Why Do Clients Trust Unique?

For more than 40 years, Unique has been helping organizations make informed decisions about branded apparel, promotional products, recognition programs, and corporate merchandise. Our team combines ongoing industry research with practical experience gained from thousands of client projects across Ontario.

Each member of our staff has over 20 years of experience in their respective fields of expertise, including customer service, client consulting, product sourcing, graphic design, embroidery, engraving, and production operations. This collective experience enables us to recommend products and programs based on proven results, not just catalogue offerings or current trends.

Many of our clients have worked with us for years, and a significant portion of our new business comes through referrals from existing customers. We believe this reflects the trust our clients place in our advice, our products, and our commitment to helping them achieve their marketing, branding, recognition, and employee engagement objectives.

How do I request a quote?

You can request a quote by completing our online Quote Request form or by emailing [email protected]. To provide the most accurate pricing, include the product, quantity, artwork, and required delivery date whenever possible.

Is there a minimum order quantity?

Minimum order quantities vary by product and decoration method. In some cases, there is no minimum, while many items require minimum quantities for production efficiency. Let us know your required quantity, and we will recommend the best options.

How quickly can I receive a quote?

Most quotes are provided within one business day. More complex projects may require additional time to confirm product availability, decoration requirements, or pricing.

Do you offer volume discounts?

Yes. Volume discounts are available on select items like screen printing and promotional products. We’ll apply any applicable discounts based on your quantity and inform you if you’re near a price break.

What information do you need for an accurate quote?

To provide an accurate quote, please include the product name or description, quantity required, artwork or logo, and your desired delivery date. The more information you provide, the faster we can recommend suitable options.

What file formats do you accept?

Vector artwork such as EPS, AI, PDF, or SVG files provides the best results. We can also work with PNG and JPG files, although artwork adjustments may be required depending on the decoration method and product chosen.

Can you help create or modify artwork?

Yes. Our in-house graphic design team can create, modify, clean up, or prepare artwork for embroidery, screen printing, engraving, and promotional products.

Is there a digitizing fee for embroidery?

Yes. For a typical 3-4 inch wide logo for chest or sleeve embroidery, the cost is $60.00 plus HST. This is a one-time fee, and re-orders will not incur a setup charge as long as the logo remains unchanged. Larger logos will require a custom quote.

What happens if my artwork is low resolution?

If your logo is low resolution or unsuitable for production, we can have it professionally redrawn. Most artwork redraws start at approximately $25 plus HST, depending on complexity.

Can I see a proof before production?

Yes. We provide digital proofs for approval before production begins. Production does not start until the proof has been approved. Physical pre-production samples are generally not available.

How do you match brand colours?

We use industry-standard Pantone PMS colour references to achieve the closest possible colour match.

What is the difference between embroidery and screen printing?

Embroidery uses thread stitched directly into the garment, while screen printing applies ink to the garment's surface. Embroidery is ideal for polos, jackets, hats, and professional apparel, while screen printing works best for larger designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and casual apparel.

What garments are best suited for embroidery?

Embroidery works well on polos, jackets, fleece, hats, and most corporate apparel. Smaller logos typically look best on lightweight garments, while larger embroidered designs are better suited to heavier fabrics such as fleece and jackets.

How many logo colours can be embroidered?

Most logos can be embroidered using up to 15 thread colours.

How large can an embroidered logo be?

Common chest logos are 3 to 4.5 inches wide, while larger back designs can reach approximately 14 inches.

Can employee names be added?

Yes. Garments can be personalized with employee names.

Is embroidery durable after repeated washing?

Yes. Embroidery is one of the most durable decoration methods available. The polyester threads resist fading, shrinking, and wear, and often outlast the garment itself when properly cared for.

What garments work best for screen printing?

For the best results, we recommend screen printing on T-shirts (cotton, polyester, or blends) and fleece items like hoodies, crewnecks, and sweatpants. We typically do not screen print on polos, dress shirts, jackets, or hats.

Is there a minimum quantity for screen printing?

Yes. Our standard minimum is 24 pieces with the same artwork and print colours. This can be any mix of garment sizes and colours.

How many colours can be screen printed?

Up to seven colours can typically be screen-printed in one design.

How long does screen printing take?

Most screen-printing orders are completed within 2 to 3 weeks after artwork approval. Lead times can vary based on season, product availability, and order size.

Can you print on customer-supplied apparel?

No. To ensure consistent quality, sizing, and decoration results, we only print on apparel supplied through our vetted and approved garment suppliers.

What apparel brands do you offer?

We offer a wide range of trusted apparel brands, including Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Carhartt, Stormtech, Levelwear, Gildan, ATC, Bella+Canvas, New Era, Tough Duck, and many others. Contact us if you have questions about a specific brand.

