How Far in Advance to Order a Custom Tent, Flags or Banners

For a custom tent or booth, start about 4 to 6 weeks before your event. That covers up to 3 business days for your quote and design, a little time for changes, and about 1 to 2 weeks for your booth to arrive after you approve and pay. Flags, banners and table covers need about 2 to 3 weeks of lead time, and apparel about 3 to 4. If you’re wondering how far in advance to order a custom tent, that’s the short answer. Here’s the full timeline and how to plan around it.

Custom order timeline at a glance

Item	Typical time after you approve and pay	Start this far before your event
Canopy tents, booths, bundles, umbrellas, sidewalk sign stands and large displays	About 1 to 2 weeks	4 to 6 weeks
Flags	About 1 week	2 to 3 weeks
Table covers and banners	About 1 week	2 to 3 weeks
Apparel (tees, crews, polos, hats)	About 1 to 2 weeks	3 to 4 weeks
Quote and free design help	Within 3 business days of your request	Build it into every timeline

Keychains take about 3 weeks.

Where the time goes

Every custom order follows the same steps. Knowing them helps you see where you can save time.

1. Design online and request a quote. Pick your product, size and options, and upload your logo.
2. Get your quote and design. Both arrive within 3 business days.
3. Review the design. If you want changes, each round adds a little time, so it pays to have your files and colors ready up front.
4. Approve and pay. This is when the clock starts on production and shipping.
5. Production and shipping. About 1 to 2 weeks for booths, tents, umbrellas, sidewalk sign stands and large displays; about 1 week for flags, table covers and banners; about 1 to 2 weeks for apparel.
6. Unbox and test. Set everything up once before the event so there are no surprises.

The big takeaway: the 1 to 2 weeks for a tent starts when you approve and pay, not when you first ask for a quote.

Work backward from your event date

Pick your event date and count back. Here’s a simple plan for a full branded setup:

• 6 weeks out: start designing your tent or booth and request your quote.
• 4 weeks out: approve your tent design and pay, at the latest, for standard timing.
• 4 weeks out: order team or staff apparel.
• 3 weeks out: order flags, banners and table covers.
• 1 to 2 weeks out: everything should be in hand. Inspect it, do a test setup and pack.

If you have several events, plan for the first one. Everything after that is a bonus.

Plan around your busy season

The best time to order is before everyone else does.

• Northern and Midwest vendors: outdoor season runs spring through fall, so order in late winter or early spring.
• Warm-state vendors: in much of the South, fall through spring is peak outdoor event season, with holiday markets outdoors in winter. Order in summer so your booth is ready before fall markets start in Florida, Texas, Georgia or the Carolinas.
• Football and tailgate season: order in early summer.
• Holiday markets: order by early fall.
• School and team gear: order before the season starts, not after the first game.

Running behind? Your options

If your event is closer than you’d like, don’t give up yet.

• Enter a “need by” date when you request your quote. We’ll tell you up front what’s possible.
• Ask us about a rush. Tell us your date and we’ll check what’s possible before you pay.
• Approve your design quickly. Have your logo files, colors and wording ready so you only need one round.
• Start with the fast items. Feather and teardrop flags, banners and table covers take about 1 week and can carry your look at an event while your tent is on its way.
• Use what you have. A plain canopy with a printed table cover, a banner and a flag still looks branded.

We can’t promise a delivery date, but the earlier you tell us your deadline, the better we can plan with you.

Things that slow orders down

Most delays come from the steps before production. Avoid these:

• Low-resolution logos. A blurry file means a new file and another design round. See our guide to print-ready logo files.
• Not knowing your booth size. Check your vendor packet first. Our canopy size comparison helps you choose.
• Too many decision-makers. Agree on wording and colors before you request a quote.
• Waiting to pay after approval. Production starts when both are done.
• Missing apparel sizes. Collect sizes before you order, not after.

When it arrives

Open and inspect everything as soon as it arrives. Custom items can’t be returned except for damage or defects, and those need to be reported within 7 days of delivery with photos. Then set up your canopy booth at home once, practice with your helpers, and make sure you have weights for every leg. Our guide on how to weigh down a canopy tent covers that. Shipping is free to the lower 48 states and DC.

FAQ

How far in advance should I order a custom canopy tent?

About 4 to 6 weeks before your event. Tents arrive in about 1 to 2 weeks after you approve your design and pay, and quotes take up to 3 business days.

Can I get a custom tent faster?

Ask us about a rush. Enter your “need by” date when you request a quote so we can tell you what’s possible.

How far ahead should I order flags and banners?

About 2 to 3 weeks. They usually arrive in about 1 week after you approve and pay.

When does the production clock start?

When you approve your design and pay. Time spent on quotes and design changes comes before that.

Do you guarantee delivery dates?

We give honest estimates rather than guaranteed dates. Ordering early and sharing your deadline is the best way to be ready.