- Team BIDBI
- 9th May 2018
Do you have a question for us? We've put together this handy list of 99 questions we've been asked in the past to guide you on your eco bag journey.
Tip: To search for a specific question, just use your browsers search function (Ctrl + F on Windows) or (Cmd + F on Mac) to see if it has been answered below.
1. What it your MOQ?
Our minimum order quantity is 200 pieces. However, this may vary for certain products/finishes. If you need a small order of bags, head over to Doodle Bag where you can order as little as 1 bag.
2. What’s difference between organic/fair-trade certified compared to rest of your products?
Our organic products are manufactured using only natural production techniques and ingredients. For instance, organic cotton doesn’t use any pesticide in its production process. The Fair Trade Certification means that our products are approved by the Fair Trade Foundation as being produced in an environment that doesn’t exploit workers, pays a fair wage and is farmed sustainably. That doesn’t mean that our other products are not sustainable, as we pick our factories and suppliers carefully to make sure they meet our strict criteria.
3. Where are you based?
We are based in Sheffield, United Kingdom, a hilly city in the North of England, formerly known for its steel industry, nowadays Sheffield is one of Europe's greenest cities. We love Sheffield and working with local suppliers and organisations as much as possible.
4. What's the difference between screen and digital printing?
Screen printing is the old school technique of printing that has existed for hundreds of years. It involves pushing ink through a silk mesh screen that has a template exposed onto it. Whilst the way it is done has evolved massively over recent years, the general principle remains that same. Digital printing involves using computers and digital machinery to print onto the bags. Both have their strengths and by providing both we can cater for any type of artwork.
5. Where do you get your bags from?
Our bags come from our trusted suppliers in India. We work with a very select few factories that create our bags. We have been working with the same factories for years, establishing a good working relationship and working to a strict code of ethics that ensures that all our workers are paid a fair wage and have not only suitable place of work but are able to thrive and constantly improve.
6. Why don't you display prices on your website?
Due to the complicated nature of pricing with the sheer amount of variations we offer, we don’t have prices on our website and instead leave the work to our account management team who create quotes individually based on the specification you provide us. An account manager is assigned to communicate with you at every step of your order and can assist if you have any questions on pricing.
7. Are the bags Organic?
We stock a range of Certified Organic bags for customers looking for an extra layer of sustainability. Our standard range of bags are not certified as organic.
8. What is organic cotton?
Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful and toxic chemicals or any other synthetic materials. For instance, no pesticides or fertilisers are used in the growing process. As a result, the environment is not negatively affected by its procurement. In addition, less water is used throughout the whole process.
9. Are the bags Fairtrade?
All of our bags are Fair Trade Made, which means the factories where the bags are manufactured from cotton all have the Fair Trade Certification. However, we also stock a Fair Trade Certified range of bags that means that the cotton also has the certification.
10. What is a Fairtrade bag?
A Fairtrade bag has been certified as being grown and constructed by companies that hold the Fair Trade Certification. This means that the entire production chain from crop to completion is certified.
11. What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept payment via BACS or by credit/debit card. We recommend bank transfer as the easiest method of paying for your order. You can also pay by cheque if you wish, but it must clear before we can proceed with your order.
12. Do you ship internationally?
Yes we ship worldwide. We can include shipping to your address in your quote and we work with our trusted couriers to ensure worldwide coverage. Shipping times can vary depending on how populated your area is. We can provide you with accurate estimates of shipping times along with your quote.
13. How long does it take for my order to arrive?
Orders to mainland UK addresses are delivered next working day, usually with an extra day for more remote areas. Worldwide delivery lead times vary greatly, but most addresses are reachable within a week. Get in touch to find out how long it takes your order to arrive.
14. What is your returns policy?
Due to the personalised nature of our products we cannot accept returns if you change your mind. However, if your order arrives faulty we will collect, inspect, and replace faulty items. If you have a problem with your order, get in touch with us straight away and we will work with you to solve it in a timely manner.
15. Do you offer discounts for referrals?
Yes, a 10% discount is available for referrals. Just mention who recommended you in your quote request and you both get 10% off your next orders. Terms and conditions apply, if you're unsure whether you qualify for a referral discount, just ask.
