How to Order Custom Stickers Like a Pro

Ordering custom stickers should be straightforward. Start with where the sticker will go, then choose the size, material, artwork setup, and quantity that fit the job. It also helps to know when an individual sticker makes more sense than a product label. Here’s what to consider before you place your order.

1. Pick the Right Sticker Size

Start with the surface where your sticker is most likely to end up. The right size should give your artwork enough room to be readable without overwhelming the application.

• 2 to 3 inches: A useful starting range for laptops, water bottles, tumblers, and smaller giveaways.
• 3 to 4 inches: Gives logos and more detailed artwork extra room and works well for promotional stickers and larger personal items.
• 5 inches and larger: Better suited to bigger surfaces such as coolers, windows, vehicles, and displays.

2. Choose the Right Sticker Material or Finish

Sticker materials differ in appearance, adhesive options, and durability. Think about where the sticker will be used and the look you want before choosing. For a deeper comparison, see our guide to choosing the right sticker material.

• White Vinyl: A versatile outdoor-durable option with an opaque white background that helps colors and artwork stand out.
• Matte Vinyl: Outdoor durable with a softer, low-glare appearance for branding and designs that do not need a glossy finish.
• Clear Vinyl: Outdoor durable and useful when you want the application surface to show through around your artwork.
• Mirror Vinyl: An outdoor-durable option with a reflective finish for logos, promotions, and designs that need extra shine.
• Holographic Vinyl: Creates a color-shifting effect that works well for creative branding and giveaways. Indoor use is recommended.
• Glitter Vinyl: Adds sparkle and texture to promotional designs and giveaways. Indoor use is recommended.
• Domed Stickers: Add a raised, dimensional finish and are outdoor durable for applications that call for a more substantial look and feel.

3. Set Up Your Artwork for Printing

You do not need to be a professional designer to submit usable artwork, but a few setup details can help your stickers print cleanly.

• File Types: Stomp accepts JPG, PNG, AI, PDF, SVG, WEBP, HEIC, and TIFF files. Vector artwork is preferred, but raster artwork is accepted.
• Resolution: Use artwork at 300 DPI when possible for the best print quality.
• Bleed: Extend backgrounds at least 0.125" beyond the finished edge for most products.
• Caution Zone: Keep important text and design elements at least 0.125" inside the finished edge for most products.
• Fonts: Convert or outline text before submitting finished artwork so the type appears as intended.
• Color: Stomp accepts both CMYK and RGB files. RGB artwork is converted to CMYK for printing, so some colors may look different in print than they do on screen.
• Custom Die Cuts: Detailed custom shapes may need slight adjustments if the artwork includes very intricate details, sharp points, or deep bends that do not work well with the production process.

4. Choose a Quantity That Fits the Job

The right quantity depends on how you plan to use your stickers. A limited event, product launch, or test design may call for a smaller run, while ongoing giveaways, order inserts, merch, and larger campaigns can justify ordering more.

Per-sticker pricing generally improves as quantities increase, so compare the total quantity you expect to use with the unit price shown in the product configurator. Stomp also offers free ground shipping on sticker orders.

5. Know When to Order Stickers vs. Labels

Stickers and labels can look similar, but the way they are supplied and used is often different. Individual stickers are a natural fit for promotional pieces, giveaways, merch, event handouts, and branding people can apply themselves.

If you need repeated application to product packaging such as jars, bottles, boxes, or other containers, custom labels may be the better format. Labels are commonly supplied on rolls, making them easier to apply repeatedly by hand or with labeling equipment.

For a closer look at the differences, read Stickers vs. Labels: What’s the Difference?

Custom Sticker FAQs

What’s the best material for custom stickers?

It depends on where the sticker will be used. White and matte vinyl are versatile outdoor-durable choices, while clear vinyl is useful when you want the application surface to show through. Mirror vinyl is also outdoor durable. Holographic and glitter vinyl are better suited to applications where indoor use is recommended.

How many custom stickers should I order?

Base your quantity on how the stickers will be used and how quickly you expect to go through them. Smaller runs can make sense for limited events, test designs, or short promotions. If you need stickers for ongoing giveaways, merch, order inserts, or a larger campaign, compare higher quantity tiers because the price per sticker generally decreases as the order size increases.

What’s the minimum order quantity for stickers?

Minimum quantities vary by sticker product. Check the quantity options on the product page for the sticker you want. If you need fewer than the quantities shown, contact the Stomp support team to ask about available options.

How should I set up my artwork for custom stickers?

For best results, use artwork at 300 DPI when possible, include at least 0.125" of bleed and caution zone for most products, and convert or outline text in finished artwork. Stomp accepts both RGB and CMYK files, although RGB artwork will be converted to CMYK for printing. Check the Artwork Guidelines before submitting your file.

What’s a die-cut sticker?

A die-cut sticker is cut around the outside contour of your design rather than being limited to a standard circle, square, oval, or rectangle. It is a good choice when the shape of your logo or artwork is part of the design.

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