How many tins are in each case?
That depends on which size tin you choose. The number of tins per case can be found on the product page.
What size tin should I buy?
The best way to determine the right size tin for your product is to create a simple template. All you need is a ruler, pen or pencil, and a blank sheet of paper. You’ll be creating a simple schematic that matches the diameter of the tin you are considering. You can find the dimensions of each tin size on the product page, or you can refer to our Tin Sizes page for a list of all our most common sizes with photos.
As an example, let’s use our 3C size tin, which is 8 1/8" diameter by 3" high. Keep in mind that all measurements are for the inside dimensions of the tin.
Using the ruler, create a "+" shape on the paper by drawing two 8 1/8” straight lines that connect at the midpoint.
Starting at the end of one of the lines, connect the end points of each line, forming a circle as you go. As you move around the shape, the roundness of the tin will begin to appear. Remember, this exercise is simply to give you an approximate visual of the shape of the tin. The circle does not need to be perfect! You can also use a paper plate with a dimension that is as close as possible to the tin you are interested in; most paper plates come in a variety of sizes.
Put the exact amount of product (cookies, candy, etc.) that you would like to place in the tin inside the circle. Make sure that your product will fit comfortably within the circle and then measure vertically with your ruler to ensure that the product isn’t more than 3” in height.
If you are using loose product, such as candy, we suggest placing it in a plastic bag and then positioning the bag so that it is within the diameter you have drawn. To determine height of loose product, hold the bag up and stand the ruler on end to estimate the height of 3”.
If you plan to use our plastic inserts, you will need to measure about 1/8” in from the edge.
Once you have narrowed your search to a size or two, you may call our Customer Service representatives at info@chicagotins.com to purchase a sample.
Are your products made in the USA?
The vast majority of the tins we carry are made in the USA, including all our most popular cookie and popcorn tin sizes. For more specific information please Contact Us.
Can I put food directly into your tins?
Yes, our tins are manufactured using FDA approved components all the way down to the waxes & lubes so our tins are food safe. However, we strongly recommend using some kind of liner inside the tin for a more professional presentation, such as our tin inserts and padded tops.
What are plastic inserts and do I need them for my product?
Our plastic inserts lend a professional look to a variety of products. We carry inserts that fit all our round, square and rectangle cookie tins. Most inserts are available with multiple cavities (divided sections).
Plastic inserts are heat resistant up to 150° — perfect for pouring fudge directly into a tin.
To use the insert, simply pop it down inside the tin then gently push the edge of the insert down until it locks snugly under the inside lip of the tin. That’s all there is to it!
Is there a way to seal my tins shut?
Absolutely! We stock tamper-resistant heat sealing shrink bands and Tin Tape for all of our food safe tins. The bands and tin tape are a must have accessory – whether you are selling your product from a storefront, shipping to customers, or gift giving to friends and family. Our shrink bands and tin tape seal the tin cover to the body of the tin so your product remains stable inside. Remember, you will need a Heat Gun to apply the shrink band seal to your tin.
For the shrink bands:
Remove a band from the sleeve.
Slide the band down over the cover and center it so that half of the band is on the body and half is on the cover.
Using the heat gun, carefully apply heat to the band and slowly go around the whole diameter of the tin. Keep heat several inches away from shrink band as the shrinking process is very quick and if heat is applied for too long, the shrink band will split or tear, making the band unusable.
Alternatively Tin Tape can be applied to all sizes and does not require a heat gun. It is made with removable adhesive that will not leave behind residue or remove color from the tins.
Can I bake in your tins?
The tins we sell are intended for food storage and are NOT recommended for baking.
Do you have a showroom or retail location?
As a wholesale distributor we do not have a retail location or a showroom.
Can I get my tins personalized?
We can print on most of the tins we sell. We offer two methods of printing: Silk Screen printing that allows us to print solid PMS colors, and Digital printing that allows us to print 4 color process. We can also Silk Screen print on the bodies of most of our taller, cylindrical tins. Visit our Custom Tins page for more information.
What is the difference between silk screen and digital printing?
