Hi there,
Things are busy on the estimating front right now – perhaps all the New Year resolutions to finally get around to sorting your planned print projects are coming to fruition. As I am the person who responds to the majority of requests, I’m more than happy to give you a call to discuss specific elements in more detail, but as a guide the main information I need to put together an estimate can be broken down as:
Size
The finished size and number of pages/sections – please note in printing terms, a “page” is classed as a single printed side to view. So for example, an A4 brochure with 16 printed sides plus front/back cover will be classed as A4 16pp + 4pp cover; for a book with 80 x internal leaves will equate to 160pp for printing …
Quantity
If you’re not 100% sure, please let us know the minimum / maximum you’re likely to need as it will be fine to estimate within these parameters. For anything “litho” printed a large element of the overall cost can be the set up, the “run-on” figure for increased volumes is usually a pleasant surprise.
Material
With such a wide range available, we are happy to offer advice based on similar completed projects and specific recommendations on viewing the planned artwork. Our default materials are premium grade triple coated silk/matt/gloss FSC certified with minimum 15% recycled content, or FSC uncoated (option of 100% recycled). Please note you/we can include the relevant FSC environmental logo & supporting text on any project that uses FSC certified stock (in reality, nearly all) – there’s absolutely no cost implication for you …
Printing
If we are to print in 4 colour process (full colour), defined spot/pantone/metallic colours or a combination of the two – we will generally include a machine seal on all silk/matt coated stocks and also a special seal for uncoated stocks with large ink coverage requirements. This will not affect the printing or final appearance, but will prevent rubbing/marking.
Finishing
Some jobs are very straightforward, others involve several finishing elements – we can also show certain finishing options (e.g. lamination, spot UV varnishing) as an additional cost, for you to work out what fits within the overall project budget, where applicable.
Time Frame
We pride ourselves on never missing an agreed deadline (and we’ll be honest – if on the rare occasion it’s impossible to complete a requested time we’ll tell you at the outset, not mid-project). We operate 6.00am-midnight print shifts on presses and so with a bit of advance warning we can make most things happen. But advance warning is the key – even if final artwork is not ready we can reserve a repro & press slot working back from your deadline and also organise the materials if size/quantity is known. As all proofing/printing is completed under the one roof we are in complete control of the project … and therefore the deadline.
If anything is unclear and/or if you have a “non-standard” requirement, please pick up the phone or drop me a separate email – as someone once said, “it’s good to talk”.
Look forward to hearing from you