16. Can I visit your factory to see my order being printed?
Due to the potentially hazardous environment of factory work, each request to visit is reviewed on a case by case basis. We love meeting and interacting our customers, so if you would like to arrange a meeting, just get in touch with your account manager.
17. Can I mix products in my order?
Absolutely, as long as the MOQ is met. See our product range here.
18. Can you help me finish my bags ready to be sold in my store?
Yes, we regularly give extra services to our customers. We can quote you for just about any finishing process that can be done manually. Your account manager can put together a personalised quote for you.
19. Can I arrange my own courier collection?
Yes. Just give us the details so we can communicate the instructions with our warehouse staff.
20. Can I come and collect my order from your HQ to save on delivery costs?
Of course, just let your account manager know that that is what you would prefer to do and they can arrange it with our despatch team.
21. How do I find out about your discounts and offers?
The best way the keep up to date with our offers is to be subscribed to our newsletter. We occasionally offer discounts and special deals to our subscribers.
22. I need bags in a hurry, can I fast track my order?
Yes, we offer a fast track service if you need your bags last minute. An extra service charge applies to your order as we may have to keep our staff on overtime as our factory is typically very busy. We will always do our best to accommodate last minute requests.
23. How can I contact customer services?
Either email us, info@bidbi.co.uk or give us a call on +44 114 272 1201. Our office is open 9-5 (sometimes later) Monday-Friday. You can also talk to us via our live chat on the website.
24. What is your best-selling bag?
The Cotton Tote Bag is our best-selling bag. It is the classic tote bag shape but manufactured to a premium quality. It also has the biggest range of colour variations.
25. What is the RRP of the bags?
The RRP varies hugely depending on the bag and the complexity of the print and the price point of your brand. Whilst we’re not retailers, we typically see a Cotton Tote Bag retail from anywhere between £2 - £20. The most expensive heavyweight bags or bespoke bags can command a higher price than this.
26. Can you print edge to edge?
Our bespoke service can create edge to edge bags, but the lead times and MOQs are typically higher than our standard UK service. If you would like an edge to edge print I would ensure that you leave plenty of time for the project to be completed. We can’t print edge to edge here in the UK because the bags are already manufactured before they reach us.
27. Can we customise the handles?
This is a feature of our bespoke service, where you can customise the handles however you like, whether it’s colour or even using a different material or fastening. We do not offer this with our standard off the shelf service.
28. What is your turnaround?
Our turnaround is typically 10-15 working days depending on our factory’s capacity at the time. The turnaround time does not include the time taken to approve artwork or make payment.
29. Can the bags be washed?
We don’t recommend washing our bags as they may shrink, it’s best to just wipe clean the bags if needed.
30. Can I order fewer than 100 bags?
We have a sister company Doodle Bag where you can make an order with no minimum order quantity. You can upload your artwork or create a design from scratch using our design tool. You can also buy blank/unprinted bags straight from the website.
31. What is your postal address?
Bag It Don’t Bin It Ltd, 167 Rutland Road, Sheffield, S3 9PT, United Kingdom.
32. Do you offer charitable donations for organisations?
We offer a 20% discount for all registered charities in the UK. Just include your registered charity number in your quote request to redeem the discount.
33. What are your social media pages?
We’re active on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Take your pick.
34. Can I give feedback on my order?
Yes we welcome your feedback via. Shortly after you receive your order you will receive an email with a link to leave your review. We love hearing from our customers, not only to pass feedback onto our team, but to work with our staff and customers to constantly improve our offering.
35. Can you design my artwork?
Yes we can. We have a very talented design team here at BIDBI. We offer 15 minutes free artwork time for every order, so if it can be done within that time, it won’t cost you a penny. If you need more in depth help with your design, we offer a design service that is charged at £15 per 15 minutes. We can offer you an estimate before we start any work.
36. What size are your bags?
That varies. Our standard tote bag size is 42cm high x 37cm wide. Many of our other products come in this size too. The size of each product is available on the individual product pages. Want to see if your product will fit inside our bags? Request a sample from us and we will send you a bag to test.
