Project Overview
Client Background
ALWAMA SOLUTIONS, based in the Czech Republic, placed a request for a specialised batch of carabiners shaped like a passenger vehicle. The initial order was only 200 pieces to gauge market interest. Gifts Service, founded in 2005, specialises in factory-direct promotional items and agreed to fulfil this smaller-scale order while maintaining high standards of quality control.
Purpose of the Project
Produce car-shaped carabiners in a specified colour and finish.
Provide clear branding via laser etching or single-colour printing.
Complete production and shipping within approximately 19 days.
Key Stakeholders & Scope
ALWAMA SOLUTIONS: Submitted the enquiry, provided vector-based logo files, and approved the final designs.
Gifts Service Team: Prepared the quote, finalised the design, and coordinated production and logistics.
Manufacturing Partners: Accommodated a lower-than-usual minimum order, handled colour adjustments, engraving, and quality checks.
Website Overview
For more insights into our custom promotional products, please visit Gifts Service. The website offers a variety of carabiners and other merchandise, directly sourced from trusted factories.
Objectives
Accurate Product Specifications
Ensure the carabiners feature a recognisable car outline.
Honour the requested colour scheme (initially gold, subsequently adjusted to dark grey).
Branding Requirements
Incorporate ALWAMA SOLUTIONS’ logo via laser etching or single-colour printing.
Follow the vector-based artwork and Pantone references supplied by the client.
Transparent Pricing
Clearly detail the per-unit cost, setup fee, and branding charges in Australian dollars (AUD).
Factor shipping expenses into the overall quote to avoid unanticipated fees.
Delivery Timeline
Complete production and dispatch within roughly 19 days of 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 carabiners shaped like passenger cars, originally in a “gold” finish.
Pricing Estimate: Gifts Service quoted around AU$3.20 per piece (converted from 69.95 CZK), plus a AU$90 production setup fee (converted from 1985 CZK) and roughly AU$0.40 per piece for laser engraving (converted from 9 CZK).
Scope Confirmation: Standard manufacturing typically requires 500+ pieces, but the factory agreed to produce a 200-piece run at a slightly higher unit cost.
2. Quotation & Approval (21–24 October 2024)
Comprehensive Quote: Gifts Service supplied an itemised breakdown of all costs, including delivery to its facility in Prague.
Logo Files: ALWAMA SOLUTIONS provided the logo in PDF (vector) format, including Pantone colour specifications.Client Approval: The client agreed to the quote and approved a preliminary production layout.
3. Design Finalisation (24–29 October 2024)
Colour Adjustment: The initial gold sample looked more orange than intended, so the client requested a switch to dark grey.
Revised Artwork: Gifts Service collaborated with the factory to change the colour and apply the ALWAMA SOLUTIONS logo to 200 pieces.
Preproduction Sign-Off: Once the updated design was reviewed and approved, production commenced.
4. Production & Delivery (29 October–17 November 2024)
Manufacturing: The factory produced 200 dark-grey carabiners, each laser-etched with ALWAMA SOLUTIONS’ logo.
Quality Assurance: Gifts Service checked for accurate colouration, carabiner functionality, and clear engraving.
Dispatch: Goods were shipped to Gifts Service for final inspection before reaching ALWAMA SOLUTIONS within the 19-day timeframe.
Challenges and Solutions
Colour Discrepancy
Challenge: The original “gold” tone appeared more orange under production conditions.
Solution: Opted for dark grey, based on the client’s quick feedback. Frequent email and WeChat updates prevented any hold-ups in the production schedule.
Minimum Order Quantity
Challenge: The factory usually sets a 500-piece minimum for custom colours.
Solution: Gifts Service negotiated a 200-piece batch, agreeing to a modestly higher cost per piece so the client could test the market.
Detailed Logo Application
Challenge: Capturing fine details on a small, irregular carabiner surface.
Solution: Laser etching was chosen over single-colour printing, ensuring crisp branding and long-lasting durability.
Short Lead Time
Challenge: ALWAMA SOLUTIONS required completion within approximately 19 days.
Solution: Streamlined design approvals and a responsive feedback loop allowed Gifts Service to meet the tight schedule without compromising quality.
Outcomes
Final Deliverables
Quantity: 200 dark-grey carabiners etched with the ALWAMA SOLUTIONS logo.
Consistent Branding: Laser etching preserved the precise look of the client’s brand assets.
On-Time Completion: Manufacture and delivery were wrapped up within the agreed 19 days.
Client Satisfaction
Transparent Costs: The client valued the detailed breakdown of per-piece pricing, setup fees, and shipping in AUD.
Positive Feedback: ALWAMA SOLUTIONS was pleased with the dark-grey finish and the high-resolution logo etching.
Budget Adherence
No Hidden Fees: The final invoice matched the initial quote, maintaining client trust.
Value-Driven: Even at a smaller volume, Gifts Service delivered a quality product at a competitive price.
Potential for Further Collaboration
Scalability: This successful trial run demonstrated Gifts Service’s capacity to handle both small and large orders.
Versatility: Should the dark-grey carabiners gain traction, ALWAMA SOLUTIONS may explore additional shapes or merchandise lines.
Key Takeaways
Proactive, Clear Communication
Consistent email and WeChat updates minimised guesswork and ensured design adjustments were finalised promptly.
Flexible Production Options
Allowing a lower minimum order empowered ALWAMA SOLUTIONS to gauge market interest without overcommitting stock or budget.
High-Fidelity Branding
Laser etching delivered superior logo clarity and durability, crucial for a promotional product’s professional appearance.
Transparent Quoting Process
Providing a cost breakdown in Australian dollars reduced confusion and underscored the reliability of Gifts Service’s pricing.
Conclusion
By adapting standard factory processes to accommodate a smaller custom run, Gifts Service successfully delivered 200 car-shaped carabiners tailored to ALWAMA SOLUTIONS’ exact requirements. A blend of precise branding, swift communication, and structured logistics ensured the order was fulfilled on schedule and within budget.
Looking to bring your own custom promotional ideas to life?
Contact Gifts Service today. Whether you need 200 items or 2,000, we offer factory-direct expertise to help your brand stand out in the market.
