Custom Printed Napkins From Spain: What Happens Between Your Logo and Your Door
Ordering custom printed napkins from overseas sounds slow. It does not have to be.
The risk is in not knowing what happens on each day between your logo and your door.
Some of those days are fixed. Some depend on a choice you make. And one step happens after the box lands, when most first-time importers get a bill they did not plan for.
This guide walks through every step, in order. You will know when to send your artwork, which shipping option fits your date, and what you pay on arrival. You will also see one full order worked out line by line.
What are custom printed napkins, and where does Napki make them?
Custom printed napkins are paper napkins printed with your logo, names or artwork, for restaurants, bars, hotels, caterers and events. Napki prints them at its own facilities in Mislata, Valencia, in Spain, where it has manufactured since 1986. Orders ship by FedEx to the 48 contiguous US states, from 20 units.
Napki uses two printing systems. Full Color is digital CMYK printing for photos, gradients and multi-color logos, on white napkins only. Deluxe prints one or two solid ink colors with a metal printing plate, on white or colored napkins.
Design is included at no extra cost. So is a free digital mock-up within 24 hours, with up to 2 rounds of revisions. The custom napkins page lists every size, paper and print type.
From logo to delivery: every step in order
Delivery takes 10 business days from proof approval with FedEx Priority, or about 14–16 with Economy, US customs clearance included.
Here is what happens in those days:
- You send your logo or idea. Use the price calculator, the quote form or WhatsApp. Files in PDF, AI, EPS, SVG or high-resolution PNG work best.
- You get a free digital mock-up within 24 hours. The design team adapts your logo to the napkin.
- You request changes. Up to 2 rounds of revisions are included.
- You approve the proof. The production clock starts once the proof and payment are approved.
- Napki prints and packs the order.
- FedEx collects in Spain. Export clearance in Spain is included in the shipping price.
- US customs clears the shipment. This usually takes 1–3 days. Import duties and taxes are paid at this stage, by the buyer.
There is no express service for US orders. So your start date is the main lever you control.
What does DAP mean for a US buyer?
DAP stands for Delivered at Place, an Incoterm. Napki pays to ship the goods to your address and handles export clearance in Spain. You handle import clearance in the US and pay the duties, fees and taxes due on arrival.
In practice, that means four things land on your side:
- US import clearance.
- Import duties, if any apply.
- The Merchandise Processing Fee, known as the MPF.
- State or local taxes, plus any charges from customs or FedEx.
Napki charges no VAT, because the order is an export. It does not charge US sales tax either.
What will the duties be? That depends on your shipment and on US rules at the time. Napki does not estimate duty amounts. If you import often, ask FedEx or your customs broker for the current figure before you order.
This is the cost line most first-time importers miss. Budget for it from the start and there is no surprise at the door.
How much does shipping to the US cost?
Shipping is charged per box, by FedEx, at flat rates for the 48 contiguous states. How many napkins fit in a small or a large box depends on the size and paper quality.
| Box | Holds | FedEx Economy (about 14–16 business days in total) | FedEx Priority (10 business days in total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Depends on size and paper | $138.00 | $184.00 |
| Large | Depends on size and paper | $161.00 | $224.25 |
The box count follows one rule. Every full large box counts first. If what is left over is no more than 15% of a large box and there is already a large box, it travels in the last one at no extra charge. If it is no more than the capacity of a small box plus 15%, it takes a small box. If it is more, it takes another large box. Two small boxes would cost more than one large box.
Some examples, with Economy shipping, for 24×24 cm open 2-ply napkins (a small box holds 1,000 and a large box 3,000):
| Order | Boxes | Economy shipping |
|---|---|---|
| 300 napkins | 1 small | $138.00 |
| 1,200 napkins | 1 large | $161.00 |
| 3,400 napkins | 1 large | $161.00 |
| 4,000 napkins | 1 large + 1 small | $299.00 |
Free shipping does not exist at Napki. Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are quoted separately.
Which print, size and paper should you choose?
