Frequently Asked Questions

How long has MBS Communications been providing marketing supplies?

MBS Communications got its start in 1994 with a one-page flyer of recall cards and computer supplies.  We are not affiliated with any other companies.

What is your guarantee?

We guarantee 100% satisfaction with our products. We strive to give our customers personalized service. You always talk to a REAL person when you call during our business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.

What is your return policy?

If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the quality of one of our products, just call and we will replace, exchange, or issue credit to you. For personalized items, the imprint will be exactly as you approved it. If not, give us a call and we’ll make it right for you.

Are you going to sell my name?

No. We do not share, rent, or sell your information.

How can I contact you?

By phone: 1-800-887-4877
By fax: 1-800-920-0674
By email: [email protected]

Our mailing address is:
MBS Communications
8597 N. 300th St.
P.O. Box 288
Altamont, IL 62411

How do I set up an account?

When placing an order online, you will be prompted to set up your account information and a password at the end of the ordering process. Your password is not stored by MBS; online account and passwords are for customer convenience only. If you do not recall your password on a repeat order, you may set up a new one by clicking here. When you place an order over the phone, our Customer Service Representatives will gather your account information and discuss payment and shipping options with you.

Do I need an account to place an order online?

Yes. If you don’t already have an account, you will set one up as part of the checkout process.

What information is kept with my username and password?

With your online account, your ship-to and bill-to addresses will appear automatically when you log in. You’ll also be able to view your order history as of 12/1/2018. For orders placed before that date, you may call and speak to a Customer Service Representative who will supply that information to you. At this time, customers cannot pay outstanding bills or track shipments through this website; however, our Customer Service Representatives can help you with that information as well.

Can I receive product samples?

Our Customer Service Representatives are happy to send samples along with current catalogs.

How do I find a specific item?

You can do a site search for any product name in the search bar at the upper right hand corner of every page on this website. All items that include the word you typed will show on screen. You can click on the images that pull up and you’ll be sent to the product page.

Can I order personalized advertising specialties?

Yes. We have many personalized items available including tote bags, pens, magnets, yard signs, banners and more. We are constantly adding to our line. If you do not see an item that you are interested in, just give us a call and we will prepare a price quote for you.

How thick are your bags and what are they made of?

We are happy to provide the information our customers need to make informed decisions on their bag purchases. Below is a listing of our types of bag and their material/composition and recycling information.

Scatter Bags = 1.75 mil plastic.  Made of LDPE (low density polyethylene).
7 ½″ x 9″ and 9″ x 13″ Full-Color Plastic Bag  = 2 mil plastic. Made of LDPE (low density polyethylene).
12″ x 16″ Full-Color Plastic Bag = 3 mil plastic. Made of LDPE (low density polyethylene). Reusable*
One Color Plastic Bags = 2.5 mil plastic. Made of LDPE (low density polyethylene). Reusable*
Frosted Die Cut Translucent Bags = 2.5 mil plastic. Made of HDPE (high density polyethylene). Reusable*
Frosted Loop Handled Translucent Bags = 3 mil. Made of HDPE (high density polyethylene). Reusable*
Natural Paper Bags = 100% recycled Kraft paper.  Completely recyclable & reusable.
White Paper Bags = 40% recycled Kraft paper. Completely recyclable & reusable.
Grocery Totes = Polypropylene based; can be recycled back into fibers. 100% reusable.

*Industry standard defines “reusable” as 2.25 mil and higher for plastic bags, but this can vary depending on local/state laws. Please check with your governing authorities regarding their specific bag regulations.

What weight is the card stock?

Laser card stock is 100 lb. tag, which is equivalent to 43 lb. bond. Greeting card stock is 100 lb. cover gloss finish on one side. Our standard postcard stock is also 100 lb. cover but with a matte finish.

Is there a preprinted message on the back of my postcards?

All MBS standard and jumbo postcards are printed with the message of your choice. You can specify what you would like imprinted on them by following the instructions that will appear after you’ve chosen your postcard. The cost for imprinting on the back of our standard and jumbo postcard is included in the price. Laser cards can be imprinted for an additional fee; call to speak to a Customer Service Representative for more information.

Will I see my return address and message layout before it is printed?

Yes. We will send a proof for your approval before we proceed to press.

Do I have to pay for a proof?

Our proofs are sent free of charge, in keeping with our goal of customer satisfaction.

Is there a maximum amount of words or lines that I can put on my cards?

We do not have a limit on the amount of words or lines that we will print. Our Customer Service Representatives will work with you to ensure readability of your card.

Can I include my logo on my postcards?

We are happy to include your print-ready artwork along with your custom messages at no additional charge when printed in one of our standard colors: black, blue, light blue, red, green, purple, orange or brown ink. Please contact our Customer Service Representatives for a price quote on color logos. Logos printed on other items may incur a one-time set-up fee. Logos which require design work are also subject to a set-up fee. We cannot guarantee an exact color match when printing your logos. Please call if you have other questions regarding customization.

What type of file do I need to upload to get my logo on my item?

Preferred file type is high resolution vector art: .ai, PDF or .EPS (We accept high-resolution .tif, .png or .jpeg file formats) Files should be sent in high-resolution 300 dpi. Additional fees will occur if low-resolution files are submitted and art must be redrawn. 

Can I get a custom map printed on my postcards?

Our Customer Service Representatives can help you create a map for your business location. We ask that you provide a general guide for us of street names, landmarks, other businesses, etc. that you would like to include.

Can I order blank greeting cards?

All MBS greeting cards are available blank inside. You can select “Leave the inside blank” when placing your order. If they are designed with wording on the front, we do not have them in stock without that wording; please call to speak to a Customer Service Representative if you would like to create a custom layout.

How do I personalize my greeting cards?

Just follow the instructions after you’ve selected your greeting cards. If you would like to provide your own signatures, please call to speak to a Customer Service Representative.

What credit cards do you accept?

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Do you automatically bill my credit card?

Online orders are automatically applied to the credit card number you provide; if you are placing your order over the phone, we do not bill your credit card without your consent.

Do you have any specials for me?

We keep our pricing the same from day to day rather than raising and lowering prices for “specials.” We believe this is consistent with our competitive pricing and customer service standards. On rare occasions, we do discount clearance products.

Do you charge sales tax?

We only charge sales tax if required by your state and local taxing authorities. If sales tax is not charged, you may be required to file a use tax.

Canadian Customers:

Orders are billed in U.S. dollars.  Please pay with VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.

When will my order be shipped?

Most in-stock items ship within 24 hours. Personalized cards, once approved, ship within 48 hours. Certain advertising specialty items, as indicated, may take longer.

How do you ship?

We ship via UPS Ground and USPS Priority Mail within the United States.

How long does shipping take?

Most orders to the Midwest and East Coast arrive within 2 to 3 business days after we ship them; orders to the Western states generally take 4 to 5 business days. Shipping time for Canadian orders is approximately 2 weeks.

Can I get faster shipping?

Next-day, 2-day, and 3-day options are available. Please call us for an express shipping quote.

What are your shipping charges?

Ground shipping charges are based on the subtotal of your order. They are as follows:

Ground Shipping Charges to Locations in the Continental United States

*USE COUPON CODE: FREESHIP on the website. Excludes select promotional products. Cart will reflect the shipping charge for those products.

Ground Shipping Charges to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

Ground Shipping Charges to Locations in Canada