Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use your neckhangers?  Absolutely not.  We can provide a complete solution and are committed to making implementation as hassle free for you as possible.  You are completely free to have hangers printed locally or obtain them from your preferred supplier.

My line runs faster than 300 BPM.  Can you help me?  Often, yes.  Using a pair of applicators programmed to alternately apply hangers to passing bottles we can attain greater speeds.

How much room do you need on our line?  The compact applicator straddles your conveyor and we need only about 3-4’ of conveyor space.

Can you apply hangers with strings?  No, but our wide range of hanger designs offer possibilities that excite even the most dedicated string fan.

What about my case packer?  Won’t the hangers fall off?  They may, but probably not.  We recommend testing by placing hangers manually and seeing how it works.  However, we have lots of experience with designs to overcome this common complication.  In most cases our creative booklet designs offer more space for the message while eliminating the case packing problem.  In others, we have integrated hot melt glue systems to hold traditional hangers against the bottle.

Do I need a timing screw?  No, we need space between bottles, but it doesn’t have to be consistent.  The amount of space required depends on the details of bottle and hanger dimensions and speeds.  Often the best place to install the applicator is just after a labeling machine.  In order to function properly, the applicator needs a reliable encoder signal which accurately reflects bottle motion.  If the bottles slip on your conveyor, that could be a problem and should be addressed.

How quickly can I get a machine?  Normal lead-time is about 7-8 weeks to delivery.  If you would like to order our hangers, by the time artwork is finalized and proofs are approved, normally we need 2-4 weeks to shipment.  Both the applicators and hangers come from Germany.  Depending on the volume of hangers ordered, freight costs will be provided for your approval.  Normally air freight takes one week and sea freight takes 4.

What industries is this best for?  Wine, liquor & spirits and water are the most common applications.

I want to run a controlled game.  What controls do you have?  Our machines (very slightly different versions) are used routinely in the demanding worlds of lottery ticket, pre-paid telephone card and pharmaceutical industries.  Through our work in those industries we have developed numerous best practice solutions for working with sensitive and controlled items.  Depending on how your game is structured we can likely support your requirements.  Examples of solutions implemented in the past include: laser double detects; scan and/or camera verification of sequence; database logging of pieces fed.

I only want a hanger on 3 bottles in the case.  Can you do that?  We have the ability to apply hangers to bottles at selected intervals (e.g. every 3rd bottle.)  However, most case packing lines have accumulation incorporated and the actual mix placed in the case could differ.  We do have a variety of solutions for implementing marketing devices in the cases themselves.  Please see our other bottle marketing solutions section for more information.

Do you have a machine for rent?  No.  But seriously, just buy it.  It’s not expensive and you can implement this easily and inexpensively. Stop trying to justify it against the one promotion you ran last year.  Once you have the capability in house, you will run promotions regularly.  You’ll get far better return on this marketing investment than on print and trade show space!