel the order.
Specialist, Oversized and Remote Deliveries
Multiple Parcels
Larger orders may need to be divided between several boxes, each of which can attract a separate courier charge.
Pallet Deliveries
Heavy, fragile or high-volume orders may be safer and more economical when secured to a pallet.
Dedicated Vehicles
A direct vehicle can be arranged for urgent, fragile or time-critical orders where conventional parcel networks may not be suitable.
Long and Oversized Items
Parcels exceeding normal courier limits can attract additional handling charges or may require specialist transport.
Highlands and Islands
Delivery to Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, islands and other remote areas is quoted separately.
Timed and Saturday Services
Pre-noon, timed and Saturday deliveries may be available at additional cost, subject to the destination and courier network.
Ordering for an Event or Fixed Deadline?
Wherever possible, we recommend arranging delivery at least three working days before your event, installation or campaign begins.
We use established courier services, but road closures, depot issues, vehicle breakdowns, weather and other events outside our control can occasionally delay a parcel.
If your deadline cannot tolerate a conventional courier delay, please contact us before ordering. We can discuss timed delivery, collection or a dedicated vehicle.
Printed and Made-to-Order Goods
Most products supplied by Printdesigns are manufactured specifically for each customer. This includes products printed with custom artwork, made to a specified size or finished for a particular display system.
Once production has started, bespoke and personalised goods cannot normally be cancelled, returned or refunded unless they are defective or not as described.
A courier delay does not make correctly manufactured bespoke goods returnable. We therefore strongly recommend allowing additional time when ordering for an important event or deadline.
Full contractual details can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Collection from Printdesigns
Collection may be available from our premises in Stone, Staffordshire, once your order has been completed and you have received confirmation that it is ready.
Please do not travel to collect an order until a member of our team has confirmed that production and packing are complete.
Using Your Own Courier
You may arrange your own collection where agreed in advance. Please send us the courier details and required labels before collection.
Responsibility for transit passes to the customer once the goods have been collected by their nominated courier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my order take?
Most printed products have a standard production time of up to five working days. Delivery time is then added after the completed order has been dispatched. The production time shown on the product page or order confirmation should be used where it differs from this general guide.
When does production begin?
Production normally begins once the order requirements are complete, including payment where applicable and approval of any artwork proof. Delays in supplying or approving artwork may move the estimated delivery date.
What is the difference between standard and express delivery?
Standard delivery relates to the courier transit after production has been completed. Express Production and Delivery also includes a rush manufacturing surcharge so that the order can bypass our normal production schedule.
Is next-working-day delivery guaranteed?
No. Standard delivery normally takes place on the next working day after dispatch, but courier transit times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.
Why might the delivery cost change after I place an order?
Most orders are covered by the standard website delivery charge. Occasionally, an order may require several parcels, a pallet, specialist packaging or an oversized-item service. Where this happens, we will contact you before production begins and explain the available options.
Can I cancel if the revised delivery charge is too high?
Yes. If we contact you before production with an additional delivery charge, you may choose not to proceed. We will cancel and refund the order where production has not started.
Can I collect my order?
Collection from our premises in Stone may be available by prior arrangement. Please wait until we confirm that the order is complete and ready before travelling.
Can I arrange my own courier?
Yes, subject to prior agreement. You will need to provide the courier documentation and labels, and responsibility for transit passes to you once your courier collects the goods.
Do you offer Saturday or timed delivery?
Saturday, pre-noon and other timed services may be available at additional cost. Please contact us before ordering so that we can confirm availability and pricing for your postcode.
What happens if the courier is delayed?
We will help investigate the consignment and liaise with the courier where possible. However, conventional courier delivery dates are estimates, and delays outside our control do not normally make bespoke printed goods returnable or refundable.
Do you deliver outside mainland UK?
Delivery to Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, islands and other remote areas is available by quotation. Overseas delivery is not routinely offered and should be discussed with our team before ordering.
What should I do if I have an important deadline?
Contact us before placing the order. Tell us the required delivery date and the date of the event or installation. We can then advise whether standard production is suitable or whether rush production, collection or dedicated transport should be considered.
Need Help Choosing a Delivery Option?
If your order is unusual, particularly large or required for a fixed date, please speak to us before placing it. We will be happy to explain the most suitable production and delivery options.
Call us on 01785 818111, option 1, or email [email protected].