How ordering factory-direct stationery works with us
If you are working out how to import stationery without dealing with factories yourself, this is the route through PapeteriQ: six steps. You approve the offer, the proofs and the samples, and we handle the rest, from the factory to your warehouse.
Stationery is seasonal: back-to-school is the largest season, and retailers place orders from January to April for delivery in June–July. Dated planners and diaries sell from September, so they must be ordered by about May–June. The date you order matters as much as the price, and the table below shows how far ahead to plan.
Six steps from enquiry to delivery
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1
Enquiry
Send product links, photos, catalogue items or a spreadsheet with quantities, the country of delivery and the date you need the goods.
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2
Offer
We check prices with manufacturers, or source new ones, and send a written offer with delivered prices, minimums, logo and packaging options, set-up costs, lead times and the documents available.
2 working days -
3
Proofs and samples
For logo and private label orders you approve a digital proof or mock-up first. Samples are consolidated and sent to your address, and for own-brand products you approve a pre-production sample.
7–14 days -
4
Order and production
You confirm the order and pay the deposit, typically 30–50 %. We check the factory before ordering, then follow production and keep you updated.
25–45 days -
5
Inspection
We inspect the goods before shipment: quantity, writing and print quality, packaging, barcodes and labels against the approved sample. You get a report with photos, and the balance is due before shipment.
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6
Shipping and delivery
Goods are consolidated, shipped by sea, rail or air, cleared in Poland and delivered to your warehouse, a 3PL or a marketplace fulfilment centre.
25–45 days
What we need from you
Company details
Company name, VAT number and delivery address.
Products and quantities
What you want, how many and by when. Approximate figures are fine for a first offer.
Branding files
For logo or private label orders: logo in vector format, brand colours (Pantone or HEX) and print-ready artwork for covers.
Typical timeline and when to order back-to-school stock
| Stage | Catalogue products | Private label |
|---|---|---|
| Offer | 2 working days | 2 working days or more, depending on branding |
| Proofs and samples | 7–14 days | 7–14 days, plus time for proofs and branded samples |
| Production | 25–45 days | 25–45 days |
| Sea or rail transport | 25–45 days | 25–45 days |
| Total to your door | 8–12 weeks | 8–12 weeks, plus proof and sample approval |
| Order back-to-school stock by | January–April | About March at the latest |
| Order dated planners and diaries by | May–June | May–June, with artwork approved earlier |
| Factory holidays (late January–February) | Production stops for several weeks: confirm orders before the holiday | Approve samples and artwork before the holiday |
A working guide, not a guarantee. When ordered in these windows, goods typically arrive in time for the season, but school start dates vary by country and region, and sea freight takes the longer end of the transit range. Corporate and Christmas gift sets should be ordered by September–October. We confirm dates for your products in the offer.
Frequently asked questions
When should I order back-to-school stock?
As a working guide, confirm private label by about March and place stock orders between January and April, so that goods typically arrive in June–July and reach the shelf in July–August. Factory holidays in late January–February stop production for several weeks and fall in the middle of this window, so earlier is safer. If you are later, tell us your date and we check which stock items are still realistic.
How do I pay?
Usually a deposit of 30–50 % when you confirm the order and the balance before shipment. Deferred terms are possible for repeat clients and are stated in each offer.
Can I see a proof before my logo is printed?
Yes. Every logo and private label order starts with a digital proof or mock-up showing position, size and colours. For covers, packaging and larger runs we also send a printed pre-production sample.
Can I visit the factory?
Yes, by arrangement. We can also arrange video calls from the production floor.
What if the goods are defective?
Defects found at inspection are fixed before shipping. If something is wrong on arrival, report it within 14 days with photos and we resolve it with a replacement, credit or refund.
Send us your product list
Links, photos or a spreadsheet are enough. You get delivered prices, minimums, lead times and the documents available within 2 working days.
Request a quote
Send a product list, links or photos. We reply with prices delivered to your country, minimum quantities and lead times.
- Reply on working days, usually within a few hours
- Prices delivered to your door, customs and VAT included in the calculation
- Written offer within 2 working days