What is your phone number and operating hours?
You can our LIVE 24 hour a day, 7 day a week Telephone Support Center at 1-866-355-CMYK
You can send us a fax at 800-437-3570 or email us at
support@printergateway.com 24 hours a day.
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How are you able to print full-color postcards, brochures and posters in as little as 24 hours when most other vendors need 1-2 weeks?
Simply put ... Volume. It is our mission to produce the highest quality full-colour jobs at the absolute lowest prices and fastest turnaround. We print 24 hours a day, 6 days a week and produce over millions of postcards,business cards, brochures and printed material each month.
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Why Printer Gateway?
Don't settle for dull 1 or 2 color printing, or even full colour on one side printing. We produce Full Colour, two sided printing at prices a fracton of the cost of most printers. Here's some statistics to keep in mind:
1 People are 55% more likely to pick up a full-colour mail piece first (with 4over1, 50:50 chance your first impression will be that of a black and white postcard)
2 Readers pay attention up to 82% longer with colour
3 Use of colour in printed material increases readership by up to 80%
4 Use of colour on selling material can increase the likelihood of a purchase by 80% or more
5 Printed publications are perceived 60% better when color is added
6 Use of colour in printed material increases retention on average of 65%
7 Brand identification is increased 70% when colour is added.
8 Information is communicated up to 70% faster and 77% more effectively with colour versus black and white
9 90% of advertising print dollars are spent on full colour ads versus black and white
10 Use of colour can increase motivation or participation by up to 80%
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Can you print jobs that are not one of the standard sizes that you offer online?
Yes we can. click on the following link
Request a Quote or
upload the file and simply request pricing prior to printing.
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What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, money orders, certified/bank checks, Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Paypal.
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My job is only 4over1. Do I get a discount?
Custom jobs are always quoted differently than our combined run orders. When we combine your order with others to save you money there is no difference in cost. Full colour both side is acactly the same price as one side.
In fact, we STRONGLY suggest that whether it is with us or with another vendor, you insist on full colour 2 sided printing. Studies have impressively indicated the effectiveness of any campaign where colour is maximized.
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What type of paper will my job be printed on?
(a) Cards:
All of our online prices for postcards, greeting cards, die-cuts and business cards are for jobs printed on our house stock which is a premium 14pt coated two side (c/2/s) cardstock.
(b) 8.5"x11", 11"x17", Posters:
Our 8.5"x11", 11"x17" and poster jobs are either printed on 80lb or 100lb c/2/s house text.
See our
product section for more details.
Will I always receive exactly the quantity I order?
As per industry trade customs, "overruns and underruns not to exceed 10% of the quantity ordered shall constitute an acceptable delivery". However, we appreciate that when you order 1000 cards, you would like to receive 1000 cards. The overwhelming majority of time, we ship you more than you ordered, free of charge. All orders are "counted" on an electronic counting scale before shipping. Rarely, if ever, due to the inherent nature of the printing process, we may ship slightly fewer pieces than you ordered. Printing industry trade standards allow for underruns up to 10%. Therefore, it is within the industry standard that a shipment of 4,500 pieces on a 5,000 order is an acceptable order. Although such a scenario falls within an acceptable delivery, it is never the case at Printer Gateway. As mentioned, this scenario is the extreme exception and definitely not the rule. Nonetheless, if you plan to send your print job to a mailhouse, we recommend that you either order a greater quantity, or make someone at Printer Gateway aware of your situation. Please keep in mind that if you are sending your postcards to a mailhouse or fulfillment center, there is also a trade standard of anywhere between 2-10% waste on the mailhouse's end. Please be sure to consult with your mailhouse before ordering.
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Will you print orders of 500?
The answer is yes and no. When it comes to posters, brochures, newsletters, and our free/promo business cards, the answer is "YES". (In fact, you can order as little as 250 of our promotional business cards and you get them FREE!) However, when it comes to postcards and regular business cards, the answer is "NO". With respect to postcards and direct mailings, we have read studies about the performance of direct mail pieces, and have evaluated the response of dozens of tests we have done ourselves with promotional mailings of only 500 postcards. The quantity is so low that it produces either none to very few leads, which lends to it being an inadequate basis for evaluating the effectiveness of a campaign. Therefore, at least for general commercial applications, it is our strong belief that 500 is an inadequate and inferior quantity and we do not offer it to our customers.
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Can I split my postcard order into multiple lots?
The price for our postcards is for one lot at the quantity ordered. For example, if you have a 4"x6" postcard that has a common front, but two versions for the back, you cannot order 2,500 of one lot and 2,500 of the second lot for $299 (the price for 5,000 4"x6" postcards). The price would be $229 for lot 1 and $229 for lot 2, namely, 2 times the price of 2,500 postcards.
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How much will my order weigh and how big is the box?
For postcard orders, 5,000 4"x6" postcards weigh approximately 50 pounds and are packed in a box whose dimensions are 12"x12"x10.5". The maximum capacity for a box is 50 pounds. Therefore, 20,000 4"x6" postcards would weight 200 pounds and would be packed in 4 boxes. Below is a chart with weights for common size and quantity postcards
1,000 4"x6" postcards 10 pounds
2,500 4"x6" postcards 25 pounds
5,000 4"x6" postcards 50 pounds
1,000 6"x8" postcards 20 pounds
2,500 6"x8" postcards 50 pounds
5,000 6"x8" postcards 100 pounds (2 boxes)
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Can I track my order on your website?
