Frequently Asked Questions
Your bag
How are the bags made?
Every bag is made to order. Each design is printed as a DTF transfer, then hand-pressed onto the tote in Worcester using heat and pressure. Orders ship within 3 business days.
What is a DTF transfer?
DTF stands for direct-to-film. The design is printed onto a special film, coated with a fine adhesive powder, and cured. We then heat-press it onto the canvas and peel the film away, leaving the design bonded to the fabric. The result is crisp, flexible, and holds up to everyday use.
Can I wash it?
Yes. Machine wash cold, inside out, and air dry. Please don't iron directly on the print. These instructions are also on the blue care tag inside every bag.
How big is the bag?
15" tall x 14" wide with full 4" side and bottom gussets, made from heavyweight 12 oz. 100% cotton canvas with webbed canvas handles.
The signs
Why doesn't the date on my town's bag match the official record?
Our standard design uses INC. and the official incorporation date from the Secretary of the Commonwealth. But the physical signs on the road don't always agree with that record. Many towns existed long before they were legally incorporated, first as a settlement, plantation, or district, and different signs put up over the years may honor any of those dates. Amherst, for example, was established as a district in 1759 and incorporated as a town in 1775, and you'll find both years on signs.
If the sign you remember shows a different year, you can choose it on your town's page or enter any custom year.
Why do some signs say EST. and others say INC.?
INC. means incorporated, the year a place legally became a town. EST. (established) and SET. (settled) usually point to an earlier founding or settlement date. Signs use the incorporation date by default, but a town can ask for its establishment date instead for historical reasons. Signs have been replaced one road at a time since the design was created in the 1930s, so the same town can end up with different wording on different roads. Every bag lets you pick INC., EST., or SET. to match the sign you know.
Can I get a custom sign?
Absolutely. Our custom sign tote lets you put any name on the classic sign: a village, a neighborhood, a beach, a family name, or a favorite spot that never got a sign of its own. Choose your prefix and year, and see a live preview before you order.
Orders & shipping
When will my order ship?
Within 3 business days. Shipping is a $4 flat rate for one tote and free on orders of 2 or more. See our shipping policy for details.
What's the 2026 holiday order deadline?
Order by Sunday, December 13 for delivery by Christmas.
What if something's wrong with my order?
See our refund policy or get in touch and we'll help.
Do you sell wholesale or do fundraisers?
Yes! See our wholesale program for shops and our fundraising program for nonprofits and community groups.
Still have a question?
Contact us and we'll get back to you.