Sunday, May 19, 2013

Faqs


support

What is gang run printing?
Many different orders are laid out on a sheet to run together as cost efficiently as possible.

What is a converted envelope?
Artwork is printed on a flat sheet, then die-cut, and finally glued.

Does web-to-print mean printing on a web-press?
Web-to-print refers to you using the web to order your products and go directly to press. We are an offset printer.

Do you allow press checks for custom projects?
Yes we do. Partner Printing Commercial Services offers all that you would expect from any commercial plant.

What is the difference between Aqueous Satin and Aqueous Gloss?
Aqueous Satin has a duller sheen and is pencil receptive. Aqueous Gloss has a higher sheen but is not pencil receptive.

What happens if I pay for Express Services, fulfill my commitment and then you fail to ship on the date provided?
In the unlikely event that this occurs we would credit back your turn time charge.

Do you offer tech support after business hours?
No we do not.

What are your business hours?
8AM-6PM Pacific Time, Monday-Friday

What line screen do you use?
We use a hybrid line screen equivalent to 200 line screen.

Will I be contacted if there are any issues with my order?
Yes, an email will be sent to you regarding our concerns with your file.


Order and Turnaround

What is the cut-off time for submitting orders?
The cut off time is 11 AM PST on all orders except for our Same Day Service which is a 9 AM PST cutoff.

When does the order clock start?
The clock starts upon submission of print ready artwork with a “no proof option” or your approval of a pdf proof.

When you specify 2 – 4 days, does this really mean 4 days?
Your job may be completed sooner depending on orders on hand with four days being the longest time allowed.

Why do some products offer express service and others not?
Some products take longer to create or the stock the product is on is not in as high of demand


Artwork

What is bleed?
Artwork extended 1/8″ on all 4 sides to allow for cutter variance.

How should I submit my files when ordering a Catalog or Mini Catalog?
Always submit your files as single pages. Our automated imposition software will do the rest.

Should I submit my files as reader spreads or printer spreads?
Always submit your files as single pages. Our automated imposition software will do the rest.

What values should I use for Rich Black?
We recommend 40% Cyan, 40% Magenta, 30% Yellow and 100% Black. Please keep total ink coverage at 300% or less.

How do I create outlines in Illustrator?
This option is under the Type menu called Create Outlines (Mac: Command + Shift + O) (Windows: Control + Shift + O).

Can you create outlines in Photoshop?
Yes, the option is called Convert to Shape. This option is under the Layer menu, Type, option Convert to Shape.

How much Bleed do I need?
We require all files be sent with 1/8 on all sides.

What does too close to trim mean?
When non bleeding information is near or on the trim line. We ask for a 1/8 margin for all non bleeding information.

What resolution should my file be?
We ask that all images and artwork be no less the 300DPI.

How do I convert my artwork to CMYK in Photoshop?
This option is under Image menu, Mode, option CMYK Color.

Why are my drop shadows low resolution in Illustrator?
The default setting is 72ppi. To change this go to the menu option Effect, then select Document Raster Effects Settings and change to High (300 ppi).

What is Rich Black Text?
Rich black text is 4 Color type. Text may appear fuzzy. For best results, set your black text to 100% Black.

How do I fix Transparency issues?
The simplest way in most programs is to raster together all images and artwork using transparencies into one layer, keeping your type on top in a separate layer.

What does low res mean?
Low resolution is typically 240 dpi or lower. We recommend 300 dpi at 100% of picture placement.


proofs

After submitting my artwork, how long does it take to receive my PDF proof?
PDF proofs will be sent within 24 hours of file submission. Weekends and Holidays are not included in the time calculation.

After submitting my artwork, how long does it take to receive my Hard Copy proof?
Hard Copy Proofs will be ready for shipping the next business day after your files are received.

If I resubmit a new file after receiving my proof, how long will it take to receive a new proof?
All PDF proofs are sent within 24 hours of file submission. Weekends and Holidays are not included in the time calculation.

What stock is a hard copy proof printed on?
We use a specialty paper with a satin finish called “Oris Select Proof”.


stock

Is your Matte stock coated?
Our matte stock comes with a pencil receptive Satin AQ on both sides.

Can I get paper stock samples?
Yes you can. Please contact a customer service representative for details.

What is the difference between C1S and C2S?
C1S is coated on one side. C2S is coated on both sides.


coating

Can I write on UV Coating?
No, most pens do not work on a surface that has been UV coated.

Can I write on Gloss AQ (Aqueous) coating?
Although some pens will write on Gloss AQ, we do not recommend it for items that need to be written on.

Can I write on Satin AQ (Aqueous) coating?
Our Satin AQ is pencil receptive; both pens and pencils will write on this coating.

What is Spot UV?
The UV is placed over very specific areas on the printed piece.

What is Flood UV?
Flood UV covers the enter side or both sides of the printed piece.

Do you provide Spot UV services?
This service is currently available through our custom department. This is a service to be added to our site in the very near future.

What is UV?
Liquid applied to a printed sheet, then bonded and cured with ultraviolet light.

What is a PMS color?
Pantone matching systems or PMS is a mixture of inks that will provide a specific color.

What coating options are available on which paper stocks?
Please reference our product, stock, coating and ink cross reference chart.


cut_bind

How do you calculate the number out on Custom Cutting?
The number out is the number of finished pieces per sheet. So, 2 out custom cut means 2 finished pieces per sheet.

What size in your Round Corner?
We use two sizes a 1/4″ radius and a 3/8″ radius.

What bindery options do you offer on brochures?
To view all Options by Product, please see our Product Specifications.

What products do you offer custom cutting on?
To view all Options by Product, please see our Product Specifications.

What is a saddle stitch?
A saddle stitch are staples that are placed in the center of the catalog spread to bind it together. Saddle stitch pricing is included with catalog orders.

Are the round corners die cut?
Our round corners are punch cut.

Do you perfect bind onsite?
We send out for this service. Catalogs with perfect bind are available through our custom department. Contact your customer service representative for details.

What is the difference between a tri-fold flyer and a tri-fold brochure?
The end product is the same.

What do you offer for drill sizes?
We offer 1/8, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drill sizes. Five hole auto drilling is also available online.


shipping

What do I do if I get a damaged box from UPS?
Save ALL product, packaging material, and box. Contact your customer service representative.

Can I arrange my own freight services?
Yes you can. Please contact your customer service representative for details before placing your order.

Can I use my UPS account to ship my order?
Our system is automated to expedite your order. Unfortunately there is not a way to handle this efficiently where it would make sense.

Can I change my shipping options online after an order is placed?
If you need to change your shipping options you will have to contact your customer service representative. It will be determined at that point if it is feasable to change your shipping options.

Can I split ship an order to multiple locations?
Yes, this feature is available when you are placing your order.

How would I arrange a split shipment?
You are able to choose up to three shipping locations in step three of your online order process.

When can we ship to Canada or Puerto Rico?
We can now ship to Canada and Puerto Rico.


mail_serv

Can you inkjet addresses on Aqueous or UV coated stocks?
Yes, our inks our solvent based. We can inkjet on any coating, including UV.

How long does the mailing department take after it is printed?
It takes the mailing department 24-48 hours to process a job depending on customer response.

How long does standard mail take compared to 1st class?
1st class takes 2-4 days and standard takes 4 days to 4 weeks depending on where it is going.

Can you de-dupe a mailing list? (take duplicate records out)
We offer that service upon request.


payment

What types of payment do you accept?
We accept Paypal through our website.