Yes. By clicking on "My Orders" and entering your username and password, you can check at what stage of production your job is in. In addition, you will be emailed updates as to what stage of production your order is in. Furthermore, when your order has been completed, you will be sent an email informing you of such, along with a link allowing you to track the UPS shipping of your order all from Printer Gateway's website.
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Do your print anything besides postcards?
YES. If you click on the "PRICE GUIDE" link on our website, you can see that we also print posters, 8.5"x11" sheets and 11"x17" sheets. An unfolded 8.5"x11" sheet is commonly used as product or sell sheet, or a company brochure when tri-folded. Unfolded 11"x17" sheets can be used as posters, or as newsletters/brochures when folded in half.
We are constantly looking for ways to better serve our customers. If there is a full-color project that you are working on and do not see it on our website, feel free to send us an email at support@printergateway.com outlining the specifications of your custom job. A Printer Gateway representative will contact you with availability and pricing information.
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Will my printed job look exactly like it does on my computer monitor?
(1) All monitors display colors using RGB colors (red, green, blue). Meanwhile, all printing presses print full-color images using other colors; the CMYK colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). The RGB color spectrum is larger than the CMYK color spectrum. As such, it is possible to create colors in RGB that you cannot make in CMYK. These colors are said to be "outside the CMYK color gamut". So if you are working in an photo editing program such as Adobe Photoshop, and are working in RGB mode, you can create colors that look great on your monitor, but are nonetheless impossible to print. This is because before a file can be printed on an offset press it must be converted to CMYK. If your image editing program has a "CMYK Preview" option, you should always work in that mode to allow you to gage the limitations of the CMYK color gamut. Otherwise, you should always work in CMYK mode.
(2) Let's assume that the file you created in Photoshop is in CMYK mode. First, your monitor is still using RGB colors to display the CMYK colors. This is the first limitation. Secondly, your monitor's calibration affects what you see on your screen and as such, colors on the printed card may vary from what you see on your screen. If your monitor is not calibrated, and 90% of the time consumer monitors are not calibrated, your artwork will look different than it would on a calibrated monitor. Because our printing is run in accordance to SWOP standards, printed pieces usually represent truer colors.
Please note that your monitor's calibration affects what you see on your screen. Colors viewed on computer monitors may vary significantly from the appearance of the final printed piece. DO NOT TRUST the colors on your monitor unless you have a monitor that has been accurately calibrated to SWOP standards. Please keep in mind that printergateway.com does not guarantee color matching.
If precise color matching is critical, we strongly recommend purchasing a hard copy color proof from printergateway.com.
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Do I get some type of proof before my job is printed?
You have two options:
(A) ONLINE PROOF
(B) HARD COPY COLOR PROOF
ONLINE PROOF ($0) We recommend this proof where “pleasing color” is acceptable. We create your own web page on our site for you to go view your proofs in color online. This service is free of charge. This is a great way to view your proof as soon as it is ready. You will receive an email to access your proof via our website. Please note that your monitor's calibration affects what you see on your screen. Colors viewed on computer monitors may vary significantly from the appearance of the final printed piece. Our online proofs are only meant to be a visual tool for proofing, and are only a rough draft of the final printed piece. Do not trust the colors on your monitor unless you have a monitor that has been accurately calibrated to SWOP standards. Printer Gateway will make every effort to print your job to industry accepted "pleasing color" standards, however we cannot guarantee exact color matching.
Positives:
FREE!
View your proof immediately after it has been made print ready
98% of our customers use for this method and 99.1% have said that we have “met or exceeded their expectations” after receipt of final product.
HARD COPY COLOR PROOF ($75)
If color matching is absolutely critical to your job, you can also request a hard copy color proof from printergateway.com. This may include cosmetics, color swatch samples or any subject that must be critically true to color. The cost for a color proof is $75. The price includes the shipping of the proof to you via UPS overnight. The customer is responsible for shipping the proof back to Printer Gateway. These color proofs are SWOP calibrated. Only SWOP color proofs will accurately represent the color in your digital file. These proofs must be returned prior to printing since they are used as a color reference on press. Your job will not be considered approved until the proof is signed and returned to Printer Gateway.
Because of differences in equipment, proofing substrates, paper, inks, and other conditions between color proofing and production pressroom operations, color variations between color proofs and the completed final product is to be expected, unavoidable and shall constitute an acceptable delivery. Postcards and similar products are produced in gang run format and limitations of this format may result in a slightly greater variation. A 10%-15% deviation should be expected, and is held to be within generally accepted printing standards. Printer Gateway makes every effort to produce a reasonable representation based on the files supplied by the customer. However, Printer Gateway cannot guarantee color matching.
Major Negatives:
Cost
Process is much slower than online proof
Printer Gateway strongly recommends that you select your colors from a PANTONE COLOR PROCESS GUIDE (NOT A PANTONE PMS BOOK). One may be purchased from Pantone at Pantone.com
For more information about SWOP, click here
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What is SWOP?
