1. What is ASI?
   ASI stands for "Advertising Specialty Institute." Created in 1950 by University of Pennsylvania student Joe Segel as a directory of specialty suppliers, ASI has evolved as the established industry network--connecting individual promotional product manufacturers/suppliers with a national sales force of independent distributors. This organization offers training to industry members, has created standards for quality, credit, communication, etc., provides product research tools, publishes industry news, and recognizes outstanding performance within the industry. A&M GROUP, Inc. is an ASI distributor.
   
   
2. What is PPAI?
   PPAI stands for "Promotional Products Association International" and is the industry trade association. Begun in 1903 as a trade organization for "specialty and novelty manufacturers" as they were then known, PPAI sponsors industry events and trade shows, publishes industry news, creates standards and resources, and recognizes outstanding industry contributions with awards. A&M GROUP, Inc. is a member of PPAI.
   
   
3. How does A&M GROUP provide consulting services?
   The people of A&M GROUP have a reservoir of knowledge and experience that they openly share with their clients. Because our money is made through the sourcing of product, there is usually no fee charged for consulting, and some degree of consulting is an automatic component of almost every project. An exception to this might be our participation in client program planning, based on our expertise, where the outcome does not involve product purchase, or where the process itself involves an extraordinary commitment of time and/or company resources.
   
   
4. What are the artwork requirements to complete a promotional project?
   The quality of design and production artwork is critical to the outcome of every project. Artwork requirements can vary greatly depending on many factors: the product, the process, the number of colors to be reproduced. This is why A&M GROUP maintains expertise in this vital area and applies that knowledge to every project we do. Anyone wanting to know more about industry standards for artwork is advised to download the SM@RT Guidelines established by PPAI.
   
   
5. Does it matter if artwork is created on a PC computer or Macintosh?
   The contradictory answer is yes... but not really. Macintosh is the standard platform in the graphic arts community, and it is the platform used exclusively by A&M GROUP. However, the default business platform is PC/Windows, and most companies do not invest in dual platforms if they do not consider graphic arts to be a core area of their business. Some digital file formats are cross-platform compatible, and the latest release of Mac OSX blurs even more distinctions. With the proper advice and planning, the computer platform used to create artwork is not an issue.
   
   
6. How much lead time is required to deliver promotional products?
   Planning and design time are up to you, but once art is ready to go most imprinted projects can be delivered in 2 to 4 weeks. Custom items and very large quantities can take longer. There are also rush services available for many items that significantly shrink lead times, but the rule of "time is money" applies, and you can expect to pay more for speed.

More questions? E-mail us at <ideas@aandmgroupinc.com>.