315 S 12th St : : Suite A
Montrose, CO 81401
800.211.2038
T: (970) 249.2611
F: (970) 249.7068
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frequently asked questions + answers
[ General Q+A ] [ Design Q+A ] [ Screenprint & Embroidery Q+A ] [ Promo Q+A ]
Q: We're a non-profit organization; do we get a discount? A: Although we receive many more requests than we can financially support, we want to be as supportive of our community as possible. Please stop by our office at 315 S. 12th Street in Montrose, CO and fill out a Request for Donation/Advertising Form so that we can evaluate your request.
Q: How many colors can I get within my budget? A: Of course, this answer varies on a case-by-case basis, but here's a run-down of the factors that will affect it: For jobs using 1-3 colors, the price goes up for each color. Jobs using 4 or more colors (including those with full-color photos) may actually drop in price (assuming all other variables remain the same) because they're likely to be printed using a different process. For an answer specific to your project, please contact a service representative.
Q: How can I get the "per-unit" cost of my business cards down? A: There are basically two ways: The first is to use the rule of two-three-four: Most business card jobs we print are setup four cards per press sheet, but there's no law stating that all four images have to be the same. So, instead of bringing in a new order every time you need a new card, save them up into pairs or fours (three will work as well.) That way, you'll save on both the layout time and the cost of printing plates. Of course you'll be better able to save up if you follow the second rule which is to buy in bulk. The funny thing about printing is that most of the cost is in the initial setup. So if you want to have 250 business cards printed, you'll pay a certain amount, but for approximately an eighth of that initial cost more, you could double the quantity of cards which would drop your per-unit price down significantly.
Q: How long will my project take? A: The average turn-around for a typical job is five working days. We strive to get proofs available to you within 1-2 business days. However, that figure varies based on several job-specific factors such as: + Our current workload at the time the job is submitted + Paper availability + Artwork status [ is it "camera-ready" or will it require design / prepress work? ] + Outside services [ i.e. die-cutting, thermography, embossing ] + Approval time [ proofing and revisions ] + Finishing and delivery time + Other job-specific variables
Naturally, a service representative will give you a more specific time estimate when you place your order. Q: What is CMYK? A: CMYK (which stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the standard color model used for "pigment-based" printing. Often referred to as (4)-color printing or process printing, these four primary colors of pigment add to one another to create millions of colors in the visible spectrum.
Q: What is RGB? A: RGB (which stands for Red, Green, Blue) is the standard color model used for "light-based" systems and devices. Red, green, and blue are the primary colors of light used to display images on devices such as televisions, computer monitors, digital cameras, cell phones, etc.
Q: What is a spot color? A: A spot color is an independent ink that is printed with its own custom pigment mix - mostly utilized in printing involving 1-3 colors. Pantone® is the dominant spot color system used among the printing industry in the United States and Europe.
Q: What is a pixel? A: Pixel is short for "picture element," and refers to the smallest single component in an image. Depending on the context, they can be represented as printed (on a piece of paper) or as an electronic carrier of a digital signal (as in a display device). A pixel is a "dot" that contains color information. The more pixels available in an image or device, the better the resolution and image/display quality.
Q: What is resolution? A: Resolution is simply the amount of detail an image contains. The higher the resolution, the more color information exists resulting in a higher quality image. In relation, DPI (or "dots per inch") is a printing term that correlates to the amount of pixels within a square inch. Printers and images with higher DPI produce a clearer and more detailed output.
Q: Why doesn't the color on my screen match the printed proof? A: The color model used on a computer screen is inherently different than that of a printed piece (the monitor uses the RGB color model, not CMYK). For color accuracy, we always show you a printed color sample either in the form of a Pantone® color swatch book or a "matchprint" (a calibrated printout measured to our specific color environment for final press check in CMYK offset printing).
Q: What file formats do you guys accept? A: At this present time, we accept the following file formats:
+ Adobe InDesign (.indd) + Adobe Illustrator (.ai, .eps, .png, .pdf) + Adobe Photoshop (.psd, .tif, .jpg, .bmp, .gif, .png) + Adobe Acrobat (.pdf, .ps) + QuarkXpress (.qxd) + Microsoft Office (.pub, .doc, .xls, .ppt, .bmp, .png) + iWork 08 applications (.key, .numbers, .pages) + Web applications (.html, .xml) + Rich Text or Plain Text (.rtf, .txt)
If you do not see your file format above, please contact a service representative who will find a way to accommodate your needs.