SWOP is an abbreviation for the recommended Specifications for Web-Offset Publications. SWOP standards are a set of specifications for color proofing that is used to ensure the consistency of color appearance between different print jobs. In short, SWOP defines the density of the four inks, namely CYAN, MAGENTA, YELLOW and BLACK (CMYK) that are printed, so that what a pressman prints on paper can match the supplied color proof. All our color proofing devices are calibrated to SWOP standards. All proofing systems must be calibrated to these standards or the printed piece will not appear as anticipated. Unless you have a hi-end color proofer and have run SWOP color calibration software, there is no guarantee that any color proof you create will look exactly like the final printed piece. In particular, color inkjet and laserprints, especially those printed on specially coated papers, are known to look substantially different than offset printing. Furthermore, as per industry trade custom, "because of differences in equipment, paper, inks, and other conditions between color proofing and production pressroom operations, a reasonable variation in color between color proofs and the completed job is to be expected. When variation of this kind occurs, it will be considered acceptable performance."
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I created my files in a program other than the ones indicated on your site. What do I do?
We only accept native files from Quark Express, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. However, that does not mean you are out of luck if you dont have these programs.
We are aware that not everyone has those programs at their disposal. Many of you only have Corel Draw, PageMaker, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, PaintShop, etc. If these are the only tools at your disposal, you can attempt to use them if they allow you to create either an EPS, TIFF, or PDF out of the native file. You will increase the likelihood of sending us printable files by doing so. You can use Acrobat Distiller with a wide range of programs to create PDF files that will increase your chances of producing a print-ready file.
Unlike software programs like QuarkExpress and Photoshop, some of these programs were not developed to create files for production on printing presses. Using the programs we recommend will increase the likelihood of receiving a print-ready file from you.
Have no fear though. Printer Gateway is Risk Free! If you're not sure if what you did is printable, send us your files and we'll examine them FREE OF CHARGE. At no cost or obligation to you, we'll have one of our professionals at Printer Gateway review your files. We'll let you know if there is anything that will prevent us from printing your job. If we find everything to be in order, we will put a proof online for you free of charge. Even if there is something wrong, we will email you what the problem is to help you fix and revise your files.
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! take a few minutes to make sure that your files meet our step-by-step digital guidelines. Help us to make this experience for you as effortless and seamless as possible. Trust us, you will be amazed at how automated and simple the Printer Gateway ordering system is once your files have been properly created.
Submitting files that do not follow our proposed guidelines will delay your free online proof and subsequently, receipt of your finished order.
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Do you accept Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Word files?
Sorry, we DO NOT accept native Publisher or Word files, but that does not necessarily mean that you cannot use them. These programs are widespread and commonly used in businesses of all size. They are however, better suited for use as office graphics for laserjet, inkjet or slideshow presentations, i.e. internal documents, company presentations, etc. Programs such as QuarkExpress and Photoshop were developed to be used as tools for the creation of files intended for production on printing presses. It is advisable that you seek the services of someone knowledgeable in one of the several programs we support. Doing so will increase the likelihood of the quick turnaround of a print-ready job from you. However, if these are the only tools at your disposal, you can attempt to use them if they allow you to create either an EPS, TIFF, or PDF out of the native file. You can increase the likelihood of sending us printable files by doing so. You can use Acrobat Distiller with a wide range of programs to create PDF files that will increase your chances of sending us a print-ready file.
Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Word in particular, can easily be saved as PDF files, which can then be sent to us for a FREE review.
Have no fear though. Printer Gateway is Risk Free! If you're not sure if what you did is printable, send us your files and we'll examine them FREE OF CHARGE. At no cost or obligation to you, we'll have one of our professionals at Printer Gateway review them. We'll let you know if there is anything that will prevent us from printing your job. If we find everything to be in order, we will put a proof online for you, once again, free of charge. Even if there is something wrong, we will email you what the problem is to help you fix and revise your files.
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I designed my files, but I'm not sure if I did it right?
If you're not sure if what you did is printable, send us your files and we'll examine them FREE OF CHARGE.
At no cost or obligation to you, we'll have one of our professionals at Printer Gateway review them.
We'll let you know if there is anything that will prevent us from printing your job. If we find everything to be in order, we will put a proof online for you free of charge. Even if there is something wrong, we will email you what the problem is to help you fix and revise your files.
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Can I have a frame or border around my image?
YES. However, it is strongly suggested that you do not use a thin border around your postcard, poster, brochure or whatever else it may be that you are printing. If you are designing your file with a border around the edges, it must be a minimum of 1/4" wide, plus the 1/8" we need for bleed. Due to physical limitations of guillotine cutting, borders thinner than that will most likely appear uneven. Critical type or images, as well, must be at least 1/4" from the edge of the card. Printer Gateway is not responsible for type, art or images that are cut off if these guidelines are not followed.
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What is a bleed?
A bleed is a term used in the printing industry that simply means that there is printing going right to the edge of the paper. When that occurs, bleeds must be incorporated into your file. For example, if you are ordering a 4"x6" postcard and there is printing all the way up to the edge of all four sides, you must incorporate an 1/8" bleed on all sides. In the above example, your file or page size must be 4.25"x6.25". If you were to draw guides on your 4.25"x6.25" image that were 1/8" from the edge all the way around, the area outside that box formed by your guides is the bleed area, and that area will be cut off. You must make sure that text and image you desire to appear on your card are comfortably within those guides. Another 1/8" within the guides is an acceptable safety zone. We have taken out most of the guess work for you by creating templates for all our standard postcard sizes that incorporate bleeds. You can download these templates for either Photoshop, Quark Express, or Adobe Illustrator by clicking here.
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My image is 72 dpi. IS that OK?
NO. Most web graphics are 72 dpi which is not a problem. But when it comes to printing, the images or files that you submit must be 300 dpi, at final size, to ensure maximum sharpness and quality. Failure to do so may result in pixelation and blurriness.
