Project Overview
Client Background
ALWAMA SOLUTIONS, based in the Czech Republic, requested a bespoke batch of carabiners shaped like a passenger vehicle. The initial requirement was for only 200 pieces, allowing them to test the product’s market potential. Gifts Service, founded in 2005, specialises in delivering promotional merchandise directly from trusted factories and agreed to fulfil this smaller-scale order while maintaining high standards of quality.
Purpose of the Project
Produce car-shaped carabiners in a specific colour and finish.
Provide clear branding through laser etching or single-colour printing.
Complete production and shipping within approximately 19 days.
Key Stakeholders & Collaboration Scope
ALWAMA SOLUTIONS: Submitted the request, supplied vector logo files, and approved final designs.
Gifts Service Team: Prepared the quotation, finalised the design, and oversaw production and logistics.
Manufacturing Partners: Agreed to a lower-than-usual minimum order quantity, adjusted colours, performed engraving, and handled quality checks.
Website Overview
For further details on our custom promotional products, please visit Gifts Service. Our website offers a wide array of items, including various carabiners, sourced directly from reliable manufacturers.
Objectives
Precise Product Specifications
Ensure the carabiners feature a clearly recognisable car shape.
Honour the requested colour scheme (initially gold, subsequently changed to dark grey).
Branding Requirements
Incorporate ALWAMA SOLUTIONS’ logo via laser etching or single-colour printing.
Adhere to the vector-based logo files and Pantone colour references supplied by the client.
Transparent Pricing
Clearly outline the per-unit cost, setup fee, and branding charges in British pounds (GBP).
Include shipping expenses in the quote to avoid unexpected costs.
Delivery Timeline
Complete production and dispatch within roughly 19 days following final design approval.
Accommodate the smaller order volume without compromising on product quality.
Process Timeline
1. Initial Enquiry & Specification (21 October 2024)
Client Enquiry: ALWAMA SOLUTIONS requested 200 gold, car-shaped carabiners as a trial batch.
Pricing Estimate: Gifts Service provided an approximate £2.50 per piece (converted from 69.95 CZK), plus a £71 production setup fee (converted from 1985 CZK) and about £0.32 per piece for laser engraving (converted from 9 CZK).
Scope Confirmation: Standard manufacturing typically requires 500 or more pieces, but the factory agreed to a smaller 200-piece run, which led to a slightly higher unit cost.
2. Quotation & Approval (21–24 October 2024)
Itemised Quote: Gifts Service emailed a breakdown of all costs, including shipping to its office in Prague.
Logo Files: ALWAMA SOLUTIONS provided the logo in vector format (PDF), complete with Pantone references.
Client Approval: The client approved both the quotation and the preliminary production layout.
3. Design Finalisation (24–29 October 2024)
Colour Revision: Early “gold” samples appeared more orange, prompting ALWAMA SOLUTIONS to request a darker grey instead.
Updated Layout: In consultation with the factory, Gifts Service changed the colour and added ALWAMA SOLUTIONS’ logo for 200 pieces.
Preproduction Sign-Off: After reviewing the revised proof, the client gave final approval to proceed.
4. Production & Delivery (29 October–17 November 2024)
Manufacturing: The factory produced 200 dark-grey carabiners, each laser-etched with ALWAMA SOLUTIONS’ logo.
Quality Control: Gifts Service inspected the colour accuracy, carabiner functionality, and engraving clarity.
Dispatch: All items were sent to Gifts Service’s office for final checks and then handed over to ALWAMA SOLUTIONS, meeting the 19-day deadline.
Challenges and Solutions
Colour Discrepancy
Challenge: The initial “gold” hue appeared more orange than anticipated.
Solution: Switched to a dark-grey finish, based on prompt feedback from ALWAMA SOLUTIONS. Continuous email and WeChat communication prevented production delays.
Minimum Order Requirements
Challenge: The factory generally requires 500+ pieces for custom colours.
Solution: Gifts Service successfully negotiated a 200-piece batch. Although the per-unit price was slightly higher, this met the client’s needs for a smaller trial order.
Detailed Logo Application
Challenge: Preserving the clarity of the client’s logo on a small, irregular surface.
Solution: Laser etching replaced single-colour printing to ensure finer detail and greater durability.
Tight Production Schedule
Challenge: The client insisted on completion within about 19 days.
Solution: By streamlining design approvals and maintaining a steady feedback loop, Gifts Service adhered to the tight timeline.
Outcomes
Final Deliverables
Quantity: 200 dark-grey, car-shaped carabiners with ALWAMA SOLUTIONS’ logo.
Consistent Branding: Laser etching ensured precise reproduction of the logo, retaining font and colour references.
On-Time Delivery: Production and dispatch were completed within the agreed 19-day period.
Client Satisfaction
Transparent Costs: ALWAMA SOLUTIONS appreciated the detailed breakdown of unit pricing, setup fees, and shipping expenses, all in pounds sterling.
Positive Feedback: The final dark-grey colour met the client’s revised aesthetic requirements, and the etched logo displayed excellent clarity.
Budget Fidelity
No Hidden Expenses: The final invoice matched the previously quoted figures, enhancing the client’s trust.
Competitive Pricing: Despite a smaller order size, Gifts Service maintained cost-effectiveness, showcasing flexibility in production.
Potential for Future Collaborations
Scalability: Gifts Service demonstrated its ability to handle low-volume and high-volume custom orders.
Adaptability: With this successful trial, ALWAMA SOLUTIONS may explore other custom shapes or product lines, leveraging the same efficient process.
Key Takeaways
Proactive, Clear Communication
Frequent updates via email and WeChat enabled prompt design adjustments and swift decision-making.
Flexible Production Approach
Accommodating a reduced minimum order gave ALWAMA SOLUTIONS the chance to test the market without overcommitting resources.
High-Fidelity Branding
Laser etching preserved the logo’s detail, a crucial element for a professional finish on custom-shaped items.
Transparent Costing
Providing a full cost breakdown in GBP eliminated confusion over pricing and boosted client confidence.
Conclusion
By adapting the usual manufacturing framework to a smaller-scale order, Gifts Service successfully delivered 200 bespoke, car-shaped carabiners that aligned with ALWAMA SOLUTIONS’ design and quality requirements. The blend of precise branding, efficient communication, and reliable logistics ensured punctual delivery and competitive pricing.
Interested in creating your own distinctive promotional products?
Contact Gifts Service today to discuss your ideas. Whether you require 200 items or 2,000, we’ll provide factory-direct expertise tailored to your brand’s unique vision.
