Promotional Products & PromoStandards Glossary

Term	Definition
Apparel Size	Standard sizing for wearable products (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, etc.). In PromoStandards, apparel sizes are represented as Part IDs and returned by Product Data and Inventory services.
ASI	Advertising Specialty Institute. A major trade organization in the promotional products industry that provides research, education, and marketing tools. Assigns unique ASI Numbers to identify suppliers and distributors.
ASI Number	A unique identifier assigned by the Advertising Specialty Institute to suppliers and distributors. Used across the industry (and in PromoStandards APIs) to reference trading partners.
Available to Sell	The quantity of a product that is currently in stock and available for purchase, as reported by the PromoStandards Inventory service. Differs from total warehouse stock, which may include reserved or committed inventory.
Blank / Undecorated	A product sold without any imprint, logo, or decoration. Blank pricing is the base cost before decoration charges are applied.
Bleed	When a printed design extends to the very edge of a product or packaging, with no margin. 'Full bleed' means the imprint covers the entire printable surface.
Color System	In PromoStandards Product Data, colors are described using a standardized color code and color name. PMS codes may be included for exact color matching.
CPN	Customer Part Number. A product identifier assigned by the distributor (customer) rather than the supplier. Mapped to supplier Part IDs during order processing.
Decoration	The process of applying a logo, design, or text onto a promotional product. Common methods include screen printing, embroidery, pad printing, laser engraving, and sublimation.
Distributor	A company that sells promotional products to end buyers (businesses, organizations). Distributors source products from suppliers and handle the customer relationship. In PromoStandards, they are typically the API consumers.
Drop Ship	A fulfillment method where the supplier ships products directly to the end customer on behalf of the distributor, rather than shipping to the distributor first.
DTG	Direct to Garment. A printing method that applies ink directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet technology. Ideal for full-color, photographic designs on apparel with no minimum order requirements.
Embroidery	A decoration method that uses threaded needles to stitch a design directly into fabric. Common for polo shirts, caps, and bags. Pricing is often based on stitch count.
Endpoint (PromoStandards)	The URL where a supplier hosts a specific PromoStandards service (e.g., their Product Data v2.0.0 endpoint). Each supplier may have different endpoints for each service and version they support.
EQP	End Quantity Pricing. A pricing strategy that offers the lowest column price for all quantities, typically reserved for large or preferred-customer orders.
FOB / FOB Point	Free on Board. The shipping origin point from which freight charges are calculated. In PromoStandards, the FOB Point is returned by Product Data and Inventory services to indicate where products ship from.
Hard Goods	Non-textile promotional products such as pens, mugs, drinkware, tech accessories, and other rigid items. Contrasted with 'soft goods' or 'wearables'.
Heat Transfer	A decoration method where a design is printed onto a special transfer paper and then applied to the product using heat and pressure.
Imprint Area	The designated area on a product where decoration (logo, text) can be applied. Defined by dimensions (width x height) and location. Returned by PromoStandards Product Data service.
Imprint Method	The technique used to place a logo or design on a promotional product, such as screen printing, embroidery, pad printing, laser engraving, or sublimation.
Laser Engraving	A decoration method that uses a laser beam to etch a design into the surface of a product. Common on metal, wood, glass, and leather items. Produces a permanent, precise imprint.
Line Name	A product grouping or collection name assigned by the supplier (e.g., 'EcoSmart', 'DryBlend'). In PromoStandards, Line Names help categorize product variants within a supplier's catalog.
LTM	Less Than Minimum. Refers to orders below the supplier's stated minimum quantity. LTM orders typically incur an additional surcharge.
LTM Charge	A surcharge applied when an order quantity falls below the supplier's minimum. Returned as part of pricing data in PromoStandards Product Pricing and Configuration service.
Media Classification	In PromoStandards Media Content service, a tag that describes the type of media asset: Product Image, Lifestyle Image, Virtual Sample, Decoration Image, Blank Product, etc.
Net Cost / Net Price	The price a distributor pays to the supplier for a product, before applying their markup to the end buyer. Also called 'cost' or 'distributor price'. In PromoStandards, net pricing is returned by the PPC service.
Overrun / Underrun	When the final quantity produced is slightly more (overrun) or less (underrun) than the quantity ordered. Industry standard typically allows 5-10% variance.
Pad Printing	A decoration method that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object using a silicone pad. Ideal for irregularly shaped products like pens, golf balls, and USB drives.
Part ID	A unique identifier for a specific product variant (e.g., a particular color/size combination). In PromoStandards, Part IDs are the most granular product identifier, used in Inventory, PPC, and PO services.
PMS	Pantone Matching System. A standardized color reproduction system used across the industry to ensure consistent color matching between artwork, proofs, and final production.
PPAI	Promotional Products Association International. The largest trade association for the promotional products industry, providing education, advocacy, and the PPAI Expo trade show. Assigns PPAI Numbers to member companies.
PPAI Number	A unique identifier assigned by PPAI to member suppliers and distributors. Used alongside ASI Numbers to identify trading partners.
Pre-Production Proof	A physical or digital sample of the decorated product provided for approval before full production begins. Ensures accuracy of artwork, colors, and placement.