Beware of Interpolation!
DO NOT interpolate! Here's the scenario. You created your files at a low resolution (ex 72 or 150 dpi) and then you manually go and change the resolution to 300dpi. This results in asking the computer to calculate the pixels that are not there and to add new ones, thereby interpolating the image. Computers cannot add new data to sharpen the image, they can only add "filler" pixels. This usually always results in blurry and muddy images. Hence, if your original file was created at anything less than 300 dpi, it IS NOT acceptable to simply go and manually change the resolution to 300 dpi after the files have been created. Your files or images must be either recreated or rescanned at 300 dpi. Please remember that the image or file needs to be 300 dpi at FINAL SIZE. So if an image is 2"x2" at 300 dpi and then placed in a page layout program, such as Quark Express, and blown up 200% to 4"x4", the resolution now is only 150 dpi.
Please watch out for this pitfall.
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What resolution should my files be?
Your images should be scanned at 300 dpi and your files should be created at 300dpi at THE FINAL DIMENSIONS YOU INTEND TO USE THEM. So if an image is 2"x2" at 300 dpi and then placed in a page layout program, such as Quark, and blown up 200% to 4"x4", the resolution now is only 150 dpi. In the above example, the final dimensions of your image is 4"x4". As such, if the picture you are scanning is only 2"x2", you should scan your picture at 600dpi. Hence, when you enlarge your image 200% Quark Express, for example, the resolution of your image is still 300dpi. Please watch out for this pitfall.
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Can you print jobs that are not one of the standard sizes that you offer online?
Yes we can. On the ORDER FORM, there are text links that read "Custom Size". Follow the instructions in the pop-up window and choose accordingly. If you have any problems with this step, you can send an email to support@printergateay.com or call us at 416-840-0884 from 10am-6pm EST.
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What does PDF stand for?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It is a format that was developed by Adobe. Adobe PDF is a universal file format that preserves all the fonts, formatting, graphics, and color of any source document, regardless of the application and platform used to create it. PDF files are compact and can be shared, viewed, navigated, and printed exactly as intended by anyone with free Adobe Acrobat® Reader® software. You can convert any document to PDF using Adobe Acrobat software, namely Distiller or Distiller Assistant. (source: Adobe.com).
If you created your files in an "office program" such as PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Microsoft Publisher, etc, saving your file as a PDF will be your best option in trying to get your files over to us for review. Please remember, we review your files ABOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE, so there is no risk or obligation by sending your files to Printer Gateway!
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What's the difference between the JPEG and TIFF formats?
JPEG: Joint Photographic Experts Group
TIFF: Tagged Image File Format
JPEG is a file format developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group from which it got its name. JPEG, unlike TIFF, is a lossy compression, as information that is deemed unnecessary is eliminated. The losses can be very slight, or large, depending upon the specific file and image quality settings picked by the user. All JPEG files sent to Printer Gateway should be created at 300dpi and saved with maximum quality. (Please review our digital guidelines for more important information).
JPEG files tend to be MUCH SMALLER in size than TIFF files. The trade-off is that JPEG files contain losses in image quality but can be uploaded or emailed much faster than TIFF files. If you will send your printing order via regular mail, or have a high speed internet connection and will be uploading files, it is recommended that you send TIFF files. However, for those preferring JPEG files, as long as they were created at 300dpi and saved as maximum quality, the losses are generally very slight and unnoticeable in the final printed piece.
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How do I send my files?
We recommend that you always upload your files to us. It is the fastest and most cost effective way of getting your files to us. However, if you have a very slow internet connection, or if you insist on saving your information on a storage media of some kind, we accept 100MB ZIP disks, 250MB ZIP disks, and CD's. Whether you intend to upload your files, email your files, or mail your CD with your files, you will have the option to choose whatever method works best for you in the ordering process.
FILE UPLOADING IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
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Should I upload my files or just mail a disk to you?
The internet has provided a vehicle for savings of both time and money. Where before the advent of file uploading, fedex or a courier were the fastest means of “transferring data” among parties, the internet has allowed the transfer of information to occur faster and cheaper.
As a general rule, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND beginning your ordering process by clicking on PLACE AN ORDER, and ending it later by UPLOADING your files to us. However, we realize that in some cases, file uploading may be difficult. Depending on the file size and your internet connection, uploading may take a long time and you may be involuntarily logged off of your connection for inactivity. Ideally, we suggest you use a high speed internet connection, such as DSL, cable, satellite or T1.
Unless you have a 28.8K or 56K connection, we recommend that you always attempt to upload your files.
If you have a slow connection and/or your files are relatively large, luckily there are loss-less compression programs that allow you to compress your files. By compressing files, the file size decreases, and that in turn, decreases the file transfer time. Mac and PC users can use STUFF IT. Click here to download STUFF IT.
For PC Users, there is also WINZIP. Click here to download WINZIP.
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How do I know if I was successful in uploading my files and that you received them undamaged?
When you reach the part of the ordering process where it is time for you to upload your files, you will see several text links that have been set up to provide you with useful information regarding:
How to make file transfer faster
Helpful hints in avoiding file transfer problems.
What to do if you have more than 4 files to upload.
What to expect to see if upload is successful.
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What is "Stuff It" or "Zip It"?
