FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Questions, Answered with Spirit

At Big Spirit Inc., every project begins with connection. We take the time to help you clarify your goals, align your vision with the right promotional products and creative solutions, and transform your ideas into something tangible, meaningful, and lasting.

Whether you’re sourcing branded merchandise, apparel, signage, or thoughtful gifts, our team guides you every step of the way with integrity, accountability, and care.

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions our clients ask as we bring their visions to life.

General

How do I become a client of Big Spirit?

Start by contacting us by email at [email protected] or calling our team directly at 612-713-9456. We’ll schedule a short discovery call to understand your goals, timeline, and budget. From there, we’ll send a tailored quote or proposal and map out next steps.

I’m tax-exempt. What documents do you need?

Please provide your state-issued tax-exempt certificate or reseller’s permit along with your new account form. Once verified, we’ll apply the exemption to your invoice.

Why should I work with Big Spirit?

We’re a 100% Native-owned, values-driven partner known for responsive service, culturally conscious design, and reliable delivery. Clients trust us to handle complex projects. And we deliver on time, on brand, and with heart.

Who does Big Spirit work with?

We work with a wide range of partners, including government agencies, tribal entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions. We also team up with values-driven businesses and community organizations that share our commitment to integrity, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

What do I need before starting a project with Big Spirit?

To get started, we’ll need your print-ready, vector artwork files (such as .AI or .EPS—see details in Art & Design). We’ll also need details about your project, like quantities, colors, and any deadlines. Having your artwork ready ensures accurate quotes, faster turnaround, and the best print results. If you don’t have a vector file, our team can help you convert or recreate your design for production.

Promotional Products

I’m looking at your online catalog, and there are so many options. How do I begin?

Start by sharing your vision—your event, audience, or theme. We’ll narrow it down to a curated list of recommendations that fit your goals, budget, and brand identity.

I don’t see exactly what I’m looking for. Where do I go from here?

No problem. We source from hundreds of suppliers and can find (or create) nearly anything. From apparel and signage to custom packaging and gifts, we can make sure your project meets your marketing goals.

My order is small. Can you still help?

Yes, depending on the product. Some items have minimum quantities, but we’ll always try to find a creative solution that meets your needs and budget.

I need products made in the USA or Union-made. Can you ensure that?

Yes. We offer a full range of U.S.-made and union-made products.

Can you help me source sustainable or environmentally friendly products?

Absolutely. We work with vendors who specialize in eco-conscious materials, recycled textiles, and low-impact production. Let us know your priorities, and we’ll guide you toward the best options.

What decoration methods do you offer for apparel and products?

We offer a full range of decoration methods, including screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, sublimation, laser engraving, and debossing. It all just depends on the product. We’ll recommend the best method based on your artwork, quantity, budget, and overall vision.

Do you offer plus sizes and youth apparel sizes?

Yes. Most apparel lines include sizes from XS–4XL (often up to 6XL), along with youth and toddler options. Availability varies by brand and style, but we always aim for inclusive sizing so everyone feels represented and comfortable.

Can I get size samples or a sizing chart before ordering apparel?

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Because custom-decorated apparel is non-returnable, it’s important to confirm sizing before production. We can provide sizing charts, fabric details, and samples when available.

Please note that samples may require a small cost, depending on the style or quantity requested. Some sample fees may be credited toward your final order.

If uncertain, consider ordering a test size or sizing up for materials prone to shrinkage. Our goal is to help ensure everyone receives apparel that fits comfortably and confidently.

Ordering Process

How long will it take for me to receive my items?

Typical turnaround is 2–4 weeks after proof approval and payment, depending on the product, complexity, and season. Rush options are often available if you’re on a tight timeline. But keep in mind that rush options are an added expense.

Can I order a sample?

Yes, samples are available for many products to help you review quality and materials before ordering. Fees and shipping may apply and vary by item. Samples may arrive blank or pre-printed, are non-returnable, and may be credited toward your final order. Our team can confirm availability and costs before you order.

Can I order a spec sample?

Yes! Spec samples are available for most products before placing a full order. Fees vary by item and customization. If you move forward with an order, sample costs and setup fees may be waived on the final order. Please allow extra time for sample production and shipping. Our team will guide you through options and pricing before you decide. For additional information on when and why spec samples are recommended, please see the Art & Design section.

Can I see a proof before my items are created?

Always. Every project includes a digital art proof for your approval before production begins. No surprises!

Can I pick up my items at your office?

We don’t offer on-site pickup. All orders are shipped directly from our production facilities, which minimizes delays and reduces the need for extra handling.

My order is urgent! Can you accommodate rush orders?

We’ll do everything possible. Many of our manufacturing partners offer rush production for an additional fee, and we can also expedite shipping. Let’s discuss your deadline early so we can map out the best path.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept checks and major credit cards. New clients typically prepay before production; established clients may be eligible for Net 10–30 terms upon approval.

Do you provide fulfillment or shipping to multiple locations?

Yes. We can kit, package, and ship to multiple addresses—whether for events, staff mailings, or client gifts.

Art & Design

Do I need to send art before getting a quote?

Yes. To quote accurately, we need to see your design (even a draft). Artwork affects decoration method, imprint size, color count, and pricing. If you don’t have final art yet, send what you have, and we’ll guide you.

