As we move into this year's holiday season, one of our busiest times of year for corporate gifting and branded merch, we are asking for your help so we can provide you with the items you need and the service you expect.

While the supply chain has improved, there are still gaps here and there. Nearly everything we touch—apparel, paper, plastic products—has seen increased cost, shortages, and slowdowns, as well as longer production and shipping timelines which will only increase the closer we get to the holidays.

What does this mean for you?

1. The availability of products and/or colors shown on presentations and sales orders are not guaranteed until we have order confirmation from our supplier factories. We are seeing inventory levels change rapidly, and we are in constant communication with our supplier partners for up-to-date inventory. If any concerns should arise we will communicate those with you.
   
   
2. We are experiencing longer than usual production times, running anywhere from 10-30 business days once the artwork proof has been approved. Our supplier partners are actively trying to increase staffing and training to meet the daily production demand while maintaining safe work environments for their employees. We will communicate production times for your project once the order is confirmed.

Here are some things you can do to help alleviate potential delays:

1. Plan ahead: Place orders as far in advance as possible to allow room for any stock issues, as well as, production and shipping delays. In most cases this means allowing at least 3+ weeks for production, plus shipping. At this time we cannot accept rush orders, or guarantee delivery dates and shipping times. The reality is that last-minute orders just won't make it in the timeframes we’ve been used to in the past. FOR HOLIDAY ORDERS: we recommend placing any gift/merch orders at least TWO WEEKS PRIOR to Thanksgiving, to ensure delivery before Christmas. This is especially important for all those apparel orders.
   
   
2. Be flexible: Having a second choice or alternative option is advised in the event that your first choice is not available. This is especially important for apparel orders. We are seeing lots of gaps in apparel availability and stock levels change daily … sometimes hourly. We are doing our best to stay on top of these changes and will always notify you if a substitution needs to be made.

Our service depends on a lot of things to happen reliably. As always, it is our goal to eliminate your stress. Our promise to you is to continue providing timely communication and fast reflexes. We appreciate your business and are grateful for the trust you've put in Brand Stratos as your branding partner.