Price Type	In PromoStandards PPC service, indicates whether a price is 'Net' (distributor cost), 'List' (suggested retail/end buyer), or 'Customer' (special contract pricing).
Product Category	A classification used to group promotional products (e.g., Drinkware, Writing Instruments, Bags, Apparel). PromoStandards Product Data returns category information using industry standard taxonomy.
Product ID	A unique identifier for a product in a supplier's catalog (e.g., 'BG100', 'PC54'). In PromoStandards, Product IDs are the primary key used across all services — Product Data, Inventory, Media Content, and Pricing.
PromoStandards	An industry initiative that defines standardized SOAP/XML web service interfaces for exchanging data between suppliers and distributors. Covers product data, inventory, media, pricing, orders, invoicing, and more.
PromoStandards — Inventory (INV)	A PromoStandards service that returns real-time inventory levels by product and part ID. Includes quantity available, warehouse locations (FOB points), and inventory status messages.
PromoStandards — Invoice (INV/Invoice)	A PromoStandards service that provides electronic invoicing from suppliers to distributors, including line item detail, charges, taxes, and payment terms.
PromoStandards — Media Content (MC)	A PromoStandards service that provides product images, videos, and other media assets. Returns URLs, media types (image, video, audio), classifications (product, lifestyle, virtual sample), and resolution details.
PromoStandards — Order Shipment Notification (OSN)	A PromoStandards service that provides shipment tracking information for orders, including carrier, tracking numbers, ship date, and estimated delivery.
PromoStandards — Order Status (OS)	A PromoStandards service that allows distributors to query the current status of purchase orders, including production milestones and estimated ship dates.
PromoStandards — Product Data (PD)	A PromoStandards service that provides detailed product catalog information including descriptions, categories, dimensions, colors, sizes, imprint areas, and packaging. The foundation service that most other services reference.
PromoStandards — Product Pricing and Configuration (PPC)	A PromoStandards service that returns pricing tiers, decoration charges, FOB points, and available configuration options for a product. Supports quantity-based pricing breaks and currency selection.
PromoStandards — Purchase Order (PO)	A PromoStandards service that enables electronic submission of purchase orders from distributors to suppliers. Includes line items, decoration details, shipping instructions, and third-party (drop ship) addresses.
Proof	A sample (physical or virtual) of a promotional product provided for approval before mass production to ensure accuracy in design, color, and quality.
QCA	Quality Certification Alliance. An independent accreditation organization for the promotional products industry that certifies suppliers meet quality, safety, and compliance standards.
Quantity Break / Price Break	Tiered pricing where the per-unit cost decreases as the order quantity increases. PromoStandards PPC service returns these as price columns with min/max quantity ranges.
Run Charge	A per-piece fee applied for each item produced, covering the cost of the decoration process itself. Separate from the set-up charge. Also called 'running charge'.
SAGE	A major technology and media company in the promotional products industry that provides product research databases, order management tools, and supplier catalogs. Assigns SAGE Numbers to identify industry members.
Screen Printing	A decoration method that pushes ink through a mesh stencil (screen) onto the product surface. Cost-effective for large runs. Each color requires a separate screen, so pricing often depends on the number of imprint colors.
Service Version	PromoStandards services are versioned (e.g., Product Data 2.0.0, Inventory 2.0.0). Suppliers may support multiple versions simultaneously. Distributors must match the version expected by each supplier's endpoint.
Set-Up Charge	A one-time fee per order to prepare equipment and materials for production (e.g., creating screens, digitizing embroidery files). Charged per imprint location and method.
SKU	Stock Keeping Unit. An alphanumeric code used to track inventory. In promotional products, a SKU typically maps to a specific Product ID + Part ID combination.
SOAP	Simple Object Access Protocol. An XML-based messaging protocol used by PromoStandards services. Suppliers expose SOAP endpoints that distributors call to exchange data. Each service version has a corresponding WSDL definition.
Spec Sample	A product sample provided by the supplier (usually undecorated) so the distributor or end buyer can evaluate the product's quality, size, and feel before placing an order.
Sublimation	A printing process that uses heat to transfer dye into materials (polyester fabric, coated ceramics, metal). Produces vibrant, full-color, all-over images that become part of the substrate.
Supplier	A manufacturer or wholesale company that produces and/or decorates promotional products. In PromoStandards, suppliers expose their product data, inventory, and order services via standardized SOAP endpoints.
Swag	Informal term for promotional products or branded merchandise given away at events, trade shows, or as corporate gifts.
Third Party / Drop Ship Address	In PromoStandards Purchase Order service, the end recipient's shipping address when the supplier ships directly to the customer on behalf of the distributor.
UNSPSC	United Nations Standard Products and Services Code. A global product classification system used in PromoStandards Product Data to categorize promotional products into standardized commodity codes.
Virtual Sample	A digitally rendered mockup showing how a product will look with the customer's logo or design applied. Also called a 'virtual proof' or 'digital proof'.
Wearables	Apparel and textile-based promotional products such as T-shirts, polo shirts, caps, jackets, and bags. Also called 'soft goods'.
WSDL	Web Services Description Language. An XML document that describes a SOAP web service's operations, message formats, and endpoint location. Every PromoStandards service version publishes a WSDL that clients use to generate request/response code.

