How do I get a quote for my project?
We will need to know the flat size and finished (folded) size, type of paper, whether your job is full color or how many spot colors there are, how the job is to be finished (folding, bindery, etc.) and quantities. With that basic information, we can supply a custom quote on your project.
I’m local. May I come in to talk about my project?
Of course! Please make an appointment so that we can make ourselves available to talk to you. We don’t have an order counter like Kinko’s or Staples.
What does your quote include?
Our pricing will always include basic preflight of your supplied files, a pdf proof, all paper and printing and finishing services as described in your estimate, and boxing in preparation for shipment. Prices do not include typesetting or file work, paper proofs, shipping or sales tax (if applicable).
Do you have minimum order?
While there is no “minimum” order, we do have a minimum charge of $114 ($75 minimum order plus $39 file prep charge). In other words, you will probably find that we will not be the cheapest place from which to order 50 postcards. Generally speaking, if your job is less than 500 printed sheets you should contact a local copy center such as Staples or Kinko’s. While we do have digital printing capability, our operation is geared toward larger print-runs.
Do I have to request a “green quote” in order to receive eco-friendly printing?
Of course not. All of our quotes are prepared using the most eco-friendly options available. If you specify a non-recycled paper, we will do our best to recommend comparable green paper options. We use only soy-based inks in production (some specialty colors, such as metallics, are not available in soy).
Is green printing more expensive?
Not necessarily. Our house papers are very economically priced. Premium papers are sometimes quite expensive, regardless of whether or not they are recycled.
Is green printing as good as conventional printing?
In most cases there is little or no quality difference between green printing and conventional printing. The soy inks are just as bright as petroleum based inks. The papers we use all print very much the same as their non-recycled cousins. Some 100% post consumer recycled paper is not as bright white as non-recycled paper, so if this is a concern on your project you should discuss this with your project manager. We are happy to provide samples.
How do I place an order?
Once you approve your pricing and job specs via email with your project manager, we will send you written confirmation of your specifications and pricing for your signature. Then simply upload your files! Please carefully review the guidelines on the upload page. We will contact you for a credit card number and to discuss delivery options.
How do I pay?
We accept all major credit cards. Your card will be charged only for the quoted amount when the order is placed. Shipping costs, sales tax (if applicable), additional prepress charges and adjustments for actual quantity delivered will be charged when we ship the job. We’ll mail you a copy of your detailed invoice and credit card receipts after the job has shipped.
What types of files do you accept?
We accept InDesign, Quark Xpress, Illustrator and Pagemaker files. If you are working in Photoshop, MSWord, Apple Pages, Publisher or any other software not intended for professional publishing, please discuss it with your project manager. We are always happy to help you make your files print-ready, but you may incur additional charges. We will estimate these charges to the best of our ability in advance, but final charges are billed hourly based upon the actual amount of time it took.
I’m not very experienced setting up print files…
We’re here to help. Please let us know if you have questions, and we’ll get you the answers you need. Communication is key, so please talk to us about your concerns when you place your order.
What happens if I find a typo on my proof?
Simply reply to your proof email with a description of the changes you need made. You may be charged for corrections. Alternately, you can supply a new file with the changes already made, which may incur a charge for preflighting and a new proof.
Why do I have to approve a proof?
We do our best to process your file error free. However, we handle many files every day. Even if we typeset your job, you are responsible for proofing spelling, grammar, usage, photo placement, colors, formatting and every other aspect of your job. DO NOT ASSUME that we will notice things that are wrong and fix them. Your proof approval means that you accept all responsibility for the content of your job from that point forward. Once you approve the proof, we are not liable for any mistakes in the content.
Is the color in the PDF proof going to match my print job exactly?
No. The monitor on your computer is not calibrated to our presses, and paper is not back-lit. Your monitor uses 3 colors (Red, Green and Blue) to simulate full color images. Color printing is accomplished using 4 colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. These four colors are not capable of building every color in the spectrum. If you need a close color match, we can supply a paper proof at additional charge. This proof is a close match to the color we will achieve on press, however it is NOT perfect, and can only simulate printing on glossy paper. If exact color matching is required, you should work with a printer that specializes in this process, and be prepared to travel to the shop when your job is on press to approve the first run sheet.
I’m ready to approve my proof.
You will need to FORWARD the proof back to us at support@barefootpress.com. The forwarded email must have the proofs attached to it. The message in the email text must clearly state that you approve the job for production as is, with no further changes, and contain your digital signature.
Is my order quantity guaranteed?
Like most printing companies, our orders are subject to a 10% tolerance. This means that 10% over or under the quantity ordered may be delivered, and the price will be adjusted accordingly. If we deliver 10% less than the quantity requested, your invoice will be billed at actual unit cost for the delivered quantity. If we deliver extra copies (up to 10%) the extra copies are billed at a discount. If you must have a certain minimum number of copies, as in the case of a mailing list for example, you should order 10% more copies than your minimum requirement. The cost for this is normally extremely minimal. The cost to reprint a small number of extra copies can be substantial.
Why is there a 10% over/under policy?
Printing is a complicated process. We control the variables as tightly as we can, but sometimes sheets are lost on the machines, and sometimes we must discard copies for quality reasons.
What is your turnaround time?
Most simple jobs can be turned in one week or less. More complicated jobs, such as larger booklets, jobs with multiple different components or jobs that involve specialty bindery can take longer.
Is your turnaround time guaranteed?
No, it is our best estimate of the number of days it will take to complete your job from the time you approve your proof. We will make every effort to work with you to assure that your project is delivered when you need it. Please do your part to you’re your job on track. Delays in providing files, providing incomplete files or files that do not match your job specifications, and delays in returning proofs will almost certainly add time to your delivery date.
Can you do a rush job?
Yes, of course. Please do not give us a “drop-dead” delivery date unless you really need it (for a trade show or grand opening, for example). If you DO have an event, please discuss it with your project manager at the earliest possible opportunity so that we can examine the best options for fast turnaround. We can also prepare your job for overnight shipping via FedEx, but obviously we can’t control time in transit.
What happens if I find a typo on my job after it is printed?
If the error was evident on the proof that you approved, you will be responsible for the full cost of reprinting the job. If the error was NOT on the proof, we will reprint the job at no additional charge to you. In no instance will we further discount, or provide the product for free. You may be asked to return the defective product to us, in which case we will pay for the return shipping.
Should I expect flawless printing with no specs or “hickeys” in the solid areas?
No. We do our darndest to produce the best end-product possible, and our printing is done to higher standards than cheap, online “gang-printers”. However, recycled papers do tend to release small particles into the ink-train of the press, which can result in some small specs that come and go during the press run.
What if my job arrives damaged in transit?
In order to minimize the chance of damage, we will pack your job in boxes weighing less than 35 lbs. each whenever practical, and will add packing to protect the product, double box, or both. If your job does have damage, notate the damage on the carrier’s receipt when you sign for the package, then notify your project manager IMMEDIATELY. If possible, take digital pictures of the damage and email them to us. Do not discard any of the packaging, as this will void any possibility of a refund. We will contact the carrier to file an insurance claim, and will work with you to replace the product in a timely fashion.
Is there a discount on re-orders?
There may be, especially if you have no changes to your previous order. Just reference your original job number when you reorder and ask your project manager.