FAQ
GENERAL STICKER QUESTIONS
What material are the stickers made of?
Each of our stickers is made from high-quality vinyl. A layer of laminate is added to each sticker for extra durability. The total thickness of each sticker is 6.4mil
What is a die-cut sticker?
Die-Cut refers to the final presentation of our finished stickers. The paper backing aligns with the size and shape of the actual sticker.
What surfaces can the stickers go on?
Generally speaking, you can apply your stickers to any smooth and clean surface! Some examples include vehicles, watercrafts, laptops, tumblers, mugs, cell phones, and Polyurethaned wood.
What can I use the stickers for?
With custom stickers, the possibilities are ENDLESS! Here is a list of potential uses for our stickers:
Business logo stickers, event hand-outs, promotional items, product packaging/labeling.
Wedding, birthday party, baby shower, graduation, & holiday invites and "thank-yous"
Family photos, pet photos, graduation photos
Stickers of your artwork/drawings
How long are the stickers expected to last?
Our stickers are made for both indoor and outdoor use, and are expected to last 5+ years when applied properly.
How do I apply the stickers to a surface?
1. Ensure that the smooth surface is clean. Please clean the area with water and a little dish soap. (DO NOT use any type of chemical. Chemicals may break down the adhesive).
2. Dry the surface
3. Once completely dry, peel the sticker off of the paper backing and place it on the surface. Smooth out the entire sticker with your hand (or squeegee, credit card, etc.)
Can the stickers be removed from a surface?
Of course! The stickers will stay on a surface for many years. If you decide to remove them, simply peel the sticker off. It may stretch/tear a bit when removed. If any adhesive residue happens to get left behind it may be washed off with a little soap and water.
Can I reuse the stickers?
Our stickers are permanent (until manually removed) and a one-time use. They are not reusable.
Are the stickers weatherproof/waterproof?
Of course! Our stickers will hold up and last a long time through rain, snow, wind, car washes, and dishwashers.
Are the stickers oil proof?
Yes! Our stickers are oil proof.
ORDERING PROCESS
How much do the stickers cost?
The price of our stickers are calculated by the size and quantity you would like. The price will be shown on our product pages when you make your order selections.
Can I have a quote on a custom size or quantity?
Absolutely! Please send us a message with the following information and we can provide a quote for you!
-How many designs you would like printed
-Size of each design
-Quantity of each design
-Shape of each design
What size should I choose?
Ultimately, the size is up to you! However, we can give some recommendations.
Tumblers, mugs, & laptops: 3"
Cars: 4"-6"
If your design is thin, you may want to go a size larger than recommended. For example, you may want to choose 4" for your tumbler if your design is 4x1.
If your design contains text or a QR code, please select a size that will be large enough to read all of the text and scan the QR code. If you have very small text in your design, 2" may not be the best option.
If the digital file you have is very pixelated, you may want to choose one of the smaller sizes. The larger you go, the more pixelation there may be in the final print.
Overall, there is a lot to take into consideration when choosing a size for your stickers. We highly recommend measuring the space on the surface of where you would like the sticker to go.
What types of finishes do you offer?
We currently offer gloss and matte finishes!
Can I split a sticker pack between multiple designs?
A sticker pack must be purchased for each file/design that you have. A pack of stickers cannot be split between multiple images.
How soon will I get my stickers if I order today?
Our full sticker process can be pretty quick! Most orders take just a few days between placing the order an shipping the stickers out.
Please keep in mind that changing your full design, not approving your proof right away or requesting multiple edits to the proof can add an extra day (or a few days) to the process. The shipping service that you select at checkout will also effect how quickly the package arrives once the stickers are shipped.
If your order is time-sensitive, we recommend selecting an upgrade shipping service and keeping a close eye on your email for your proof and/or any further questions we may have for you so that we can ensure the stickers will arrive in time for your event!
My artwork is not ready yet. Can I still order now and send my artwork at a later date?
Absolutely! We can always put your order "on hold" while you finish the final touches on your design.
Can I cancel my order?
Cancellations are accepted up until the digital proof has been approved. Once you have approved your order, the stickers have been sent to production and will be shipped.
If your order is cancelled, you can expect the refund to post back to your payment method within 1-5 business days.
Can I make a tax-exempt order?
Yes! Please send us your tax-exemption certificate after ordering. After we review the certificate, we will refund the tax for you.
ARTWORK
What type of file should I upload?
Preferred File Types: AI, EPS, PDF, and PSD
Acceptable File Types: JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and SVG
Preferred DPI: 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) Please send us the highest resolution file of your design that you have.
What if my file is not 300 DPI or is lower-resolution?
No problem! We just ask that you send the best file that you have. We can still print most files as stickers even if they are not high-resolution.
Should I add my own cut line before providing my artwork?
There is no need to add your own cut line! We have specific border and angle requirements for our cutting machines, so it is easier for us to add in the cut line ourselves. The cut line that we have made will be shown to you in your digital proof.
Will my stickers have a white border?
Whether a white border is needed or not is dependent on the design, file type, file resolution, etc. Our designers will not include a white border if it is not needed.
If a border is needed for proper cutting purposes, our designer will automatically make the border to the thinnest size our cutting machines can handle.
2"- 0.075 inch (1.05mm)
3" & 4"- 0.1" (2.54mm)
5" & 6"- 0.125 (3.175mm)
You may always request a white border if you would like one.
Do you design stickers?
We can make simple straight-across text into stickers in the color and font of your choice. However, we do not design artwork at this time. We can print just about any file or image that you provide!
