Frequently Asked Questions

Do you manufacture custom plush toys in the United States?

While we handle some design work from our home office, our factories actually construct the samples and manufacture the orders. We can now offer our customers a choice between domestic (U.S.) or foreign (China) custom plush production. In addition to one U.S. factory, we also work with four Chinese factories.

If you aren't actually manufacturing my product, isn't it cheaper for me to deal directly with a factory?

It is cheaper to source directly from a factory, however there can be many pitfalls associated with this action:

  1. Miscommunication - A language barrier may exist, where instructions can be misunderstood and even more frustrating to clarify. Most of the time, you may also be be speaking to a factory representative, who resides in their own country. If phone communication is needed, this may add up to unnecessary long distance bills.
  2. Shipping Costs - With overseas factories, some of them quote pricing (FOB or Freight on Board) from their port city. (Our own factory port cities are Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong.) This means that even though you might have obtained a great product price, it is still your responsibility to import the shipment into the United States or your own country (if you are an international customer). This can be an arduous task (at times even for the most seasoned importers) and will involve additional costs outside of the factory's each pricing. If you lack import experience, and unintentionally make an administrative error, the financial consequences could be large.
  3. Minimum Quantites - Most factories deal with large companies who may order many thousands of pieces. Therefore, the factory's minimum quantity requirements may be higher.
  4. Sample Development - Some factories may charge a substantial sample development fee, and the initial prototypes may take weeks to complete.
  5. Accountability - Should you receive missing and/or damaged product, depending upon the factory's policies/ethics, they may not replace the product or offer any credit.
  6. Availability - Should you need to communicate with a factory, E-mail communications may be sporadic. If you are dealing with a China factory, their time is approximately (12) hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. This could mean late nights, especially if you live on the west coast.
  7. Accessories - Some factories charge extra fees for tags and packaging.
  8. Government Plush Regulations - There are plush regulations for most countries (including the U.S.) You would be responsible for researching and applying for the necessary credentials.
  9. Payment Terms - Depending on the factory, they may require a large deposit or payment in full. Many overseas factories also expect payment through international bank wire. If you are unfamiliar with international wires, the paperwork can be intimidating and some banks charge hefty wire fees.
  10. Production Timeframe - Some factories can take well over a month just to produce your order.

Why should I choose Gann Memorials?

We stand between you and the pitfalls associated with factory direct association.

  1. Miscommunication - Since we've worked with some of the same factories for years, we have learned to better communicate with them on our customer's behalf. These communication methods include E-mail and phone exchanges. One of our factories' co-owners actually resides in the U.S., so we hope this provides an extra level of comfort. If needed, we can immediately reach them by phone or airplane and even arrange for face to face* meetings. (* if deemed necessary)
  2. Shipping Costs - Our production w/ vessel delivery price quote includes all shipping charges from factory to Los Angeles port. Due to new import regulations and rising freight costs, we will determine and bill all domestic shipping charges upon LA port arrival. These domestic fees include U.S Customs clearance, administrative, as well as delivery to your door. We charge NO hidden fees. For air freight delivery, all production/shipping charges are included in your production w/ air freight price quote.
  3. Minimum Quantities - Due to the number of customers we represent, we are able to negotiate lower factory quantity requirements. Our standard minimum order quantity is 500pcs, but for an added fee (contingent upon design complexity) we can produce orders in quantities as low as 250 pieces.
  4. Sample Development - In most cases, our factories can produce initial samples within 5-7 business days; possibly sooner. We must also collect a sample fee, but it is usually nominal and 100% refundable upon order placement. 250pc order sample deposits cannot be refunded until you have ordered 500 total pieces. Fee amounts also depend upon sample size and complexity. If you expect to order multiple sample designs within a given period of time, it is highly recommended (but not required) that you order them altogether. By doing this, we can negotiate discounted sample development pricing and save you up-front costs. Upon sample completion, sample photos (including initial and subsequent corrections) are E-mailed prior to sample shipment. All sample deposit quotes now include complimentary sample shipping. This is good for one shipment per deposit.
  5. Accountability - Again, since we've worked with some of the same factories for years, we can mediate any potential order issues and hold our factories accountable for replacement and/or credit. NOTE: We have never pursued legal action against any Gann Memorials factory.
  6. Availability - Even though our home office is located on the U.S. east coast, we work a mix of both U.S. and China hours. This allows us to be available day and night. We also make every effort to respond to all communications (phone or E-mail) within 12 hours.
  7. Accessories - Some packaging (depending upon complexity) may warrant an additional fee. However, a sewn tag is always included in our custom plush pricing, and depending upon plush requirements, a 4-6 color paperboard tag may also be included. (Due to the small quantity, we can only include free sewn tags for 250 piece orders. For an additional fee, we can still produce hang tags for this order quantity.)
  8. Government Toy Regulation - If you are selling product in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and/or Massachusetts, it must be registered with each state. As an importer, our customers' products are always covered under our own registration number. We have also been registered in Canada.
  9. Payment Terms - Our payment terms vary depending upon order quantity. We also handle all factory communication and international wire transfers.
  10. Production Time Frame - On average, from the time of production payment, most of our ocean freight orders take 60-70 days for combined production and delivery. Depending upon order quantity, some air freight orders can be completed and shipped within 30 days! Please note, due to the unpredictable nature of imports (holidays, ocean conditions, Customs exam holds, even vessel engine malfunctions) we cannot guarantee the 60-70 day production/delivery time frame. If you are in a rush, factory to door air freight is always the best alternative.
  11. In closing, if you are working under any deadline, we usually recommend that our customers prepare a back-up plan. This should involve shipping at least 1 carton of your order (from factory to door) via air freight. This is only a recommendation, but again due to the unpredictable nature of imports, it is advised.

