Custom Tote Bag FAQ

What’s the minimum order for custom printing?
Just 25 bags which is one of the lowest minimum order quantities in Australia. You can also order a single printed sample unit before committing to a bulk run. If you want 5 or 10, just let us know and we can do that for you.

Can I order a printed sample before my full order?
Yes. Choose “1 – SAMPLE UNIT” as your quantity with “YES - ADD MY LOGO.” We’ll print one bag with your artwork so you can see it in hand before committing. This is $15. 

What file format should I upload for my artwork?
We recommend high-resolution PDF, AI, EPS, or SVG for vector logos, or PNG/JPG at 300dpi or higher. Vector files always produce the cleanest print result.

Can you print on both sides of the bag?
Yes - double-sided printing is available on request. Please email hello@heropackaging.com.au for a quote before placing your order.

Will my brand colours match exactly?
We do our best to match, but recycled cotton absorbs ink differently than paper, so prints can look slightly softer than on-screen. If precise colour matching matters for your brand, we strongly recommend ordering a printed sample first.

Can I print my design in white?
Not currently. Our eco-friendly inks don’t support white printing. White backgrounds in your artwork will drop out, appearing as natural calico, and white logos or text will be converted to black automatically.

How long until I receive my PDF proof (if I want one)?
Allow 2–3 business days from your order for the digital proof. Changes are welcome before final approval.

Please note:

1. The more changes you make, the longer it will take for production to begin
2. One change is included. Any further changes incur a cost of $20 per change
3. If you choose to get a refund after the approval, you will be refunded the order amount minus $20

Are these bags washable?
Plain, unprinted bags can be gently hand-washed in cold water to prevent shrinkage. Printed bags should not be washed, as our eco-friendly inks aren’t waterproof and colours may run.

How sustainable are these bags, really?
Very. They’re made from 100% recycled cotton, handmade by ethical manufacturing partners, and printed by Hero Packaging, a proudly certified B-Corporation based in Sydney, Australia. Designed to be reused for years, they replace dozens of single-use plastic alternatives over their lifespan.

Do you ship outside Australia?
Yes. We ship Australia-wide and internationally to New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK and other countries. International standard delivery is typically 5–20 days, while express is 3–7 days. Import duties may apply in the destination country.

What if my artwork upload fails at checkout?
No worries, place your order and leave a note at checkout, then email your artwork and placement template to hello@heropackaging.com.au. We’ll match it to your order and move straight to proofing.

Can you help me if I don’t have print-ready artwork yet?
Yes. If your artwork isn’t quite ready, you can still place your order and send through what you have. Our team can review it and let you know if anything needs to be adjusted before proofing. 

If you need design help, we can also help with this. Please email us for a quote. 

Where on the tote bag can my logo be placed?
Your logo can usually be placed on the front of the bag in a standard print area. If you have a specific layout or placement in mind, you can use our placement template to show exactly how you want it to appear.

Do you do block colours?
While we can do that, we typically recommend no big block colours. This is to ensure the best printing quality. 

Are these tote bags suitable for events and conferences?
Yes. They’re a great option for conferences, welcome bags, product launches, PR gifting, retail events and branded activations. They’re especially popular because people actually keep and reuse them after the event.

Can I use these as product packaging for customer orders?
Absolutely. Many brands use calico tote bags as premium inner packaging or as part of a gift-with-purchase experience. They’re a simple way to make an order feel more elevated and memorable.

Do you offer plain tote bags as well as custom printed ones?
Yes. If you don’t need printing, plain calico tote bags are also available. They’re ideal if you want a simple reusable bag or plan to customise them yourself.

Can I reorder the same design again later?
Yes. If you come back for another order using the same artwork, the reorder process is much easier. Just let us know it’s a repeat order and we can work from your previous design setup if nothing has changed.

What types of businesses use custom calico tote bags?
They’re popular with fashion brands, retailers, event agencies, PR teams, skincare and wellness brands, bookstores, florists, gift businesses and corporate teams looking for practical branded merchandise.

How much weight can the tote bag carry?
These tote bags can easily carry up to 5kgs. 

Can I order these for a tight deadline?
Absolutely! If you have a a tight deadline, we can get these done for you. There is a rush order fee of approximately 15-40% depending on how quickly you need them.