FAQs

Services

Do you offer any design assistance?

Our graphic designers can create anything from a simple direct mail piece or newsletter to product brochures. And we’ll continue to assist you during every phase of the project, helping you to select everything from paper stock, ink colors, graphics and fonts to help you create a piece that will make you stand out from your competition.

Do you have a standard price sheet?

On simple work, yes, we can approximate what something will cost or provide a price list. However, most of our jobs are customized products requiring and we prefer to provide you with a customized quote. Usually quotes are returned with in 24 to 48 hours.

How can I get a quote on my project?

The best way for you to get a quick, accurate quote from us is to use our on-line quote request application. When we receive your request, we’ll take a look at your specifications and either e-mail or phone you with a quote. Or, if you prefer, you can call us. We can work with you over the phone, you can stop in to our office, or one of our representatives will come to see you-whatever you prefer.

How can I set up an account with you?

Download a PDF version of our Credit Application or call our customer service department to obtain a copy.

How long will it take to complete my job?

It really depends on the work involved in completing it. Once we receive the job, discuss the specifics such as whether or not design work is involved and you approve the artwork, we can give you a more accurate completion date. If you required your project or a specific date always be sure to let us know that and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.

What kind of quantity should I order to get the lowest price?

We recommend that you simply order what you really need. More and more products have shorter life cycles these days, so what may appear to be cost effective in the short run may prove to be costly in the long run. That’s why it’s important to consult with us. So we can learn more about you, your product, its life cycle, and the end user, to recommend more accurate and effective solutions.

Printing

Can you match and color?

We’ll do the best we can to match the color you need. If you’re using a PMS Pantone spot color, we can absolutely match it. Some things to consider that do affect color matching include screen calibration, substrate (what it’s printed on), output device (where it’s been printed from) and the light source.

What is a proof?

A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type/art accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online via email or printed on paper which can be viewed in our office. If you have specific colour matches please let us know so we can discuss the best proofing method for you. If you request to proceed with your project without a proof, we are not responsible for finished product that looks different than you expected. (Please remember that your monitor is not calibrated to match our equipment, so colour discrepancies are normal).

Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you my print ready file?

We are all human and despite our best intentions humans make errors. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?

It may seem like a proof wouldn’t be needed in this case but it really is. Output devices process digital information using a variety of processing languages. Your approval of the proof which we will provide assures that the output device used has correctly interpreted and processed the information you have provided.

Do you proof read my files?

Files that are submitted for production are not proof read or touched-up before they are printed.

How should I prepare the file for you?

Please review our notes under File Preparation Information.

My image appears fuzzy or I can see the pixels. Will this print okay?

The DPI and overall quality of your graphics and source images will directly impact the quality of the final product. Images pulled from websites are not high enough resolution for printing. If you are worried about the quality of your image our prepress department can advise you.

What is the purpose of outlining a font?

Outlining a font turns it into a vector graphic and eliminates the need to supply fonts along with your files. Once outlined, a font can no longer be typeset.

Should I use CMYK or RGB mode for Photoshop files?

Please always convert your Photoshop files to CMYK.

What is the flat size?

Flat size refers to the final cut size of the printed artwork before any additional bindery (ie. folding) has been applied.

What is the finished size?

Finished size refers to the size of a printed piece after all bindery processes have been applied, such as trimming, die-cutting, folding and binding.

File Preparation

What is a crop mark?

A crop mark is a line printed outside the finished size of a piece that shows where the piece is to be cut to size.

What is bleed?

Bleed is a term that refers to printing that goes beyond the edge of the sheet after trimming. The image should be extended 1/8” outside of the print area to ensure no white is visible when trimmed. When saving to a pdf file the bleeds and trim marks must be added.