FAQs

Dakota Ink provides professional design, production, and branding services for businesses, organizations, teams, events, and individuals.

• Professional graphic design

• Business signs and displays

• Vehicle graphics and wraps

• Decals and lettering

• Banners

• Custom apparel

• Company uniforms

• FR-branded apparel

• Embroidery

• Custom hats

• Custom hat patches

• UV printing

• Promotional products

• Printed marketing materials

• Company apparel stores

YOu can order online at dakotainkll.com,Email info@dakotainkllc.com or Contact Dakota Ink with as much information as possible. After reviewing the project, we will recommend products and provide an estimate. 

• Product or service needed

• Desired quantity

• Approximate size

• Preferred colors

• Artwork or logo files

• Installation location, when applicable

Do I need to provide my own artwork? No. Dakota Ink offers professional graphic design services and can develop a design using your ideas, business information, colors, and branding. Customers with existing artwork should provide the highest-quality file available.

Preferred formats include AI, EPS, SVG, PDF, high-resolution PNG, and high-resolution JPG. Vector artwork is preferred for signs, embroidery, vehicle graphics, apparel, large-format graphics, and promotional products. If vector artwork is required, a $50 per hour graphic design fee will be charged. 

Dakota Ink may be able to recreate, clean up, or convert the logo into a production-ready format. Artwork recreation, vector conversion, logo cleanup, or custom design charges may apply.

Yes, proofs will be displayed in your portal. Dakota Ink will provide a digital proof for review and approval before production begins.

Once a proof is approved, the customer is responsible for the information and design choices shown on that proof.

• Spelling and grammar

• Names and business information

• Phone numbers and website addresses

• Dates and pricing

• Product quantities

• Garment styles, colors, and sizes

• Employee names and job titles

• Sign dimensions

• Logo, print, and embroidery placement

• Overall layout and appearance

Changes may be possible if production has not begun. Additional design, setup, material, and production charges may apply, and changes may affect the estimated completion date. Once production has started, changes may not be possible.

Turnaround depends on product availability, quantity, artwork requirements, proof approval, supplier lead times, production method, installation requirements, shipping, and the current production schedule. Completion dates are estimates unless Dakota Ink guarantees a date in writing.

Rush service may be available depending on product availability and the current production schedule. Rush charges may apply.

Dakota Ink makes every reasonable effort to meet requested deadlines. Completion and delivery dates are estimates unless specifically guaranteed in writing. Dakota Ink is not responsible for delays caused by weather, freight carriers, supplier shortages, equipment failure, permit delays, customer approval delays, or circumstances outside its reasonable control.

Shipping and delivery may be available. Charges depend on the product size, weight, destination, packaging requirements, and delivery method.

Custom orders generally cannot be canceled after artwork approval, product or material ordering, or the start of production. When cancellation is possible, the customer remains responsible for design time, setup charges, special order materials, restocking fees, supplier charges, and completed work.

Customized products are generally nonreturnable and nonrefundable. Returns are not accepted because of customer approved design choices, incorrect customer-provided information, sizing preferences, normal color variation, manufacturer sizing differences, or a change of mind. Customers should contact Dakota Ink promptly regarding a possible production error or material defect.

Inspect the order promptly after pickup, delivery, shipment, or installation. Contact Dakota Ink with the order information, a description of the issue, clear photographs, and the quantity affected. Visible shortages, damage, or production errors should be reported within five business days. Do not discard, alter, repair, install, remove, or return the affected product before Dakota Ink has had an opportunity to review it.

Availability depends on the brand, style, color, size, material, and supplier inventory.

• T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts

• Sweatshirts and hoodies

• Jackets and outerwear

• Polos and button-up shirts

• Workwear and safety apparel

• High-visibility apparel

• Company and employee uniforms

• Team and corporate apparel

• FR apparel

• Hats, caps, and beanies

Yes. Dakota Ink offers uniform programs for businesses, contractors, oilfield companies, service companies, restaurants, schools, teams, and organizations. Uniform programs can coordinate logos, garment colors, employee names, job titles, departments, and approved product selections.

Yes. Employee names, job titles, departments, and other personalization may be added to compatible garments. The customer must provide and approve the correct spelling, garment, size, color, and placement for each employee. Personalization charges may apply.

