You have decided to order personalized invitations or custom favors for your upcoming special occasion. You've visited a lot of different websites and have found a seemingly endless variety of fresh, original items are available. But how do you choose the right company to produce your unique, personalized announcements, save the dates or party favors? Is there any way to determine quality and customer service before you order? Once you think you've found what you want, here are some questions to ask about the company that is offering it.



1. Are there samples available? Many companies will provide a sample at a nominal and refundable fee, or may even offer a free sample to a genuinely interested person. Hopefully, you're planning in advance and have enough time to send for the sample, evaluate it, and still place your order. This is the best way you can judge the company's quality of workmanship.

2. Will they email you a proof after they receive your order? Don't order from any company that doesn't provide a free, emailed proof so that you can be absolutely, positively sure that everything is spelled correctly and looks just the way you want. Are you able to get a second proof if mistakes were made in the first one or you need changes?

3. Are their designs adaptable? For example, if you're ordering a personalized invitation, and you like the background on one design and the graphic on another, can it be changed? Can they change the color of the design to your color or colors? Can they add a photo or photos to the item? Are they working with templates that can't be adjusted or are they able to work with you to make a truly custom item? Many companies have artists on staff that can easily alter designs to your specifications.

4. Are their prices competitive? This is one good reason to visit a large variety of websites that specialize in personalized invitations or favors. Although you may be willing to pay a little extra for a truly unique design and quality materials, the cost should still be reasonable. See what others are charging for a similar item and you will know if the company you're considering is asking for a fair price.

5. What is the turnaround time for a custom order? Does the website give you any idea of how long you will have to wait to receive your personalized invitations or favors? Of course, creating a customized item, especially if you need changes to the original design, may take a little time. But you don't want to have to wait forever to get your order.

6. Are their shipping rates listed and easy to find, or do you have to wait until you have placed an order to find out how much you will be charged? Do they let you know when your order has shipped and do they offer a tracking number for your package?

7. How is their customer service? One of the easiest ways to find out is to ask a question. Call or email the company you are thinking of using for your party favors or invitations and ask them something. How long does it take them to respond to your email? Are they friendly, helpful, offering clear answers? Do you get the sense that they are willing to work with you to make you happy?

There are some great companies on the internet offering unique personalized party favors and party invitations, together with excellent customer service. It's not difficult to find just the right company to create special custom invitations and favors for you, if you are willing to take a closer look at them and ask the right questions.