Five mistakes people make on a first order
Five mistakes repeat on first orders: sending a pixel logo file, choosing a light colour on kraft, pushing the logo to the edge, treating size and fold as separate decisions, and under-calculating quantity. All five can be caught before the proof stage, and all five extend the schedule.
1. A pixel logo file
No plate can be made from a PNG or JPG. The file comes back, the logo has to be vectorised, and that adds days. Confirming a vector file exists before ordering is the easiest time you will ever save.
2. A light colour on kraft
Kraft is coloured and absorbent. Yellow, pale blue and especially white read weakly against it. Artwork that looks right on screen arrives washed out. If kraft is chosen, settle on a single dark colour.
3. Pushing the logo to the edge
Anything crossing outside the safe area risks being trimmed. Artwork should be placed over the template and the inner line checked before it is sent.
4. Treating size and fold separately
What shows on a napkin is not the open size but one face of the folded size. A logo centred on the open dimension can land on a fold. The two are chosen together.
5. Under-calculating quantity
Annual requirement is routinely underestimated, and a second order lands mid-season — at a higher unit price and with a fresh lead time. Calculating from cover counts removes most of this.
Frequently asked
- Would the proof stage not catch these?
- Most of them, yes — but every correction round adds to the schedule. Getting it right first shortens delivery.
- Is a small trial order sensible?
- It is, as long as you expect a higher unit price. For trialling, samples and a proof are usually the cheaper route.
Last updated: 2026-09-13