ZERUI INDUSTRY / PRACTICAL PROCUREMENT
Customization Terms & FAQ
How are artwork, revisions, samples, MOQ and lead times agreed?
Short answer
Follow file and specification submission, technical review and quotation, proof approval, sampling where agreed, and production scheduling. Agree the artwork and dimensions first, then the quantity, costs and timing. Use this page to prepare your project; the quotation, approved proof and order confirmation define the agreed specification.
| Topic | What to prepare and agree |
|---|---|
| Vector artwork & drawings | Prefer vector artwork; specify 1:1 dimensions, units, holes and colours. |
| Proof approval | Check the revision and every detail; approve in writing before the relevant production step. |
| Artwork revisions | Consolidate feedback; agree the revision scope, rounds and cost in the quotation. |
| Samples | Distinguish material samples from custom prototypes; agree checks and costs first. |
| MOQ & quantities | Quote by part number and process; request sample, small-run and production quantities separately. |
| Lead-time planning | Planning windows: 2–6 weeks for first orders, 2–4 for repeats; confirm the actual schedule per order. |
01 · Vector artwork and production drawings
Use vector artwork for logos, small text, linework and cutting outlines. Supply SVG, a PDF retaining vector objects, or AI / EPS source artwork. A DXF / DWG file plus a dimensioned PDF can define outlines and holes. These recommendations concern artwork handoff; see the FAQ for Design Studio import formats.
- Work at 1:1 finished size with mm or inch identified. Dimension the outline, thickness, hole diameters and centres, corner radii and mounting orientation, with tolerances for critical features.
- Outline production lettering where practical, retaining an editable source and a readable proof. Identify fonts if text remains live. Embed or supply linked images to avoid missing assets and font substitutions.
- Separate graphics, cutting outlines, holes, etched areas and colour fills. Identify front/back views and brushing direction. Supply spot-colour references or a physical sample; screen colour is for communication.
- For photographic raster content, around 300 ppi at final reproduction size is a preparation starting point; keep fine lettering and lines vector where possible. Placing a low-resolution JPG in a PDF or renaming it does not create vectors.
- Review minimum type, line widths, bleed, safe margins and stencil bridges for the selected process. Supply exact QR/barcode payloads and any variable-data schedule.
02 · Drawing and proof approval
Use an identified revision of the approved proof as the production reference. Online designs, enquiries and preview downloads communicate requirements; record artwork approval separately from order confirmation.
- Submit the actual text, artwork, dimensions, material, finish, mounting, quantity and service conditions. For variable information, identify the field rules and dataset revision.
- Review manufacturability, dimensions and artwork, then define sampling requirements, cost items and the proposed schedule.
- Check spelling, model numbers, units, symbols, front/back views, colours, holes, material thickness, serial numbers and decoded scan results.
- Approve in writing with the drawing number or filename, revision and approval date. If changes are needed, return a consolidated list and approve the updated revision.
- Proceed to sampling or production under the agreed order conditions. Where sample approval is specified, approve the sample before the production run.
03 · Revisions and version control
Use one consolidated change list per round and identify the proof it replaces. The quotation defines included adjustments, revision rounds and any additional artwork charges. Agree extra cost or schedule changes before carrying them out.
- Before approval, distinguish corrections and layout adjustments from a new design direction, material, size, construction or additional graphics.
- After approval, first check tooling, material preparation and production status, then assess the change, relevant costs already incurred and revised timing. Explicitly approve the new revision.
- For revised serial or QR datasets, identify the new version and check start/end values, quantity, duplicates and decoded samples.
- For a repeat order, provide the previous order or drawing reference and confirm whether material, artwork, colour and mounting remain the same. Review changed items again.
04 · Samples and prototyping
Define what the sample needs to verify, then choose a reference sample or a custom prototype. List colour, metal texture, mounting fit and code readability as separate checks where relevant.
- Reference samples help compare materials, processes and finishes. Availability and designs are confirmed for the request; they do not approve your project's dimensions or artwork.
- Custom prototypes follow the approved proof. Agree quantity, material, process, mounting and checks, then confirm the sample quotation and schedule.
- Check outline and holes, text, colour and finish, then trial-fit on the actual mounting surface. Validate codes at final size with the intended scanning equipment.
- Record the approved sample revision and review result. If adjustments are needed, identify what must be remade or rechecked before production.
- State sample, setup/tooling and delivery costs separately in the quotation, including any agreed credit against a later order.
05 · MOQ and quantity breaks
MOQ is determined by part number, material, dimensions and process combination and stated in the quotation. Submit single-sample, small-run or production requirements for review of feasible quantities and costs. Default quantities and shortcuts in the designer are enquiry inputs.
