Stamps, labels and catalogs each have their own artwork requirements, and trading companies often order all three around the same time — at company launch, and again ahead of a trade show. This checklist covers what to have ready before ordering each one.
Before ordering a company stamp
- Your trade licence copy, so the exact registered company name and licence number can be used
- Confirmation of any specific wording format required by your bank or free zone authority, if they've specified one
- Your choice of self-inking or traditional stamp (see our comparison guide if undecided)
Before ordering product or shipping labels
- Exact label dimensions — these are often set by your buyer's warehouse or your freight forwarder, not chosen freely
- Barcode data or code system (e.g. Code 128, EAN-13) if the label needs to scan into a buyer's system
- Material requirements — some goods need weatherproof or oil-resistant label stock rather than standard paper
- Any mandatory wording your product category requires (country of origin, weight, batch codes) — confirm current requirements with your compliance advisor or the relevant customs authority, since DXBStamps prints to the specification you provide rather than verifying regulatory compliance
Before ordering a catalog or trade show materials
- Final product list, images and descriptions — ideally locked before layout begins, since late additions reflow the whole document
- High-resolution product photography; images pulled from a phone screenshot or a supplier's low-resolution listing print poorly at catalog size
- Stand or booth dimensions if ordering banners or backdrops for a specific trade show
- Your show date, worked backwards to a realistic artwork deadline that allows time for a proof review
Common ordering mistakes
The most common issue with labels is confirming dimensions after the product packaging is already finalised, which can mean the label doesn't fit. For catalogs, the most common issue is starting artwork before the product list is final, which causes repeated redesigns. Locking these details first, even if it delays the start of design work by a day or two, saves more time overall.
Frequently asked questions
Can you help us figure out what our label needs to include?
We print to the content and format you confirm. For regulatory requirements specific to your product category, check with your compliance advisor or the relevant customs and standards authority.
How far ahead of a trade show should we start catalog artwork?
As early as your product list allows — leaving only the final week means little room for a proof review or corrections.
Do you print small custom label runs, or only bulk orders?
We can discuss run sizes based on your needs when you place your order.
This checklist supports our General Trading & Import-Export Company Printing Package.
