Q: What printing process do you use to image your products?

A: We use Dye Sublimation which is a process used in the promotion and gifts industry to permanently transfer full colour photographic images onto specially prepared substrate blanks (mugs, awards, shirts, etc.) using patented ink, heat and pressure.

Using sublimation, we can decorate a vast array of surfaces from ceramics to plastics, metal, wood, stone, glass, acrylics, fabrics and even leather.

We take a customer’s image and expertly print it onto a transfer medium (paper or film) using special patented inks. We then secure the transfer over the product to be printed and apply pressure and heat using a special press. At a around 190°c, the pore microstructure of the product opens up, and at the same time, the special sublimation ink fires out of the transfer medium into the product. When the heat and pressure is removed, the products’ pores close down permanently sealing in the ink and image. The transfer medium is removed to leave a stunning, hard wearing and high res imaged product ready for resale into the gifting or promotional sectors.

The process is ideal for one off personalisation right through to higher volume mass customisation.

Q: What is different about your range of products?

A: Other ‘Me too’ fulfillers all use lower quality, standard off the shelf products manufactured in China then spend very little time and attention perfecting high quality images on them. Marvelpress is different; we have spent a lot of time and expense developing our own range of premium, patented products. We then offer these Marvelpress exclusives along with a large range high quality products sourced expressly for their high quality image receptiveness and durability.

Q: I am looking for a specific product I would like imaging but can’t see it in your catalogue – can you help?

A: In many cases yes - please ask one of our representatives for more information. We have access to a large range of sublimatable blanks and can add them to our product list if you can commit to a sufficient volume.

Q: What is your minimum order quantity for printed products?

A: There is no minimum order – our process is ideal for one off personalisation. There is no need to buy hundreds or even thousands to make it economical. There is not a massive difference between our unit price for 1 or for 1000’s.

Q: Do you provide volume discounts?

A: Yes, our usual price breaks are 1-99; 100-499 and 500+. Please contact us for further details.

Q: Do I need to carry stock?

A: No, we carry the stock and print it for you on demand and turn it around quickly so it is delivered to you to distribute or sent directly to you customer blind drop shipped. Think of us as a white warehouse.

Q: Will I have to sign a contract?

A: No, there is nothing holding you to our services. We rely on our excellent service and outstanding imaged results to keep you coming back - just order on demand when you need the imaged product.

Q: What is your turnaround time once the image is supplied?

A: Our stated time is for the product to be printed and shipped within 2 days for normal sized orders but often goes out the same day.

Q: Will my customers think that the products are from Marvelpress?

A: Our products unbranded, sent out in white label packaging and are blind drop shipped ensuring no one knows Marvelpress is involved at all.

Q: Can we have our own branded packaging used when an order is sent out of imaging your facility?

A: Yes, we can provided a branded packaging service by either using what boxing you provide us or alternatively we can organise to have your requirements printed and supplied by a local partner . Please contact us for details.

Q: Can you match Pantone reference colours?

A: No but we can come very close through trial and error on large repeat orders. The sublimation process has a narrower palate of colours available so it can be tricky matching them exactly. We do have a process available to match colours but it can be complex and time consuming so we only offer a matching service on larger repeat orders of the same image.

Q: How Durable is the printing on your products?

A: Because our process prints directly into the microstructure of the product and does not just sit on the surface, all our images do not rub off, are scratch resistant and dish washer safe. To ensure the colours stay vibrant for longer however, we recommend hand washing the drinkware range. The Sublimation process uses special reactive inks that do not contain pigments. As a result, sublimation printed products are not recommended for prolonged use outside. Direct UV will fade the images over time but they will stand up extremely well under reflective or artificial light.

Q: Why does Marvelpress deliver the best printed results in the industry?

A: We are imaging experts with over 20 years of sublimation experience. We employ a full complement of R&D specialists, colour profilers and chemists who intimately understand how to get the best out of sublimation. We start with the best ink, transfer media, blank substrates and machinery available. We add to that attention to detail and highly trained operators and you get the industry’s premier business to business print fulfilment service.

Q: How does Marvelpress deliver the lowest return rates of any sublimation fulfillment service?

A: As above, our expertise really makes the difference. Knowing the potential pitfalls of demanding large volume fulfilment operations has enabled Marvelpress to design a proprietary workflow system that almost completely eliminates printing and order errors. This proprietary smart system allows you have full control over orders, providing production monitoring in real time and enabling problems to be solved before they occur.

Q: How should I format my images to make them ready for your process?

A: Currently, our workflow accepts jpgs and psd files (expanding to most files formats by summer 2013). We recommend that submitted images should be high quality with a minimum dpi of 200. The maximum file size accepted is 6GB. You can find the required image dimensions for each product on our Marvelpress price list (insert link). For more complex products (requiring knowledge of critical image areas) like smartphone cases, please see our 2/3D Design Guideline documents (please insert links).

Q: How do I get my images to you?

A: Marvelpress offers several solutions for submitting and managing your orders. Each method is suited to certain custom requirements and order volumes. Orders can be submitted manually via e-mail or customer portal; or through Automated Website Connectivity via: API, drop in image suite or skinned website. Please click here for more details (insert link to connectivity navigation tab) or contact us to find out more.

Q: Can I order printed samples?

A: Yes, please contact us for more details.

Q: Are Marvelpress services available to both businesses and end consumers?

A: No, we only supply other business. We do not offer our services to end users or compete with our business customers. We are a white box warehouse and are committed to staying hidden from your clients.

Q: Where are your products made?

A: All our products are either made in Britain for our UK or European clients or in Salt Lake City for our American clients.