Prepressforums.com

jaws · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 08:55 AM

Hey Guys,

I am going to go meet with my printer on tuesday. What would be the key questions to ask him so I can get my stuff printer with great quality and in the best way I can.

Thanks for your help guys

tequillajane · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 09:22 AM

What programs are YOU using? - Do THEY support it?

How do they prefer you to be supplying files?

Do you know the prefered resolution and type for images?
(jpg, tif, eps, psd)

What are their prefered PDF settings?

Do they have preflighting available? or want a test file?

Are they MAC or PC or Both?

Do YOU know what a Crossover, or Bleed or Page size, and Printer spread's are? And can THEY tell you how they prefer them to be setup?

Just my 2 cents worth, and I work in Prepress, where I wish OUR customers would ask those questions... MOST DON'T - and it adds alot of time on jobs.

Bless you for asking though, just made my day!

pix3lphr3ak · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 09:42 AM

Be clear as to your expectations and their expectations.

Quote:

Bless you for asking though, just made my day!

Me too

tuff_gong · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 12:57 PM

Jaws - very important - Tell them "I'm not the same Jaws that makes quark pdf files such a nightmare."

prepress_brillance_43 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2005, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pix3lphr3ak

Be clear as to your expectations and their expectations.

Quote:

Bless you for asking though, just made my day!

Me too

me three. You are a breathe of fresh air. Wish more designers cared enough to ask. Especially in the best place in the world to ask... ...PPF. 8)

Bart · #6 (**permalink**) 11-10-2005, 12:07 AM

When they give you the 'tour' make sure that everything is neat and orderly. An untidy factory means messy work, missed deadlines and disorganisation.

Whilst the work in progress you will see along the main 'walkways' will undoubtedly be first class, try and look at some of the print work tucked away at the back.

Ask for a single point of contact or 'clicker' as we used to call them here. This cuts down on communication error. Treat this person as your best friend. They will save your ass many times.

Make sure they realise that you want to hear about problems when they occur not when you were expecting delivery.

Tell them about this place. How, if they ever try to pull the wool over your eyes, you will find out and you'll take great pleasure in roasting their balls over very hot coals. :evil:

prepress_brillance_43 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2005, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Tell them about this place. How, if they ever try to pull the wool over your eyes, you will find out and you'll take great pleasure in roasting their balls over very hot coals.

I like how you think, bart. :P

jaws · #8 (**permalink**) 11-10-2005, 07:51 AM

What about dot gain adjustments should they do them or should I and if I should do them what would be the best way using Photoshop or Indesign.

Thanks

prepress_brillance_43 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-10-2005, 08:36 AM

You should let prepress worry about dot gain. It will vary based on the press.

tequillajane · #10 (**permalink**) 11-10-2005, 09:34 AM

By all means let the prepress pro's do the press adjustments, otherwise, you'll end up with images being adjusted twice.

Most printer's will have devices (RIP's) that will adjust that as well as trapping, based on THEIR needs for THEIR presses, it will vary even shop to shop.