Free Design Guides

Here is the next response from our online print companies. As you can see, the differences are pretty significant. The idea behind this questionnaire was to provide YOU, the readers, an opportunity to learn a little more about these companies and do it in one place so you can (hopefully) find the one that meets your needs. If you’d like to visit ExpressCopy’s page directly from here, there’s a link at the bottom of the page.

1. What sets you apart from other online printers?
   Expresscopy.com offers full-color digital printing on only high quality stocks in just 24-48 hours.
2. What market are you targeting with your services? Professional designers, small businesses who design their own material or quick-copy customers?
   With the option to customize one of our online designs, or to upload your own file in almost any format, expresscopy.com truly serves everyone from larger businesses with professional designers, to small business with limited in-house design resources, to individuals with do-it-yourself personal printing projects.
3. Would you classify your services as traditional offset printing or quick-copy digital?
   Full-color digital printing.
4. How do you prefer to receive files, PDF or packaged native files?
   Our automatic PDF converter accommodates most common file types, including Adobe PDF, native files (Illustrator, Publisher, etc.), and rasterized graphics (JPG, etc.).

5. Do you offer online PDF conversion tools for your customers?
   Yes, free of charge.
   
   
6. What types of design software do you recommend and are there any that should be avoided?
   Please visit our print specs (http://www.expresscopy.com/preparingfiles.php) our call us (800-260-5887) if you have questions about a specific file type.
7. What are your press capabilities?
   With the exception of bindery services and laminated postcards, expresscopy.com turns around all orders within 1-2 business days, from small 100-piece printing orders to large direct mail campaigns.
8. What are your bindery capabilities?
   Folding, scoring, glue dot/tab sealing are available for only pennies per sheet, making it easy to create brochures, pamphlets, tear-off coupons and response cards.
9. Do you offer mailing services?
   Absolutely! Expresscopy.com offers complete 24-48 hour direct mail services, including targeted mailings lists from infoUSA.
10. If you have digital and offset, how do you choose which jobs run on each type of press?
    All-digital.
11. What is your typical turnaround strategy?
    24-48 hour turnaround on all orders, with First-Class or Standard mailing included on Print + Address + Mail (direct mail) orders, or free UPS Next Day Air on Print Only and Print + Address orders.

12. Do you print in spot colors or do you convert to CMYK? If you convert, do you inform the customer beforehand?
    We convert to CMYK colors. Customers are notified that we print to a “pleasing color” standard, and all customers must approve an online PDF proof. Printed proofs are available by mail for an additional charge.
13. Do you gang run customer jobs on a larger sheet? If so, how do you maintain accurate color on each?
    Our digital presses maintain consistent color on all jobs, regardless of how they are batched.
14. Do you put increased quality control on projects where the customer requests a hard-copy color proof versus only soft-proofing?
    We offer the same high level of quality control on all jobs. If a customer is concerned about color, we recommend they order a printed proof.
15. What types of quality control do you have in place to ensure consistency throughout a press run?
    Our press operators constantly monitor our digital presses for consistent output.
16. If a customer receives a project that you’ve printed and is not happy, what is your policy on resolving the situation?
    If you ever run into a problem with an order, simply call Customer Support (503-260-5887) and we will work with you to determine an appropriate replacement or refund.
17. It seems to me one of the biggest hurdles for customers who are thinking about using an online print company is the lack of control and human interaction, creating a feeling that the customer is rolling the dice and may or may not get a pleasing product that meets their requirements. I think there’s much higher comfort factor when using a local shop, so what can you tell prospective customers that will ease their concerns and make them feel a little more comfortable about using your company?
    Our customers rave about our Customer Support. If you have a question during the design & order process, or about an in-process or completed order, simply call us at 503-260-5887 (7am-5pm Mon-Fri PT). You’ll always get to speak with a real person with direct access to our online design and order tracking systems.