1. Exactly what is it that TEAMMATES can do for my team?

We digitally insert a photo you take of a fan into your existing team's photo, that we have on file, placing the fan on an empty seat. This product not only increases merchandizing revenue, but also creates fan loyalty and the fan's feeling of being a part of the team.

2. Where do we photograph this fan?

All you need is a fan accessible place within the arena where a gray or black background can be rigged up (paper or cloth work best - it doesn't have to look great as it will all disappear in the end). Area should be at least wide enough to accommodate two chairs and allow camera to be at least ten feet away from the subject. Setting this up in the public space near where you are promoting the product will bring even more attention from prospective customers. Fans can also be photographed elsewhere, like at fundraisers and other team functions.

3. Do we need a professional camera and lighting?

Not at all. A simple digital camera with an 'on-camera' flash works just fine, and anyone who is comfortable working a camera can be the photographer. Specific instructions are part of our marketing package.

4. Who do you replace with the fan?

When your team poses for the team photo, additional photos will be also taken with an empty seat, or seats. Whether or not you ADD empty seats to the arrangement or remove individuals is up to your team.

5. Does it really look like the fan is there?

Yes, it really does. We are experts in digital retouching and photo restoration, and frequently do digital "head transfers" for portrait photography (taking a person's head from one photo and inserting into a better photo of a group so that everyone looks good). There are various techniques that help to blend the inserted photo in so that the effect is truly believable.

6. Can you also do a "head swap" on our team, since a couple people have blinked?

Absolutely. We'd be happy to.

7. What are the upfront costs to my team?

The contract fee is $150. This includes a rack card design customized for your team, and one 3' x 4' point of sale banner with grommets, and a custom border design surrounding your team photo, which can include your own slogans, logos, icons and mascots.

8. Do we purchase our own rack cards?

Yes. It is helpful to market a new idea with something a potential customer can take home to consider. Our glossy finish rack cards are a perfect size (3.25 X 8.25 inches, 80 lb. stock). Prices for rack cards are at the PRICES link

9. Can we order additional point of sale banners?

Yes, they cost $125 plus shipping.

10. When do we receive our merchandizing package?

Both rack card and banner are predesigned, with areas ready for your team information and team photo. As soon as TEAMMATES receives your team photograph, with an empty seat, and a fan's photo (who has given you permission in writing for its use), your banner and rack cards (if ordered) will be finalized and sent out for printing immediately. If you would like to have rack cards and banner prior to when the team photo would be available, that can be arranged using an existing photograph of a different team.

11. What is the cost to us of each team photo with a fan inserted?

Prices are detailed at the PRICES link

12. Can more than one fan be included?

Team photos can also include two empty seats to allow both a husband and wife to be 'on the team'. Other options could be arranging two or three empty seats together in the front center to accommodate a group of young fans (like a local PeeWee Hockey team) squeezed together on the seats and the ice in front.

13. Can we offer more than one different border design?

Of course. We can design additional border designs starting at $15 per. There is no additional charge for additional team photos in the same border design.

14. How do we send you photos and orders?

Photos may be sent directly to us via e-mail, or burned to CD and mailed. An order form will be provided with your subscription. An order fee of $15 will be charged for each team order, regardless of the amount of fan insertions or prints are in that order. It is up to you to determine the best photo of the fan if you take more than one.

15. Are finished team photos archived for additional future orders?

Yes. All finished team photos with insertions will be archived. on CD or DVD. The individual prints will be identified with a code number for future ordering accuracy. Also, a portfolio of your team photos will be accessible via a password protected web gallery for future review.

16. How quickly are orders processed?

Realistically you should expect three weeks from the day we receive your order to the date it ships out. Rush services are always available.

17. How are orders shipped to us?

Each order is placed in a separate envelope and identified by the order code. You may then add team branding to the envelope or repackage the prints in team branded envelopes. Packages are shipped via FedEx Ground services unless requested otherwise. A flat rate of $10 is charged per shipment.

18. What guarantees does TEAMMATES offer?

If your fan is not please with the quality of the printing or the digital work, TEAMMATES will redo it using the same fan photo at no charge to you, including shipping. The fan's entire order must be returned within 4 weeks of your receipt of prints from TEAMMATES. Partial orders may not be returned. TEAMMATES is not responsible for dissatisfaction due to fan's expression or photo choice. No refunds will be given.

19. How do we pay TEAMMATES?

You will receive a bill with each order, payable upon receipt by check.