Our 48-hour express service takes branded cups from approved artwork to a dispatched pallet in just two working days, followed by next day to 72 hour UK courier delivery. It is the fastest branded turnaround we offer, and it exists because we mould, print, and pack every cup ourselves in the UK rather than importing blanks from overseas.
No other UK cup supplier offers this consistently, and the reason is simple: they cannot control a production line they do not own. We can, so when your event date will not move, we move instead.
What the 48-Hour Service Includes
The 48-hour clock covers production only, from the moment you approve your digital proof to the moment your order leaves our factory. Within those two working days we schedule your job, print your artwork onto BPA-free polypropylene cups, quality check the run, and pack it onto a pallet ready for courier collection.
Delivery sits on top of production. UK mainland orders travel by next day to 72 hour courier depending on your postcode and the size of the run. For a genuine emergency, the combination of 48 hour production and a next day courier means branded cups in hand around three days after proof approval.
How the Express Timeline Breaks Down
Understanding where the hours go helps you plan. The table below maps a typical SOS Priority order from enquiry to delivery, assuming you have print-ready artwork ready to go.
| Stage | Typical Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Quote and artwork | Hour 0 | You submit the quote form and upload artwork |
| Digital proof | Within 1 hour | We send a proof for sign off |
| Production | 48 hours | Print, quality check, and pack in the UK |
| Dispatch and delivery | Next day to 72 hour | UK mainland courier to your door |
How to Qualify for 48-Hour Turnaround
Three things make a 48 hour slot possible. First, print-ready artwork, ideally vector or high resolution, uploaded at the point of quoting. Second, a fast proof approval, because every hour you take to sign off is an hour of production you lose. Third, a quantity within our express range, which starts at our standard 50 cup minimum.
If you are missing artwork or still finalising a design, our team can help, but it may shift you from SOS Priority into the Urgent Express tier. When speed is critical, prepare your file before you order. You can begin on the quote builder and have a proof back within the hour.
Made in the UK, Compliant by Default
Every 48-hour order uses the same specification as our standard range. Cups are BPA-free polypropylene, UKCA marked, and made entirely in the UK. Speed does not mean cutting corners on compliance or quality, because the express cups come off the same line as everything else we produce. For events with even less notice, see our guide to emergency cup orders when your event is days away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 48 hours include delivery?
No. The 48 hours covers production only, from approved proof to dispatched pallet. Delivery is added on top and takes next day to 72 hours by UK mainland courier depending on your location.
What do I need to qualify for the 48-hour service?
Print-ready artwork uploaded at quote stage, a fast proof approval, and a quantity from our 50 cup minimum upwards. Delays in approving your proof are the most common reason an order misses the fastest tier.
Is print quality reduced on express orders?
No. Express cups are printed on the same UK production line to the same specification as standard orders. They are BPA-free polypropylene and UKCA marked exactly like the rest of our range.
Can you make branded cups faster than 48 hours?
48 hours is our fastest branded production tier. If you need cups sooner, unbranded plain stock can dispatch the same or next working day since it skips the print and proof stages.
What is the minimum order for the 48-hour service?
Our minimum order is 50 cups across all tiers, including express, so even small last-minute runs qualify for fast turnaround.