HOW DO I GET AN ESTIMATE FOR A JOB?
The best way to get an estimate is to come in to our print shop studio and meet with our staff. We can show you different paper options, provide you with samples of our work, and go over the best way to execute your job. If coming in is not convenient, you can send us an email or call us. It’s always very helpful if you can provide a visual that will give us a good sense of the scope of your project.
DO I NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT?
We require a 50% deposit at the time the order is placed. The balance is due upon the completion of the job.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept all major credit cards, check or cash. We also accept PayPal and wire transfer. If you will be paying by credit card, we will send your our Credit Authorization Form once your order is placed. You can also call in with your credit card information.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A JOB?
Depending on how busy we are - and the complexity of the specific job - we typically require between 2 - 4 weeks to complete a project, although there are circumstances that may require longer production time (e.g., delays in finalizing the artwork, importing paper, jobs that require outside vendors, etc.). If you need your job sooner, we will make every effort to accommodate you, although a rush fee may be assessed (see below).
DO YOU OFFER RUSH REQUESTS?
Yes. If we can accommodate your timeframe without having to push another job aside or pay additional fees to our vendor(s), we won’t charge a rush fee. But if we have to “bump” another job or pay extra to have a vendor expedite their product or service, a rush fee may apply. The amount of the rush fee depends on the nature of the rush. Typically, if a job is needed sooner than 2 weeks, we will charge a 20% rush fee; if a job is needed a day or two of when the order is placed, we charge a rush fee of 100%.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR ARTWORK
For much of our printing we will need to make engraving plates, and we need good artwork to make the plates. When providing artwork for plates, we prefer vector files - .eps, .pdf, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Indesign files - as these will print sharper and clearer. Please be sure that all text is packaged or converted to outlines. Non-vector images must be provided as a BITMAP TIF at 100% size with a minimum of 800 dpi (1200 dpi is recommended). Any bitmap TIF images should be embedded in the files. If you need more detailed information, please contact us.
HOW DO I CHOOSE AN INK COLOR?
We typically use the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which is an internationally recognized system of using numbers that correspond to a particular color. We also offer custom ink mixing with is done by hand and we can match a color very closely if you can provide us with a good sample (e.g., piece of paper, cloth, etc.). For best results we recommend you come in for a press check to ensure the ink color is what you want.
CAN I COME IN FOR THE PRESS CHECK?
Yes. Although this is not required, we do recommend that you come in once we go on press. At the press check you can tweak the ink color, decide the amount of pressure - or “bite” into the paper - and simply make sure everything looks the way you want it to look. And this is also a fun and interesting process. Depending on the nature of your job (and how much time is needed), you may be able to take your completed job with you.
If coming into the studio is not convenient, we can do a virtual press check where we can send you a photo before we run the entire job.
CAN YOU SHIP A JOB TO ME?
Yes. As long as we have clear information (name, address and phone number) of the person and/or location where you want the job to be shipped, we are happy to ship or messenger the job. Shipping or messenger costs will be added to your invoice.