How We Work

  • Quoting and Estimates

    Our production team will be in touch with you within three business days of project submission to discuss the project and provide a quote. These quotes are valid for 30 days and are subject to change depending on final artwork or scope of project.

  • Deposit and Payment

    In order to start your job, a 50% deposit is required once a quote is approved, and the remaining 50% is due prior to shipment. Please note that while we are sensitive to tight deadlines, delayed payment will delay shipment, and we are not responsible for delays in shipping due to non-payment. We can accept payment via check, credit card, and Paypal.

  • Print Details and Color Matching

    Colors are identified and matched using the Pantone Uncoated Matching Book. In certain circumstances, we can attempt to match to a printed sample. We will match as closely as we can to the specified color, however, please note that due to the absorbency and color of the paper chosen, and the process of letterpress, color may vary, and if so, only very slightly. Again, due to the absorbency of many letterpress papers, so ink colors may be too light to be fully legible. We will advise if we feel the color may be too light.

    The letterpress process is best suited for text, line art, small screens, and half-tones. If flooding any area larger than 1 square inch, mottling or striations may occur in the artwork.

    Letterpress is an art, accomplished by hand, with each piece touched during every step of the process. Because the process is not mechanical, we embrace the slight imperfections that may occur in letterpress. It is, in fact, one of our very favorite things about this form of printing!

    If adding foil, please note that our foil selection does not cover the full extent of the Pantone selection. We will recommend the foil option that most closely matches your specified color.

  • Submitting Artwork

    If you are submitting artwork for print, please provide a full color PDF for reference, including PMS colors to match, as well as the artwork, outlined for print and separated by color into artwork for each plate with crop marks. We will always have you sign off on the final proof before proceeding with production.

  • Proofing and Approval

    Once your order is placed, our production team will create a color PDF proof within 3 business days. For orders requiring custom design work by our in-house design team, proofs will be sent within 7 business days. We include 3 free rounds of proofs. Additional proofs will be charged at $60 per proof. Please note, we will match colors as specified using Pantone Matching System, and in certain circumstances may be able to match an existing printed item upon request. Proof colors may not display accurately on your computer screen or from your printer.

    Only after you have signed and returned the proof, accepting the project and correct and giving approval to proceed with the project, will your project move into production. At this time, your 50% deposit is due before production will begin.

  • Shipping

    Your job will be shipped via UPS Ground unless otherwise requested. The job will be insured for the amount of your invoice and added to your total shipping fee. The client is responsible for filing claims for damaged items, and After Press is not responsible for any damage to packaging or product during the transport of the job. All packages will be shipped with the requirement of a direct signature unless otherwise requested. However, the maximum insurance that can be provided without a direct signature is $500, and the client assumes the associated risk. After Press is not liable for any delays once the job has been shipped. The project will not be shipped until the remaining balance has been received.

  • Turnaround Time and Rush Orders

    Our standard turnaround time is 15 business days. This is subject to change depending on current volume of work and specific details of the project. We can generally accommodate a rush order for an extra 50% of your total order cost.

  • Cancellations, Returns, and Exchanges

    If orders are canceled before proof approval, a fee of $100 will apply. All orders cancelled after proof approval will be billed in full. Due to the nature of our product, we cannot accept returns. We make every effort to ensure that each product is proofed, re-proofed and packed perfectly, so that no damages are incurred during printing and/or shipment. We will correct, at no cost, any mistakes caused by our own error, but please keep in mind that any major changes to the design order after final proofing will delay the shipment and will incur additional costs.