Printing

Getting an Estimate

Your Account Manager can provide you with cost information for your print project at different stages of the process. The following information describes the two distinct types of cost projections.

Estimates

Estimates are provided when a project is in its early planning stages. Printing projects have two major categories of costs: preparation of electronic files (design and desktop publishing) and actual printing and bindery costs. In general, a printing estimate gives information about printing and bindery costs only. If the project involves design, desktop publishing and electronic prepress, a separate estimate for these costs will be made.

Estimates reflect a potential range of costs and a way of evaluating alternative production options. Visit Creative Communications to learn more about ways to save money with your print projects.

It is important to determine, as specifically as possible, the parameters of the job. The estimate will be most accurate with a complete set of specifications:

• quantity
• dimensions
• total number of pages
• kind of paper being used
• color and number of inks
• number of bleeds - possible problem areas such as screens or tight register requirements
• special processes, such as folding, binding, diecutting, embossing, foil stamping
• number and type of photographs and illustrations
• delivery date
• special packing and delivery requirements
• quality level needed
• how the final piece will be used and distributed

Once these specifications are determined, your Account Manager will work with Creative Communications' production staff to develop an estimate of the final cost of your project. Any changes in your specifications could have a impact upon final costs, so a new estimate should be prepared if you wish to change any of the parameters listed above.

You should also note the following when evaluating your estimate:

• Materials costs are volatile, so estimates may change depending on those costs at the time the order is initiated.
• Any changes to the project after final page proofs are approved, such as on blueline or on press, will result in additional charges.
• Changes in any of the specifications, including the complexity of the design, could result in additional charges.
• Delays in returning the blueline, or changes, could affect both the printing schedule and resulting costs.

Production Quotes

Unlike estimates, production quotes are prepared only when final material is ready for production planning, engineering, and scheduling. A production quote is based on the job as presented. Because these quotes are based on actual materials and final specifications instead of descriptions or dummies, they are generally more accurate than estimates.

In general, however, we recommend that clients budget for a 10-15 percent contingency to allow for unavoidable and unanticipated delays or changes. As always, your best approach to avoiding extra costs is to plan your projects well in advance and to involve your Account Manager as early as possible in the process. If you are particularly concerned about the budget for any specific project, your Account Manager can work with you to help lower overall costs and to closely monitor project costs as they occur.

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Printing Contacts