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 I setup an account for my company or organization?
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
- I don't know any of the printing terms, how do I communicate what I want?
- I don't know how many I want to order until I know how much they cost.
- Is white considered a printing color?
- Our organization is tax exempt, what do I need to do so Sharp Printing doesn't charge sales tax?
- Tips on how to save your design files
- What are the comparative advantages of producing my job on your duplicating devices versus producing them on your presses?
- What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
- What is a "proof"?
- What is the Pantone Matching System?
- What kind of work does our shop do?
- Why do I have to pay for postage in advance?
- Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
- Why don't you have prices listed?
- At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
Resolution should be set to 300 dpi.
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 note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.
We are happy to accept your check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover cards. You may also submit an application for credit. Click the link on this question to download an application blank. Fax or mail the completed form to us. Please be aware that approval may take several days. Our terms are noted on the credit application.
Well, since you are here, we suggest you use our online estimate request form (click the link above this line). Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
Some jobs can be finished in minutes, others require hours, still others will take days to finish because of the large quantity or the number of processes required. And since there are hundreds of possible types and combinations of services, there is not a simple answer.
Please remember that EVERY job that we do for our customers is CUSTOM.
That said, we will do our best to give you a reasonable estimate. If you have a deadline for your job, let us know, we'll make sure we meet it. Or, it it isn't possible for us to meet your deadline, (that doesn't happen too often) we'll tell you when you place your order.
Don't worry, just use plain English. We'll ask the right questions to make it easy. But in case you would like to know more about our industry terms, just click on the link to search a glossary.
- I don't know how many I want to order until I know how much they cost.
We understand your dilemma. The price per piece of custom printing varies greatly with the quantity ordered. Because design/typesetting, platemaking, press setup, bindery functions and waste factors all directly affect the total cost, the more you order, the lower the cost per piece. We will be happy to give you prices based on several quantities. We do, however, need a starting point, are you thinking of 1000, 10,000 or 100,000?
- 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.
The Indiana Department of Revenue requires that we have a SIGNED form on file from an official of your company or organization. Click the link on this question to download a form. Please note that NOT ALL purchases for businesses or even non-profit organizations are exempt from SALES tax. Check with the state to determine whether your organization is sales tax exempt.
- Tips on how to save your design files
Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.
COREL DRAW:
Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• Export as Illustrator EPSFREEHAND:
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to paths
• Export as Illustrator EPS or PDFPAGEMAKER:
Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
Postscript Level 2
CMYK Mode
TIFF format and
BinaryPUBLISHER:
You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below.
Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF - What are the comparative advantages of producing my job on your duplicating devices versus producing them on your presses?
The advantages of our duplicating (copying) devices are best realized on runs of 1000 or less requiring black printing and where a fast turnaround is needed. If the piece includes photos or screen tints the copy quality would be lower than that achieved by the printing process. On longer runs or where multiple colors are desired, as well as when screens or photo halftones require higher quality, offset printing would be the best alternative. The only disadvantage of the printing process would be the longer production time requirements in some cases.
- 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.
A proof is a way of ensuring that we have setup your job accurately, that all elements of the design are correct, and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. We have several methods of proofing, depending upon the requirements of the job and your convenience.
-Soft Proofing or on line proofs are quick and convenient. We will email a link to view the proof on your monitor, you can also print a copy for your reference.
-We can produce a proof which will be printed on white paper and faxed to you, viewed in our office or delivered to you in person.
-On multiple color jobs, we provide a color proof showing how the different colors will appear. Ink colors on proofs will be approximate, unless otherwise noted.
-Contract Proofs are the final proof on complex or full color jobs. These are approved by the customer and returned for use by the press operator to compare during production.
-Press Proofs or proofs that are printed on the exact paper, using exact ink colors, and equipment are usually not necessary, and require additional time and cost.
For more information about on line proofing, click the link on this question.
- 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.
Copy Services - Our high-speed duplicators can produce copies efficiently and economically whether you provide hard copy or bring digital files. Our state of the art production duplicating equipment allow us to deliver work quickly and efficiently.
Printing Services - From one-color to full-color printing, we have the capability to meet your needs. From short run to long run, we can offer a solution that will be just right for you.
Finishing Services - We can cut, perforate, score, number, fold, collate, saddle stitch, bind, and just about any other bindery process you could ever need.
Mailing Services - Sharp Printing operates a complete mailing shop within our facility. We have automated equipment to insert, seal, meter postage, address, sort and prep your mail for the Post Office. We also supply mail lists based on the customer needs.
Design Services - We utilize the latest design technology available in order to offer a full range of design services. If you need a brochure produced, we can work from your camera ready copy, use the files you provide on disk, or design your brochure from scratch.
For more information on specific products or services, click the link on the question line above.
- Why do I have to pay for postage in advance?
When we deliver a mailing job to the Post Office, they require that we pay the entire postage amount at the time of mailing. (The US Postal Service does not grant credit to anyone.) Since Sharp Printing does not "mark up" the postage charges to our customers, we ask that you pay these fees in advance. We will be glad to extend terms for all other charges, if you have an account with us.
*We will be happy to supply you with a copy of the postage receipt from the US Postal Service upon request.
- 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.
Because of the many variables to even the simple jobs, we must estimate each one individually. Click on the link to request an estimate from us.
