FAQ’s, Help & Support

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the best printing experience with us. We want repeat business. We want to develop a rapport with you and want to get to know your business.

Below are a few frequently asked questions that we find come up time and time again.

Your prices are cheaper than prices from other printers, are you cutting back on quality?

Not at all. We rely on volume and bulk orders. We print our jobs ‘ganged up’ resulting in a more efficient printing service with greater economies of scale which we can therefore pass on our savings to you!

When will my print arrive?

When ordering, we stipulate a timeframe for delivery. Lead times range from 2 to 7 days depending on the product, quantity and finish. If you need your printing in a rush, don’t worry, just give our Print Ready team a call and where possible, we will expedite it quicker.

All delivery times start from when you approve your artwork up to the day of dispatch. If there are delays with getting your artwork signed off, this will mean delivery will be delayed. Also, we cannot guarantee next day delivery with our outsourced couriers during peak and seasonal times.

Can you make sure the colours are the same as my last print job?

We use the latest print production and prepress technology to ensure that colours are reproduced as accurately as possible. There may however be slight variations in your printing not being an identical replica, however we find in these instances, most people think that the latest prints often look better!

I don’t have a design – Can you help with this?

Absolutely. Here at Print Ready we have a team of talented graphic designers each with their own areas of speciality and accomplished skill sets. They are onhand by phone, email or instore to discuss any ideas you might have. Design and Print is what we do. Let us guide you through the process. You won’t be disappointed.

What if I don’t like the design?

We are asked this all the time. Our aim is to create something which you will like. If you like it, we know you may order it again. All we ask is that you give us as much concise information and direction as you can before we start the design process. Let us know if there are colours which we must use, font styles you like, example designs that inspire you. The more information we have about the brief, the better the chance we will hit the mark. Remember, we allow for two rounds of revisions on foot of the first design we design for you so the closer we get the first design correct, the greater the chance you’ll love the last.

If you require more design work outside the initial design scope or if you want to make extra rounds of changes, there may be an additional charge. We’ll always let you know if there is a cost in advance!

I’m a graphic designer, can you print artworks I generate?

Of course. We work with designers all the time. Simply send on your files and we will be in touch. Check here for info on how we like to have artwork supplied.

How do I place an order?

1) Search online for the product you like
2) Choose the print specifications and lead time.
3) Make a payment
4) Upload the artwork / Submit your design brief
5) View, proof and approve your artwork.
6) Await it’s delivery.

Artwork Guidelines | Print Ready Artwork

Occasionally, our customers may have an inhouse design team which is absolutely fine! All we ask is that you or they consult our artwork guidelines before submitting print ready files to ensure they comply with our systems and technologies.

Turnaround Time

Where possible we will always indicate the approximate time that it takes for us to design, print, finish, pack and ship for distribution to you. Our turnaround times may vary from product to product and can range anywhere from 2 to 10 days.

While it may be possible to ship certain products more quickly sometimes for a small surcharge, other products may be more difficult to speed up. In order to avoid disappointment and miss deadlines, please make sure you allow enough time from the point of ordering to the point of delivery.

Please note that all delivery and turnaround times are calculated for the moment your “print ready” artwork is approved and not from when you place the order. All orders that are approved after 12pm are pushed to the following business day.

I’ve placed my order but have just noticed a mistake on my artwork?

It is very important that you ensure that all information is correct before you place your order. But unfortunately mistakes do happen. If you do find that you have made a mistake it is important that you contact us immediately. We want you to be happy so if your job has not been processed then there will be no charge and we will await your new file(s). If however your job has been completed or processed then unfortunately we would need to charge you the extra.

How do I supply files for printing booklets?

We require single page PDF files in sequential order eg 1, 2, 3, etc, NOT as spreads, you don’t need to worry about how the booklet will work, we can do that for you.

Can I speak with somebody on the phone or in person?

Yes, you can call us and speak to one of our experienced staff who will be happy to help you, or you can drop in for a chat. We are located at 275 Glasnevin Avenue.

My file is too big to email?

Not a problem. Please forward your files to us using one of the file transfer websites such as wetransfer, mailbigfile, dropbox etc.

Have you got customer parking?

Yes you can park outside to collect goods at no charge.

Do you print small one off print jobs?

Yes. Please get in touch.

Can I get a hardcopy proof?

Yes you can but we would need to charge a little extra, please call us to discuss.

Will my print colours be the same as I see on my computer screen?

No. This is because the image you see on your screen is made up of RGB colours and your screen is in effect a big light bulb, so what you see is called additive colour. As paper cannot be illuminated, the ink colours do not have the benefit of enhancement by light, thus making them brighter (commonly referred to as subtractive colour). We do however calibrate our printers to ensure the best colour range possible. If in doubt we recommend you order a hardcopy proof. If you do not order a proof you will be agreeing to accept any final prints unchecked.

What type of file formats to you accept?

Adobe Acrobat PDF format files are our preferred choice. PDF’s must be press optimised (print ready) with bleed, crop marks and fonts embedded.

Quark Xpress or Adobe InDesign files are acceptable if ‘collected for output’ (QuarkXpress) or ‘packaged’ (Adobe Indesign) so that all the files and fonts are included. Pages must be set up to the correct size with bleed.

Illustrator files are acceptable, ideally saved in .EPS format. Bleed and crop marks must be included and all fonts converted to outlines.
Photoshop or similar files should be supplied as 300dpi CMYK, TIF files with LZW off. Highest quality JPG is acceptable, bleed and crop marks must be included.

Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files are acceptable, but ideally should be converted to PDF format.

Additional notes:

PDF files
When creating PDF files please note that books or booklets over four pages must not be supplied as spreads, always create a PDF containing individual pages. This does not affect your original Quark or InDesign files which may have been set up as spreads.

Bleed
If your artwork requires bleed (i.e. if it extends off the edge of the page) you must allow 3mm bleed. We also recommend that any text is kept at least 5mm away from the edge of the page.

Photos
Photographic images should be supplied as 300dpi CMYK.

Images
For lithographic print, images must be supplied in Pantone Spot Colours or CMYK format if full colour.
For digital print, ideally images should be supplied in CMYK format.

Help!! I need some advice – can you help me?
Of course just call us on 01 858 1000 during normal office hours. We like helping people!