Answers from the factory floor
Frequently asked questions
Minimums, artwork, lead times, shipping terms, samples and payments — answered directly. If your question is not here, WhatsApp us on +86 156 4027 2445 and you will get a real answer, not a brochure.
Ordering & minimums
Working with us
What is your minimum order quantity?
100 kits per design for a standard kit with a printed folding carton. A fully custom rigid gift box starts at 500 kits. Dropshipping has no minimum order, and there is no minimum for a sample.
Can I mix designs and sizes in one order?
Yes. The 100-kit minimum applies per design, not per order. Sizes can be mixed within an order; we will quote each SKU separately and combine them into one production schedule and one shipment.
Are you a factory or a trading company?
A factory. Canvas printing, paint filling, paper and box printing, brush assembly and kitting all happen in our 1,800 m² workshop in Shenbei New District, Shenyang. We are happy to do a live video walkthrough or host an inspection.
Do you sell retail or compete with your customers?
No. We do not operate a retail store, do not list on Amazon, Etsy or TikTok Shop, and do not resell custom designs. Your private label artwork stays exclusive to you, and we sign an NDA on request.
Design & artwork
Getting your design made
How much does design cost?
Nothing for artwork conversion, canvas preparation, and box mockups. We charge only if you ask for original illustration or a new structural design that needs tooling. Two revision rounds are included; further rounds are free unless they restart production artwork.
What file should I send?
JPG, PNG, PDF, PSD, AI or a phone photo. Ideally 2,000 px on the long edge or more. Low-resolution images are still workable — we redraw and simplify rather than upscale, and we will tell you honestly if the result will look thin.
How long does a mockup take?
Usually within 24 hours, including a canvas preview and a box mockup. Complex multi-SKU projects take up to two working days.
Can you match a specific frame size or a competitor's dimensions?
Yes. There is no tooling cost for custom canvas dimensions. Send the outside frame measurement you need to fit and we will size the canvas to it, including the wrap allowance.
Production & quality
Making the kits
What is your lead time?
8–15 days after artwork approval and deposit for standard kits. Custom rigid boxes take 15–22 days. Samples take 3–5 days plus freight. September to November is our peak season — book early, because we would rather decline than slip a date.
Do you provide samples?
Yes. We can send a stock sample, or produce a pre-production sample of your own design in 3–5 days. Sample cost is credited against your bulk order above 500 kits.
Can I get test reports for my market?
Yes. Acrylic paints and printed paper components can be supplied with reports for EN71-3 (EU/UK), ASTM D-4236 (US) and CE labelling. Tell us the destination market before production so the right report set is used.
What is your defect rate?
In-line checks happen at cutting, paint filling and kitting, with a photo report before cartons close. Our observed breakage rate for folded canvas in export cartons is under 0.5%. If anything arrives wrong, send photos and a count within 14 days and we reprint, credit, or fix it in your next run.
Shipping & payment
Getting the goods
Which trade terms do you offer?
FOB Dalian is standard — the port is 40 minutes from our workshop. We also quote EXW Shenyang, CIF and DDP to your door. Consolidation with other suppliers at our warehouse is available.
What are the payment terms?
30% deposit on order confirmation, 70% before dispatch. We accept T/T, Alibaba Trade Assurance, Western Union, and PayPal for sample-only orders. A 30% deposit is required for all new accounts.
Can you ship small quantities by air?
Yes. Orders under roughly 100 kg usually move by express or tracked air. Above that, the per-kilo maths on sea freight and air freight switches, and we will show you both before booking.
How does dropshipping work with you?
You send order files, we pick, pack and ship directly to your customer with no factory identity inside the parcel, then return tracking numbers in the same format you sent. Dispatch in 3–7 days, no minimum order. Full details are on the dropshipping page.
Still have a question?
WhatsApp +86 156 4027 2445 or e-mail wholesale@paintartbynumbers.com. During Shenyang business hours you will usually get an answer within the hour.