Delivery Information
From quote to delivery, we keep the process straightforward
We know that ordering planners, exercise books or other personalised products is only one part of a busy school year.
That is why we keep the process as straightforward as possible, from the first quotation and artwork discussion through to production and delivery.
Our UK-based team supports schools, colleges and academy trusts throughout the process. For bespoke products, we work with you to make sure the details are agreed before anything goes into production.
How the ordering and delivery process works
1. Tell us what you need
The process normally starts with a quotation, sample request or conversation with our team.
We’ll discuss the product, quantities, sizes, binding, personalisation and any other requirements that are relevant to your order.
For schools ordering bespoke products, this is also the point where we can discuss school branding, custom pages, different year groups or subject versions, and any delivery requirements we need to be aware of.
2. We prepare the artwork
For personalised products, our UK-based artwork team will help prepare your design.
Depending on the product, this can include school branding, covers, internal pages, school information and other bespoke content.
Penstripe also provides an online artwork portal to support the process. The aim is to make personalisation manageable, even where there are several versions or schools involved.
3. You approve the design
Before a bespoke product moves into production, you will have the opportunity to review and approve the design.
This is an important stage because it gives you the chance to check the content, artwork and specifications before the order is produced.
We recommend checking names, dates, contact information, school branding and any bespoke content carefully at this stage.
Artwork approval is also an important part of our delivery guarantee. To qualify for guaranteed on-time delivery, artwork must be approved for print and payment must be made in accordance with the agreed terms.
4. We move your order into production
Once the artwork and specifications are approved, the order can move into production.
Because many of our products are personalised for individual schools, allowing enough time for artwork, proofing and production is important, particularly ahead of the start of a new academic year.
Production and delivery lead times depend on the specification of the products ordered and when the artwork is approved for print.
We agree lead times directly with each customer at the point of order, taking these factors into account.
We encourage schools to speak to us early if they have a fixed delivery date or a more complex order.
5. We arrange delivery
Once your order is complete, we arrange delivery to the agreed location.
For schools ordering for one site, that will normally mean delivery directly to the school or agreed delivery address.
For Multi-Academy Trusts and organisations ordering across several locations, we can also help manage distribution across multiple sites.
Please let us know about any specific delivery requirements when requesting your quotation, so these can be considered as part of the order.
Delivery for Multi-Academy Trusts
Ordering for several schools can become complicated quickly, particularly when different sites require different quantities, artwork or versions.
We work with Multi-Academy Trusts to simplify that process.
Our team can support the collation of requirements, artwork management and delivery to individual schools, helping to avoid the need for one central team to redistribute products after they arrive.
If you are ordering for several schools, let us know at the quotation stage so we can take the delivery requirements into account from the beginning.
When should I place my order?
If you need your products for the start of term or another fixed date, we recommend starting the process as early as practical.
Bespoke orders involve more than production alone. Time also needs to be allowed for choosing specifications, preparing artwork, checking proofs and approving the finished design before production begins.
Lead times are agreed individually with each customer at the point of order. They vary depending on the product specification, the requirements of the order and when artwork is approved for print.
Rather than publishing a single standard lead time that may not reflect your order, our team will discuss the relevant timescales with you when your order is being arranged.
If you have a particular deadline, please tell us when requesting your quotation so we can advise on the appropriate timetable.
Our on-time delivery guarantee
We know how important delivery dates are to schools.
Planners and exercise books are often required before the beginning of a new term, and a late delivery can create unnecessary work for staff.
That is why we offer an on-time delivery guarantee, subject to the conditions agreed for your order.
Penstripe guarantees delivery on time, provided that:
- Artwork has been approved for print.
- Payment has been made in accordance with the agreed payment terms.
Our guarantee is also subject to our Terms and Conditions. Penstripe cannot be held responsible for delivery delays arising from third-party transport arrangements.
We recommend allowing sufficient time for artwork preparation and approval, particularly for personalised products or orders required ahead of the new academic year.
If you have a fixed delivery deadline, please discuss it with our team at the quotation stage so that the appropriate arrangements can be agreed.
What if there is a problem with my delivery?
If something does not look right when your order arrives, please contact us as soon as possible.
This might include:
- An order arriving damaged
- Missing cartons or quantities
- An incorrect product being supplied
- Another delivery issue that needs checking
Damaged, missing or incorrect deliveries must be reported to Penstripe within seven working days.
Please contact our team within this period, explaining the issue and providing your order details so we can investigate.
Our team will review the problem with you and explain the next steps.
Telephone: 0113 231 0995
Email: info@penstripe.co.uk
Need delivery to more than one location?
If your school group, college group or Multi-Academy Trust needs products delivered to several locations, speak to us before placing the order.
We can discuss the individual sites, quantities and delivery requirements with you so the distribution is planned alongside the rest of the order rather than treated as an afterthought.
Delivery arrangements and relevant timescales can then be agreed as part of the ordering process.
Speak to us about your order
If you have a specific deadline, multiple delivery locations or a bespoke requirement, the best thing to do is tell us at the start.
Our team can then work through the quotation, artwork, production and delivery requirements with you, agreeing the relevant timescales before the order progresses.
Whether you are ordering student planners for one school or personalised products for an entire academy trust, we’re here to help make the process straightforward.