Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer? If so, you've come to the right place.

As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Just start by following one of the links below.

1. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
2. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
3. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
4. Tips on file format setups
5. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
6. What do I need to provide for variable data projects?
7. What is variable data printing?
8. What does personalization mean?
9. What type of return can I expect from personalized or variable data marketing materials?
10. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
11. What type of products and services do you provide?
12. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
13. Can you scan and save my files to a CD?

1. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

   We would suggest you use our online estimate request form, it's easy and convenient. You may also give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

2. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

   There are no hard and fast rules here as project details effect the delivery of every job. We will work within your desired time frame. Open communications before work on your project begins, and during the production process, keeps projected schedules on track.

3. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

   Resolution can be set to 300 dpi.

   Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed. The rules vary according to output size and intended use of piece. A general guideline would be to save at 300dpi. Give us a call if you're uncertain and we'll provide guidance.

   Also note that you should save all photos in RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode will afford the most color data available and will be converted to CMYK in the print RIP. CYMK is a smaller color gamut than RGB, but it is necessary for most final output and a color shift may occur, but each printer and each RIP is different so starting with the most data possible is a good beginning.

4. Tips on file format setups

   Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your project.
   • Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
   • Include all placed images
   • Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas.
   BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line
   TRIM: This is the guideline where the card will be cut
   SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4” guide in from the trim should work fine.

5. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

   PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

6. What do I need to provide for variable data projects?

   We work with many types of data files, but CSV files are the safest bet. These are data files that have commas separating each field, and returns separating each line of data. To save time and hassle, make sure your data is properly formatted with each piece of data in separate fields.

   Complex projects may require other files, like image files or additional data files. If you are unsure of what may be required for a particular variable project, give us a call for a free consultation.

   We can certainly accept your data file and do all the necessary preparation and conversion for you.

7. What is variable data printing?

   Variable data printing is technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

8. What does personalization mean?

   Personalization is another term for variable data—technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient.

   Personalizing can be as simple as a unique name and address on every printed piece. But more sophisticated levels of personalization can include text or images that vary based on data specific to the recipient, or data-driven graphics such as a pie chart illustrating something specific to the recipient.

9. What type of return can I expect from personalized or variable data marketing materials?

   Studies consistently show that personalized marketing receives a far greater response than static pieces.

   On average, the response rate of a static direct mail campaign is around 2%. A targeted, personalized campaign that utilizes variable data technology can increase that response rate by up to 30%.

   While the cost per piece of variable imaging direct mail is higher, your cost per response is much lower, increasing your return on investment.

10. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

    In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

11. What type of products and services do you provide?

    Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a full listing and description of what we can offer you, check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.

12. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.

    Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.

    When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.

13. Can you scan and save my files to a CD?

    Yes. We can scan drawings and save electronic versions or copy files to a
    CD.