I don’t have a design or a designer. Can you help?

Yes! Our in-house design team can create or adapt artwork to fit your brand. Design services cost varies depending on complexity, and we’ll always provide an estimate before starting.

Can I use designs created in Canva?

Canva is a great tool for digital design, but some effects, gradients, and colors don’t consistently reproduce accurately in print. To ensure the best results, any Canva design must be converted into a print-ready vector file, with all colors specified in PMS or CMYK values. Our team may be able to assist in preparing or converting your files for production.

Resolution Requirements

For artwork that includes raster elements (photos, illustrations, or non-vector designs):

300 dpi is the minimum acceptable resolution
600 dpi is recommended for most raster artwork
1200 dpi is ideal for designs with fine detail

Low-resolution images may print blurry, pixelated, or distorted. We will notify you if your file needs cleanup or vector recreation.

What kind of art files do you need?

To ensure your logo or artwork prints crisp, clean, and accurate to color, we require a vector file. We need the editable version of your design that can be resized or adjusted without becoming blurry.

Regular image files (like photos, screenshots, or Canva designs) may look great on screen, but they won’t print properly.

Accepted Vector File Types:

.ai (Adobe Illustrator)
.eps (Vector format)
.svg (May be usable once converted to .ai or .eps)

If your file ends in .ai or .eps—for example, “art.eps”—and your text has been converted to outlines, you should be good to go.

Files that cannotbe used for printing:

.jpg
.png
.gif
.tiff
Canva exports (unless converted to vector)

Even high-resolution PNGs are still raster images, which are great for screens, but not editable for production.

Why is this important?

Colors and design elements can appear different once printed. This is a normal and well-documented effect influenced by:

Material & surface: fabrics, metals, plastics, paper, and ceramics reflect light differently
Ink absorption & interaction: materials absorb and disperse ink uniquely
Product color: background color affects how ink appears
Finish & texture: matte, glossy, soft-touch, or textured surfaces shift perception
Lighting conditions: colors vary under daylight, indoor, or event lighting
Screen vs physical product: monitors display backlit color, while printed items reflect light

Because of these variables, a design that looks perfect on screen may appear slightly different on a finished product.

Ordering a spec sample provides confidence in the final result and helps ensure your brand is represented exactly as intended.

When should I order a spec sample?

A spec (pre-production) sample is recommended, and sometimes required, when exact brand presentation is critical.

This includes situations involving:

Precise brand color matching
Gradients or complex artwork
Skin tones or photographic imagery
Fine details or small text
Large quantities or high-visibility use
Brand-sensitive campaigns or official merchandise

A spec sample allows you to confirm that your artwork, colors, and imprint method reproduce as expected before full production begins.

Common Misunderstanding:

“But I sent a high-resolution PNG!”
That’s just a picture of your design. It’s not the editable layers we need for production. It can’t be resized, recolored, or separated for printing and will blur or distort when enlarged.
Vector art is required for professional, accurate, and clean printing results.

Not Sure What You Have?
If someone else created your logo, ask for the original working file (usually .ai or .eps).
If those aren’t available, our team can recreate your logo in the correct format. Design costs vary by complexity, and we securely store your print-ready files for 1 year at no charge.

Please note: Artwork creation or corrections can add 1–2 weeks to your project timeline.

Brand Colors
If your project requires specific brand colors, please provide your brand or style guide, including:

PMS (Pantone Matching System) numbers
CMYK values

HEX codes (for example, #FF5733) are for digital screens and don’t translate accurately to print.

❌ We do not take on projects requiring exact skin tone matching or culturally sensitive color matching, as variations across materials and print methods make that level of precision unreliable.

What is a brand or style guide?
A brand guide and a style guide are the same thing. They both outline how your logo, colors, fonts, and visuals should appear across all materials. They help keep your branding consistent and professional. If you don’t have one, we can help identify the key details we’ll need to keep your project on-brand.

My design includes people’s faces. Can you match skin tones?
Projects that include skin tones, strong gradients, or heavy shading are difficult to reproduce consistently because print colors vary across materials and methods.
To avoid unpredictable results, we typically do not accept projects requiring precise tone-matching. If needed, we can help adjust your artwork for a more consistent and reliable print finish.

I need to personalize products. Can you do this?
Yes, we can individualize items with names, departments, event titles, and more. Personalization options vary by product.

I want to ensure my design will work for a specific product. Can you provide a template?
Definitely. We can send print or embroidery templates for most items so your design fits perfectly the first time.

Policies & Practicalities

Do you offer reorders, storage, or fulfillment services?

Yes, we can manage reorders, coordinate storage, and handle ongoing fulfillment programs, depending on the level of complexity.

Where can I learn more about file or color requirements?

See our Art & Design section above for complete details on file types, color matching, and artwork preparation.

Still Have Questions? Let’s Connect

No two projects are alike. And that’s what makes this work exciting. If you don’t see your question here, reach out. Our team is happy to walk you through ideas, timelines, and next steps to make sure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

You can call, email, or schedule a discovery call to get started. We look forward to partnering with you and helping your brand shine with purpose.

Miigwech — thank you for trusting Big Spirit Inc.

612-713-9456
[email protected]