Yes. Dakota Ink offers branded flame-resistant and arc-rated apparel from trusted workwear manufacturers, including:

• Spartan FR

• Forge FR

• Ariat

• Carhartt

• Port West FR

• LAPCO FR

• Additional FR and workwear brands

Brand, garment rating, style, color, size, and availability depend on current manufacturer and supplier inventory. Dakota Ink can help compare available products and select apparel suited to the company uniform program, work environment, and budget.

• FR work shirts, T-shirts, and polos

• FR hoodies and sweatshirts

• FR jackets and cold-weather workwear

• FR pants, jeans, and bib overalls

• FR coveralls and uniforms

• High-visibility FR apparel

• FR hats and accessories

Yes, when the garment and decoration method are compatible. FR and arc-rated garments require special consideration. Dakota Ink will recommend a decoration method based on the garment, manufacturer instructions, logo size, placement, and intended work environment. The customer or employer is responsible for confirming that the selected garment, safety rating, decoration method, and logo placement satisfy company policies and job-site requirements.

Always follow the garment manufacturer’s washing, drying, inspection, repair, and replacement instructions. Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, starch, or other products prohibited by the manufacturer. Dakota Ink’s general apparel-care instructions do not replace the FR garment manufacturer’s safety requirements.

Customer-supplied garments may be accepted with prior approval. Dakota Ink must review the material, construction, coatings, and requested decoration method. Not every garment is suitable for embroidery, heat application, patches, or other decoration. Dakota Ink does not guarantee the condition, material compatibility, sizing, safety rating, or replacement availability of customer-supplied products.

Customized apparel generally cannot be returned because of sizing or fit preferences. Customers should review the manufacturer’s size chart before ordering because sizing can vary between brands, styles, and garment materials.

Yes. Dakota Ink offers custom hats for businesses, employees, teams, organizations, events, and promotional use.

• Trucker hats

• Rope hats

• Snapback hats

• Adjustable caps

• Fitted hats

• Work and safety hats

• Performance hats

• Beanies

Yes. Patch availability depends on the design, hat style, quantity, material, shape, and desired appearance.

• Leather patches

• Leatherette patches

• Embroidered patches

• Woven patches

• Printed patches

• UV-printed patches

• PVC patches

• Heat-applied patches

Yes. Dakota Ink can create or prepare artwork for a custom hat patch. Artwork recreation, vector conversion, logo cleanup, or custom design fees may apply when production-ready artwork is not provided.

Yes. Common shapes include circles, rectangles, squares, ovals, shields, and custom-cut shapes. Available colors, materials, stitching, borders, and finishes depend on the selected patch type.

Customer-supplied hats may be accepted with prior approval. Hat construction, coatings, seams, fabrics, and panel shapes vary, so Dakota Ink cannot guarantee that every customer-supplied hat will be compatible with the requested decoration or patch application.

• Business and building signs

• Dimensional lettering

• Lighted signs

• UV-printed signs

• Aluminum and aluminum composite signs

• Acrylic and PVC signs

• Coroplast and yard signs

• Real-estate and construction signs

• Safety signs

• Banners

• Window, wall, and floor graphics

• Magnetic signs

• Event displays

• Custom sign panels

Yes. Recommendations are based on indoor or outdoor use, permanent or temporary use, weather exposure, installation method, viewing distance, desired product life, illumination, and budget

Yes. Professional installation may be available depending on the project, location, surface, access, equipment requirements, permits, and scheduling. Installation is priced separately unless specifically included in the estimate

Permits, engineering, electrical work, surveys, inspections, landlord approval, and government fees are not included unless specifically listed in the estimate. The customer is responsible for confirming that the proposed sign is permitted at the requested location.

Product life depends on the material, installation surface, sun exposure, weather, sign orientation, maintenance, cleaning methods, and environmental conditions. Outdoor signs and graphics naturally experience fading, weathering, and wear over time.

• Vehicle lettering

• DOT numbers

• Spot graphics

• Partial wraps

• Full wraps

• Fleet graphics

• Trailer graphics

• Equipment decals

Yes. Vehicles must be clean and free from mud, dust, road salt, wax, oil, grease, silicone, and other surface contaminants. Additional cleaning, adhesive removal, or existing-graphic removal may result in additional charges.