Can you make a photograph into stickers?
Yes we can! We make stickers of family photos, pet photos, landscape photos, etc. all the time!
Can I have my QR Code printed?
Yes! Please ensure that you provide a high resolution file of your QR Code. QR Code stickers are great for promotional handouts and packaging.
I made my design in Canva. How should I send the file?
If you created your design or logo in Canva, please invite us to the file and we will download the highest resolution file on our end.
Canva Invite is:
Will the colors on the finished stickers match the exact colors of my digital artwork?
Our printers do a great job of closely matching the colors provided in your digital file. However, we cannot guarantee exact color matches.
Computer and phone screens show digital artwork in the RGB color mode. In addition, each screen may have different personalized settings that affects the brightness and vibrancy of the colors. When we print, your digital file is converted from RGB mode to CMYK mode (the mode that printers use).
Due to the reasons above, there COULD be a small difference in the color shade on your file print. The difference in color is usually not noticable.
If you are concerned about matching the exact colors, please reach out to us and we can further assist on how to send your file.
PROOFS
Can I see a proof before ordering?
I am sorry, to maximize the time our designers are working on our current orders, an order must be placed before a proof is made.
When should I expect my first proof?
After ordering, expect your first proof to be sent to your email between 1-2 business days. Please accept or request edits as soon as you can. If we have not heard a response within 2-3 business days, your order will automatically go to production.
What is the red line in my proof?
The red line in your digital proof shows where the cut line will be. This line is only for the proof and will not be on the finished stickers.
I approved my proof, but decided I would like to make another change.
I am sorry, once a proof has been approved the order is sent to production. We are unable to make changes to the proof after your approval.
It has been a few days and I have not received my proof...
If you have not received your proof after a few business days (proofs are not sent on weekends), please check your email account again including the spam folder. If no proofs from us are found, please reach out to us so we can send the proof over again.
Are proofs auto-approved?
If we have not heard any type of response from you after 3 business days from sending your proof, it will be auto-accepted and go to production.
Edits and cancellations are not accepted after this point.
SHIPPING, RETURNS & REFUNDS
Almost all orders are shipped and delivered quickly with no problems! If in the rare event that you do have any issues with the shipment, please read the scenarios below or contact us
How much does shipping cost?
Our Standard (USPS Ground Advantage) shipping is FREE!
Shipping upgrades are available at checkout for an additional fee.
Where do you ship to?
We ship to all U.S. states and territories! Residential, commercial, and PO Box, and APO addresses are welcomed. We do not ship internationally at this time.
Can I pick up my order at your facility?
I am sorry, we do not allow local pickups at this time
How will my stickers be packaged?
Depending on the size of your order, your stickers will be in a sealed plastic bag or shrink wrapped in plastic. It will then be placed in a bubble mailer or box.
Can you split shipments?
No, each order can only be shipped to one address.
Can you blind ship my order?
Yes! Please put a note on your order at checkout (or send us a message) to Blind Ship your stickers.
Will a tracking number be provided on my order?
Yes! All orders will include a tracking number.
How quickly will my order be delivered once shipped?
Below are the estimated transit times given by USPS:
USPS Ground Advantage: 2-7 Business Days
USPS Priority Mail: 2-4 Business Days
USPS Priority Express: 1-3 Business Days
The transit time may vary depending on how far your address is from Michigan. Please note that all transit times and delivery dates are estimations given by USPS & Sticker Wave. USPS & Sticker Wave do not guarantee any delivery timeframes.
How can I get faster shipping on my order?
We have upgraded options at checkout for quicker transit times once shipped. If you decide that you need to upgrade shipping after you purchase, please send us a message.
Can I change my address after placing my order?
If you realize you had given us the incorrect address, please send us a message ASAP with the full address that you would like your order shipped to.
We are able to edit the address and ship to a new location up until you have approved your proof. Once you have approved of the proof the order will be sent to production and shipped pretty quickly, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to change your address after the proof has been approved.
Once the order has been shipped we cannot change the address, and a refund will not be given in this situation.
My order arrived later than it was supposed to...
Every order is shipped with a tracking number so you can view where your package is at any time! The shipping carrier will show an ESTIMATED delivery date, but please note that Sticker Wave does NOT GUARANTEE that your order will arrive to you by the date given. We ask that you please have patience with the shipping carrier, and allow them the time needed to safely deliver your order.
My tracking number states “delivered”, but I did not receive my package...
If in the unlikely event this situation happens, we highly recommend checking around your property and with neighbors to see if your package was accidentally delivered to the wrong location. The next step would be to contact your local post office to see if they can provide details on what might have happened. If you have no luck with the first two steps, please email us at and we will be happy to help out!
The tracking number shows that my package has not moved in several days...
If your tracking number indicates that the package has been lost in transit, or simply has not moved in several days please let us know. We will work with the shipping carrier to track down your stickers!
Answer
MISC. QUESTIONS
Other frequently asked questions that we have received...
Where are your stickers made?
We are located in Michigan! All custom stickers are printed and shipped at our location.
Can I resell my stickers?
Your custom stickers are your artwork, and you may do whatever you want with the stickers once you receive them! We work with many business and artists that resell their stickers as merchandise.
Do you print NSFW (not safe for work) images?
Yep! We can print (and have printed many) NSFW stickers.
What is your Instagram handle?
We can be found on Instagram at: thestickerwave
Feel free to follow and tag us!
Get in touch
Have questions about your order, or a general enquiry?