Silk screen printing uses solid PMS ink colors and cannot reproduce shadows or gradients. It has a glossy finish.
Digital printing is 4-color process and can print anything from logos to photographs. It has a matte, textured finish.
Your artwork will determine whether your artwork should be printed silk screen or digital. Please refer to our Custom Tins page for more information.
What are your artwork requirements?
For Silk Screen (solid PMS colors) we require vector art. For Digital Printing (4 color process) vector EPS or the original native file your artwork was created in is best, but we can also use a raster file that is 300 ppi at actual size. Find more information about art requirements on our Custom Tins page, or you can upload your artwork on our Request a Quote contact form and a custom printing specialist will assist you.
How do I send the artwork to you?
You can upload your artwork on our Request a Quote contact form and a custom printing specialist will contact you.
What is your lead time for custom printing?
The lead time for most orders during the off-season is 1-2 weeks from proof approval until ship date. Lead time may increase based upon tin availability or for large order quantities. Lead times will be longer during the seasonal months of September-December. We encourage you to place your order as early as possible.
Do you offer rush printing?
This is a question we get often during the busy holiday season, but we do not offer rush printing as it would only serve to delay the orders of customers who placed their orders earlier. We strive to get all orders printed and shipped as quickly as possible, and in the order in which they were received.
If you need your tins more quickly, we suggest you try one of our stock tins.
What is your minimum order?
Our minimum order for stock tins is just one full case. If you are ordering personalized tins, there is a one-case minimum for lid printing and 96-piece minimum on body printing.
Can I order less than a full case?
We’re sorry, we do not break cases.
Can I mix and match tins in a case?
We’re sorry, but we cannot mix designs or colors within a case.
How do I place an order?
For stock tins you can order on our website 24 hours a day. You can also email us at info@chicagotins.com.
To begin the process of ordering Personalized tins, please visit our Custom Tins Page - Upload Artwork page and fill the form out completely so that we may provide you with an accurate quote.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
If I order the wrong size tin, can I return them?
Unfortunately due to FDA regulations we are unable to accept returns as our product comes into contact with food.
How much is shipping?
Shipping costs are determined by the weight and dimensions each case, the zip code of the shipping address, and whether that address is commercial or residential. If shipping via Ground, your product will be delivered by UPS Ground or FedEx Ground.
If shipping via LTL (pallet) we rate shop among several carriers in order to offer our customers the best price.
If you require a shipping estimate, please Contact Us. We will do our best to provide as accurate an estimate as possible, however actual freight cost is determined at the time of shipping.
What shipping methods/carriers do you use?
For small orders, we ship UPS and FedEx Ground, and can ship UPS or FedEx Air upon request. We do not ship USPS.
For LTL (pallet) shipments, we work with several trusted carriers across the US, and we will rate shop to determine who offers the best price.
Can you ship on my UPS or FedEx account?
Yes, if you give us your UPS or FedEx account number we can ship your parcel shipment via ground or air order on your UPS or FedEx account. If you are ordering online please include your account number in the Order Instructions/Comments field at checkout.
Can you ship to a PO box?
No, we are unable to ship to a PO box. We can ship to your physical commercial or residential address, or if you are unable to receive packages we can ship to a UPS Store.
Do you ship outside the United States?
We can ship anywhere in the continental US and Canada.
When will my order ship?
If product is in stock we usually ship within 2 business days. The lead time on most back ordered product is 1-2 weeks. During the seasonal months of September through December, we CANNOT guarantee product will ship the same day—please allow 1-2 additional days.
If your order is shipping via LTL carrier we will wait to ship until your order is complete to avoid extra shipping costs.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Shipping to locations in the continental US usually takes 1-5 days.
Can I pick up my order at your warehouse?
We do not offer customer pick up.
Do you offer rush service?
We process all orders in the order in which they are received, which means that during the busy holiday season we may not be able to ship in-stock items until a day or two after the date you place the order.
If you would like us to ship by air we will do everything in our power to ship your order that same day, however please be aware that it can be very expensive to air ship most of our products due to the size of most of the boxes. In some cases the shipping can cost more than the product.
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