Q: Can you work with my computer files?

A: Most printing jobs today are output from digital computer files, though we also work with traditional camera-ready board art. The best graphics programs to use include QuarkXPress, PageMaker, Illustrator and Photoshop. It is always important to provide all support files, plus both screen and printer fonts. Some aspects of electronic pre-press are best left to the professionals. Our pre-press sources work with both Macintosh and IBM (PC) formats.

Q: What if I need someone to design and typeset my job?

A: We can handle any of your design and graphics needs, if you wish.

Q: How do I get the colors I want?

A: Color is one of the most critical dimensions of any printing job. There are basically two ways to print with color: "Spot Color," which usually involves black plus one or more selected ink colors (there are many hundreds to choose from), and "Process Color," which uses the four process colors (black, cyan, yellow, and magenta) to produce "full-color" photos and graphics. Additionally, varnishes, metallic inks, or foil stamping can be added. We will guide you through the maze of color possibilities.

Q: How should I choose paper?

A: Again, there are hundreds of options, with many factors to consider, including thickness of the stock, texture, and color. We will help you select the paper that is best for your job, and we can provide stock samples as well as technical advice.

Q: What do you need to know to give me an accurate estimate?

A: Providing a full and accurate cost estimate is a very important step in the process, and depends on a number of facts and figures. These include:

• The quantity (generally numbered in hundreds or thousands). A good rule of thumb: The larger the quantity, the lower the "per-piece" cost.
  • The final trim size of your piece, plus folded size
  • Page count for multiple-page jobs, and how they are to be bound
  • Whether or not there are "bleeds" (where printing goes beyond edge of printed piece, and is trimmed back to final size), and whether it prints on both sides.
  • Paper stock
  • The format of your artwork, and how complete it is
  • What colors and color processes are involved
  • Specialty needs, such as embossing, scoring, die-cutting, or perforating
  • Your time schedule and shipping arrangements

Q: How quickly can I get my job?

A: Most jobs fall within a five working-day schedule, though many can be done more quickly, and some require more time. We work closely with our clients to meet their deadlines.

Q: What about proofs?

A: We can provide a variety of proofs for your final review, from simple black-and white laser prints to four-color chromalin proofs. These can prove invaluable to assuring the quality and accuracy of you final printed piece.

Q: How about delivery and shipping?

A: Part of our service is pick-up and delivery, and we will deliver directly to you, to a local mail house, or prepare you job for shipping to virtually anywhere. We will carefully box, and, if necessary, shrink-wrap your printing to assure its safe delivery. Remember to factor in the cost of shipping, especially larger orders with quick delivery dates. We can help you select what is most economical for your needs.

Q: How is payment handled?

A: Some jobs require a deposit in advance, but many of our clients with
established credit pay from a 30-day invoice.