Stuff It and Zip It are two programs that compress files. Compression software reduces the data size of a file. In its simplest form, similar "elements" comprising the data of the file are eliminated upon compression, and then recaptured upon decompression. This process is a lossless process, and as such, no image quality is lost.
For Mac and PC Users, there is Stuff-It and for PC Users, there is also ZIP-IT. These two programs enable faster file transferring on the internet. By compressing files, the file size decreases, and that in turn decreases the file transfer time.
For Mac and PC users there is STUFF IT.
Click here to download STUFF IT.
For PC Users, there is also WINZIP (ZIP IT).
Click here to download WINZIP.
If you have a slow connection and/or your files are relatively large, these programs will allow you to send your files faster and protected.
Also, if you are submitting files that you created in a page layout program, such as Quark Express, you MUST USE ONE OF THESE TWO.
You should create a folder, and in that folder place,
(1) your page layout file (i.e. your Quark file),
(2) ALL the fonts that you used in your file, and
(3) all of the 300 dpi CMYK images you placed in your page layout file. Then "STUFF" or "ZIP" that folder and upload the "STUFFED" or "ZIPPED" folder to us.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call one of your friendly Printer Gateway representatives.
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What methods of shipment do you offer?
All orders may be either picked up from our offices between the hours of 3pm and 5:30pm or can be shipped via UPS. Messenger service is also available for the five boroughs in New York. Please note that a standard order of 5,000 4"x6" postcards weighs approximately 50. If you are going to pick up your order, please take into account the size of your order and its respective weight. printergateway.com does not offer carry-out service.
If your order will be shipping via UPS, for your convenience we have set up a "SHIPPING QUOTE" menu button on our website. Simply enter your zip code and then select your product and quantity. The system will calculate not only the shipping prices for various forms of regular and expedited service, but also let you know how long UPS GROUND (the cheapest option), will take to your destination from our offices.
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Where can I check shipping transit times?
In our continuous effort to provide you with the highest level of service possible, Printer Gateway has developed a unique feature called "SHIPPING QUOTE". You can find the SHIPPING QUOTE button on the top navigation menu on our website. By entering your shipping zip code and the size and quantity of your order, SHIPPING QUOTE will automatically compute prices for all available shipping options for UPS and display them in one table. It will further display a table showing UPS transit times to your shipping location and the number of days it will take to get your package to you.
Please take extra note of UPS Ground Transit Times as UPS Ground is the cheapest available shipping option. In many cases, UPS Ground Transit Times may be only 1 or 2 business days and this can save you substantial money if you were to select UPS Next Day or Second Day Service. UPS Ground transit times are GUARANTEED to any commercial US address in the 48 contiguous states.
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What is your turnaround time?
We have THE fastest turnaround of all online full-color printers.
Here is how our turnaround schedules work:
After an order is successfully placed and your files have been uploaded or mailed to our offices, one of our representatives will review your files and check to see if there is anything that will prevent us from printing your job. If all is well, an online proof will be ready for you to view, all this Free of Charge. You will be sent an email to access your proof immediately via our website. The turnaround time will begin once your approval of the online proof has been communicated to Printer Gateway. If there are problems with your files that prevent us from creating a free online proof for you to view, an email will be sent to you stating that there is a problem and what the exact problem is for you to fix. You will then be required to re-upload NEW CORRECTED files and then we will once again review them and post an online proof if the problem has been corrected.
If color matching is critical to your job, you can request a hard copy color proof (You will have an option to choose a hard copy color proof for an additional fee later in the ordering process). For purposes of printing turnaround, your order WILL NOT be considered “approved” until the proof is signed and returned to Printer Gateway. Please keep this in mind.
Note: Please make sure that you have followed our step-by-step guidelines before submitting your files. If you are missing anything or incorrectly submit files, this will delay seriously delay your free proof and subsequently, receipt of your finished order. Furthermore, we will review your files for free, but our FREE service is limited to ONLY one (1) free review
Printing Turnarounds for FREE/Promo Business Cards
250: 10-14 business days from approval of proof
250: 4-5 business days from approval of proof with a $25 Rush Fee
250: 2-3 business days from approval of proof with a $50 Rush Fee
500, 1000 or 2500: 4-5 business days from approval of proof
500, 1000 or 2500: 2-3 business days from approval of proof with a $25 Rush Fee
5000 or greater: 24-48 Hours from approval of proof
Printing Turnarounds for Postcards & Regular Business Cards
5000 or greater: 24-48 Hours from approval of proof
1000 or 2500: 4-5 business days from approval of proof
1000 or 2500: 2-3 business days from approval of proof with a $25 Rush Fee
Printing Turnarounds for 8.5"x11", 11"x17", Posters
Standard Turnaround: 5-7 business days from approval of proof
Rush Turnaround: 3-4 business days from approval of proof >> $100 Additional Charge
Super Rush Turnaround: 24-48 hours from approval of proof >> $200 Additional Charge
(i) Note: Scoring, Folding and/or perfing will add 1 business day to production.
(ii) Note: Turnaround times are for printing ONLY. Shipping transit times are in addition to the turnaround times posted above.
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Does your turnaround time include shipping?
No. Our turnaround time is measured as the time needed for us to complete your job and have it ready for you to either pickup, or send by courier or UPS. It is the amount of time it will take for your job to be completed and it starts when you give us your approval to print along with payment information. Shipping times are in addition to the turnaround times posted on our website.
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I didn't see a place on your website for my credit card information.
