Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – call or contact us online.
- At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
- Can you scan and save my files to a CD?
- Can you send samples for testing?
- Do you accept Microsoft Publisher files?
- Do you charge Rush fees?
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
- I don't have time to view a proof. Can't you just print my order?
- Is white considered a printing color?
- How should I save my files so you can open them?
- What do I need to provide for variable data projects?
- What does personalization mean?
- What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What is a "proof"?
- What is coated paper stock?
- What is the Pantone Matching System?
- What is variable data printing?
- What type of products and services do you provide?
- What type of return can I expect from personalized or variable data marketing materials?
- Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
- Will the colors in my online proof be accurate?
- At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
For best results, you'll want to create your graphics at 350 dots per inch (dpi or ppi).
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. Also, graphics and photos from off the Internet may be copyrighted and we may not be able to use them.
For more information, visit our prepress department.
- Can you scan and save my files to a CD?
Yes, we can! We are fully equipped to handle creation of digital versions of files, from the highest quality reflective and film scanning to scanning of multi-page documents. Stop on in for details!
- Can you send samples for testing?
Yes. We have many samples of our products available for testing. Just let us know what you're looking for, or stop in to see and feel the quality in person!
- Do you accept Microsoft Publisher files?
We do! Microsoft Publisher is an excellent program for home desktop publishing, but it has some fairly severe limitations when it comes to professional printing. Please keep in mind that there may be discrepancies between how your file appears on your computer and how it will ultimately print.
There are some steps that you can take to ensure the best possible printing of your Publisher file. Learn more by reading our article, How To Submit A Microsoft Publisher File.
- Do you charge Rush fees?
We understand how important timeliness can be to your business and schedule, so we go out of our way to make sure we meet your deadline. In fact, most of our products have faster turnarounds than is common to this industry.
However, on occasion we accept projects with deadlines considerably shorter than our standard turnaround. Because Rush projects affect projects for other clients, we do charge a Rush fee to cover overtime and changes to our printing schedule necessary to make your deadline. We will, of course, let you know of any Rush fees before we begin your project.
Rush fees vary by project and schedule, but usually are between 20%-30%. For more information, request an estimate today.
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
The time necessary to complete a job is a function of the number and type of operations that must be perfomed, so there isn't a pat answer for this question. When we see the scope of your project, we'll assign a due date and advise you when you can expect it. When your job is ready, we'll call or email. We strive to deliver or ship on the due date.
We can put a priority on some jobs in the event your deadline is shorter than our normal service standard. We will, of course, let you know ahead of time if extra charges will apply to your "Rush" job.
- I don't have time to view a proof. Can't you just print my order?
To ensure a quality product, we require your written or verbal art approval from you before any printing begins, or your signature on a proof waiver sheet.
If you decide not to receive a proof, or if a proof is not possible due to production constraints or other circumstances, your art will be designed to conform as closely as possible with the specifications of the project and checked internally for basic errors such as spelling.
However, if you choose not to receive a proof, you acknowledge that unwanted errors can occur on the final printed product, and that Moneysaver Printshop cannot be responsible for any print errors that could have been prevented by your review of a proof. By waiving your right to a proof, you agree that you will accept the final printing “as is” and pay Moneysaver Printshop the full amount for the final product under the terms of your final invoice.
- Is white considered a printing color?
Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it.
- How should I save my files so you can open them?
For information on saving your files so that we can open them, please visit our prepress department.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
For more information, visit our prepress department.
- What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, VISA and MasterCard. We can also set up a business billing account for you, as well. Please contact us for more information and for a credit application.
- What is a "proof"?
A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed in our store or delivered to you in person.
On multiple color jobs, we can produce a color proof on our color output device to show how the different colors will appear.
- What is coated paper stock?
Coated paper stock is a premium, high-quality paper that has been given a smooth glossy finish designed specifically for documents that require sharp details and vivid colors. Uncoated paper, by contrast, is relatively inexpensive but porous, and is best suited to the printing of black and white text documents.
- What is the Pantone Matching System?
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.
- 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.
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, visit our Products & Services section.
- 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.
- 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.
- Will the colors in my online proof be accurate?
Please keep in mind that because most monitors are not calibrated for accurate color, colors shown in online proofs are approximate. If you require an exact color proof, please contact us to arrange for a hard copy.
