Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept digital artwork?
ARTWORK GUIDELINES
- Artwork may be provided as hard copy prints, disk, or email your art to us: artwork@theawardcenter.com.
- We do not accept artwork over fax. We do not accept artwork saved as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or websites.
- Only artwork in Vector format saved as an .EPS, .CDR, or .PDF with all lettering converted to outlines.
- We are PC based but can accept MAC files. We primarily use CorelDraw X3 (or sooner) and Illustrator 9.0.
- Artwork saved as .JPG, .TIF, .BMP, .GIF will be charged an Art Charge to convert to vector format.
- Art Charges are billed at $35 per hour ($20 minimum). This is a one-time charge and we keep all artwork files for future use. Art charges do not apply to each item set-up.
- We reserve the right to refuse any artwork that will not meet our standards of product quality when reproduced with our equipment and processes.
What is The Award Center's normal production time for my order?
Normal production time for most items is 5 working days. Large orders or custom designed pieces can take longer and will be quoted prior to the beginning of production. Advising us in advance of your planned presentation date is highly recommended.
We will schedule production to allow ample shipping time for you to receive your awards a few days prior to that date. However, delays in artwork approval or shortened production time could result in the need for Priority shipping and/or Priority or Express Service.
Are there any Set-Up costs?
SET-UP CHARGES
- A set-up charge entails preparing the lettering and logos to be engraved on the award. Each type of item requires different variables that help determine the time and resources needed to prepare an item for engraving.
- We keep all set-ups on file for future use.
- New set-ups will only be charged if the layout is changed....not to change only a name or year.
Examples:
An order has four (4) plaques with only the name changed on each. That is charged as one (1) set-up. If the order is needed again next week, next month, or next year, the set-up is the same and no additional charges are required.
Another order has three (3) acrylics with different wording on each. That will require three (3) different set-up charges. If those same awards are ordered again with only a name change, there are no new set-up charges.
Do you offer Priority and Express Service?
We understand that sometimes the need for an award comes up unexpectedly. When that occurs, we are ready, willing and able to help you meet your deadline. In order to maintain our commitment to helping YOU look good, we offer Priority Service and Express Service on many products- complete with personalized engraving and ready for presentation!
These premium services are available for the following fees:
Priority Service – product will ship the next business day – 20% of entire order
Express Service – products will ship by the second business day – 10% of entire order.
Priority and Express Services are subject to availability of inventory and production capacity.
Are there other special services you offer?
Fulfillment Services
Want to establish a recurring recognition program but don’t want to store a lot of products? We offer complete fulfillment services as part of our extensive customer support program. We can maintain your inventory of gifts, awards, promotional products, etc. and have them personalized and shipped to your offices or event in plenty of time for presentation.
As an additional commitment to you, we can also insert your cards or letters with each package so your winner is sure to get your message of congratulations. Contact Bill Chausseemailto:bill@theawardcenter.com for more details!
Custom Design Services
We offer a full complement of Custom Design Services. Using our creative resources, we can design and execute an award that will be unique to your organization. Let us turn your concepts into reality! Contact us today!How much does engraving or etching cost?
All lettering for every one of our products is included at NO ADDITIONAL COST. Some items (etched marble and crystal for example) may require a Setup Fee, which is indicated with the item pricing. There is typically only one Setup Fee for all items of a common type. For instance, if you ordered five pieces of a crystal vase, only one Setup Fee would apply for all five. This allows you to amortize the cost of each Setup Fee across the total number of awards. Our Setup Fee covers the cost of prepping each item for etching or engraving. Please contact our customer service department at 1-615-833-0200 if you require more than the space provided.
Will I be notified when my order does ship?
Yes, you will receive notification that your order has shipped, including courier tracking information.
What methods of shipping are available and at what cost?
When you place your order you will be offered options for shipping, including local pick-up if you live in our area. The website will calculate all appropriate costs and add the shipping charges to your order.
What if my awards arrive damaged or engraved incorrectly?
Your order passes through Quality Control prior to being shipped to you. However, in the event we make an error, we will replace the incorrect piece(s) as quickly as possible at our expense. If the error was on your part (i.e. incorrect spelling for a name) we will still replace the incorrect piece(s) as quickly as we can for a nominal fee. Regardless of the nature of the error, we will make every effort to have the corrected awards to you in time for presentation.
If your order was damaged in shipping, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you retain all packaging and wrapping materials for inspection. Please inspect the exterior of your packages carefully upon receipt and report any obvious damage to the courier. In the event of damage, we will assist you in any way possible.
Can I return any items for a refund?
No products may be returned without prior approval from our customer service department. Because of the highly personalized nature of award products, only items received late or incorrect are eligible for refund consideration. Most of our products are not reusable after they have been engraved or etched, though in some cases, an engraving plate can be replaced in order to utilize the award for a different occasion or recipient. Please contact us to discuss this on a case-by-case basis.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We will accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover or company purchase orders at time of order. Your card will be charged when the order is placed.
Will my order and credit card information be safe?
We use secure online ordering but regardless of what happen on our site – a slip of the mouse (unlikely), a security breach (highly unlikely) there is no risk to you. In the case of credit card fraud, this means that we’ll pick up the first $50 and the credit card company will take responsibility for the rest. In addition, we’ll do our very best to work with the credit card company to assure that the problem is resolved with minimum hassle.
Will you sell or otherwise distribute my email address or other information about me?
The Award Center will never willfully sell, trade, rent, disclose, or make available personally identifiable information about you to any third part without first receiving your permission. Click here for our complete Privacy Statement.
How can I establish an open credit account with The Award Center?
Please contact us via e-mail, snail mail, or telephone and we can send you a credit application. Our accounting staff will be available to help you in any way necessary.
What are your Pricing and Estimate/Quoting policies?
Prices, specifications and terms of sale are subject to change without notice. All orders are subject to availability and The Award Center is not liable for inability to deliver due to material shortages. Volume discounts are available
Please contact a sales person for a quote. Quotes are in effect for 30 days from date issued unless otherwise notified. Decreased orders will be charged at the new lower quantity pricing schedule. Incurred costs for material and labor for unused portion of order will be billed.
Product styles and sizes may vary slightly from ones pictured. We reserve the right to substitute where applicable.
All products with imprints are shown for illustration purposes only; none are offered for sale.
Products and images may not be reproduced in whole or in part without expressed written permission. Copy and trademarks appearing on this site are for demonstration purposes only. Endorsement of product should not be implied in any case.
The imprints shown are the sole property of the organizations they represent. They are intended to illustrate our capabilities and are not an endorsement.
Do you have any showrooms?
Yes, our showroom is located in Nashville, TN.
The Award Center, Inc.
4740 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
What if I have more questions?
Please Contact Us for more information or to answer any other questions not shown here.