Question 1. Can I get a Nikoda product brochure?

 

Answer 1. Yes, the Nikoda brochure showing the full range of services offered can be downloaded from the web site, or posted to your office. Please note that in an attempt to be "green", Nikoda has chosen not to produce product catalogues which can quickly become out dated. Instead, we encourage our customers to browse our suppliers web sites (we have over 150 suppliers) to view the extensive range of products we can source. Call Nikoda on 03 9909 7411 to discuss and understand your requirements so that we can point you in the right direction.

 

Question 2. Can I get a sample?

 

Answer 2. Yes, samples can be requested. These are normally supplied at no cost to you, as long as they are returned in good condition within an agreed time frame.

 

Question 3. Can Nikoda handle unusual requests for items that might not be standard?

 

Answer 3. Nikoda has built a reputation for sourcing unusual or custom made items, and has a large range of suppliers who can assist us in the design, manufacture and delivery of these items. In many instances, "made to measure" is cost effective compared to off the shelf pricing.

 

Question 4. What artwork do we need to supply?

 

Answer 4. For products that are to be printed, most suppliers request artwork in a digital format, usually a .EPS file. For embroidery, a .JPEG file or similar is usually sufficient. If you do not have the required format, we can normally produce this for you at a small cost.

 

Question 5. Are there minimum order levels, and how can I get a quote?

 

Answer 5. Most suppliers will have a minimum order level. Typically, the larger the unit cost, the lower the minimum order. However, Nikoda has a range of suppliers who specialise in small value small order levels.

To arrange for a quotation, call Nikoda on 03 9909 7411 to discuss your requirements. Our aim is to get a quote to you within one working day. 

 

Question 6. What if I don't know what I want? Can you help me then?

 

Answer 6. Absolutely. The team at Nikoda are specifically trained to help source the best products to meet your requirements. We will take time to understand your needs, the reason for the product, e.g. low cost give aways at trade shows, or high value corporate gift, and the timescales and budget you are working to. With that information, we can match your exact requirements.

 

Question 7. What is screen printing?

 

Answer to Question 7. Screen printing is one of the early methods of printing. It involves the passing of ink or any other printing medium through a mesh or 'screen' that has been stretched on a frame, and to which a stencil has been applied. The stencil openings determine the image that will thus be imprinted.

 

Question 8. What is Pad Printing?

 

Answer to Question 8.  Pad printing is a printing process that can transfer a 2-D image onto a 3-D object. This is accomplished using an indirect offset (gravure) printing process that involves an image being transferred from the printing plate (cliché) via a silicone pad onto a substrate (surface to be printed). Pad printing is used for printing on otherwise impossible products in many industries including medical, automotive, promotional, apparel, electronics, appliances, sports equipment and toys. It can also be used to deposit functional materials such as conductive inks, adhesives, dyes and lubricants.

 

Question 9. What is Laser Engraving?

 

Answer to Question 9.  Laser engraving is the practice of using lasers to engrave or mark an object. The technique can be very technical and complex, and often a computer system is used to drive the movements of the laser head. Despite this complexity, very precise and clean engravings can be achieved at a high rate. The technique does not involve tool bits which contact the engraving surface and wear out.

 

Question 10. What are Set up Charges?

 

Answer to Question 10. Set up Charges are the fees paid to the product supplier for preparing the image, logo or lettering to be printed or engraved and making it ready for production. Should the client re order the same product from the same supplier, with the same lettering or image within a reasonable time frame, there is usually no additional set up charge.

Once an order has been placed, a pre production image or in some cases a pre production sample will be produced for the client to sign off before full production begins.

  

Question 11. How long are delivery times?

 

Answer 11. Delivery times can vary depending on product, quantity and time of year. Most products at normal times can be delivered in 14 to 21 working days from approval of artwork. Large volumes or custom design items can take 10 to 12 weeks on average. For urgent requirements see question 12.

 

Question 12. If we have an urgent deadline can Nikoda help?

 

Answer 12. Certainly. Nikoda has developed a network of supplier contacts which specialise in the fast turn-around of products. These suppliers can offer a 7 day service on a range of products, and Nikoda has at least one suppler that has a limited range of products available on a three day turn-around. Should you have a requirement that needs urgent fulfilment, call Nikoda on 03 9909 7411 to see how we can help you.

 

Question 13. Why is the delivery date quoted from "Approval of artwork?"

 

Answer to Question 13. Until artwork has been "signed off" or approved by the client, the supplier is unable to schedule the work into production. A pre production image will always be produced to gain client acceptance so that production may start.

 

Question 14. How long has Nikoda been in business?

 

Answer to Question 14. Nikoda has been in business for more than seven years. It has grown from a boutique promotional gift house into a marketing services company that not only continues to source and supply promotional products, but also has a division that focuses on Event Management and a specialist team for Reward and Recognition with Brownie Points. For more information on the complete range of services and what they can do for you, download the Nikoda brochure from the web site, or call Nikoda on 03 9909 7411 to arrange a consultation.

 

Question 15. What is sublimation printing?

Answer to Question 15. Dye-sublimation printers allow you to produce photo-lab-quality pictures. In dye-sublimation printing, colors are not laid down as individual dots, as is done in inkjet printers. Individual dots can be distinguished at a relatively close distance, making digital pictures look more realistic. The main difference between this and other types of printing has to do with heat. The vaporized colors permeate the surface of the paper, creating a gentle gradation at the edges of each pixel, instead of the conspicuous border between dye and paper produced by inkjets. And because the color infuses the paper, it is also less vulnerable to fading and distortion over time.