Q: What is the easiest way to send my native Microsoft files to you? A: The best option is to use our Online Print Center which has instructions on how to set up your computer to print directly to us when you select the option right from your print dialogue. Just click "Print," and you can pick them up when they're ready, or we'll deliver them as per your instructions. What could be easier?
Q: What is an .eps file? A: .eps (Encapsulated Post-Script) files encode images as vectors (lines) defined geometrically instead of as pixels (dots). The advantage of these images is that they can be scaled up or down without loss of image quality. Simple graphics such as clip art or logos are best saved as .eps format. There is no advantage, however, to saving photographs this way as they use pixels.
Q: Can you take the photos right off of my website? A: Generally, photos displayed on the Web don't reproduce well in print, due to their resolution. We prefer images that are a minimum 300 dpi in resolution. If you are sending email attachments, it's best to keep the total file size to under 2MB per email. If you have high-resolution (> 600 dpi) photos that need to be enlarged, one of our service representatives can give you details on how to get the files to us.
Q: Can I get a digital copy of my logo after you design it. A: Of course. We can provide image files for nearly every kind of output. We'll also keep your artwork in our archives, so you never have to worry about getting it to us when you place new orders.
Screenprinting and Embroidery Questions Q: How much does it cost for screenprinting or embroidery? A: Everything is priced on an individual basis. Screenprinting is based on the number of colors printed and total number of garments. Embroidery is also based on the quantity of garments and the stitch count required.
Q: Can I bring in my own clothing for printing or embroidery? A: Yes, however we have an extensive line of quality clothing to choose from, everything from basic t-shirts to high-quality sport shirts and outer wear to twill button up shirts and caps.
Q: What if something happens to the shirts I bring in? A: We will use extreme care in handling your goods, and have an excellent track record of returning garments in the same condition in which they were received (excluding the desired print or embroidery). Even so, it must be said that there's no such thing as a perfect process that generates zero waste. Circumstances in these rare cases vary widely, so we must handle them on a case-by-case basis.
Q: How can I see the clothing that you have? A: We do not keep clothing in stock, but we can order from several suppliers with hundreds of quality name brands available. You are welcome to come by and pick up a catalog or go online to our two main suppliers at: www.yourapparelsource.com and www.companycasuals.com.
Q: Can I return my shirts if they don't fit? A: Before ordering, please read all descriptions and sizing information carefully. We cannot be responsible for the shirts not fitting. If you have any sizing questions, we will do our best to help you decide what may give you the best fit.
Q: Can I order just one shirt or cap? A: Yes, we can make as few as you want. However, the more you buy the more economical it is per garment.
Q: Will I get to see my design before it is put on my shirts? A: Always. Before we print, you will see a proof of your design either printed on paper, as a .pdf via email or for embroidery, as an actual sewn sample.
Q: How long will it take to complete my order? A: That depends on the time of year and how busy we are. Generally, it takes about 5 to 8 business days, and sometimes as few as 3 to 4.
Q: After I pay a screen charge, do I get to keep the screen? A: No, you don't get to keep the screen. We reuse the screens after each job is finished. However, as long as you don't change the design, we don't charge you again for a screen on your reorder.
Q: Can I have my digitized embroidered design? A: Yes, we can give you a disk with your design on it. This file however, will only work on an machine with specific embroidery software and you will not be able to open it or use it for graphic art purposes (our prepress and design department can assist you for an additional charge and get you the format that will work best for you). Promotional Products Questions Q: Can you print on customer supplied products? A: Unfortunately, no. We have suppliers who provide the products and will only print on their items.
Q: What is the minimum quantity order allowed? A: That will depend on the product. For example, the minimum order on coffee mugs is generally 36 but in other cases, the minimum might be higher or lower.
Q: How long will it take to get our product(s)? A: Turn-around time varies based on the product that you order. Often, an order can be completed in 10-14 business days. Many of the products have "Rush" production available at an extra charge if you are trying to meet a deadline.
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