Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I place an order or send a product request?
How do I place an order or send a product request?
All orders begin as a product request by email or phone. We'll need the product #, quantity, description, artwork and any details to get you an accurate quote. We have live specialists that can help you find the perfect promotional item for your project. You can always place your order request via our toll-free phone, via email, by fax, or view our "How To Order" page. All order requests will be confirmed by PHONE or EMAIL and an emailed order and payment form confirmation sent to you. More detailed information is available from our 'order' section of the site or feel free to call us directly at 401-841-5646. Your order is not entered until your completed authorization form (which confirms all pricing, and details) is sent back to us.
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How do I find products I'm looking for?
How do I find products I'm looking for?
Look right on the top of the home page! PRODUCT SEARCH box will bring you to our entire catalog where you can search by category, keyword, price, color, or theme. You can find product categories on our site by clicking any category link in the product guide in the left corner on the home page, or by clicking our 'search all products' links on the site. You call always call us directly if easier for LIVE help 401-841-5646.
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What if I don't see the products I'm looking for?
What if I don't see the products I'm looking for?
A Better Idea has access to thousands of products! Our site is merely a sample of what we have to offer. If you're looking for something specific, looking to find items to fit your theme, or just don't see quite what you're looking for on our site, give us a call toll-free at 800-520-1691 or 401-841-5646 or e-mail us. Our experienced team of over 30 years will be glad to offer some great suggestions.
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How does A Better Idea! accept payment?
How does A Better Idea! accept payment?
A Better Idea accepts payment via credit card, wire transfer, money order or check. If it is your first time ordering from us, or if you have more detailed questions, click here to read our payment terms. All orders over $5000 require pre-payment by check.
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Do you have any sales or specials?
Do you have any sales or specials?
Yes! We offer many sales and specials on a regular basis. Check out our 'specials' page. We try to update our site as much as possible with online sales flyers.
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How long does it take to receive my order?
How long does it take to receive my order?
It can vary depending on the products you order, but most products from A Better Idea will ship within 10 working days from the time the order is placed with art and payment complete. Each product is different, and we have some 2-5 day rush production and some 15-20 day production times. In most cases 8-10 days are an average. Quantity and artwork will affect your production time, but once order is in production, we meet ALL event dates and don't take any orders we can't deliver! ALWAYS call us if you are in a rush, and we can perform miracles in many cases! It will depend on you as well, how quickly we get your proof approval and how quickly we get your signed order form returned. We do offer rush service on many items. Call or email our team for details.
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My event is less than two weeks away!! Can you still help?
My event is less than two weeks away!! Can you still help?
Yes! Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and call our team now at 401-841-5646 to get your order in! We offer rush service on thousands of items. The best way to avoid any time delays is to have as much detail about your order together when you call. You must have artwork ready to email us and your emailed order form and payment back to us promptly
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How do I prepare my artwork so you can reproduce it?
How do I prepare my artwork so you can reproduce it?
Don't worry. We're here to help! If you have your artwork (logos, text, layout) just email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for review. The best printing is from your "high resolution" logo files. (.pdf, .eps, .ai, .tiff, .jpg etc, and 300 dpi resolution is best) We're happy to send you our "artwork specs" sheet, or you can click on the "Send Artwork" link to send what you have. We can ALWAYS help with art re-creation! We have graphic designers on our staff that can in most cases clean up and re-draw logos for additional cost. We can always help with your artwork so give us a call! To read more about our artwork guidelines, click here. Keep in mind that you will ALWAYS see and sign approval of your "PDF artwork proof layout" before going into full production
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Can I specify which ink colors to use?
Can I specify which ink colors to use?
If not specified, we will use industry standard colors. If your design requires a specific ink color, please specify a color using the Pantone Color Matching System (PMS #). While every effort will be made to match the requested color, in some cases we cannot guarantee exact color matches due to the nature of the material we are printing on or the printing process. We always strive to get near match in those cases.
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Can I specify which fonts to use?
Can I specify which fonts to use?
Yes, always! We do this every day, and we always print in your font. We have hundreds of fonts on file, but we may not have your exact font. When possible, it's always best to email your font if it is special, or not one of the 10-20 most popular fonts in use. Keep in mind that certain fonts that are too thin or too detailed may not reproduce well. For questions about fonts, just give us a call at 401-841-5646. Keep in mind that you will ALWAYS see and sign approval of your "PDF artwork proof layout" before going into full production
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How will you ship my order?
How will you ship my order?
Ground shipping is standard if you have time for your event. On your order form you can choose your preferred method of shipment (UPS, Fed Ex, Ground, 2 day etc.). We can always expedite shipping per your request or if needed to meet a specific in-hands date. WE MEET ALL IN-HANDS DATES!! A popular method is on your own UPS or FedEx account, although we can use our FedEx or UPS and add it to your charges. We offer our clients "third party shipping" on your own shipper account, at your own rates which may save you money - and there is no cost to use your own account! If you prefer to use your account, please include your shipping acct# and account holder on your order form or email us the details. On your detailed order form we list all the methods and options. If shipping via an expedited method, we will ship UPS Air or FedEx Air to meet your event.
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I'm unable to reach you live by phone or on chat right now?
I'm unable to reach you live by phone or on chat right now?
Rest assured, we're here! In most cases, your going to get a LIVE team member who will be able to answer any of your questions, get your pricing, check on stock, and get you a quick order form!! But, it's the nature of modern business, that sometime you get a VM message isn't it. Voice Mail uggg! With multiple phone lines, we do sometimes get long winded helping clients and our phones are all in use. Trust us, we're here to help and we want your business! The best method to reach us is always by "email" since we are always online, even during phone calls - so we can easily let you know we'll call you back soon! We love our clients, and we will take time to explain about products, ideas and hear detailed info about their projects - In some cases, you will get a voice mail message of a team member here, and it can be annoying - but we are getting your messages! We will return your call - We know your time is important, and we don't ever want to turn away business. Just email us right away if you get a Voice Mail message.
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I can't decide. Can you offer me any ideas?
I can't decide. Can you offer me any ideas?
Yes! All we have to sell is OUR IDEAS!! After all our name is "A BETTER IDEA" and we promise just that! We have over 40 years of experience, and have a team of creative staff members who can offer you the most unique, creative and best priced promotional product advertising items. We have plenty of great ideas to suggest, popular promos, trending products, and theme suggestions. Just tell us all about your event for a "Better Idea"!