We typically turn quotes same-day or within 2 working days. If your job is a rush, please let us know and we will get you a quote ASAP! (note: rush jobs may incur additional charges)
Every job is different. Some jobs can be produced in minutes while some may take several days to complete. Let us know when you need your job completed and we’ll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet even your most demanding timelines.
Rough timelines:
- Digital Print 3-5 days
- Offset Print 5-7 days
- For extensive bindery or handwork, add 1-3 days, depending on job specs
- Design 2+ days, depending on job specs
Bleed
What is bleed?
Bleed is the portion of the print piece that goes past the edges of the paper and will be trimmed off when it is cut to the final size.
Why Bleed?
Bleed ensures the continuation of color, images and design past the final trim size to prevent imperfections from possible cutting shifts. Please build your print-ready files will the appropriate bleed.
We require ALL pieces to have at least .125″ (1/8″) bleed on all sides. We will automatically trim the bleed off the edge, resulting in desired trim size.
For Color:
All color artwork and images should be supplied in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key) color mode. All spot colors should be converted to CMYK unless discussed with our team.
For Black and White:
All black and white artwork and images should be supplied in grayscale color mode. Black type should be 100% black, not 4 colors.
We ask all submitted work contain a print-ready PDF with bleed and single pages. If possible, working files (in-case you request us to make a change).
To package a file in Adobe InDesign, go to File > Package, then save your file. Make sure your links, fonts, and other elements are all selected.)
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.
All files and links must be provided at a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) resolution.
Most images from the web are designed at 72 dpi and will not print the best it could. If images are not 300 dpi, there will be a substantial drop in image quality.
The following file formats are accepted for mailing lists. (You must include record column (header) titles):
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Access – Your queries must be correct and include only the names you want in the mail list
- Comma Delimited
Separate Columns
Many mail lists are submitted incorrectly without separate columns for each field (Business, Name, Address, City, State, Zip, etc.) It is necessary for each category to be separated into its own column. If your mailing list is not submitted correctly, it could delay your job and possibly incur additional costs if we fix it.
Column Names
To save time and help get your mailing out the door faster, listed below are the suggested column titles:
- Company
- First Name *
- Last Name *
- Address 1 (Street Address)
- Address 2 (Apt./Suite/Floor)
- City
- State
- Zip Code
* The First Name and Last Name fields can be combined into one single field (Full Name).
Separate Worksheets or Files
If you need to submit more than one mailing list for your job, you will be charged for the additional lists. Either submit the mail lists in different files or, if you choose to have them on separate worksheets, please inform us so we know to include them.
Foreign Records
If a mailing list has foreign addresses included, you will be contacted. We can either disregard the foreign addresses or mail them separately through the USPS
In order for us to print the project exactly how you need, all fonts must be embedded in your PDF file. Please note, certain fonts have copyright restrictions and will not be allowed to be embedded in your PDF file.
Please embed all images and text in Adobe Illustrator files. These elements are needed to open and work with the file.
Flatten all layers when working in photoshop.
By providing the standard service of running the mail list through the Move Update database, this should eliminate the majority of the undeliverable addresses. But to catch all of them, just tell customer service to add an endorsement line (i.e. Return Service Requested) on each mail piece.
When doing a First Class mailing, this service is free. When doing a Standard mailing you will be charged for each piece being returned. The fee itself will be determined by what type of endorsement, where is it being returned from and/or the weight.
You may be aware that special nonprofit prices are available for some Periodicals and USPS Marketing Mail mailers, but you may not know who is eligible for those privileges. Nonprofit postage is lower than regular prices, but not everyone can qualify. The following information will help you determine if your business or organization is eligible for nonprofit postage privileges.
Organizations wishing to mail at nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices first must be authorized by the Postal Service as eligible. Then, they must make sure that the material being mailed complies with strict requirements for nonprofit prices. We here at Colortech can help you get your non-profit qualifications.
TIPS
- Nonprofit postage prices are available only for domestic mail, not for international mail.
- Please review Publication 417, Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Eligibility, or get advice from your Business Mail Entry Unitpersonnel while you are designing your nonprofit material, especially if your mailpiece contains any advertising.
- A nonprofit status from the IRS does not automatically qualify you to mail at nonprofit prices. Publication 417 and your Business Mail Entry Unit office can assist in the determination.
To learn more about USPS Marketing Mail nonprofit prices, click below.
Yes, we do!
Why use match mailing? Match mailing is the process of producing and inserting multiple personalized pieces into a single mail package. Receiving a personalized mail package is becoming more and more popular because companies have learned that when targeted directly and personally, an individual is more apt to respond to the campaign being promoted.