- State the quantity for each part number. Different sizes, materials, colours or processes are not automatically combined to meet a minimum.
- If only serials or code payloads vary within one layout, supply the data rules and confirm whether one production batch can be quoted.
- Request price breaks for the quantities you actually need and compare unit price, setup/tooling and total cost. A small run may involve a minimum processing charge.
- Agree sample quantity, production MOQ and repeat-order quantity separately. Prototype availability does not automatically define production quantity terms.
06 · Lead-time windows and start conditions
For orders of 100 pcs, lead time is 2 weeks from receipt of payment. For project planning, allow a production window of 2–6 weeks for a first order and 2–4 weeks for an unchanged repeat. These are enquiry-planning references. The quotation and order confirmation state the actual production period and expected dispatch date; account separately for artwork review, sample approval and transit.
- For orders of 100 pcs, lead time is 2 weeks from receipt of payment.
- Start conditions: written artwork/specification approval and agreed order conditions, including any specified payment, sample approval or information requirements. The quotation should state whether timing uses working or calendar days.
- Samples: schedule prototype production, delivery and customer review separately, including any required resampling.
- Quantity, material supply, plating/finishes, multicolour work, special cutouts, tooling and inspection requirements may change the production window.
- Rush requests: provide the required arrival date, destination and acceptable partial-delivery options for a capacity, logistics and cost review.
- Changes and shipping: review the schedule after an approved-proof change. Distinguish completion/dispatch from arrival, allowing separately for international transit and customs.
Follow-up questions
Which vector files should I provide?
Prefer SVG, a PDF retaining vectors, or AI / EPS artwork. Add DXF / DWG and a dimensioned PDF for geometry. Work at 1:1 finished size and identify units, fonts, colours and the revision.
Can I start with a photograph, screenshot or JPG?
Yes, as an enquiry reference. Technical review determines whether redrawing or vector recreation is needed and quotes the work. Prepare photographs at around 300 ppi at final size; provide vectors for fine lettering and logos where possible.
Can Design Studio import all these formats directly?
Image import supports PNG, JPEG and WebP; JSON restores an editable project. Supply AI, EPS, PDF, DXF and DWG production files separately for technical review. The studio exports SVG, PDF and JSON for subsequent review.
What must I check before approving the proof?
Check the revision, all text and units, material and thickness, dimensions and tolerances, holes, colours, finish, fixing, serials and code payloads. Identify the approved file and revision in your written response.
Does a preview or enquiry start production?
No. A preview communicates the concept. Technical review, written artwork approval and the agreed order conditions precede sampling or production. The enquiry form saves specifications and notes; supply the complete artwork files for review.
How many revisions are included, and are they charged?
The quotation defines included adjustments, rounds and costs. Consolidate each round of feedback. Agree additional work and cost before changing the design direction, construction or material, or adding graphics.
Can I change the artwork after approval?
First check tooling, material preparation and production status, then agree feasible changes, related cost and timing. Issue a new revision and obtain written approval again.
How do I request a sample, and is it free?
Specify whether you need a material/finish reference or a custom prototype, and list the checks required. Availability, quantity, sample cost, shipping and any later order credit are confirmed in the quotation.
What is the minimum order quantity?
MOQ is determined for each part number's material, size and process and stated in the quotation. Submit single-sample, small-run or production needs for review; the designer's default quantity is not a committed production MOQ.
How much time should I allow for custom nameplates?
For planning, allow 2–6 weeks of production for a first order and 2–4 weeks for an unchanged repeat. These are enquiry references; the quotation and order confirmation set the actual schedule. Add artwork review, sampling, transit and customs separately.
When does the lead time start?
For orders of 100 pcs, lead time is 2 weeks from receipt of payment. For other projects: After written artwork/specification approval and the agreed order conditions, including any specified payment, sample approval or information requirements. Use the working-day or calendar-day basis stated in the quotation.
What is the lead time for 100 pcs?
For orders of 100 pcs, lead time is 2 weeks from receipt of payment.
How are rush, partial-delivery and repeat orders arranged?
Provide the required arrival date, destination, quantity and acceptable partial deliveries. For repeats, include the previous order or drawing reference and identify changes. Confirm timing and costs against capacity, materials and logistics.
Does the QR payload need separate approval?
Yes. The code's payload field controls its content. Check the exact text, URL or linked-number rule; changing a plate title does not necessarily update the code. For variable codes, also approve the dataset, quantity and decoded samples.
Independent technical reading
Guidance on converting text to paths while retaining an editable copy for revisions.