How Long Should Proof Approval Take?
Flawless Awards typically sends the initial artwork proof within 24–48 business hours after receiving the artwork and personalization information. The complete approval cycle has no fixed duration because it depends on customer review time, revisions and file readiness. Production begins only after final written approval.
If your event date is firm, review the proof as soon as the right people can check it carefully—but don’t rush past names, titles or dates. Flawless Awards typically sends the initial artwork proof within 24–48 business hours after receiving your artwork and personalization files. The full proofing cycle has no fixed duration, and the production clock starts only after final written approval.
What happens during proofing
First, send your logo, recipient names and other personalization details. The art team then prepares a digital production proof showing the layout, logo placement and text, which is sent by automated email for review.
Check every personalized detail and request any necessary changes. Production cannot begin until Flawless receives your final written approval.
Send clean files to avoid delays
Recipient lists are best supplied in Excel or CSV format. That reduces manual data entry and helps the art team handle names, titles and other changing information accurately.
For logos, vector artwork in AI or EPS format is preferred because it preserves fine detail. If you don’t have vector art, send the highest-resolution file available. Expert artwork preparation is included with every order.
Check carefully before approving
Treat the final proof as the last opportunity to catch spelling errors, incorrect titles, wrong dates or layout problems. Deep sand etching permanently removes part of the award’s surface, so an etched error cannot simply be erased or polished away.
If incorrect information appeared on the approved proof, replacement charges may apply. If Flawless changes the artwork after your approval, expedited replacements are provided at no charge.
Approval starts the production schedule
Stock and catalog awards typically take 5–7 days from proof approval. Standard custom production is 60–90 days from final artwork approval, including ocean freight and customs. Timing also varies with the product, quantity, design complexity, freight method and customs.
When a hard event date and budget require it, custom production may be approximately 4–6 weeks using air freight, subject to project-specific confirmation. Flawless does not charge a separate rush production fee; the only added rush-related cost is any additional shipping required. Approximately 90% of custom orders are typically shipped by air to limit lead time and help meet confirmed in-hands dates. For broader planning guidance, see how long custom awards take to produce.
Plan for possible late changes
If recipient names could change, discuss that before production. Flawless typically keeps excess stock inventory for urgent needs, although availability is not guaranteed for every award.
For a custom program, ordering a few extra pieces may be advisable because very small additional runs can be difficult to cut and may require costly air freight. Without an extra piece, the options may include delivering the new custom award after the event, using an available stock award or checking whether air freight is feasible.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 24–48-hour estimate cover the entire approval process?
No. It applies to the initial artwork proof after Flawless receives the necessary artwork and personalization information. The complete cycle depends on your review time, file readiness and the revisions required.
Do weekends count toward the initial proof turnaround?
No. The initial-proof estimate is stated in business hours, so weekends are not counted as standard business days.
When does the award production lead time begin?
Production lead time begins only after Flawless receives final written artwork approval. It does not begin on the order date or when the first proof is sent.
What files should I send for faster, more accurate proofing?
Send recipient information in Excel or CSV format and provide your logo as an AI or EPS vector file when possible. If vector art is unavailable, send the highest-resolution version you have for the artwork team to review and prepare.
What happens if I approve a proof containing a typo?
Because etching is permanent, correcting an approved typo generally requires a replacement award. A replacement charge may apply when the incorrect information was submitted or approved by the customer.