Frequently Asked Questions

The process of getting your custom print orders consists of the following stages:

1. Project & Design Consultation
2. Quote Preparation & Approval
3. Artwork Creation & Evaluation
4. Sampling (upon request)
5. Production
6. Shipping

A dedicated account manager will help guide you through the various steps.  Our sales support team can provide additional information or answer any questions that you may have.

You can get a personalised price quote by:

• Visiting our Request a Quote page or submitting a quote request on any the product pages
• Utilize our online Chat feature to contact the sales team
• Call Us
• Email your project details to support@printingblue.com

For most requests, a price quote is typically emailed within 2-4 working hours.  Complex projects may take 24-48 hours to quote.  Your account manager will keep you updated during the quoting process.

No. We do not charge a setup or plate fees regardless of the size of your order. You will be quoted one simple price for your project. Please note that higher quantity orders do result in lower per unit prices due to efficiencies gained in printing larger quantities in a single run.

We can make changes to your order prior to the start of the production process.  Depending upon the nature of your requested changes, the project may need to be re-estimated and you will receive an updated quote.

Please note that custom printed products are unique and cannot be repurposed for other customers.  Under certain circumstances, we may be able to cancel an order during the various production stages but cancellation charges will apply depending upon the amount and nature of the work that has already been completed.  Our customer service team will inform you of any cancellation charges.  Once an order has completed the production process and entered the shipping stage, it cannot be canceled.

You can simply email your artwork directly to your account manager. Your account manager will coordinate with our inhouse design team to conduct an artwork evaluation and suggest any technical changes that may improve the quality of the printed products.

Please see below for general artwork submission guidelines:

File Formats:

• Please submit your artwork in editable versions of AI, PDF, or EPS files.
• Before saving your artwork, please make sure all fonts are curved and images are embedded.
• If your artwork contains JPEG or PNG images, please ensure such images are higher resolution (minimum 300dpi).

Colour Schemes:

• Colour format matters.  Always, create your artwork in CMYK or Pantone colours for an accurate representation of the final printed colours.
• RGB colour format is designed for on-screen viewing only and is not compatible with colour standards used in the printing process.  Please avoid creating your artwork in RGB.

Fonts:

• During font selection, always keep in mind the legibility of the desired fonts.
• Cursive and intricate fonts look sharp on screen but do not always do so when printed.
• We also recommend avoiding font sizes that are less than 5pt.

Dielines & Bleeds:

• You can always request a custom template or dieline for any of the products that you are creating artworks for.
• Typically, your artwork should extend a minimum of 1/8 inch (0.125’’) past the trim line.
• We also recommend a safety margin of approximately 1/4 inch (0.25’’) on all sides to prevent text and other important design elements from being cut off.

For any additional artwork questions that you may have, please contact our sales support team.

Yes, custom printed samples are available upon request. You can request hard copy samples of your own project for a low sampling fee. Alternatively, you can also request a sample of our past printed projects at no cost.

Orders for hard copy samples can take 6-8 business days to produce depending on the complexity of the project.  Bulk orders typically complete production within 10-12 business days after the final artwork and order specifications have been approved.   Please note that these timelines are approximate and can vary depending on the complexity of your particular project and the work load on our production facilities.  Your account manager will discuss the production timelines with you during the ordering process.

We also offer expedite production plans to meet urgent project requirements.  If you have specific timelines that you need to meet, please make sure to discuss any such requirements with your account manager.

Offset printing is a traditional commercial printing method in which ink is first applied to a metal plate, then transferred to a rubber blanket, and finally printed onto the desired substrate. This technique is widely recognized for producing high-quality, vibrant prints and is cost-effective for large production runs. However, offset printing can be expensive for low-volume jobs, as the process involves time-consuming and costly setup procedures, leading to higher per-unit prices for smaller runs.

Digital printing is a relatively modern method that directly prints digital media files onto various substrates without the need for traditional printing plates. This technique enables fast production runs, making it perfect for small-volume custom orders and on-demand printing. Digital printing provides high print accuracy, can accommodate last-minute design changes, and enables variable data printing. However, it is generally restricted to CMYK colour printing, which may limit the use of specific Pantone colours and can be costlier on a per-unit basis for larger production runs.

Flexographic printing, commonly known as flexo-printing, is a high-speed printing technique that utilizes flexible relief plates to print on a variety of surfaces. While it shares similarities with offset printing, it offers distinct advantages such as fast print cycles due to the integration of multiple print processes, availability of durable inks in a wider range of colours, and the ability to print directly on substrates without the need for plates. Similar to offset printing, flexographic printing is typically cost-effective for larger print runs.

Choosing between digital, offset, and flexographic printing hinges on several critical factors. The volume of printing is an essential deciding factor. Digital printing is best for small runs, while offset printing becomes more economical for larger quantities. Also, assess your colour requirements, as offset and flexographic printing can accommodate a broader colour range, including specific Pantone colours (PMS), whereas digital printing is generally limited to CMYK colours. Material compatibility is also vital - offset methods can print on flat surfaces, while flexo can print on flexible substrates and incorporate various coatings. Production timeframe is also a crucial factor. Digital printing typically offers faster turnaround, whereas offset and flexo printing methods require longer setup times. Finally, the complexity of your designs should also be evaluated, as offset printing is better suited for intricate artwork when compared to flexographic methods. By weighing these factors, you can select the most effective printing method for your project.

Yes, depending on the nature of a print project, hybrid print methods can be employed. For example, we can use digital printing for prototypes or personalised packaging and switch to offset printing for mass production once the design is finalized while using digital prints as a colour match reference. In addition, certain products, such as luxury rigid boxes, may use offset printing for sharp branding elements, while their inner liners or flexible packaging components are printed using flexographic methods.

You can get in touch with your account manager for assistance with designing, printing, packaging, and shipping your products. Our team of dedicated print professionals can help you decide the most suitable printing methods based on your paper and print selections.

Once shipped, orders normally take approximately 3-4 business days for delivery. Your account manager will be in touch with regular updates on the status of your project during the production and shipping process.

Yes, your order can be split and shipped to multiple locations. You can contact your account manager with additional addresses and quantities to be shipped to each location.

Yes, we can ship internationally. Please provide your account manager with specific requirements. Please note that additional shipping charges, customs duties, and taxes may be applicable to any international shipments.

In order to change the email address associated with an account, please contact the customer service team. In order to change your password, please visit our password reset page.

Account details and previous order history is available in your account profile.  Please sign in to your account and click on the order history link.