You may find this print buyer's checklist helpful.
Printer briefs must be specific. The following checklist will help you with your print specification.
1. Job title
For referencing purposes it's useful to give your job a title eg A4 promotional flyer
2. Supply of artwork
Is artwork being supplied on disk? If so - what type of files are you sending eg PDF
3. Size
What is the finished size of the item eg A4 or A5 etc
4. Pages
How many pages are required for the text (ie pages excluding the cover) and cover?
5. Colours
How many colours are there on the text and cover?
6. Type/Weight of paper
Have you specified the type and weight of paper for the text and cover?
7. Quantity
Have you specified how many copies you want produced and also an acceptable number of extra copies.
8. Proofs
You will need proofs. If so, what type? Digital plotter proofs, these are calibrated to our presses to give accurate colour representation, Laser proofs, these are from ripped files which have been flightchecked but the colour is not a true reproduction or pdf proofs, thes are ripped files which have been fightchecked. This is the quickest and most economical way of proofing your job prior to job approval.
9. Binding required
How will your documents be bound? Eg saddle stitched or perfect bound? Saddle stitched is the process whereby 2 metal staples are secured in the spine of the booklet. Perfect binding holds a book together by applying glue along the spine of a book with the cover drawn on afterwards giving a square spine appearance. An alternative to this is PUR binding, which is the same process but using a glue with much higher binding capabilities giving a much stronger hold.
10. Folds
How should the job be folded?
How many folds are there and what is the sequence?
Harcourt Litho can fold a piece of paper from the simplest single fold to the most complex folding configuration as with pharmaceutical folds.
11. Special finishes
Do you require any special finishes for your literature eg Gloss laminate, Matt laminate, Overall UV varnish, or spot UV varnish.
12. Delivery instructions
Have you included clear packing (codes, quantities) and delivery instructions? (addresses, contacts)
13. Timing
Have you agreed a schedule with the printer stating:
When artwork will be available
When proofs are required
Final delivery date?
