When to Order Custom Event Gear: Tents, Banners & More for Schools and Sports

If you're planning a school event, sports tournament, or community festival, timing is
everything - especially when ordering custom-branded gear like tents, banners, tablecloths,
and signs.
Whether you're working with a school district's July 1 budget or organizing a rec program’s fall kickoff, here's what you need to know about when to order to ensure your gear arrives on time and stress-free.

⏳ Standard Turnaround Times

• Canopies / Tents: 10–15 business days (plus shipping)
• Backdrops & Tablecloths: 7–10 business days
• Banner Flags & A-Frames: 5–10 business days
• Score Tables, Chairs, and Pole Pads: 2–4 weeks, depending on customization level

Need it sooner? Rush production is often available - but at a premium.

🗓️ Event Planning Backwards: Start Here

• Let’s say your first school event is August 15
• Subtract production time: 10 business days
• Subtract shipping time: 5 business days
• Add 2–3 buffer days just in case

👉 That means you should place your order **by July 15** to be safe.

📅 Best Times to Order by Event Type

• Back-to-School Events: Order by mid-July
• Fall Sports (football, volleyball, soccer): Order by late July
• Community Fairs / Outdoor Events: Order at least 3 weeks before setup
• Winter Indoor Events: Start planning in September to beat the holiday season backlog
  

🚨 Why You Shouldn't Wait Until the Last Minute

• Custom products take time—not just to print, but to proof, pack, and ship. Waiting too long can lead to:
  - Rush fees 💸
  - Limited design flexibility 🎨
  - Shipping delays 🚚
  - Last-minute stress 😅
  

🎯 Pro Tip: Order for the Whole Season at Once

• If you know your full calendar of events, ordering everything at once saves on shipping, keeps your branding consistent, and ensures you’re always ready.
  
  Bonus: It makes your department or team look extremely organized!

📥 Ready to Lock in Your Order?

We’re here to help you plan the perfect timing for your banners, tents, and custom gear.

👉 Request a quote!

Get an Accurate Quote

Every project is unique. Final pricing depends on:
- Quantity
- Custom artwork
- Turnaround time
- Shipping location

Bonus: Schools, boosters, and nonprofits often qualify for bulk pricing or discounts.

Don't Wait—Back-to-School Orders Fill Up Fast

Most schools start placing orders in July to get ready for orientation, first games, and fall festivals.
Order early to avoid rush fees and shipping delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does production usually take?

Most items take 7–15 business days. Larger items like score tables may take up to 4 weeks.

Q: Can I rush an order?

Yes. Rush options are available on many products - but you'll want to confirm ASAP.

Q: Do you deliver directly to schools?

Absolutely. We can ship to schools, districts, city offices, and event venues.

📦 Upload your logo and let’s build your branded setup—right on time!