The Cardboard Cutout Company

Photo-based cardboard cutouts made in Stevenage

The Cardboard Cutout Company produces life-sized, free-standing cardboard figures from photographs supplied by its customers. The subject can be a relative, a celebrity or a pet, and the finished piece is returned as a stand-up cutout. The company describes the process as a single, straightforward service rather than a broad catalogue: a photo goes in, a cutout comes back.

The business is based at Unit 1 Lord's Farm on Long Lane, in the Aston End area of Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It presents itself as a family company and states that it has more than 30 years of experience in the cardboard display industry.

Cutting to the outline rather than a rectangle

The distinguishing technical point the company makes is how the image is trimmed. Instead of leaving a margin of unprinted board around the figure, the cut follows the actual outline of the photograph, however intricate. The company contrasts this with competitors that leave white space between elements such as the fingers of a hand, which it says produces an inferior result. The stated aim is for the subject to stand out cleanly from the background.

Production relies on what the company describes as high-end materials, modern printers and precise cutting techniques. The resulting figures are sturdy and free-standing.

Occasions and commercial uses

The cutouts are positioned for two broad audiences. On the private side, the company lists stag and hen dos, anniversaries, memorials and birthday parties as typical settings, framing the product as a way to bring a film star into the room, revisit old memories or play a joke on friends. On the commercial side, it cites exhibitions, trade shows, product launches, business meetings and corporate events, and refers to many years of experience producing professional cutouts and promotional stands for these settings.

Customisation extends beyond the photograph. The company offers to add a personal message to a cutout and states that unusual requests are accepted.

How the company presents its standards

Four commitments are set out on the site: material and print quality, accuracy of the cut, customer service and price. On service, the company says it keeps customers informed throughout the ordering process, answers questions, and treats delivery on the promised date as a priority. On price, it argues that concentrating on a single product keeps costs down, and states that it regularly benchmarks against competitors and is confident no one delivers comparable quality more cheaply. These are the company's own claims about its market position rather than independently verified findings.

The site also carries a Trustpilot reviews reference and a link to an artwork guide and FAQ section covering preparation of images, alongside pages for terms and conditions, privacy, delivery and returns.

Ordering and delivery information

Orders are placed through the online shop, and the site includes a wishlist and basket facility. A dedicated artwork guide and FAQ page addresses how photographs should be supplied, while separate pages set out delivery and returns terms. The company invites enquiries where a customer cannot find what they are looking for in the shop.