At Printer Gateway, we work for FREE!
We do not ask you for your credit card information online when the initial order is placed.
After an order is successfully placed and your files have been uploaded or mailed to our offices, one of our representatives will review your files and check to see if there is anything that will prevent us from printing your job. If all is well, an online proof will be ready for you to view. The technical review and online proof is all Free of Charge. You will be sent an email to access your proof via our website. You will then have the ability to approve your proof online and send your order into production.
Only when you are happy with our proof and we have received your approval to proceed with printing, will you be asked to enter your credit card information. The turnaround time will begin once your approval of the online proof has been communicated to Printer Gateway and an approval email is sent to you.
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Why pick Printer Gateway over other competitors?
At Printer Gateway, we take pride in the quality of our work. In a recent survey, 99.1% of our customers said that we "met or exceeded" their expectations and that they would definitely reorder from us again and recommend us to others. In fact, a tremendous amount of our work is generated from favorable customer reactions and recommendations. Click here for other reasons to help you determine if Printer Gateway is the right choice for you.
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Does Printer Gateway offer a "quality assurance"?
At Printer Gateway, we take pride in the quality of our work. In a recent survey, 99.1% of our customers said that we "met or exceeded" their expectations and that they would definitely reorder from us again and recommend us to others. In fact, a tremendous amount of our work is generated from favorable customer reactions and recommendations. Click here to view some customer testimonials.
As such, we stand strongly behind our work. If a job is unacceptable due to defects in workmanship, we will reprint and ship out the job to you at no cost, or issue a future credit. No cash refunds are offered. Please note that the original run must be returned to us and inspected prior to reprinting. This guarantee does not cover customer errors such as low resolution images, poor photography or incorrect copy. Furthermore, we print to industry accepted "pleasing color" standards. We will make every effort to produce a reasonable representation of your job based on your supplied materials. However, note that printergateway.com does not guarantee color matching so defects due to color matching cannot be honored. If a color proof is requested for critical jobs, we guarantee the color proof to match the final printed piece within recognized industry standards. See "Will my printed job look exactly like it does on my color printout or on the proof on my computer monitor" for more info.
We feel confident that you too will be in the 99.1% of those happy with Printer Gateway's commitment to customer satisfaction.
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I have an exact reprint of an order. Do I get a discount?
Sorry, but we do not offer discounts for exact reprints. However, if a job is a reprint, you will be given the option of selecting "Exact Reprint" when you place an order and proceed to the file transfer step. If the "Exact Reprint" option is selected, you will be presented with a pop-down window showing all your old order numbers for you to select which one you wish to reprint. We typically have old files archived, so one of our reps will retrieve your backed up files and schedule your job for production. In the unlikely event that we cannot retrieve your archived files, you will be contacted within 1 business day informing you of such.
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Can you print a different quantity than you have on your website?
NO. We only print in the increments listed on our website. So if you need 1,500 postcards, you will have to order either 1000 or 2500.
We also do not print less than 1000 postcards
MINIMUMS
1000: For all Postcard, Regular Business Card & Die-Cut Orders
500: For all 8.5"x11", 11"x17", and Poster Orders
250: For all Free/Promo Business Card Orders
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Do you offer mailing services?
Sorry, but we do not.
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Will my printed job look exactly like it does on my computer printout?
See "What is SWOP?" below
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Can I "combo" smaller size orders on a larger product size, i.e 8.5"x11"?
Sometimes customers want to order an 8.5"x11" product and "combo" smaller size products in it. For example, fit a business card, a 3"x4" card and a 4"x6" postcard in an 8.5"x11" card and pay the 8.5"x11" price. If you order an 8.5"x11" product, you will receive from us EXACTLY what you ordered, namely an 8.5"x11" sheet. You can put whatever you want on it, but WE WILL NOT cut down your individual smaller size pieces. If you attempt to do this, please make sure that all your cropping and cut marks are correct. WE ARE NOT responisble if your layout is incorrect and your "smaller" products do not back up or cut out correctly.
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Can I split my order and ship to multiple addresses?
Yes you can.
If you know the breakdown and the different addresses at the time you place the order, please indicate the specifics in the "COMMENTS" section. If you do not know the specifics at the time of ordering, that is not a problem. In this scenario, you will not be able to approve your order online, but will have to call our offices to approve, provide payment information and relay the split shipping instructions. Split shipping results in additional shipping fees. Please consult your Printer Gateway rep for costs.
If you order will ship to several multiple addresses, you can also fax over the addresses, along with the breakdown to each address, to 416-840-0884. You MUST indicate the order number for reference on your fax. Also, please mention the method of shipment if it differs for the multiple shipments.
Feel free to also email the instructions to support@printergateway.com. Once again, you MUST reference the order number in your email.
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What does "4/0", "4/1", or "4/4" actually mean?
4/0 = 4over0 = Full Color printing on the FRONT and nothing on the back
4/1 = 4over1 = Full Color printing on the FRONT and 1 color (normally BLACK INK) on the back
4/4 = 4over4 = Full Color printing on BOTH SIDES
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What is the preferred format to send files to Printer Gateway?
We only accept native files from Quark Express, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
However, that does not mean you are out of luck if you dont have these programs.
We also accept EPS, TIFF, JPG or PDF files created from any program.
Unlike software like QuarkExpress and Photoshop, many of today's most popular programs were not developed to create files for production on printing presses. Using the programs we recommend will increase the likelihood of receiving a print-ready file from you.
