This is the final part of our 8 part series on Preparing Files for Print. The series so far should have helped you avoid the common pitfalls faced by new Greeting Card Publishers.
In this article we’ll give you some guidance on choosing a print partner, and what to expect once you’ve sent the files.
- Introduction
- Card Sizes: things to consider
- Image Resolution
- Understanding Colour modes (CMYK vs RGB vs Pantone)
- Bleed and Trim
- Finishing Layers (Foil, flitter, emboss)
- Getting Files Press Ready Checklist
- Working with your Printer – you are here
Choosing a Printer
Printing greeting cards is an area of the print industry that requires some expertise, and we highly recommend you choose a printer who has the skills, knowledge and resources to cater to your needs. The GCA Members Directory lists Printers who specialise in production of greeting cards (and support the industry by virtue of their GCA membership) It’s a great starting point.
Things to consider when choosing a printer include:
- Can they offer the finishes that you need? Do they offer this in-house or do they outsource
- What’s their turnaround time? Does it fit in with your deadlines?
- What size do they print on? What’s the minimum/maximum print run they are comfortable with?
- Can they give you the advice you need to get to the product you want?
- What’s their policy on printing more or less than the quantity you order? Some printers have a 5%-10% tolerance built into their terms. Other charge a discounted rate for overruns.
- What other services do they offer? Packing? Labelling? Distribution?
- And of course, cost. Get quotes before you commission any work.
Remember, as we’ve said throughout this series, you should engage with your printer as early as possible in the design process, to avoid extra delays and costs later down the line.
The Proofing Process
Printer will usually follow the same proofing process. Once you’ve agreed the order and sent the files, they will create a digital proof of the print sheet, and send you a physical copy. They will then wait for you to approve the proofs and return the printouts before they start production.
When you receive the proofs, you should check everything carefully. Typical checks include:
- Spellings – on the front and the back and inside
- Company details – make sure your website, phone number and other details are correct.
- Colour accuracy – are these the colours you expected?
- Barcodes – use a barcode scanner or a phone app to make sure the barcode matches the barcode number, and that the number matches the one you allocated to that design (see our Barcode guide).
- Price Codes – if you are using price codes, check that these are the right ones (see our Price Code guide).
- Finish layers (if you have any finishes)
- Product codes (SKU codes)
This is your point of no return! Once you’ve approved the proofs, the printers will begin the production process, and any undiscovered mistakes will cost you dearly. So spend time checking the proofs, get someone else in your team to check them too. The old carpenters adage applies here – measure twice, cut once.
File Copies
If your cards are being delivered somewhere else, a warehouse or fulfilment company for example, the printers will usually send you a set of cards for your own records from the actual print run. These are called file copies, and are useful for reference, or for photographing for your website or catalogue.
Reprints
Most printers will keep your print ready files on their systems so when you need reprints you can simply ask for them by product code. But if you need any changes made, even the smallest of changes, then you will probably go through the proofing process again.
Conclusion
Well done! You’ve come to the end of our series on Getting Files Print Ready. Hopefully you’ll find these articles useful and we’ve helped you avoid some of the common issues faced by new publishers.
Remember to check the GCA Library for more useful articles as you develop your ranges.
