Frequently Asked Questions

Below are solutions and answers to a number of common questions frequently asked by our customers.

1. Do I get a colour proof?

Yes, our prices often do include a free initial colour proof that we aim to send you within 24 hours of receiving your artwork, however the receipt of a free colour proof is determined on the individual printing requirements or the account handlers discretion.

Once proof is received all you need to do is fax the accompanying approval form back to us with the approval or any amendments. Any following proofs may be charged for; rates are based on individual projects.

2. Is the proof one that I can show my customer?

The proof is primarily intended to be a layout proof so that you can check that your job has output correctly. As all proofs are printed on our press, the colour and quality will be exactly what your customer will see in the finished job.

3. I am a new customer; can I set up an account?

Yes, simply fill in your details on the contact form and we will get back to you as quickly as possible. Your first job however must be paid for up front.

4. What are your normal lead times?

We have achieved turnaround of some jobs in less than 12 hours. However, we aim to dispatch most work within 1-2 working days from receiving proof approval. We can normally give you an indication of current lead times when you place an order. Long run orders and orders requiring special finishing may take longer.

5. Deliveries

a. What about delivery charges?

Our standard delivery charge is £7.50 (dependent on size and weight) which is based on next day delivery by 5.30pm to one UK mainland address via a courier service, however alternatives are available on request.

b. My parcel(s) has not arrived, what do I do?

Most of our deliveries can be tracked, simply ask for a consignment number and track your parcel online.

c. I have missed a delivery, what do I do now?

Our couriers will have left a card, follow the instructions as required. After the first failed delivery attempt the driver will automatically try and redeliver the next working day (excluding Saturdays). On the second attempt it will be necessary for you to collect your parcel(s) from your local depot.

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6. I use a PC, but most printers I know are Mac based. Can you help me?

Of course we can. We use both Macs and PCs and can accept PC files in most popular formats - Corel Draw, MS Publisher and Word included. We also run Quark Xpress, Illustrator and Photoshop on PCs as well as Macs, whatever platform or software you prefer we should be able to help.

7. Do you print with bleed?

Yes we do. In fact all work is printed with bleed. We recommend that you use a 3mm bleed on all edges of the document (unless, your document doesn't require bleed).

8. What is bleed?

Printed matter which runs off the edge of the paper. If a picture is required to print to the very edge of the paper - it is said to bleed off the page. In order to create this effect, pictures are made larger than the page area by at least 3mm - this is known as the bleed area. All of this image is printed and then the bleed area is cut away at the final page trimming stage of production - leaving the picture bleeding off the page. For more examples check out our handy pdf on bleed.

9. Can you supply the job untrimmed as SRA3 sheets so I can overprint later?

Yes we can, but you will need to use the A3 price. So for 1,000 A4s you will need to use the 500 A3 price.

10. What about VAT?

All prices shown on this site or quoted in written estimates are exclusive of VAT.

11. Do you accept customer supplied paper?

If you require a particular type of stock, we would recommend a trial on our press to guarantee quality.

12. Is your trade printing service confidential?

Yes. We will not approach any of your customers as a direct result of you sending their work to us. We want to build up a close and trusted working relationship with all our customers, so you can rest assured that all the work we receive from you will be treated with complete confidence.

13. How do I place an order?

You can telephone, fax, e-mail or post your order. We will then send you an 'Order Confirmation' showing the full details of your job, together with its price. You simply need to sign it to confirm that everything is correct, and fax it back to us. We will either send this confirmation to you with your proof or fax it to you, unless you sent us your order in advance of your files in which case we will send the confirmation to you earlier.

14. Can you laminate print jobs?

Yes. Prices for laminating must be requested at the time of ordering. Laminating will add 1 day extra to the delivery time as digital print must be left for 1 day before laminating.

15. Can I email files?

We have the capability to receive emails up to 15Mb. These should be sent to mail@print4tomorrow.co.uk. Files larger than 15Mb can be sent to us via FTP. Please contact us for details.

16. Do you only print full colour work?

No, we also print mono (black & white) projects, although the vast majority of our work is full colour.

17. Does my leaflet qualify for zero rated VAT?

Whether a leaflet qualifies for zero rating is now based upon a matter-of-fact and impression. Some of the main issues are: Normally a single sheet of paper not bigger than A4 (can have up to A2 provided it is folded). Intended to be held in the hand to be read, and not to be hung up for general display. It should convey information, be supplied in sufficient quantity to permit distribution, printed on limp paper and be of an ephemeral nature (read and thrown away).

Items on stiff card or paper are not excluded. However, it is the function of the product that is being tested before zero rating can be granted. Manuals and brochures can be zero-rated, whereas forms, posters and stationery may not be. HM Revenue & Customs supplies full information in Notice 701/10, 'Zero-Rating of Books etc'. There are also different rulings for single and multiple supply print jobs. More information on this can be found in VAT Information Sheet 02/01(July 2001), 'Single or Multiple Supplies - How to Decide'.
To visit the HM Revenue & Customs website click here

18. Do you accept credit card payments?

Available for both customer present and telephone transactions, we are able to accept credit card payments. This quick and simple way to pay is available to our new and current customers alike.

19. What is the difference between Digital and Lithographic Printing?

Digital Printing

For short-run jobs this process is ideal. Initial set up is minimal and a job can be completed in a fraction of the time taken with conventional printing.

Although 'special' colours are not available, an acceptable match can always be made from cyan, magenta, yellow and black (excluding metallic or fluorescent colours). Jobs can easily be personalised, perfect for direct mails. Pros - Relatively cheap, quick set-up, speedy turnaround (typically under 24 hours), easily personalised.

Lithographic Printing

This is the traditional method of printing using oil-based ink.

For long-run jobs this process is the most economic. The initial set-up is more costly and time consuming which makes the process expensive for short runs. Once printing however, it is relatively cheap to increase the quantity required. A benefit of lithographic printing is the ability to print with 'special' colours for example silver. Instead of being restricted to the colour range possible from cyan, magenta, yellow and black a specific ink can be used.

Another benefit of lithographic printing is being able to print on textured paper. This is because the ink is applied to the paper by a roller under pressure. Pros - Cheaper on long-runs, ability to print 'special colours', best process for large areas of flat tints, able to print on textured paper. Cons - Expensive for short-runs, time consuming set up, slow turnaround (typically 10-12 working days). Lithographic printing cannot be personalised.