If your business is looking to print a catalog for the first time, or considering switching printers, it’s a good idea to come prepared with questions for your printer. A good printer will assign an account representative to your account to answer these questions and guide you through the entire process.

Here’s what to ask before you get started:

1. Do you offer samples?
   Ask for paper samples or printed samples of the stocks requested. Feeling the weight and texture of the paper in your hands makes all the difference. Typical weights range from 28# to 100# and they come in many different finishes, so samples are helpful to keep track of your options.
2. Can you provide me with an accurate quote and proforma invoice before we begin?
   The total cost of the job is dependent on several factors. Here’s a handy specs checklist to ensure you’re getting the most accurate quote from your printer.-Finished size (the dimensions of the catalog after it’s printed and bound/stapled/folded)
   -Page count
   -Bleed or No-Bleed (does the color run off the page, or is there a white border?)
   -Paper type
   -Finishing/binding (includes saddle-stitching or perfect binding,)
   -Quantity
   -Number of mail drops
   -Do the catalogs comail?

Fees and invoicing differ from printer to printer so make sure you ask for a complete proforma invoice, as well as a postage estimate outlining all comail, admin, freight and fuel surcharge fees for the job.

Ask what costs are guaranteed and which aren’t – potential changes in pricing can dramatically impact your budget. Also, ask the printer for suggestions on how you can be more efficient. For example, changing the dimensions of a print piece or paper type even slightly can drastically change the cost of a job – it’s worth having a conversation to weigh all your options!

3. Do you offer environmentally friendly options?
   The Dingley Press, opened in 1928 in the Pine Tree State of Maine, naturally connects to the environment, your printer should too!
   Here are a few environmentally friendly options to inquire about.

• Are you FSC® Certified? The Forest Stewardship® (FSC) is loyal to responsible management of maintaining a healthy forest. Each employee cannot begin work until they are thoroughly versed in FSC practices.
• Do you recycle your waste: We recycle 100% of ALL our waste materials daily. This is our commitment!
• Do you use sustainable inks: We meet all requirements of the American Soybean Association (ASA) and proudly carry the SoySeal label. Our inks also get a bio-renewable content (BRC) range up to 40 from NAPIM’s index since they contain about 40% bio-renewable content.

4. What are your artwork requirements?

Supplying your files in the correct format will help the job go much faster! Most of the time printers will ask for high resolution PDF files, with all colors converted to CMYK.

Some printers may request your fonts be outlined (or the font files provided). Most will require a PDF with bleeds extended, crop marks and supplied as single pages, not spreads.

5. How can I supply artwork?

Most printers use a web-based upload tool like Kodak Insite. Some printers will ask you to simply email the files. If the file is too large, they may ask you to send files via DropBox, WeTransfer or upload them to a secure FTP site.

6. Can I see a proof first?

Be leery of any printer that won’t supply a proof for your review. Digital proofs are good, but hard copy proofs are even better. Proofs are crucial for finding mistakes, typos and design flaws, but they are also important for checking color.

7. What is the timeline for this project?

The time it takes to complete a job is dependent on several factors including:

• Paper lead times: Proximity of your printer to the paper mill can be a factor, as well as what stocks the printer may already have in inventory.
• Mail file due dates: Some printers outsource comail, or ship out comail catalogs within their own company, which adds time to file schedules. Make sure you fully understand file due dates in relation to in-home window.
• Seasonality: Most printers are busier in the Fall/Holiday season causing longer lead times. If you have the ability to print in a non-peak time, discuss with the printer upfront.

Printing catalogs, mailers and other collateral for your business can seem scary, but by knowing this information up front, you’ll be ready for a streamlined, stress-free experience.

At Dingley press, we have an entire team dedicated to answering questions like these! Please reach out to us with any inquires, as we are happy to help! (207) 353-1500 or info@dingley.com