Trade customers know that a successful lanyard order doesn't start when production begins. It starts much earlier, with the decisions made before artwork is approved and the order is placed.
Whether you're ordering for a long-standing client or working on a brand-new project, spending a little extra time checking the details upfront can make the entire process smoother. It helps avoid unnecessary questions during production, keeps projects moving to schedule and gives both you and your customer greater confidence in the finished product.
For trade print partners, every order reflects your own business as much as it does the manufacturer you choose.
This guide looks at the key areas worth reviewing before placing a trade lanyard order and explains why they matter.
Why Preparation Matters Before Production Starts
Trade lanyard orders often move quickly, particularly when they form part of a wider print project or event deadline.
By the time artwork reaches production, many of the important decisions have already been made. If something has been overlooked, resolving it can take additional time and may affect approval stages or delivery schedules.
That doesn't mean trade orders are difficult. In fact, most production queries can be avoided by reviewing a few key details before submitting artwork.
A well-prepared order helps production teams manufacture exactly what your customer expects, while reducing unnecessary revisions and keeping projects moving efficiently.
What Is the Most Important Check Before Placing a Trade Lanyard Order?
The most important check is ensuring every part of the specification has been confirmed before production begins. This includes supplying the correct artwork format, checking print quality, confirming colours, selecting the appropriate attachment and allowing enough time for artwork approval. Spending a few minutes reviewing these details before placing an order helps production run more smoothly and reduces the likelihood of delays.
Supplying Artwork That Is Ready for Production
Artwork is one of the first things production teams review when an order arrives.
Providing artwork in a vector format, such as AI, EPS or PDF, gives the best possible foundation for sharp, consistent print quality. Unlike low-resolution image files, vector artwork can be scaled without losing clarity, making it ideal for custom printed lanyards.
Where raster artwork is used, ensuring it has a resolution of at least 300dpi helps maintain crisp logos and readable text.
If artwork has been supplied by an end client, it's worth checking these points before submitting the order. Catching a potential issue early is usually much quicker than requesting replacement artwork once production has already begun.
Choosing the Right Colours for Your Customer's Brand
For many organisations, colour consistency is just as important as the logo itself.
Schools, universities, charities, corporate organisations and established brands often have specific brand colours that need to remain consistent across multiple orders.
Where colour accuracy is important, Pantone colour matching provides the most reliable way of achieving consistent results. It also helps ensure repeat orders match previous production runs, which is particularly valuable for customers ordering throughout the year.
If a project is especially colour critical, requesting a pre-production proof or sample can provide additional reassurance before full manufacture begins.
Taking this step upfront often gives both trade buyers and their customers greater confidence in the finished product.
Don't Overlook Attachments and Product Specifications
Artwork isn't the only specification worth reviewing before production.
Attachment choice has a direct impact on how the finished lanyard will be used, yet it's one of the easiest details to overlook when placing an order.
A standard trigger clip may be ideal for everyday staff ID cards, while safety breakaways are often preferred in education, healthcare and workplace environments. Double clips, buckle releases and specialist fittings may also be more appropriate depending on how the lanyards will be used.
Rather than assuming the same specification works for every project, it's worth confirming these details with your customer before the order is submitted.
A few simple questions can help ensure the finished product is right for its intended application.
Allow Time for Artwork Approval
Production schedules often depend on prompt artwork approval.
If artwork requires amendments after an order has been placed, or approval is delayed while final decisions are made, manufacturing may not begin as quickly as expected.
Building a little extra time into your project plan allows artwork to be reviewed properly and gives customers the opportunity to check colours, branding and specifications before production starts.
For repeat customers, this process often becomes quicker over time, particularly when artwork files and specifications are already well organised.
A Simple Pre-Production Checklist for Trade Buyers
Before submitting your next trade lanyard order, it's worth taking a few minutes to check:
- Artwork has been supplied as an AI, EPS or PDF file wherever possible.
- Raster artwork is at least 300dpi.
- Pantone colours have been specified if brand consistency is important.
- Attachments and fittings match how the finished lanyards will be used.
- Artwork and specifications have been approved before production begins.
These straightforward checks can help reduce unnecessary questions during production and give your customers confidence that every detail has been considered.
How We Print Lanyards Helps Trade Print Partners
We Print Lanyards manufactures custom printed lanyards for trade print partners across the UK, working closely with resellers who supply products to their own customers.
Before production begins, our team reviews the artwork and specifications provided. If something doesn't look quite right, or there is a better option for the intended application, we'll get in touch to discuss it before manufacturing starts.
Whether it's checking artwork quality, confirming Pantone colour requirements or ensuring the chosen attachment is suitable, our aim is to help make the production process as straightforward as possible.
Taking the time to review these details early helps reduce unnecessary delays and gives trade customers greater confidence that every order is ready for manufacture.
Getting Orders Right Starts Before Production
The smoothest trade lanyard orders rarely come down to luck.
They begin with good preparation, clear specifications and taking a few extra minutes to check the details before production starts.
Whether it's confirming artwork, selecting the right attachment or checking colour requirements, those early decisions help keep projects moving smoothly and support better results for both you and your customers.
If you're preparing your next trade lanyard order and would like a second pair of eyes on your artwork or specifications, Start Your Order with We Print Lanyards and our team will be happy to help before production begins.