What customers send you.
WHY IT IS THE MAIN SOURCE OF PROBLEMS
Most reprints originate in artwork, not printing.
WHAT TO CHECK IN EVERY FILE
Resolution, at the final printed size Colour mode and profile Bleed and safe margins Fonts, embedded or outlined Spelling, as far as you reasonably can Dimensions against the order
WHY RESOLUTION AT FINAL SIZE
An image adequate for a flyer is unusable on a banner.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Minimum resolution requirements, by product.
WHAT BLEED IS
Extra image beyond the trim line, so cutting does not produce white edges.
WHY IT MATTERS
Files without bleed produce visible white slivers after trimming.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Your bleed requirement, stated to customers.
WHAT COLOUR MODE MATTERS
Screen colour and print colour differ, and conversion changes appearance.
WHAT TO TELL CUSTOMERS
That printed colour will not exactly match their screen.
WHY IN ADVANCE
It is the commonest complaint and it is unavoidable.
WHAT TO OFFER
A printed proof, where colour matters.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT POOR FILES
Tell the customer what is wrong, and what it will look like.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Print a file you know is inadequate, without warning.
WHY
You will be blamed, and you will reprint at your cost.
WHAT TO RECORD
That you warned them, and their instruction to proceed.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Charges for artwork correction and preparation.