Can I view apparel samples?

Yes. Our showroom includes over 1000 apparel and headwear samples.

How do I choose the right garment?

The best way is to book a visit to our showroom and meet with one of our apparel specialists. We will help you compare fabrics, styles, brands, decoration methods, and budgets to find the best solution for your team.

Are sizing samples available?

Yes. Many samples can be borrowed for team sizing.

Do you offer safety and hi-vis apparel?

Yes. We offer a full range of hi-vis and safety apparel for many industries, including vests, tees, long-sleeve tees, hoodies, zip hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, rainwear, winter jackets, bib overalls, and coveralls.

Which promotional products provide the best ROI?

According to industry research, branded apparel, outerwear, drinkware, headwear, bags, and writing instruments consistently deliver some of the highest advertising impressions and return on investment. The best choice depends on your audience, budget, and marketing objectives.

What promotional products are best for trade shows?

Popular trade show giveaways include pens, tote bags, drinkware, magnets, notebooks, and branded apparel. The most effective products are useful, easy to carry, and relevant to your target audience.

What are the best promotional gifts for employees?

Popular employee gifts include premium drinkware, apparel, backpacks, technology accessories, wellness products, and recognition awards. The best gifts combine practical value with thoughtful branding that employees will use regularly.

Do you offer eco-friendly promotional products?

Yes. We offer many products made from recycled, renewable, and environmentally responsible materials.

Can you source products not shown on your website?

Yes. We can source thousands of additional promotional products beyond those displayed online and in our showroom.

How far in advance should I order for an event?

We recommend ordering at least 3 to 4 weeks before your event. Additional lead time provides more product choices and reduces the risk of delays caused by inventory or shipping issues.

What types of awards do you offer?

We offer trophies, plaques, acrylic awards, glass awards, crystal awards, annual awards, medals, and customized recognition pieces for businesses, schools, sports teams, municipalities, non-profit organizations and individuals.

What information is needed for engraving?

Simply provide the text, logo, names, dates, and any personalization requirements by email.

Can I order a single award?

Yes. We can produce a single award, trophy, plaque, or recognition piece, as well as large-volume orders for programs and events.

Do you offer annual plaques?

Yes. We offer annual plaques and perpetual awards designed for ongoing recognition programs.

How long does award production take?

Most award orders require approximately two weeks from artwork approval. Rush services may be available at an extra cost depending on product availability and production schedules.

Can I see an engraving proof?

Yes. Digital proofs are provided for most engraving orders before production.

What types of name tags do you produce?

We offer engraved and full-colour name tags with magnetic or pin backings.

Do you create desk plates and door signs?

Yes. We produce custom desk plates, door signs, and workplace identification products, with the option of an adhesive backing for mounting.

Can name tags include logos and names?

Yes. Name tags can be fully customized with logos, names, and titles.

What materials are available for signs and nameplates?

We offer durable plastic and metal materials suitable for professional environments.

What are your typical production times?

Most orders are completed within 5 to 10 business days after artwork approval. Production times can vary depending on the product, decoration method, order quantity, and season.

Do you offer rush service?

Yes. Rush production is available for many products, subject to production capacity and supplier availability. Additional fees may apply.

Do you ship outside Waterloo Region?

Yes. Typically, orders are picked up at our showroom location, but we serve customers throughout Canada and can arrange shipping as required at an additional cost.

Can orders be picked up locally?

Yes. Orders can be picked up during regular business hours. If you need to pick up your order after hours, please contact us to make arrangements.

How will I know when my order is ready?

We send an email notification when your order is ready for pickup or shipment.

What if I need changes after approving artwork?

Changes requested before production begins may be possible, although additional charges may apply. Once production is in progress, no changes can be made.

How long has Unique been in business?

Unique was established in 1985 and has proudly served businesses, organizations, schools, and municipalities for more than four decades.

What types of organizations do you work with?

We serve businesses, schools, municipalities, non-profits, service clubs, sports teams, government organizations and individuals.

Do you serve customers outside Waterloo Region?

Yes. In today’s digital age, we work with clients across Ontario and throughout Canada. However, please note that we do not export to the United States.

What makes Unique different?

Unlike online-only suppliers, Unique offers a local showroom, in-person consultation, product samples, experienced branding specialists, and in-house embroidery and laser engraving services. With more than 40 years of experience helping organizations across Ontario, we focus on providing personalized recommendations, quality products, and dependable service.

Can you help develop a branded merchandise program?

Yes. We help organizations develop complete branded merchandise programs that may include apparel, promotional products, recognition awards, onboarding kits, event merchandise, and employee recognition solutions. Our team can recommend products that align with your brand, budget, and objectives.

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