Vinyl should not be installed over rust, loose paint, peeling clear coat, oxidation, body filler, damaged panels, poorly repaired surfaces, or unsuitable repainted surfaces. Vinyl adheres to the existing surface; if that surface fails, the vinyl may lift or separate with it.

Professional removal from factory paint in good condition generally presents less risk. Damage may occur on repainted panels, peeling paint, damaged clear coat, rusted areas, body filler, previously repaired panels, or poor-quality paintwork. Dakota Ink cannot guarantee the condition of the paint beneath existing graphics or wraps.

Automatic car washes and high-pressure washing may shorten the life of vehicle graphics.

• Hand wash when possible

• Use mild automotive soap

• Avoid abrasive brushes and harsh chemicals

• Do not pressure wash directly against graphic edges

• Keep pressure-washing equipment a safe distance away

• Do not scrape ice directly over graphics

• Clean fuel and chemical spills promptly

Product availability depends on supplier inventory.

• Pens

• Drinkware and tumblers

• Bags and coolers

• Notebooks and tally books

• Keychains

• Tools and safety products

• Tech accessories

• Employee and corporate gifts

• Event Giveaways
• Vinyl & Leatherette Tally Books 
• OD Tapes 
• Knives 
• Hats 
• Etc.

Samples may be available for selected products. Sample, imprint, setup, freight, and shipping charges may apply.

Most promotional products have manufacturer-required minimum quantities. Minimums depend on the product, manufacturer, imprint method, and production process.

Some manufacturers permit production overruns or underruns. Unless an exact quantity is requested and approved in writing, the final quantity may vary within the manufacturer’s standard production tolerance. Customers are billed for the quantity produced or shipped.

Yes. Dakota Ink may create online stores for businesses, employee uniform programs, schools, teams, organizations, fundraisers, and events.

Store availability, product selection, minimums, payment options, fulfillment, and delivery terms depend on the selected program.

• Company uniforms

• FR apparel

• T-shirts and hoodies

• Jackets

• Hats

• Safety apparel

• Employee-name personalization

• Promotional products

Dakota Ink will recommend a method based on the artwork, product, material, quantity, intended use, and budget.

• UV printing

• Embroidery

• Direct-to-film transfers

• Heat-applied graphics

• Printed transfers

• Custom hat patches

• Leather and leatherette patches

• Embroidered patches

• UV-printed patches

• Vinyl graphics and decals

• Large-format printing

• Specialty product decoration

Yes. Dakota Ink offers UV printing on a variety of compatible flat and rigid materials.

• Signs and display panels

• Acrylic

• Aluminum composite material

• PVC

• Wood

• Plastic

• Promotional products

• Plaques

• Branded displays

• Specialty products

• Hat patches
• Tally Books 

UV printing uses ultraviolet light to cure the ink during production. It produces a professional print directly on many compatible materials. Product compatibility, finish, durability, and available print area depend on the material, surface, shape, and intended use.

No. Some surfaces, coatings, shapes, and materials may not be suitable for direct UV printing. Dakota Ink will review the  product and recommend an appropriate production method. Silicone is not compatible 

Not always. Colors may vary between computer monitors, phones, tablets, office printers, printed proofs, garments, vinyl, UV inks, promotional products, different materials, and separate production runs. Dakota Ink makes reasonable efforts to produce accurate colors, but exact matching is not guaranteed unless a specific color-matching service is requested and approved.

Small differences may occur in color, print placement, embroidery placement, sign dimensions, cuts, product size, material finish, garment color, and quantities. Minor variations within reasonable manufacturing and industry tolerances are not considered defects.

Only when the customer owns the artwork or has permission to use it. Customers are responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce copyrighted, trademarked, licensed, or otherwise protected materials. Dakota Ink may decline to reproduce artwork that appears to violate intellectual-property rights.

Editable design files, working files, fonts, production files, embroidery files, templates, and unused design concepts are not automatically included with the order. Production-ready or editable files may be available for an additional fee.

Warranty coverage depends on the product, material, surface, installation method, intended use, and manufacturer. Dakota Ink’s workmanship warranty applies only to eligible defects directly caused by Dakota Ink’s production or professional installation. Normal wear, fading, weathering, accidents, misuse, improper cleaning, surface failure, vandalism, and severe weather are not workmanship defects.