37. What is the maximum print area?
The maximum print area of each product varies greatly, so we have listed the print areas on the product pages. Just click on your product and scroll down to view it’s printable sizes. If you have any further questions regarding print sizes, get in touch with our artwork team for extra help.
38. Are your bags food safe?
It is safe to put food inside our standard tote bags if you want to use them for your groceries. However, we do not recommend using our bags as packaging by directly putting unwrapped porous food into the bags or for filtering. If you require a bag that is food safe, we stock a range Organic & Fair Trade tote bags.
39. What is “Fair Trade Made”?
Fair Trade made is a term that means the labour used to produce the product has the Fair Trade Certification. This means that workers receive a fair living wage and work in safe and sanitary conditions. All BIDBI's partner factories have this certification.
40. Can I have a discount?
Maybe. Speak to your account manager and see if you can barter a discount. Or if you're not brave enough for that, we offer a Refer a Friend scheme. Just refer a friend and if they order you'll receive 10% off your next order.
41. Can you help with my artwork?
Yes, we can help edit and improve your artwork, and give advice on best printing practices. We strive to work with our customers as much as we can to ensure their artwork prints to the best possible quality. We understand that it is not always possible for our customers to provide artwork in a print ready state, and we are here to help make your logo print beautifully.
42. Do you have the artwork from my last order?
Yes, we have a complete archive of every order’s artwork files stored on our secure server. We send a new artwork approval for every order (including repeats) to ensure we’re printing exactly what you expect.
43. Can I add a zip to my bag?
Yes, using our bespoke service. We typically use YKK zips, which are the gold standard zippers known for never failing. They come in a wide range of colours and finishes, so there's bound to be one to suit your product.
44. Can I add a pocket to my bag?
Yes, this is a feature of our bespoke service. You can add a pocket that's any size, to anywhere on the bag.
45. Can you dye the bags to my pantone?
Yes, although minimum order quantities are typically higher for a custom dye, this is possible.
46. Can you match the inks to my branding colours?
Yes, our UK and Bespoke services can match inks to our existing branding. Either provide us with a pantone colour or send us an existing piece of branding. A perfect match isn’t always possible to due the vibrancy of inks varying when printed on to different materials, however we have an experienced team of ink mixers who know how to match branding.
47. Can I add a branded woven label?
Yes, we can apply branded woven labels to the bags after they are printed. Your account manager can provide a quote for this service. Woven labels can be created to just about any specification.
48. Can you make the labels?
Yes we can, this is an extra service to our usual offering and is quoted accordingly.
49. What is your largest bag?
The Super Shopper Bag is our largest product and measures 37 cm high x 49cm wide. It also has a 15cm gusset which means it opens up for extra capacity. The Super Shopper is big enough to fit two shoe boxes in, with room to spare! It's also great as a beach bag.
50. What is your most sturdy bag?
Our 10oz range of bags are the sturdiest as they are made from heavyweight canvas fabric. Typically, they have a larger capacity capable of carrying significantly more weight.
51. What is your best quality bag?
At BIDBI we pride ourselves on using the best materials and production processes to make our bags. We pride ourselves in the fact that our entire range, from promotional to luxury, are made to industry leading standards. Our heavyweight bags offer the most durability, whereas our 5oz bags provide the smoothest printing surface without skimping on the stitching quality.
52. Are your products vegan friendly?
Our Organic range of products are all vegan friendly as the production process doesn’t involve any animal derived products. We cannot guarantee our standard range of bags are fully vegan friendly. All the inks and other chemicals used throughout the printing process are animal friendly.
53. Can you keep the price the same for all my future reorders?
We try and avoid price rises where possible, however much of our pricing is dependent on the price of cotton, which fluctuates depending on the yields of a given year’s harvest. It is often the case that you will able to have a reorder at the same price, but we cannot promise this. Your account manager is the best person to ask about pricing for your order.
54. Will I have to pay for the screen on my next order too?
No, if you use the same artwork at the same size again in the future, you do not have to pay any more screen origination charges.
55. Can I cancel my order?
We typically do not allow cancellation of orders if preparation work has already been completed, however we can discuss cancellation on a case by case basis. Give us a ring if you would like to cancel your order. A cancellation fee may apply.