Apparel Size

Standard sizing for wearable products (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, etc.). In PromoStandards, apparel sizes are represented as Part IDs and returned by Product Data and Inventory services.

ASI

Advertising Specialty Institute. A major trade organization in the promotional products industry that provides research, education, and marketing tools. Assigns unique ASI Numbers to identify suppliers and distributors.

ASI Number

A unique identifier assigned by the Advertising Specialty Institute to suppliers and distributors. Used across the industry (and in PromoStandards APIs) to reference trading partners.

Available to Sell

The quantity of a product that is currently in stock and available for purchase, as reported by the PromoStandards Inventory service. Differs from total warehouse stock, which may include reserved or committed inventory.

Blank / Undecorated

A product sold without any imprint, logo, or decoration. Blank pricing is the base cost before decoration charges are applied.

Bleed

When a printed design extends to the very edge of a product or packaging, with no margin. 'Full bleed' means the imprint covers the entire printable surface.

Color System

In PromoStandards Product Data, colors are described using a standardized color code and color name. PMS codes may be included for exact color matching.

CPN

Customer Part Number. A product identifier assigned by the distributor (customer) rather than the supplier. Mapped to supplier Part IDs during order processing.

Decoration

The process of applying a logo, design, or text onto a promotional product. Common methods include screen printing, embroidery, pad printing, laser engraving, and sublimation.

Distributor

A company that sells promotional products to end buyers (businesses, organizations). Distributors source products from suppliers and handle the customer relationship. In PromoStandards, they are typically the API consumers.

Drop Ship

A fulfillment method where the supplier ships products directly to the end customer on behalf of the distributor, rather than shipping to the distributor first.

DTG

Direct to Garment. A printing method that applies ink directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet technology. Ideal for full-color, photographic designs on apparel with no minimum order requirements.

Embroidery

A decoration method that uses threaded needles to stitch a design directly into fabric. Common for polo shirts, caps, and bags. Pricing is often based on stitch count.

