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Questions and guides / Field notes
Answers, straight from the pressroom.
The live site carries hundreds of answers across its FAQ, its how-to library and its artwork guides. This page organises the ones a buyer actually needs, in their own facts: ordering, files, products, the guarantee and the company.
Knowledge 01 / Ordering and quotes
Ordering and quotes
What is the minimum order quantity?
The minimum order quantity is displayed as the first option on the price calculator on the product page. Business cards, for example, are sold in increments of 50.
The quantity I want is not in the list. Can I still order it?
Yes. The pricing chart has an Add Custom Quantity field: type the quantity, press the plus button, and then select it in the price calculator.
How do I get a quote?
Standard products price themselves in the calculator on the product page. For something that is not on the site, send the specifications and Newprint will provide the price; the job ticket on the quote page packages exactly those specifications.
What are print coins?
Purchases earn points in the Newprint rewards program; their FAQ calls the points print coins. It is worth being a loyal Newprint customer in the long run.
Do you work with trade customers?
Yes. Graphic designers, print brokers, marketing agencies and other print professionals work directly with the printer, at trade prices, with every production stage controlled in-house.
Can I choose my paper brand?
Yes, with dozens of paper swatches to choose from, instead of waiting days for a traditional printer to quote the job.
Knowledge 02 / Files, templates and proofs
Files, templates and proofs
How do I make a file print-ready?
Build the file at the correct width and height for the chosen product, with the correct bleed and safe margin allowances, as their general artwork guide sets out. Every order is then inspected by pre-press before it prints.
How do I download a template?
Choose the product in the main menu, customize the order and choose the product options; the template that matches the selection can then be downloaded from the product page. The address side of the postcard templates marks the Canada Post safe area.
Which template format should I use?
Templates come for Adobe Illustrator (.ai), Adobe InDesign (.idml) and PDF. For books and multi-page documents, use the InDesign templates; the .ai files are not suitable for multi-page work, and the PDF templates are mainly for viewing.
What is checked before my job prints?
Extensive file inspections ensure files are processed properly for production. Every order receives a free online PDF proof, and hard copy proofs are available, so there is a final review of the artwork before it goes to print.
Does Newprint offer design services?
Yes, an in-house design team offers design services, and the proof is always sent for approval before the order goes through. Designs needing alterations can be approved through the ProofHQ proof reading tool.
Any exception to the bleed rule?
Carbonless (NCR) forms and envelopes: do not add bleeds, keep 0.125 inch margins, and create the document at the exact dimensions that will be selected when ordering, because they print on finished-size paper.
Knowledge 03 / Products and materials
Products and materials
What binding options are there?
Saddle stitching is the economical option, best for lower page counts: sheets are gathered, folded and stapled on the spine. Self Cover prints the cover on the same paper as the inside pages; Plus Cover prints it on a different paper. Perfect bound (softcover and hardcover), spiral coil, Wire-O and corner stapled complete the range.
Offset or digital, which should I choose?
Four-colour offset printing suits large quantity orders and any job that wants a coating. Digital printing suits short runs. Production picks the most cost efficient route for the run length.
What are the standard bookmark sizes?
The most common dimensions are 2 by 6, 2 by 7 and 2 by 8 inches, on 12 pt, 14 pt or 16 pt cardstock. Rounded corners and punched holes are available options.
Are envelopes only white?
Envelopes offered online are white. For coloured envelopes, Newprint matches the folded size of the greeting card, checks which colours are available in that size, and provides a custom quote.
Can you print menus that wipe clean?
Yes. Printing on synthetic paper is offered, the same stock as the Waterproof Brochures product, suitable for restaurant menus that are wiped down after use.
What does a die-cutting tool cost?
A die tool cuts the box to its flat shape before it is glued and folded, and the price depends on box size, quantity and type. For a small paperboard box at low quantity it typically runs around $150 to $250; higher volumes can justify a multi-up die.
Should I order a sample of a new box?
Yes, in most cases. When creating a new custom box, Newprint highly recommends ordering with Sample Required selected. Pantone inks can be printed on boxes; if the product page does not list Pantone under Ink and Colour, request a custom estimate.
Is the packaging paper food safe?
The custom packaging paper meets multiple national requirements for direct food contact, including the US, Canada and Germany. Die-lines follow ECMA (the European Carton Makers Association) and FEFCO standards.
Knowledge 04 / Guarantee, cancellations and returns
Guarantee, cancellations and returns
What does the satisfaction guarantee actually do?
Quality Assurance works to fix the problem as quickly as possible, offering an expedited reprint or a coupon on a future order. If all else fails, the order can be sent back at Newprint's expense and a full refund offered.
How long do I have to report a problem?
All order issues and defects must be reported to Quality Assurance within 10 days of receiving the print order, through a Trouble Ticket. Digital photos of the defect are requested so the team can offer the right resolution.
What does cancelling cost?
A $10.00 fee prior to a proof being sent; a $25.00 fee after a proof has been sent but prior to customer approval; and no refund of any kind after a job has been approved. All refunds are in the form of in-house credit.
Are reprints handled the same way?
Defective orders are reprinted or refunded as house credit under the return policy. Turnaround for a reprint depends on production capacity. Direct mail services sit outside the standard return policy and are evaluated case by case.
Knowledge 05 / The company
The company
How long has Newprint been printing?
It began as an offset printing company in 1990, a Canadian, family-owned business with a multi-generational printing history, now serving clients throughout Canada and across North America. Their FAQ counts over 30 years in the print trade.
Who else do they print for?
Newprint is a qualified supplier to various government departments, and the same quality control measures are applied to every client, non-profit, public and private.
How do I send a resume?
Their FAQ says resumes may be emailed to jobs@newprint.ca. Postings on the careers board direct applications to careers@newprint.ca, as the featured opening on the careers page does.
Where are they, and when are they open?
25-2450 Lancaster Road, Ottawa, ON K1B 5N3. Toll free 1-877-639-1286, local 613-738-0531, Monday to Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST.
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