Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions?
Here are a few of the questions we get asked more often. Have a look and see if you can find the answers you need. If you can’t find them, just give us a call on 01471 822 555 or email us.
Do you have a price list?
For some smaller items (business cards, greetings cards.) we do have a pricing guide. For all other items we will have to work out a price for you as there are so many different permutations to take into account.
You can fill out our online enquiry form or if you’d prefer to speak to us direct then why not give us a call on 01471 822 555.
How and when do I pay?
Payment is due on collection or prior to delivery. The invoice will be issued on notification that the work has been completed.
Payment by bank transfer is our preferred method, although we will also accept cash, card or cheque on collection.
Details for payments are as follows: Strath Print Ltd. 83-24-09 00135393
Do you offer a design service?
Yes! Our in-house design team can produce designs for you. Using your own material, or starting afresh with a blank canvas, we will gladly help put your ideas to print. Get in touch today to see what we can do for you.
What file format should I supply my files in?
We definitely prefer PDF files. If you are unable to send files in this format, we will do our best to work with what you’ve got. We will convert this file into a PDF and send it back to you for checking. If you are happy then we can proceed to print.
Can I check the design before you print my job?
Yes, we usually email a proof before printing. We won’t proceed to print before you are happy with all aspects of the design and layout. It is important for the customer to take some time to thoroughly check the proof, particularly for such items as names, dates, prices, phone numbers and email addresses. We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can sometimes creep in unannounced. It is easy to correct mistakes before printing, but after printing it becomes more of a challenge. If the printed job complies with the approved proof, then the customer is responsible for any costs that may ensue.
Do you provide a proof?
We normally provide a digital proof copy of your artworkafter we have checked it a processed it. However, if you are concerned with accurate colour reproduction then we highly recommend a printed proof copy, although this will add a small extra cost to the final invoice.
Can I make amendments to my files after the proof?
Absolutely, you can make as many changes to your artwork after the proof copy as you want. If you need to send through new files there will be a small charge for each.
Can I pick up my order?
Of course! we are always happy to see our customers.
Can you deliver?
Yes. Please let us know your delivery address and we wil calculate the cost.
What’s the minimum quantity that I can get printed?
There is no minimum order quantity. The only thing we would say is that the unit cost per item does become cheaper the more you order.
How many should I order?
It might be worthwhile considering how many of the item you expect to use (or sell) in a year, or in the case of raffle tickets etc, how many you expect to sell before the closing date. It may work out cheaper to print more than you need and have a few left over, than to run out and have to come back for a reprint. But do bear in mind that some information (such as prices, or office bearers) has a limited shelf life, and even phone numbers and email addresses may change within a relatively short time.
What is the largest size you can print?
The largest size we can print in-house is A3 (double the size of A4). Bigger than A3, we can get printed for you by one of our trade suppliers.
How long will it take to print my job?
That depends on a number of factors. As a general rule, usually about a week from proof approval, but in the case of funeral orders of service, which we print in-house, only a few days. For simple jobs such as copying house plans, we can often do them while you wait.
How much will my print job cost?
This will depend on various factors such as size, type of paper, quantity, finishing, etc. The more information you can give us about what you want, the better we are able to give you an accurate price for the job.
Do you charge VAT?
We are registered for VAT (number 829 2186 12), so we are legally obliged to charge VAT on any item we sell which is liable for VAT. This includes most print categories, with the exception of leaflets, brochures, books and booklets, which are zero rated.
What is print finishing?
Print finishing is the collective name for all the various processes that take place after printing, such as laminating, trimming, creasing, folding, perforating, collating, stapling, glueing, drilling, numbering, binding etc. Most print jobs won’t require all of these processes, but most will require at least one of them.
What is bleed, and why is it important?
When a photograph or other image extends to the edge of the paper, this is known as bleeding. Because most printing devices cannot print to the edge of the paper, we achieve this effect by printing on a larger sheet and then trimming to the final size. But because a printer’s guillotine cannot, despite its considerable accuracy, be guaranteed to cut exactly on the edge of a photograph or image, we need to make the image slightly bigger, so that a little bit of the image is cut off, thus avoiding unsightly white flashes at the edge of the finished job. This extra sliver of image is the bleed area, and most printers specify 3mm bleed on each edge. So A4 is 210x297mm, and A4 plus bleed is 216x303mm. Any image which is to bleed, should extend to fill the bleed area.
Do you make signs?
We can prepare the artwork in-house and have the sign made for you by one of our trade suppliers.
Are you open on Saturdays?
No, our opening hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We can be available at other times by prior arrangement.