Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is pricing for custom orders valid?

A: Prices are subject to change without notice. Future orders for shipment more than sixty (60) days from order date are subject to the price prevailing at the time of shipment.

Q: How are plates and artwork billed?

A: Plates and artwork are billed at cost. Camera-ready art must be supplied or we will execute artwork necessary for proper plates and bill you accordingly. (Note that business cards, match-books, etc., are not deemed camera-ready art.)

Q: Are proofs supplied?

A: Proofs are supplied for all printed orders unless waived by the customer.

Q: Are special inks available?

A: We have standard inks, but any PMS color is available. Ink matches for non-standard PMS colors require a special charge. Please note that different color backgrounds may produce different variations of an ink color when printing. We will advise you if we feel that the end result may be different than you have indicated. We cannot match PMS colors when hot stamping. PMS values apply to inks only. Foils have a different range of colors.

Q: Is there a difference in large runs versus small runs on custom printed orders (or what is the difference between pre-printing versus post-printing)?

A: In a large run, the paper or plastic is printed before being converted into a bag. Because of this, there is an unlimited copy area. It is possible to print multiple colors and register the print. With small runs, a stock bag is hand-fed into a printing press.

Q: What are the delivery times for custom orders?

A: Delivery times are based upon the date the approved proof is received. Since the delivery time varies for each customer order, please direct your questions to info@commonwealthpackaging.com or 800-999-5470.

Q: What are under-runs and over-runs?

A: Under-runs and over-runs are characteristic of the custom-printed bag and box industry. Under-runs and over-runs range from 5% to 25%, depending upon the complexity of the custom job and the quantity ordered. All printed orders are subject to a range of a 5% to 25% under-run or over-run and are billed pro-rata.

Q: Are shipments F.O.B. manufacturer?

A: Yes, shipments are freight on board (F.O.B.) manufacturer, unless otherwise specified, which means the customer is responsible for freight. If another shipping arrangement is desired, please specify at time of order. We are not responsible for special delivery requirements.

Q: What are the payment terms for purchases “on account”?

A: Terms are Net 30 Days. Invoices unpaid 30 days after date are subject to a late charge of 1-3/4% per month. Commonwealth retains a security interest in goods delivered and reserves a right to withhold future shipments until payment is received in full, including late charges, if any.

Q: What is the response time to email messages?

A: We will respond to email messages within 24 hours.

Q: What is the time between when an order for stock merchandise is received on the website and the time it is shipped from the Commonwealth warehouse?

A: We will ship your stock goods within 48 hours of receiving your order.

Q: What are the shipping times once the goods leave the Commonwealth warehouse?

A: One (1) day shipping to CT, DE, MD, NJ, and PA; two (2) days shipping to IN, MA, NC, NH, NY, OH, RI, TN, VA, VT, and WV; three (3) days shipping to AL, FL, GA, IA, IL, KY, ME, MI, MN, SC, and WI; four (4) days shipping to AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, NE, OK, and SD; five (5) days shipping to AZ, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, NV, TX, UT, WA, and WY; six (6) days shipping to CA and OR.

Q: How do you ship your products?

A: All products shipped within the continental United States are shipped FedEx ground. For destinations outside the continental United States, including Alaska and Hawaii and international shipments, we will determine the best way.

Q: How are freight charges determined?

A: Freight is dependent on weight and volume.

Q: Do you charge sales tax?

A: Yes, on shipments to certain states. Because we have offices in the states of PA, CA, and NY, we are required by law to collect sales tax on shipments to those states at the currently prevailing sales tax rate for that state.

Q: If I use my credit card to pay for a purchase, when will my credit card be charged?

A: Your credit card payment is processed at order time through our secured server site. At that time, your credit card will be charged for your purchase.

Q: Is my credit card transaction secure?

A: When we request personal information from you (such as name, address, phone number and credit card information), it is done on our secure servers. We have purchased a SSL (Secured Socket Layer) certificate from Verisign, which is an industry standard technology to protect your confidential information. This means that your personal information is encrypted so that it is unreadable and secure as it travels over the internet. To verify that your data is secure, you should see a lock at the bottom right of your screen and/or "https" in the upper left of your screen.

Q: Do you disclose any personal information to a third party?

A: No. Your confidential information, such as your name, address, or credit card data, is only used to fill your order with us. We do not disclose any of this personal information to any third party unless required by law to do so. For further information, please read our privacy policy.

Q: Can I change my order after I submit it?

A: If you need to make a change, please contact our Customer Service Department immediately at info@commonwealthpackaging.com, or 800-999-5470, or fax at 717-657-5755. We will make every effort to accommodate your request.

Q: Who do I contact if I have a question about my order?

A: Please email our Customer Service Department at info@commonwealthpackaging.com, or call them at 800-999-5470, or fax them at 717-657-5755.

Q: How does the current interest in “green” impact the packaging industry?”?

A: Commonwealth Packaging Company is aware of the environmental concerns in the market place, and is proud to be at the forefront in making available paper bags manufactured with 100% post industrial waste material. In addition our plastic bags can be manufactured with up to 30% recycled material and/or can contain additives that accelerate degradation.
The Bottom line for our clients is that they are working with a "green" company that is sensitive to their impact on the environment. - For More Info Click Here

Q: Do You Have a Minimum Order?

A: Our minimum order is $100 but we will ship merchandise at less value but will add a $10 processing fee. In addition, all orders have a $5 handling fee.

 

Return Policy Info

Q: What if I want to return or exchange merchandise?

A: First, please contact our Customer Service Department at info@commonwealthpackaging.com, or 800-999-5470 to explain your particular situation and get instructions on how to return the merchandise for an exchange or credit. Merchandise may be returned only with written authorization. There is a 15% restocking charge on any goods returned for credit. You can return the merchandise to our warehouse at 5490 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112. Please enclose a copy of the invoice when returning merchandise.

Q: What if I receive a damaged item?

A: Please contact our Customer Service Department at info@commonwealthpackaging.com, or phone 800-999-5470, or fax 717-657-5755.