Most first orders come down to three choices. Here they are side by side.
| Choice | Options at Napki | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Full Color (from 20 units, no plate, white only) or Deluxe 1–2 inks (from 100 units, plate per ink) | Photo or many colors: Full Color. Colored napkin or one-color logo: Deluxe | |
| Size (open) | 20×20, 24×24, 30×30, 33×33, 40×40 cm, plus the Kangaroo fold with a cutlery pocket | Bar: 20×20 or 24×24. Cafe: 24×24 or 30×30. Sit-down restaurant: 33×33 |
| Paper | 2-ply, 3-ply, Double Point, Airlaid | Budget and volume: 2-ply. Upscale: 3-ply. Weddings and fine dining: Airlaid |
Sizes are quoted open. A 33×33 cm dinner napkin folds to 16.5×16.5 cm, about 6.5 inches. The napkin sizes guide converts each size and flags the “20×20” mix-up between a cocktail and a folded dinner napkin.
Deluxe plates cost $49.09 per ink, once per design. A reorder of the same design at the same print size reuses the plate at no cost. The printing inks guide explains when the plate pays for itself.
For brand work, the napkins with your logo page covers trade shows, launches and office coffee stations. Restaurants can start from the restaurant napkins page.
Want to see your logo on a napkin first? Send the file and get a free digital mock-up within 24 hours. You only pay if you go ahead. Calculate your price in 30 seconds.
A full order, worked out line by line
A concrete example. A restaurant orders 500 napkins, 24×24 cm open, 2-ply, printed Deluxe with 1 ink.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Napkins: 500 × $0.3733 (Napki rate for 24×24 cm, 2-ply, Deluxe 1 ink) | $186.65 |
| Printing plate, 1 ink, paid once per design | $49.09 |
| FedEx Economy, 1 small box | $138.00 |
| Total paid to Napki | $373.74 |
| Import duties, MPF and state or local taxes | Paid by the buyer on arrival |
The unit price comes from Napki’s rate for that exact size, paper and print. It excludes the plate, shipping and US duties. Prices change with size, paper, print type and quantity, so use the calculator for your own order.
Now look at the reorder. Same design, same print size: no new plate. That line drops out the second time.
Timing for this order: approve the proof on a Monday, and with Priority the box arrives 10 business days later. With Economy, allow about 14–16 business days.
Ordering further ahead lowers the product line. Choose a 30, 50 or 60-business-day production window instead of the standard one. The napkins then cost 5%, 10% or 15% less. The discount applies to the product only, not to the plate or shipping.
Before you order: a six-point checklist
- Say the open size. Write “24×24 cm open”, not just “24×24”.
- Match print to napkin color. Full Color needs a white napkin.
- Check the box step. How many napkins fit in a box depends on size and paper, so ask how many boxes your order needs.
- Budget for arrival costs. Duties, the MPF and state or local taxes are yours under DAP.
- Count back from your date. Allow 10 business days with Priority, about 14–16 with Economy, after proof approval.
- Feel the paper if unsure. The free sample pack has five printed napkins in three finishes. You pay only the FedEx shipping: $138.00 Economy or $184.00 Priority.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for custom printed napkins?
20 units with Full Color digital printing on white napkins. Deluxe printing with 1 or 2 inks starts at 100 units.
How long does delivery to the US take?
Delivery takes 10 business days from proof approval with FedEx Priority, or about 14–16 with Economy, US customs clearance included.
Who pays import duties?
The buyer. Orders ship DAP, so import duties, the Merchandise Processing Fee and state or local taxes are paid on arrival. Napki does not charge VAT or sales tax.
Can you estimate my duties?
No. Napki does not estimate duty amounts. FedEx or a customs broker can tell you what applies to your shipment.
Is there an express option?
No. There is no express service for US orders. FedEx Priority is the fastest shipping choice.
Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
Yes, on a separate quote. The flat box rates cover the 48 contiguous states.
What if the print does not match my approved proof?
Napki reprints the order free of charge.
Send your logo and plan the date today
You now know every step between your artwork and your door. That includes the one at customs.
Send your logo or idea today. You will get a free digital mock-up within 24 hours, with up to 2 rounds of changes. You only pay if you go ahead. Napki has printed in Spain since 1986, from 20 units, with delivery in 10 business days from proof approval with FedEx Priority.
Not sure about the paper? Request the free sample pack and pay only the FedEx shipping. Calculate your price in 30 seconds on the home page. Or message the team on WhatsApp at +34 650 50 43 39.