How long does it take to produce custom or branded merchandise?
Most standard custom and branded merchandise projects take 4–6 weeks from when you first get in touch with Gemnote. This includes design and proofing, production, and shipping.
For standard decorated products, production typically takes 2–3 weeks after proof approval, followed by approximately 1 week for domestic shipping.
Timelines are estimates and may vary depending on the product, quantity, customization method, vendor capacity, proof approval, and shipping destination.
What is the standard production process?
1. Design and virtual proofs
Once your artwork or design is submitted, our team prepares virtual proofs showing the product, logo placement, and decoration details.
You'll review and approve the proof before production begins. Any revisions or delays in approval may affect the overall timeline.
2. Full production — typically 2–3 weeks
After proof approval, your order moves into production. Depending on the product, this may involve printing, embroidery, engraving, stitching, or other approved decoration methods.
3. Shipping — approximately 1 week domestically
Once production is complete, your order ships to the designated location.
International shipping may take longer due to carrier transit times, customs clearance, and destination-country requirements.
What about projects with longer lead times?
Some products require additional development or specialized manufacturing.
Non-standard customization
Projects involving specialty tags, patches, custom packaging, special finishes, or complex decoration methods may take 4–6 weeks or longer after final proof approval, depending on the product and vendor.
Fully custom products
Fully custom items, such as cut-and-sew merchandise or products manufactured from scratch, typically take 3–4 months.
These projects may involve:
- Design and engineering: Reviewing specifications, tech packs, materials, and product construction
- Blank sampling: Creating a sample to confirm sizing, structure, and materials
- Decorated sampling: Producing a sample with the approved artwork or customization
- Full production: Manufacturing the final quantity after sample approval
- Shipping: Arranging delivery, which may include international freight or ocean shipping
Fully custom products may also have higher minimum order quantities, often 1,000+ units, depending on the product and supplier.
Can I rush production?
Yes, rush production may be available for select custom and branded merchandise projects, but it isn't guaranteed.
Rush requests are reviewed case by case based on product availability, vendor capacity, production requirements, proof approval, and your requested in-hand date.
Rush production fees start at $250. Additional supplier rush fees, expedited shipping charges, or special handling costs may apply.
If you have a firm delivery deadline, share your requested in-hand date in this chat so our team can review whether the timeline is possible.
Important: This article covers production for custom and branded merchandise projects. Company Swag Store orders follow a separate fulfillment timeline, and their rush fulfillment policy is different from rush production.
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