Custom Ink FAQ: Design Tools, Voucher Codes, and What You Actually Pay for Custom Tote Bags & More

Whether you're ordering custom apparel for a company event or promotional products for a marketing campaign, you want answers—fast. Here are the questions I get asked most often as someone who's managed hundreds of small business orders over the past six years. Let's cut through the marketing and get to the numbers.

Does Custom Ink have a design tool?

Yes, and it's actually pretty robust. Their online design studio lets you upload artwork, add text, choose from templates, and preview your design in real time. For someone like me who's not a designer, that's huge—it saves you the cost of hiring a graphic designer. Plus, they offer free art assistance if you're stuck. From a cost perspective, that alone can save $50–$200 per project.

Is there a Custom Ink voucher code?

They do offer codes from time to time, but here's the thing: don't let a discount drive your decision. I've seen organizations jump at a 10% off code without checking the fine print—minimum order quantities, exclusions. If you're ordering 50 custom tote bags, a voucher might save you $15, but a poorly designed product could cost you $300 in reorders. Focus on value, not the coupon.

How much does a custom tote bag cost?

Pricing varies by quantity and style. Based on publicly listed prices as of early 2025, a basic 100-order run of 14 oz cotton tote bags with a one-color print runs around $2.50–$4.00 per bag, including setup. But watch out: that's before shipping, art fees, and potential rush charges. My advice: always ask for a quote that includes everything. A "cheap" $2.50 bag can quickly become $4.00+ when you factor in all costs.

Can I order custom glass figurines?

Custom Ink's product catalog focuses on apparel and standard promotional items. Glass figurines aren't usually listed in their core offerings, but they do have a "promotional products" category that includes some glassware (like mugs or paperweights). If you need a specific glass figurine, you might need to look at specialized suppliers. But for most business needs—awards, desk gifts—their glass awards section might cover it. Be ready for per-unit costs typically higher than apparel, around $8–$15 each for small quantities.

Is paint by number a harmful app?

I've seen this question pop up, and it's a misunderstanding. Custom Ink doesn't sell an app—they offer custom paint by number kits, which are physical products. If someone told you it's a "harmful app," they probably confused it with a different product. The kits themselves are harmless, just canvas and paint. I've actually ordered them for team-building events; they're fun and cost-effective. Just be clear that you're buying a physical kit, not software.

How long do custom orders take?

Typical turnaround is 5–7 business days for standard production, plus shipping. If you need it faster, rush production is available—but it comes with a premium. From my tracking of 40+ orders, rush fees added 25–50% to the base cost. Is it worth it? Honestly, only if you've already calculated the cost of missing your deadline. I learned that lesson the hard way in Q3 2023 when I cheaped out on shipping and lost a trade show slot.

What hidden costs should I watch for?

Three big ones: 1) Setup fees—some products include it, others don't. 2) Art proof charges if you need multiple revisions. 3) Shipping to multiple addresses, which is common for distributed teams. I always ask for a line-item quote. Over my years of procurement, I've found that asking "What else could I be charged?" upfront saves an average of 12% off the final invoice. That's not a theory—I ran the numbers across 85 orders.