Are you factory representatives?

While we wear many hats as plush toy designers, factory brokers, and importers, we are not employed by any factory. If necessary, we can even choose to discontinue a factory partnership. This position allows us to make sure that our factories continually maintain the high level of plush quality that our customers expect.

Do you offer a Non-Disclosure Agreement?

Yes, please click HERE for our online agreement. You will need to print, sign, and E-mail/mail the page to us.

I Do Not Have Sample Artwork For My Idea. Can You Provide This Service?

Yes, we can work closely with you to develop your concept. To accomplish this, we can use a mix of the latest graphics software and our own graphic design team. Out team can handle everything from sample development to web site design. Please E-MAIL US for web site related pricing.

Can You Confirm That Your Factory(s) Adhere To All Government Child Safety Standards?

All of our factories meet or exceed child safety standards and can provide appropriate documentation when needed. If your business operates in the U.S., please click this LINK to view our latest information regarding the Consumer Product Safety Commission's new toy safety legislation.

Can You Confirm That Your Factory(s) Do Not Employ Child Labor And/or Operate Under Harsh Working Conditions?

Our factories have confirmed that their employees are treated well and work in good conditions. We have posted a couple of photos below.

Adequate Sunlight - Fans For Added Cooling/Air Circulation

Custom Plush Factory Conditions - Adequate Sunlight - Fans For Added Cooling/air Circulation

Smiling Faces

Custom Plush Factory Conditions - Smiling Faces

What Is Included In Your Pricing?

While we can't speak for our competitors, our pricing includes all administrative, production, and shipping costs to the U.S. (for vessel freight) and to your door (with air freight). This also includes sample development, as the initial deposit is refunded upon order placement.

What Sets Gann Memorials Apart From It's Domestic Competitors?

...a word from Chris Gann - Founder/President

If you are reading this page, than you are most likely learning about us for the first time. Whether this is or isn't the case, thank you for visiting my home away from home. (just ask my family *wink* hey kids get to bed) Seriously, I pour an enormous amount of energy into this business and I want to thank my family for their support. Without it, I would be glued to the phone or keyboard for 12 hours a day.

Okay, I'm supposed to talk about what sets us apart from the competition and there are some big competitors out there. We are a family owned company in a big corporate pond. Sure there may be other "family owned" companies, but are they also "operated" by family members or is your first phone conversation with a sales rep? I personally oversee each customer's project(s) and will never allow anyone outside of my family to handle your account.

However, please don't let the family owned theme fool you. I've been in the plush toy manufacturing business for over 10 years. I've also been in your shoes, so I know how it feels to make this leap. If you choose Gann Memorials as your custom plush supplier, I promise to do everything I can to make your experience as hassle-free as possible.

I am just a business-minded dad with a simple vision; to see that each customer feels like they are an extended part of my family. I have also done my homework and believe that we offer one of the most simple custom plush services available.

How do we achieve this?

  • We don't use flashy web graphics and (based upon our customer comments) our web site is easy to navigate. I think confusing sites make for confused customers.
  • We do not charge for any other service beyond sample/art development and custom plush production. For example, if you have questions about how to copyright your design, just ASK us. There is never a charge for information. Okay, so we do also offer web site design, but it is billed out separately through our independent graphic design team. It is not directly affiliated with Gann Memorials, LLC.
  • We are flexible, as most of our guidelines are not chiseled in stone. If you have a special request that doesn't fall within our INQUIRY requirements, just tell us more about it in the additional requirement box. For example, we were recently asked to produce the 16 foot custom plush alligator shown on our home page.
  • We offer a streamlined sample development process. If you need your character designed from scratch, we will charge one flat artwork fee and not nickel and dime you by the hour. When you pay for sample development, the sample price also INCLUDES FREE REVISIONS!
  • We can provide most initial samples within 5-7 business days, not 4-6 weeks. When it comes to production, most orders can be completed and delivered within 60-70 days (by vessel) and in as little as 30-35 days (by air).

If you would like to know what our past and present customers think, I will let their TESTIMONIALS speak for themselves.

These are just a few of areas that I feel best define GANN Memorials, and I hope that you will take them into consideration when choosing your custom plush supplier. Thanks again for visiting and I hope to hear from you soon!

All the best,
Chris Gann
919-692-5559 (Mobile Phone)