No installation warranty is provided when graphics, wraps, signs, decals, panels, hardware, or related products are installed by the customer or another person or company. Dakota Ink’s installation workmanship warranty applies only when installation is completed by an experienced professional installer employed by Dakota Ink or specifically authorized by Dakota Ink in writing.

Dakota Ink is not responsible for problems caused by customer or third-party installation, including misalignment, bubbles, wrinkles, lifting, peeling, cracking, stretching, punctures, incorrect mounting, water intrusion, electrical problems, hardware failure, or property damage. Labor, removal, replacement, reinstallation, travel, equipment, and property-repair costs caused by third-party installation are the customer’s responsibility.

It may. Cutting, drilling, wiring, repositioning, repairing, removing, reinstalling, or otherwise modifying a product without Dakota Ink’s written approval may void warranty coverage to the extent the modification caused or contributed to the failure.

Provide Dakota Ink with complete project information. Incomplete information may result in preliminary pricing that must be adjusted after final specifications are received.

• Product or service requested

• Quantity and size

• Artwork

• Product color

• Print or decoration locations

• Installation location

• Requested completion date

• Shipping or delivery requirements

Unless otherwise stated, estimates are generally valid for 30 days. Pricing may change because of supplier price increases, product availability, material costs, freight, tariffs, quantity changes, artwork changes, or project-scope changes.

Basic setup may be included with certain products. Additional charges may apply for original logo design, extensive graphic design, artwork recreation, vector conversion, logo cleanup, multiple design concepts, major revisions, or complex production-file preparation.

Installation is not included unless specifically listed in the estimate. Installation pricing may include labor, travel, surface preparation, removal of existing graphics, equipment or lift rental, hardware, site preparation, return trips, and special access requirements.

Permit fees, engineering, electrical work, surveys, inspections, and government charges are not included unless specifically listed in writing.

Shipping, freight, packaging, and delivery charges are additional unless specifically included in the estimate.

Pricing may change when the quantity, size, product type, material, artwork, print locations, garment style, installation conditions, delivery requirements, or completion deadline changes. Unexpected site conditions, supplier changes, freight increases, or additional production work may also affect pricing.

Setup or production charges may still apply. Files may require updating, resizing, conversion, machine setup, color adjustment, or preparation for a different product or production method.

Quantity discounts may be available depending on the product, production method, supplier, and order quantity. Higher quantities generally reduce the per-item cost but increase the total order value.

Dakota Ink reviews pricing based on product quality, materials, printing method, artwork requirements, service, and production specifications. Competitor pricing can only be compared when the products, materials, quantities, printing methods, warranties, and services are substantially the same. Dakota Ink will price match identical items with the same embellishment and methods .

A deposit may be required before Dakota Ink begins graphic design, product or material ordering, production, fabrication, or installation scheduling. Special-order products, custom materials, large projects, and promotional-product orders may require a larger deposit or full payment in advance

Unless Dakota Ink has approved written credit terms, final payment is due before pickup, delivery, shipment, installation, or release of completed products.

Available payment methods will be shown on the estimate, invoice, checkout page, or payment request. Customers should contact Dakota Ink regarding payment options for large orders or company accounts.

Generally, no. Production scheduling, product ordering, material ordering, and design work may not begin until the required deposit has been received.

Deposits may become nonrefundable after design work begins, materials or products are ordered, supplier charges are incurred, production begins, or installation time is reserved. Any available refund will be reduced by completed work, design fees, setup charges, material costs, supplier charges, restocking fees, and other expenses already incurred.

Payment after delivery is available only when Dakota Ink has approved credit terms in writing before the order is placed.

Approved business accounts may be eligible for credit terms. Dakota Ink may require a credit application, references, purchase orders, or other information before approving credit and may change or withdraw credit terms at its discretion.

Past-due balances may be subject to late charges, collection costs, attorney fees, or other charges permitted by the customer agreement and applicable law.

Dakota Ink may hold completed products, files, materials, deliveries, or installation until the account is paid according to the approved terms.

Special-order, personalized, printed, embroidered, engraved, fabricated, and otherwise customized products are generally nonrefundable.

The customer is responsible for unpaid balances and any applicable returned-payment, processing, collection, or bank charges. Dakota Ink may suspend production, ordering, delivery, or installation until valid payment is received.