Print Jobs: What Do I Need to Know?

There are many questions to consider when working with a printer for a custom print job. If you are unfamiliar with the world of print and its many terms, it can feel intimidating to approach a business about the job you’d like completed. Below are some key details to provide in your initial call or email when asking for an estimate. From there, you can start to make more informed decisions and increase your confidence that the final product will meet your expectations.

Requesting a Quote

First, it is important to know that requesting a quote from several printers is very normal. Request the same information with as many job details as possible so that you can make an even price comparison. The printer’s representative knows that your business isn’t a guarantee – so express gratitude for the quote once returned and after collecting and reviewing all estimates (3-4, but at least two), follow up with each business regarding a decision either way.

Specifications

1. Project Type: What is the project? Is it a flyer, booklet, postcard or menu? Briefly explain the purpose of the project.
2. Size: What are the page dimensions? The file should be built with these specifications.
3. Bleed: Does the design have color or imagery that runs off the page? This is a bleed. It is an extension of the actual page size (usually 0.125” or 0.25”) added to a document to allow for trimming. Note whether or not the file has a bleed so the printer can take that step into account.
4. Number of pages: How many pages does your file have? Will it be double sided or single sided? If it has facing pages (set up like a book), the total number may need to be a multiple of two or four, depending on paper size, setup, and whether or not the document will be bound.
5. Quantity: How many copies of the final product do you need? If a large quantity is needed, you can ask if there is a price break at a particular quantity.
6. Color: Is this a full color or black and white print job? The majority of color projects are completed in CMYK process color, which mixes cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (K=key) to create the specific color. (Be sure your designer has set up your document with the correct CMYK color values.) If exact color is necessary, as may be the case for business cards for instance, you can also request the cost of a Pantone (spot color) print. Note this will be more expensive, especially if there is more than one color in the file.
7. Paper stock: How thick do you want the paper used to be? A standard cardstock weight is 80 lb, compared to 20 lb standard computer paper. Request the cost of a few stock options. If you’re open to ideas, ask your representative for suggestions that might be suitable for your particular job.
8. Paper finish: Matte or gloss? Do you want the final product to have a shine or flat finish? The shine from gloss works well on files with heavy color coverage, especially photographs and big graphics. Gloss paper also highlights color contrast in photos. Matte paper is often preferred in designs with a light color scheme and in text-heavy design. Coated or uncoated? Paper that is coated fills in the tiny pits and spaces between the fibers, giving it a smooth surface. The coating restricts how the paper absorbs ink, which is desirable for sharpness. Uncoated paper is more porous, thus more absorbent, causing images to appear softer. Paper does not have to be glossy to be considered coated. Again, if you are unsure what you’d like, ask the print rep to include the cost for a couple of options.

Sample Quote Request

Below is a sample email to request a quote for a promotional postcard. Take note that at this point, you do not need to provide the file since you are simply gathering information. Be sure to inquire about production time required, especially if you are working on a tight timeline.

Proofs

Once you have selected the printer you’d like to work with, you can follow up with additional questions. It is particularly helpful to ask if a complimentary proof can be provided. I highly recommend requesting a proof, whether or not it is complimentary, to determine if the color, stock weight and finish is to your liking. This is particularly important if you have a large run – if you can prevent an error before printing the entire order, by all means, do so! At the very least, request a digital proof.

CK Collateral Can Help

The more you go through this process, the easier it becomes. However, CK Collateral is happy to take the load off your shoulders and work with a printer on your behalf so that in the end, you are satisfied with the completed project in hand.