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! take a few minutes to make sure that your files meet our step-by-step digital guidelines. Help us to make this experience for you as effortless and seamless as possible. Trust us, you will be amazed at how automated and simple the Printer Gateway ordering system is once your files have been properly created. If you are missing anything or incorrectly submit files, this will seriously delay your free online proof and subsequently, receipt of your finished order
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RGB vs. CMYK? Understanding the 2 is critical.
Colors displayed on your computer screen do not always match the colors on your printed output. DO NOT trust your monitor!
Why would the color on your monitor and the color on the actual postcard vary? Simply because they use different methods for creating color. There are differences between what you see on your computer screen and the output of your color printer. In some cases they can be quite different. As a result, producing attractive printed documents involves compensating for these differences.
Color displayed on your computer monitor is created by projected or additive light. Red, Green, and Blue lights (hence the term RGB) are projected in differing strengths to form various color combinations. White results from combining Red, Green and Blue at full strength.
Printed color, however, is reflected or subtractive color. The printed inks absorb (subtract) certain colors from the visible light spectrum -- what you see is actually the light which is reflected off the printed matter (paper and inks). Printed color is referred to as CMYK color because Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and blacK inks are used to created the colors. (In theory, Black would result from printing Cyan, Magenta and Yellow at full strength. A true black ink, however, is often added to provide stronger solid blacks.)
As a result of these different methods for creating color, color mismatches often occur between monitors and printers. The range of color which can be produced on a monitor differs from that of a printer -- both devices produce some colors which the other cannot. Further problems occur because computer monitors are rarely calibrated to any standard settings and their colors shift as they age.
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My job prints full color on ONLY 1 side (4/0). Is 4/0 cheaper than 4/4?
Legend:
4/0 = 4over0 = Full Color printing on the FRONT and nothing on the back
4/1 = 4over1 = Full Color printing on the FRONT and 1 color (normally BLACK INK) on the back
4/4 = 4over4 = Full Color printing on BOTH SIDES
The answer is "YES" and "NO".
When it comes to our postcard, business card and die-cut products, the answer is "NO". Full color printing on BOTH SIDES is standard at Printer Gateway. We print postcards and business cards full color on both sides cheaper and faster than most competitors who only offer 4over1, or 4over2. There are great advantages to maximizing color in print media. Click here for more information about the power of color.
When it comes to our 8.5"x11", 11"x17", and Poster Products, the answer is "YES". Our prices are different if your job prints 4/0, or 4/4. Please consult our pricing tables for more information
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What's the "STEP-BY-STEP" breakdown to ordering with Printer Gateway?
We're glad you asked. Here it is:
1. Design your Order
Note: Please make sure that you have followed our step-by-step guidelines before submitting your files. Doing so will DRAMATICALLY increase the likelihood of a quick turnaround and receiving print-ready files from you. If you are missing anything or incorrectly submit files, this will delay your free proof and subsequently, receipt of your finished order. Furthermore, we will review your files for free, but our FREE service is limited to ONLY one (1) free review
2. Click on "PLACE AN ORDER"
Existing Customers: Log in with your email address and password
New Customers: Create Free Account and fill out short New Customer form.
3. Fill out short ORDER FORM
4. ORDER NUMBER generated
5. Select from a list of FILE TRANSFER Methods
Note: Uploading your files is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
6. E-Mail Confirmation that your order has been received
7. FREE TECHNICAL REVIEW
After an order has been successfully placed and your files have been received, we'll examine them FREE OF CHARGE. At no cost or obligation to you, we'll have one of our professionals at Printer Gateway review them. We'll let you know if there is anything that will prevent us from printing your job. If we find everything to be in order, we will put a proof online for you, once again, free of charge.
8. E-Mail Notification to view FREE Online Proof
If the free technical review reveals print-ready files have been received, an online proof will be ready for you to view, Free of Charge. You will be sent an email to access your proof immediately via our website.
OR
If there are problems with your files that prevent us from creating a free online proof for you to view, an email will be sent to you stating that there is a problem and what the exact problem is for you to fix. You will then be required to re-upload NEW CORRECTED files and we will once again review them and post an online proof if the problem has been corrected.
Note: If you are missing anything or incorrectly submit files, this will delay seriously delay your free proof and subsequently, receipt of your finished order. Furthermore, we will review your files for free, but our FREE service is limited to ONLY one (1) free technical review
9. Communicate Approval of Online Proof with Printer Gateway
The turnaround time will begin once your approval of the online proof has been communicated to Printer Gateway. The official turnaround time starts when you receive an email from our offices indicating that your order has been approved. The official time and date of that approval will be found in the email.
Note:If color matching is critical to your job, you can request a hard copy color proof (You will have an option to choose a hard copy color proof for an additional fee later in the ordering process). For purposes of printing turnaround, your order WILL NOT be considered “approved” until the proof is signed and returned to Printer Gateway. Please keep this in mind.
10. Order placed into PRODUCTION. Turnaround time Begins:
The turnaround time will begin once your approval of (a) the online proof has been communicated with printergateway.com or (b) the hard copy color proof has been signed by you and returned to Printer Gateway.