56. Can I have my order delivered on a specific day?
Yes you can. Please make this clear to us when making your initial enquiry and we will endeavour to deliver your order exactly when you want it.
57. When will I get my order?
You will receive your order within 15 working days of us receiving payment and artwork approval. Lead times can often be quicker than this depending on our factory’s capacity.
58. Can I change my delivery details after my order is placed?
Yes you can, but please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We request a delivery address early in the ordering process to avoid and confusion and whilst we cannot guarantee last minute address changes will be adhered to, we always try our best to work with any amends made to orders.
59. Damaged/Faulty orders. What can I do?
If you spot some bags that aren’t up to scratch, have a quick look through your order to see if it is an isolated case or if the fault is consistent throughout. If you see a consistent problem with your order, get in touch with us straight away and we will take the bags back for inspection. If we agree with your claim, we will replace or refund any faulty products. Please note that a 3% tolerance applies to printed products, so 1 fault within a 100 order would not warrant a refund/replacement. Due to the customised nature of our product offering, each complaint is handled on a case by case basis.
60. Do you price match?
Yes we offer a Fair Trade price match, meaning if you can get the same product with the same level of certification elsewhere, we will match the price.
61. Can I get credit terms on my orders?
We offer credit terms for repeat customers, so our you can receive your order in a timely manner without having to deal with pesky finance departments. Acceptance is subject to authorisation from our bank, and we only offer credit terms for returning customers. Get in touch if you would like to discuss credit terms.
62. Can you share my printed bag to help me promote my business?
Yes we can! We love showcasing our clients work and helping them grow their business.
63. How do I submit a quote?
Just head to the product you would like quoting for and hit "add to quote". When you're done adding products, click the basket in the top right of your screen and submit your quotation request. You can also submit a general request by heading to the 'contact us' page.
64. How long will it take for a quote to come through?
Your dedicated account manager who is assigned to you based on their expertise for your industry, will endeavour to get your quote to you by the end of each working day the same day you have submitted your quote.
65. Can I pay on receipt of quote?
No, the quote is not an invoice, if you wish to go ahead with your printed bag order simply phone or email your account manager who will process your order and get an invoice sent to you.
66. Do you sell unprinted bags?
Yes, we do. Our entire range is available to be bought blank. Our sister site Doodle Bag also allows you to buy bags directly from their website. There's no minimum order quantity so you can just order 1 bag if you like.
67. Can I write a blog for you?
Yes, our client base is so diverse, and we love hearing from all the different types of businesses that we work with. It's also a great way to promote your business on our website.
68. Can you write a blog for us?
Yes we can, typically we would write one for each other as linking our sites together is a good way to drive traffic to each other's sites.
69. How long has BIDBI been running?
BIDBI has been running since 2008. Since then we have grown from a staff of 4 to 25 employees. We still regard ourselves as a small business and are thus able to manage and maintain our ethical and environmental standards.
70. Do you support any charities?
Yes, every year we focus on one charity and this year we're supporting Bluebell Wood, a children's hospice in Sheffield. We designed and printed bags for them including artwork designed by the children.
71. How many clients have you serviced?
We have serviced over 20,000 clients since our inception. Our customers come from all over the world, and we have had the pleasure of printing some beautiful works of art over the years.
72. Can I come to your offices to have a meeting?
Sure, sometimes it's important to meet face to face to discuss the finer details of your order. We love building relationships with our clients and working with them to see how we can help develop their business and products.
73. Can I come and see you at any tradeshows?
Yes you can. We exhibit at a handful of shows every year and it’s a great opportunity to discuss how we can help you. Follow us on social media to find out where we will be.
74. What happens if my order gets lost in transit?
All orders are send by tracked courier and if one is lost we can claim a refund and reprint your order.
75. Do you do any contras/sponsorships?
Yes, get in touch with us if you are interested in doing a sponsorship/contra deal with us.
76. Why am I charged for screens?
There is a charge for screens due to the labour involved in making the screens and the materials used in preparation.
77. Do you send samples?
Yes, we can send you a samples of our different bag styles so you can see if it's suitable for your needs. If you are an agency we are able to send you a sample pack out so you have all of our styles on hand for those times a client requires bags.