Endpoint (PromoStandards)

The URL where a supplier hosts a specific PromoStandards service (e.g., their Product Data v2.0.0 endpoint). Each supplier may have different endpoints for each service and version they support.

EQP

End Quantity Pricing. A pricing strategy that offers the lowest column price for all quantities, typically reserved for large or preferred-customer orders.

FOB / FOB Point

Free on Board. The shipping origin point from which freight charges are calculated. In PromoStandards, the FOB Point is returned by Product Data and Inventory services to indicate where products ship from.

Hard Goods

Non-textile promotional products such as pens, mugs, drinkware, tech accessories, and other rigid items. Contrasted with 'soft goods' or 'wearables'.

Heat Transfer

A decoration method where a design is printed onto a special transfer paper and then applied to the product using heat and pressure.

Imprint Area

The designated area on a product where decoration (logo, text) can be applied. Defined by dimensions (width x height) and location. Returned by PromoStandards Product Data service.

Imprint Method

The technique used to place a logo or design on a promotional product, such as screen printing, embroidery, pad printing, laser engraving, or sublimation.

Laser Engraving

A decoration method that uses a laser beam to etch a design into the surface of a product. Common on metal, wood, glass, and leather items. Produces a permanent, precise imprint.

Line Name

A product grouping or collection name assigned by the supplier (e.g., 'EcoSmart', 'DryBlend'). In PromoStandards, Line Names help categorize product variants within a supplier's catalog.

LTM

Less Than Minimum. Refers to orders below the supplier's stated minimum quantity. LTM orders typically incur an additional surcharge.

LTM Charge

A surcharge applied when an order quantity falls below the supplier's minimum. Returned as part of pricing data in PromoStandards Product Pricing and Configuration service.

Media Classification

In PromoStandards Media Content service, a tag that describes the type of media asset: Product Image, Lifestyle Image, Virtual Sample, Decoration Image, Blank Product, etc.

Net Cost / Net Price

The price a distributor pays to the supplier for a product, before applying their markup to the end buyer. Also called 'cost' or 'distributor price'. In PromoStandards, net pricing is returned by the PPC service.

Overrun / Underrun

When the final quantity produced is slightly more (overrun) or less (underrun) than the quantity ordered. Industry standard typically allows 5-10% variance.

Pad Printing

A decoration method that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object using a silicone pad. Ideal for irregularly shaped products like pens, golf balls, and USB drives.

Part ID

A unique identifier for a specific product variant (e.g., a particular color/size combination). In PromoStandards, Part IDs are the most granular product identifier, used in Inventory, PPC, and PO services.

PMS

Pantone Matching System. A standardized color reproduction system used across the industry to ensure consistent color matching between artwork, proofs, and final production.

PPAI

Promotional Products Association International. The largest trade association for the promotional products industry, providing education, advocacy, and the PPAI Expo trade show. Assigns PPAI Numbers to member companies.

PPAI Number

A unique identifier assigned by PPAI to member suppliers and distributors. Used alongside ASI Numbers to identify trading partners.

Pre-Production Proof

A physical or digital sample of the decorated product provided for approval before full production begins. Ensures accuracy of artwork, colors, and placement.

Price Type

In PromoStandards PPC service, indicates whether a price is 'Net' (distributor cost), 'List' (suggested retail/end buyer), or 'Customer' (special contract pricing).

Product Category

A classification used to group promotional products (e.g., Drinkware, Writing Instruments, Bags, Apparel). PromoStandards Product Data returns category information using industry standard taxonomy.

Product ID

A unique identifier for a product in a supplier's catalog (e.g., 'BG100', 'PC54'). In PromoStandards, Product IDs are the primary key used across all services — Product Data, Inventory, Media Content, and Pricing.

PromoStandards

An industry initiative that defines standardized SOAP/XML web service interfaces for exchanging data between suppliers and distributors. Covers product data, inventory, media, pricing, orders, invoicing, and more.

PromoStandards — Inventory (INV)

A PromoStandards service that returns real-time inventory levels by product and part ID. Includes quantity available, warehouse locations (FOB points), and inventory status messages.

PromoStandards — Invoice (INV/Invoice)

A PromoStandards service that provides electronic invoicing from suppliers to distributors, including line item detail, charges, taxes, and payment terms.

