A printed bag carries your brand in your customer’s hand or to their door. The most common order problems arise from an incomplete specification, rather than the print itself: a price is requested without dimensions, a low-resolution logo image is sent, or quotes are compared before the number of colours is confirmed. This guide sets out the steps to specify your order correctly from the start.
1. Decide where the bag will be used
A bag carried from a shop, one provided at a supermarket checkout and one used for courier deliveries meet different needs. The intended use determines the bag type:
- Vest bag: Quick to use for supermarkets and everyday shopping.
- Plain bag: A simple appearance for textiles and boutique products.
- Gusseted bag: A neat fit for bulky products.
- Reinforced handle bag: For carrying by hand at shops, trade fairs and events. See the reinforced handle shopping bags page for details.
- Courier mailer bag: For e-commerce shipments. See the guide to choosing courier mailer bags for details.
If you are unsure which type suits your product, simply describe how it will be used; we can assess it together when preparing a quote.
2. Specify the dimensions and thickness
Bag dimensions are given in centimetres as width × length; gusset, flap and handle dimensions should be stated separately. Check the dimensions against the largest product to be carried. Use the bag size and thickness guide to work out bag dimensions from product measurements and calculate bag weight.
We produce printed bags in thicknesses from 8–80 microns, to order. Choose thinner film for light products and thicker film for heavier products or a fuller feel in the hand. Tell us the approximate weight to be carried and we can recommend a suitable thickness.
3. Prepare the artwork file
A vector file of your logo (AI, PDF, EPS or SVG) is the best starting point. A phone photo or a small image downloaded from a website will have distorted edges when enlarged. If you do not have a vector file, let us know from the outset.
Send the following with the file:
- Your corporate colour codes (Pantone codes, if available).
- Whether the bag is to be printed on one side or both sides.
- The approximate position and size of the logo and text on the bag.
- Any additional text, such as a telephone number, address or website.
Very fine lines and very small text may fill in or break up on the film. Text placed too close to the bottom seals or handle area may also shift or be cut off. We will check these points together during artwork approval.
4. The number of colours and background colour affect cost
Each print colour requires separate production preparation. Preparation costs increase with the number of colours, so we recommend the most suitable number after reviewing your design. A simple one-colour logo often creates a strong brand impact.
The background colour also affects the result. The same ink may look different on clear, white and coloured backgrounds. Check legibility carefully when printing light colours on a dark background.
5. Compare quotes using the same specification
Do not compare two quotes on unit price alone. Make sure each quote uses the same information below:
| Information | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bag type and dimensions (width × length, gusset, flap) | Determines the amount of film used |
| Thickness (single or double layer) | Affects weight and strength |
| Background colour | Affects the ink and appearance |
| Number of colours and printed sides | Affects preparation costs |
| Quantity or weight in kilograms | Changes the unit price comparison |
| Delivery location and date | Affects transport and planning |
The unit cost generally falls as the quantity increases. If you use bags regularly, share your monthly requirement so production can be planned accordingly.
6. Approval and delivery
Before production begins, approve the final dimensions, colours and print layout in writing. Changes made after approval may extend the lead time. Mertan Ambalaj produces printed bags to order in Denizli, with no minimum order quantity. The total time from order approval to delivery is 2–7 days; for custom printing, we confirm the exact date together when preparing the quote. We deliver across Türkiye by our own vehicle near Denizli and by freight carrier elsewhere. International shipments are quoted individually. See delivery options by location.
Pre-quote checklist
- Intended use and bag type.
- Dimensions: width × length, gusset, flap and handle.
- Thickness and approximate weight to be carried.
- Vector logo file and colour codes.
- Whether printing is on one side or both, and the layout.
- Background colour.
- Estimated quantity and requested delivery date.
Send your file and details using the quote form. Compare bag types on the printed bags page.