78. Can I have a printed sample of my design?
Yes, you can see a printed sample before committing to a bulk order. Screen printed samples are chargeable whereas we can provide 1 free digitally printed sample.
79. Can you visit my offices for a meeting?
Yes, your account manager may be able to visit for a meeting, depending on location and availability. Just get in touch and we can see if we can work something out.
80. Can I come and work for BIDBI?
We have a team of passionate, hardworking employees that love what they do, and if you have If you are interested in working at BIDBI, view our current job openings and submit your CV.
81. How many colours can you print?
Depending on the design, we can screen print up to 10 colours.
82. How long do your bags last?
Our bags are guaranteed not to rip or tear, no matter how many uses, and will continue to remain the same shape.
83. What's the largest number of bags you can print?
There is no upper limit to the amount of bags we can print.
84. Are your inks environmentally friendly?
Yes, our inks contain no toxic or harmful chemicals and are certified as ISO14001 and REACH compliant.
85. What about the other chemicals used in the screen making process?
Yes all of the chemicals and substances used throughout the screen making process are not toxic to the environment.
86. Why can't I pay online?
Due to the nature of how we send quotes, and being a B2B (business to business) company, we don't accept online payments.
87. How will you get in touch with me regarding my order?
We will regularly update you regarding the status of your order via email, although sometimes we may ring you if there are further details we need to discuss with you.
88. What artwork formats do you accept?
We accept artwork in many formats but generally we would need an original version, which typically includes .ai .svg .psd. We can sometimes accept .jpeg and .png image files if your print doesn't have many layers that needs separating. We are very flexible and work with our clients to make their artwork print to their absolute best.
89. I have my own bags and just need them printing, can this be done?
If it fits on our machines, and our production team clear it, then yes, we can print on your stock. We recommend sending us 5% extra bags to cover any faults that may be made in the printing process.
90. I can't find what I'm looking for on your website, can you still help?
Yes. Just give us a ring and let us know what you need. We are very resourceful and may be able to help you find or construct the product you need.
91. Can I change an order once it's been placed?
It depends on the change you would like to make and at what stage of production your order is at. We will work with you as much as possible to make any required changes but if your order has already been sent to production this may not be possible.
92. Who do you work with?
We work with business large and small, from sole traders to multi-nationals from all sectors of business. All the business we work with get the same personal treatment from our accounts management team and we pride ourselves on providing the best customer service in the business. We are experienced in working with all kinds of clients and meeting their needs.
93. Why is there a plus or minus 10% tolerance on orders?
All our products are printed by hand and the tolerance is to account for any minor errors that can be made by humans. We quality control each order to the highest standard, so typically the order you receive will be of a very high consistency. We work to industry standard tolerances for the textile industry.
94. Can I track my order progress?
You can track your order once it has been dispatched. Each order has a tracking number that shows exactly where your order is and when it will arrive.
95. What do you do with my personal information?
We take data storage and privacy very seriously at BIDBI, and we do not give/sell any of your personal data to anyone. We work in strict compliance with data protection laws and GDPR legislation to keep your information safe. View our T&Cs and Privacy Policy.
96. Will I receive a mock up of what my finished product will look like?
Yes, each order receives a visual mock up sent by our artwork team. This shows your design to-scale on your bag of choice, and a separate visual is created for each item you order with us. We want to give you the best possible idea of what you're getting, and each order requires artwork approval before it is sent to print.
97. Do you offer different inks such as glitter or neon?
Yes, we have a range of specialist inks if you would like an extra special finish. We have metallic gold, silver, and bronze, glitter inks that can be matched to a pantone, and neon/fluorescents in 6 different colours.
98. Where do all your waste materials go from the printing process?
At BIDBI we're always striving to be an environmentally conscious company. We have dedicated recycling for paper, plastic, metal and cardboard, that are collected weekly by a local recycling company. We ensure that any waste that does not fit into these categories is non-toxic and can be disposed of without harming the environment. Our production team also works to reduce the waste output, and we have recently upgraded our ink system that significantly cuts down on waste.
99. Do you have any ethical accreditations?
We have a number of ethical accreditations, they include: Fair Trade Certification and SEDEX. We also hold the Made in GB, Made in Sheffield accreditations and are members of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.
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