PromoStandards — Media Content (MC)

A PromoStandards service that provides product images, videos, and other media assets. Returns URLs, media types (image, video, audio), classifications (product, lifestyle, virtual sample), and resolution details.

PromoStandards — Order Shipment Notification (OSN)

A PromoStandards service that provides shipment tracking information for orders, including carrier, tracking numbers, ship date, and estimated delivery.

PromoStandards — Order Status (OS)

A PromoStandards service that allows distributors to query the current status of purchase orders, including production milestones and estimated ship dates.

PromoStandards — Product Data (PD)

A PromoStandards service that provides detailed product catalog information including descriptions, categories, dimensions, colors, sizes, imprint areas, and packaging. The foundation service that most other services reference.

PromoStandards — Product Pricing and Configuration (PPC)

A PromoStandards service that returns pricing tiers, decoration charges, FOB points, and available configuration options for a product. Supports quantity-based pricing breaks and currency selection.

PromoStandards — Purchase Order (PO)

A PromoStandards service that enables electronic submission of purchase orders from distributors to suppliers. Includes line items, decoration details, shipping instructions, and third-party (drop ship) addresses.

Proof

A sample (physical or virtual) of a promotional product provided for approval before mass production to ensure accuracy in design, color, and quality.

QCA

Quality Certification Alliance. An independent accreditation organization for the promotional products industry that certifies suppliers meet quality, safety, and compliance standards.

Quantity Break / Price Break

Tiered pricing where the per-unit cost decreases as the order quantity increases. PromoStandards PPC service returns these as price columns with min/max quantity ranges.

Run Charge

A per-piece fee applied for each item produced, covering the cost of the decoration process itself. Separate from the set-up charge. Also called 'running charge'.

SAGE

A major technology and media company in the promotional products industry that provides product research databases, order management tools, and supplier catalogs. Assigns SAGE Numbers to identify industry members.

Screen Printing

A decoration method that pushes ink through a mesh stencil (screen) onto the product surface. Cost-effective for large runs. Each color requires a separate screen, so pricing often depends on the number of imprint colors.

Service Version

PromoStandards services are versioned (e.g., Product Data 2.0.0, Inventory 2.0.0). Suppliers may support multiple versions simultaneously. Distributors must match the version expected by each supplier's endpoint.

Set-Up Charge

A one-time fee per order to prepare equipment and materials for production (e.g., creating screens, digitizing embroidery files). Charged per imprint location and method.

SKU

Stock Keeping Unit. An alphanumeric code used to track inventory. In promotional products, a SKU typically maps to a specific Product ID + Part ID combination.

SOAP

Simple Object Access Protocol. An XML-based messaging protocol used by PromoStandards services. Suppliers expose SOAP endpoints that distributors call to exchange data. Each service version has a corresponding WSDL definition.

Spec Sample

A product sample provided by the supplier (usually undecorated) so the distributor or end buyer can evaluate the product's quality, size, and feel before placing an order.

Sublimation

A printing process that uses heat to transfer dye into materials (polyester fabric, coated ceramics, metal). Produces vibrant, full-color, all-over images that become part of the substrate.

Supplier

A manufacturer or wholesale company that produces and/or decorates promotional products. In PromoStandards, suppliers expose their product data, inventory, and order services via standardized SOAP endpoints.

Swag

Informal term for promotional products or branded merchandise given away at events, trade shows, or as corporate gifts.

Third Party / Drop Ship Address

In PromoStandards Purchase Order service, the end recipient's shipping address when the supplier ships directly to the customer on behalf of the distributor.

UNSPSC

United Nations Standard Products and Services Code. A global product classification system used in PromoStandards Product Data to categorize promotional products into standardized commodity codes.

Virtual Sample

A digitally rendered mockup showing how a product will look with the customer's logo or design applied. Also called a 'virtual proof' or 'digital proof'.

Wearables

Apparel and textile-based promotional products such as T-shirts, polo shirts, caps, jackets, and bags. Also called 'soft goods'.

WSDL

Web Services Description Language. An XML document that describes a SOAP web service's operations, message formats, and endpoint location. Every PromoStandards service version publishes a WSDL that clients use to generate request/response code.