Frequently Asked Questions
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Have any questions or concerns about printing? Our FAQ below should have most of the information you are looking for. If you've got any other questions, please contact us.
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PROOFS
Q: Do I need a hardcopy proof before I proceed with the final print?
A: Yes, we highly recommend a hardcopy proof before giving the final green light for your print job.
We include a hardcopy proof with all our quoted print jobs. This is also included in the product price if you order online.
However, it does not include the cost to post/ship the proof to your address (as some people prefer to pick up / see the proof at our premise). If you require your proof to be posted to you, please add our "Additional Proof" product to your cart and this will allow the additional cost for us to post it to you.
Please note that if no hardcopy proof is signed off on, we take no responsibility if the completed printing is not what you expected.
Q: Why do printers make such a big deal about proofs, why can't they just print it?
A: Once a job is printed we can't change anything. We want you to be happy with the finished job. It is very easy for a mistake to be made when typing in large amounts of text. Some things only you the customer can check.
Q: Why can't you just email the proof to us?
A: We can email you a proof, but this is OK for checking content only. It is important that you are aware of the two main issues with this. Colour (you won't see exact shades of colour), and Stock (you won't see/feel the type of paper/card we have used).
A: Yes, we highly recommend a hardcopy proof before giving the final green light for your print job.
We include a hardcopy proof with all our quoted print jobs. This is also included in the product price if you order online.
However, it does not include the cost to post/ship the proof to your address (as some people prefer to pick up / see the proof at our premise). If you require your proof to be posted to you, please add our "Additional Proof" product to your cart and this will allow the additional cost for us to post it to you.
Please note that if no hardcopy proof is signed off on, we take no responsibility if the completed printing is not what you expected.
Q: Why do printers make such a big deal about proofs, why can't they just print it?
A: Once a job is printed we can't change anything. We want you to be happy with the finished job. It is very easy for a mistake to be made when typing in large amounts of text. Some things only you the customer can check.
Q: Why can't you just email the proof to us?
A: We can email you a proof, but this is OK for checking content only. It is important that you are aware of the two main issues with this. Colour (you won't see exact shades of colour), and Stock (you won't see/feel the type of paper/card we have used).
FILE REQUIREMENTS
Q: What is your preferred file type?
A: A high resolution PDF is best followed by anything that starts with Adobe, e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc. Please make sure all your files are unsecured (unlocked so we can edit the file if necessary). For files that have images/graphics that run right to the very edge of the paper/card please ensure your files have "bleed". 3mm-4mm on all 4 sides please. A2 and larger 5mm-6mm bleed. For more information, click here.
Q: If we supply the file can you make changes to it?
A: 90% of the time we can.
Q: I don't understand what you mean by file?
A: When a job is designed/typed on the computer (ours or yours) there is a file created. We need this file to print from. This file may be a Word, Publisher, Adobe InDesign or PDF file to name just a few.
Q: Are there any file types you don't or can't work with?
A: We can work with almost anything within reason. Some file types are more difficult, especially if they have been used for a purpose they were not designed for. An example of this is a business card or brochure that has been created in PowerPoint or Excel.
Q: Will you store my files/artwork?
A: Yes we keep everything here for a minimum of 5 years.
A: A high resolution PDF is best followed by anything that starts with Adobe, e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc. Please make sure all your files are unsecured (unlocked so we can edit the file if necessary). For files that have images/graphics that run right to the very edge of the paper/card please ensure your files have "bleed". 3mm-4mm on all 4 sides please. A2 and larger 5mm-6mm bleed. For more information, click here.
Q: If we supply the file can you make changes to it?
A: 90% of the time we can.
Q: I don't understand what you mean by file?
A: When a job is designed/typed on the computer (ours or yours) there is a file created. We need this file to print from. This file may be a Word, Publisher, Adobe InDesign or PDF file to name just a few.
Q: Are there any file types you don't or can't work with?
A: We can work with almost anything within reason. Some file types are more difficult, especially if they have been used for a purpose they were not designed for. An example of this is a business card or brochure that has been created in PowerPoint or Excel.
Q: Will you store my files/artwork?
A: Yes we keep everything here for a minimum of 5 years.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: I have an urgent job, how fast can you print it?
A: This all depends on the type of job, and whether you are you supplying us with a print-ready file.
Q: Why does the unit price go up the fewer I get printed?
A: A big proportion of the cost of getting anything printed is in the setup of the equipment. Whether you are printing 50 brochures or 5,000, it still takes the same amount of time to set up the machine.
Q: I don't understand about different types and thickness of paper and card?
A: There are two main types of stock. Coated (sometimes called art stocks) and Uncoated. Coated stocks come in both Gloss and Satin finishes. Uncoated stocks have a slightly rougher or matt finish. Standard photocopy paper is an 80gsm uncoated stock. Here are some stock recommendations:
Q: What does GSM mean?
A: Grams per Square Metre. It's a measure of the weight of a paper. Generally the higher the weight, the thicker and stiffer the paper or card.
Q: Do you do print labels?
A: Yes
Q: Do you do print envelopes?
A: Yes
Q: Do you do laminating, embossing, die cutting, foiling, binding?
A: Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes.
A: This all depends on the type of job, and whether you are you supplying us with a print-ready file.
Q: Why does the unit price go up the fewer I get printed?
A: A big proportion of the cost of getting anything printed is in the setup of the equipment. Whether you are printing 50 brochures or 5,000, it still takes the same amount of time to set up the machine.
Q: I don't understand about different types and thickness of paper and card?
A: There are two main types of stock. Coated (sometimes called art stocks) and Uncoated. Coated stocks come in both Gloss and Satin finishes. Uncoated stocks have a slightly rougher or matt finish. Standard photocopy paper is an 80gsm uncoated stock. Here are some stock recommendations:
- Budget Flyer. Paper recommended 80-100gsm uncoated
- Letterhead. Paper recommended 100-120gsm uncoated
- Quality Brochure. Paper recommended 115-180gsm coated
- Business Cards. Card recommended 280-350gsm coated or uncoated
- NOTE Colour photos and images with very fine details reproduce better on coated stock. Satin is just as good as Gloss
Q: What does GSM mean?
A: Grams per Square Metre. It's a measure of the weight of a paper. Generally the higher the weight, the thicker and stiffer the paper or card.
Q: Do you do print labels?
A: Yes
Q: Do you do print envelopes?
A: Yes
Q: Do you do laminating, embossing, die cutting, foiling, binding?
A: Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes.
Still have questions?
Please don't hesitate to give us a call. Our friendly team will be able to answer your questions over the phone and point you in the right direction.
If you are looking for a quote, fill out our "Request a Quote" form and we'll get back to you within the same day.
If you are looking for a quote, fill out our "Request a Quote" form and we'll get back to you within the same day.