Printing Turnarounds for Postcards & Business Cards
5000 or greater: 24-48 Hours from approval of proof
1000 or 2500: 4-5 business days from approval of proof
1000 or 2500: 2-3 business days from approval of proof with a $25 Rush Fee
Printing Turnarounds for 8.5"x11", 11"x17", Posters
Standard Turnaround: 5-7 business days from approval of proof
Rush Turnaround: 3-4 business days from approval of proof >> $100 Additional Charge
Super Rush Turnaround: 24-48 hours from approval of proof >> $200 Additional Charge
(i) Note: Scoring, Folding and/or perfing will add 1 business day to production.
(ii) Note: Turnaround times are for printing ONLY. Shipping transit times are in addition to the turnaround times posted above.
11. Real Time E-Mail Updates
Follow up emails will be sent when your order is in various stages of the production cycle, i.e: printing, cutting.
Depending on what method of shipping you chose, i.e: UPS, messenger or picking up from our location, your final email will alert you as to your job being ready for pickup or that it has been shipped or messengered. If UPS was used, your email will have a link to your UPS tracking information.
12. Order received by Client
13. Client is Pleased. Client reorders and refers others
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What's the catch with the FREE Business Cards?
To sum it up in one word .. NONE. 250 business cards printed in full color, on thick 12pt. glossy cardstock, are FREE! at Printer Gateway. These business cards have your customized beautiful full-color artwork printed on the front, and the Printer Gateway logo printed on the backside. All you pay for is shipping & handling.
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What's the difference between your FREE business cards and your regular Business Cards?
There is absolutely no difference in the quality of either product. Both are printed in full-color, on thick 12pt. glossy cardstock. The only difference is that our FREE business cards come with the Printer Gateway logo printed on the backside, while our regular business cards come standard with full color printing on BOTH sides.
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What if I want more than 250 business cards. Can I pay for more?
Want more than 250? No problem! Take advantage of our drastically reduced pricing for quantities up to 100,000. Click here for Price Guide
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Am I limited to preset design templates?
Absolutely Not. You are only limited by your creativity.
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Are there any additonal fees, or "hidden charges", or necessary upgrades that by the time you add it all up, I'm paying $40-$50?
No! First, we print on premium, thick 12pt glossy cardstock, not matte uncoated paper. Glossy cardstock is a built in upgrade. Second, we allow you, the consumer, the design and create WHATEVER artwork you want for the frontside of your business card. You are not limited to preset design templates or charged additional for uploading or using logos or custom graphics. You are also not charged to see an online color proof. That's right! Not only do we print your business cards for free, but one of our highly skilled professionals will review your files at absolutely NO COST or obligation to you and check to see if there is anything that will prevent us from printing your job. If all is well, an online proof will be ready for you to view, once again, all FREE OF CHARGE.
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I undertand that 250 business cards are free, but if I wanted to see an online proof before you print them, will there be a charge for you to create that proof?
Absolutely not! As previously mentioned, outside of a shipping and handling fee, 250 glossy, full color business cards are absolutely free. 100% risk free. Not only do we print your cards for free, but we review your files at absolutely NO COST or obligation to you and generate an online proof for you to view, once again, FREE OF CHARGE.
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Why are you giving away business cards for free?
As a nationwide online printshop, Printer Gateway recognizes that in today's competitive marketplace, you as a consumer have many choices. In fact, you probably have a list of qualified choices longer than you care to research. We make this free trial offer available because we are confident that when you receive your cards and see the quality, you will use us for all your personal and business printing needs. By trying our services at no risk or obligation, and experiencing ...the ease of our online ordering system ...our review of your files at absolutely NO COST or obligation to you ...the automation of our order handling ...our committment to unparallelled customer service ...our lightning fast turnaround and ...the uncompromising quality of our products ...you will have found a reliable full color printer and we will have found a customer for life. If our theory is incorrect, it has cost you nothing and you still have your free business cards. Did you Know... That in a recent survey, 99.1% of our customers said that we "met or exceeded" their expectations and that they would definitely reorder from us again and recommend us to others. In fact, a tremendous amount of our work is generated from favorable customer reactions and recommendations.
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Why am I not receiving my Printer Gateway emails?
There are several possible explanations for the delay or delivery failure of e-mails from Printer Gateway. Here are a few ways to remedy the situation for future e-mail delivery.
1. We may have an incorrect e-mail address. To ensure your contact information is up to date, please login to Printer Gateway by either clicking the "log-in" button or "My Orders" button on the home page.
2. It is possible that your mailbox is full if our message size exceeds what your Internet Service Provider (ISP) allows. (Examples of an ISP include: Earthlink, AOL, etc.)
3. Your ISP may be using filters to reduce the amount of Spam (unsolicited e-mail) you receive. New e-mail tools that help customers reduce Spam may redirect emails from Printer Gateway into the "Spam" or "Junk" folder instead of your "In Box."
Adding us to your list of trusted senders should resolve this issue.
In AOL, select "Add Address"
In Yahoo! Mail, Outlook or Outlook Express select "Add to Address Book"
In Hotmail or MSN, select "Save Address(es)"
4. If you use a Spam filter, please check your preferences to make sure you have not accidentally flagged e-mails from the @printergateway.com domain as "Spam". If the problem persists, please contact your ISP's technical support and ask how to "whitelist" e-mails from printergateway.com.
Finally, Printer Gateway sends several types of e-mails from real-time updates, to important emails containing links to your proofs, and emails with shipping tracking numbers. We are responsible in our use of e-mail, as detailed in our Company Policies. By using anti-Spam systems, customers run the risk of delaying or possibly not receiving e-mails from Printer Gateway.