Frequently asked questions
The questions US engravers and retailers ask us before their first order. If yours isn't here, email us — a person in Atlanta answers.
General
Do I need an account to see prices?
No. Every price on this site is public. A trade account applies your discounted trade price automatically across the whole catalog, not only at checkout.
Do I need a trade account to place an order?
No. A Public Account buys at our public list price and works as soon as you create it. A Trade Account unlocks a separate, discounted price across the whole catalog once you're approved and logged in. Both are free, but you do need one of them — there is no guest checkout.
How long before I can place an order?
Straight away on a Public Account — create it and you can check out at our public list prices in the same visit. A Trade Account is reviewed by hand, usually within one business day, Monday to Friday; you can browse and price up jobs while you wait, and we email you as soon as your discount is live.
Who do you sell to?
Businesses that personalize or resell products: engravers, trophy and awards shops, promotional product distributors, gift retailers, and event or wedding suppliers.
Are you a new business?
No. Walter Davison Wholesale is the sister company of John Wallace Ltd, a UK wholesaler established in 2011. Between the two businesses we have 15 years of experience supplying the engraving, personalization and crafting market, and we work closely with manufacturers on quality and food safety standards.
Where do you ship from?
All orders ship from our warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia. We hold stock physically on site; we are not a dropshipper.
Customization & engraving
Are your products actually suitable for laser engraving?
Yes. Our finishes, whether powder coated, leather wrapped or polished, are selected and tested for high precision laser engraving and UV printing.
What laser settings should I use?
It depends on the material. See our full Laser Engraving Guide for starting points on coated stainless, bare steel, slate and curved items.
Do your settings work with a diode laser?
We have not tested diode lasers on our finishes, so we cannot speak to results. The guide assumes a CO2 or fiber laser, which is what most of our customers use.
Orders & shipping
Is there a minimum order?
Yes, a $50 minimum applies per order, on Public and Trade accounts alike.
How much is shipping?
Orders of $149 or more ship free to the eastern and central United States. On orders below $149, and on any order going to the mountain or western states, shipping is a flat rate set by your delivery zone and the weight of your order. It is calculated at checkout, so you see the exact cost before you pay.
How long does delivery take?
Orders placed before 12:00 PM Eastern are processed the same day. Standard shipping then takes 3 to 5 business days. Expedited options are available at checkout where offered.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship within the contiguous United States only, the lower 48 states. We are not able to ship to Alaska, Hawaii, US territories, or internationally at this time.
What is your return policy?
It depends on the reason. Faulty items are covered by a one year guarantee, with a refund, credit note, or replacement on your next order. Items with cosmetic imperfections can be returned within 15 days in original packaging, with some exclusions for budget range products. See our full Guarantee & Refund Policy for the complete terms.
What happens if an item arrives damaged?
Contact our customer service team right away at sales@walterdavisonwholesale.com. Courier damage needs to be reported within 3 working days of delivery so we can file a claim; any other fault should be reported within 15 working days.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes. All discounts are visible automatically once you are logged in to your trade account.
Do you offer payment terms like Net 30?
No. Payment is required at the time of ordering.
Can you source a product you don't stock?
Yes. Our sales team can look into sourcing products we don't currently stock. Turnaround varies depending on the specific item.
Trade accounts
Why does a trade account matter if prices are already public?
Public prices are our list prices. A trade account unlocks a lower, discounted price on every item, visible the moment you log in and browse, not only at checkout. That lets you cost jobs accurately before you order.
How do I get a trade account, and what does it cost?
Apply through our short online form. It is free: no joining fee, no annual fee, and no obligation to order. A $50 minimum applies per order, the same as any other account.
How long does approval take?
Typically one business day, Monday to Friday.
What if my business is brand new?
That is fine. A business name and a way for us to verify it is enough. We do not require a trading history or a minimum spend.
Still deciding?
Open a free trade account now and your discounted pricing is ready the next time you order.