Designtex Free Sample Program Ordering Shipping And Return Guidelines

Designtex offers a comprehensive free sample program for customers interested in their textile and design products. The company provides complimentary samples with free shipping to customers in the United States, with options for various shipping speeds and methods. This article examines the process of ordering samples, shipping options, return guidelines, and other relevant aspects of Designtex's sample program based on official company information.

Ordering Free Samples

Designtex provides free samples of their products to customers, with no purchase required. The samples are available through the company's official website, where customers can request them directly. According to the company's policies, all samples are provided at no cost, including shipping.

For customers who place orders online, sample orders that are in stock and placed by 5:00pm EST will ship the same day. Orders placed after 5:00pm EST will be shipped the next business day. This efficient processing time ensures that customers receive their samples promptly after requesting them.

The company offers multiple methods for placing sample orders. Customers can: - Order through the official website - Place orders by phone - Submit orders via email - Use Mercato Place for sample requests

Each ordering method has its own process for tracking and follow-up. For online orders, customers can log into their accounts to view tracking information in their order history. Phone and email orders require direct contact with sales representatives or the company's customer service.

Shipping Options and Delivery Times

Designtex provides three shipping options for sample orders: - Ground shipping - 2-Day shipping - Overnight shipping

At checkout, customers can view a shipping map to see estimated delivery times based on their location. This transparency allows customers to select the shipping option that best meets their needs and timeline.

The company maintains efficient processing times for sample orders. In-stock orders placed by 5:00pm EST ship the same day, while orders placed after this deadline ship the next business day. This quick turnaround helps ensure that customers receive their samples promptly.

For orders placed through different channels, Designtex provides specific instructions for tracking: - Online orders: Track through the account's order history - Phone or email orders: Contact sales representatives or the company directly - Mercato Place orders: Request tracking details directly from Mercato Place

Customers can reach Designtex's customer service by phone at 800.221.1540 or via the company's contact form for any shipping-related inquiries.

Sample Return Program

Designtex encourages the return of gently used samples to support sustainability efforts. The company provides a sample return program that allows customers to send back samples that are no longer needed, enabling them to be restocked and reused.

The company offers free return shipping labels for domestic returns in the United States. Customers can generate these shipping labels directly on the Designtex sample return page. For customers who prefer to use their own shipping labels, samples should be sent to:

Designtex Returns 8191 Logistic Drive Zeeland, MI 49464

Designtex has established specific guidelines for sample returns to ensure that returned samples can be effectively reused: - Samples must be in great condition - Samples should not be altered or soiled - Tags must be intact and fully attached - Samples should not have markings or creases (with the exception of folded or creased samples, which are accepted except for wallcovering samples)

The company recommends aggregating multiple samples from a project or office into one large shipment rather than sending several small shipments. This approach is more sustainable and reduces packaging waste.

Donation Options

For customers who prefer not to return their samples directly to Designtex, the company suggests donating them to local organizations that accept textile donations. This alternative provides an option for samples that may not meet the company's return guidelines or for customers who wish to contribute to their communities.

Designtex recommends several organizations that accept and encourage textile donations: - The Salvation Army - Project Linus - Goodwill - School art programs - Senior centers - Community centers

This donation option aligns with Designtex's commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. By suggesting local donation opportunities, the company helps customers find alternative ways to reuse samples that might otherwise be discarded.

Digital Studio and Custom Samples

Designtex offers specialized sample types that differ from standard samples in processing time and delivery. Digital Studio and Custom samples are produced on demand and shipped separately from standard samples. These specialized samples have slightly longer lead times due to their custom nature.

The company notes that product specifications can change over time, and customers should refer to the specifications stated on the Designtex website for the most up-to-date information. This ensures that customers have accurate details about the products they are sampling.

For these specialized samples, the same tracking and shipping policies apply as with standard samples. Customers can view tracking information in their online account history or contact their sales representative for orders placed by phone or email.

Tracking Your Sample Orders

Designtex provides multiple methods for customers to track their sample orders, depending on how the order was placed:

For online orders: - Customers can log into their Designtex account - Tracking information is available in the order history section

For orders placed by phone or email: - Customers can contact their sales representative directly - Alternatively, customers can reach out to Designtex customer service at 800.221.1540 - The company also offers a contact form for inquiries

For orders placed through Mercato Place: - Customers must request tracking details directly from Mercato Place

This multi-channel approach to tracking ensures that customers can easily monitor the status of their sample orders regardless of how they were initially placed.

International Shipping

Designtex does ship samples internationally, though the process differs slightly from domestic shipping. For international orders, customers must provide customs broker information to complete the order. This information is necessary for the international shipping process and ensures compliance with customs regulations in the destination country.

The company's policies regarding sample orders, tracking, and return procedures remain consistent for international customers, with the additional requirement of customs broker information for international shipments.

Product Specifications and Terminology

Designtex provides detailed information about product specifications and textile terminology to help customers better understand their samples. The company notes that product specifications can change over time, and customers should refer to the website for the most current information.

One specific textile term that Designtex explains is "railroaded," which denotes a different orientation from the fabric's original woven direction. The company identifies three primary types of railroaded textiles:

  1. Shown Railroaded: This occurs when the fabric is turned 90 degrees from its woven direction. The repeat size is usually listed in its non-railroaded form, as initially produced.

  2. Woven Railroaded: A railroaded textile runs perpendicular along the roll, contrasting with a non-railroaded textile that typically runs "up the roll," following the direction in which it's woven.

  3. Applied Railroaded: Fabrics are often used railroaded when applied to furniture to necessitate less yardage or fewer seams, enabling better pattern positioning for furniture application.

This terminology helps customers understand the orientation and application of the textile samples they receive, which is particularly important for design professionals and customers making specific product selections.

Conclusion

Designtex's free sample program offers customers an accessible way to evaluate their textile and design products before making purchasing decisions. The company provides complimentary samples with free shipping, efficient processing times, and clear guidelines for returns and donations. By offering multiple shipping options, tracking methods, and specialized sample types, Designtex accommodates diverse customer needs while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

The sample return program allows gently used samples to be reused, reducing waste and supporting environmental initiatives. For samples that cannot be returned directly, the company suggests donation options that benefit local communities. With clear information about product specifications and textile terminology, Designtex ensures that customers have the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their sample selections and potential purchases.

Sources

  1. Designtex Sample Return Program
  2. Designtex FAQs
  3. Designtex Order Information