FAQ’s – Everything Design & Print
Our design and printing FAQs are here to make things simple and quick for you. They have easy answers to common questions and queires. We aim to build trust, educate customers, and contribute to a positive website experience.
Your prices seem low compared to other printers, why is that?
We have reduced our production costs by investing in advanced printing machines and having great relationships with our suppliers. As a result, we are able to pass on those savings to our customers.
How long have you been trading for?
We started our business in September 2004. Cheap as Prints is the name we use for our business, which is officially known as DPI Solutions Ltd.
Do you offer additional discounts for freelance designers and trade enquiries?
Our prices are already as low as they can go, and there are no further discounts available. However, we regularly offer promotions throughout the year. To stay updated, it’s a good idea to sign up for our newsletter.
Do your prices include artwork?
Unless specified, all prices do not include artwork and are only for printing services. However, we do provide a design service. Whether you need to improve an existing design or create something entirely new, we’re here to assist you. To view our artwork rates click here
How long will my order take for printing?
We give estimated delivery times for all our products. If you need your order faster than what is mentioned online, please get in touch with us before placing your order. For general details about printing and delivery times, click here
Is my personal information safe?
Certainly, we solely gather information for inquiries and order processing purposes. We do not share this data with any other company or third party.
Do you price match?
We will make every effort to offer a price that either beats or matches any authentic quote for similar services. It’s important to note that we consider factors such as overall operational expenses and extra quality checks in our pricing.
Are flyers and leaflets subject to VAT?
Flyers and leaflets (both folded and unfolded) are typically exempt from VAT. However, if your design includes a form, discount voucher, admission slip, or ticket, VAT will be added to your total cost.
HMRC has a helpful guide with the full details of the VAT on printing services.
How are printing costs calculated?
Printing costs depend on factors like quantity, paper quality, colors used, and finishing options (such as lamination or embossing). More complex designs or specialty finishes often incur additional costs.
Can your company handle large-scale commercial projects?
Yes, we specialise in commercial printing, catering to large-scale projects such as catalogues, magazines, and promotional materials for businesses.
Do all your prices advertised include VAT?
Where applicable our online prices can be viewed to show the cost with and without VAT.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept various payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, debit cards, PayPal, and online bank transfers. Please check with our customer service team to confirm the specific payment methods available for your order.
Do you accept payment on account?
Unfortunately, we don’t provide credit terms. Full payment is required at the time of placing the order.
What happens if I cancel my order?
To cancel an order, you must submit a written request to us. Any expenses accrued for work already started until the date of cancellation notification will be applicable and chargeable.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the product or service you are ordering. It’s advisable to check the specific product page or contact our customer service for details about minimum order requirements.
Can I modify my order after it has been placed?
Once an order is placed and payment is made, modifications might be challenging. It’s best to contact our customer service immediately if you need to make changes to your order, and we will do our best to assist you.
Is there a refund policy?
Our refund policy depends on the specific circumstances and the stage of the order process. If you have concerns about a potential refund. For information on our refund policy click here
What is the significance of DPI (dots per inch) in printing?
DPI represents the resolution of an image. For high-quality prints, images should have a resolution of at least 300 DPI to ensure sharp and clear results.
I’ve purchased a product and paid for artwork, when do I see a design proof?
After you provide a detailed design brief, you can expect to receive a design proof within 2 working days. However, please note that for intricate or large design projects, the design process might take longer. It’s recommended to request an estimate before placing an order for such projects.
Will I get a free design proof if I submit my own print ready artwork?
Unfortunately, proofs are not free and will be charged at the current prevailing rate. Creating a design proof takes time and effort, especially for complex designs.
What is the importance of proofing in the printing process?
Proofing allows customers to review a sample of the final product before mass printing, ensuring accuracy in colours, text, and layout. It helps in identifying and correcting errors before the full print run.
I want you to do the artwork but what if not I’m not happy with the design?
To ensure a smooth process, please give us a detailed brief with all the content and images you want in your design. We’ll create the design based on your specifications. Our prices cover one design concept; we don’t offer multiple concepts. However, we’re happy to make unlimited minor revisions to the design concept until you are fully satisfied. Please note, this doesn’t include a complete redesign. Providing a clear brief helps us deliver the design you envision.
I need a logo, what are your rates and do your artwork prices include logo design?
Artwork rates do not include logo design unless it’s a basic text design with simple fonts. For custom logo designs, our rates begin at £40. To get a precise quote, please email us at info@cheapasprints.com with your specific design requirements. We’ll be happy to assist you further.
What is bleed in printing?
Bleed refers to extending design elements or colors beyond the edge of the final printed page. It ensures there are no white borders after the document is trimmed, providing a professional-looking finish.
How much bleed is required?
The standard bleed requirement for printing is typically 3mm (millimeters) on all sides of the document. This means that any design elements or background colors that touch the edge of the final printed piece should extend 3mm beyond the trim line. Adhering to this bleed specification ensures that there are no white borders or unprinted edges after the document is trimmed to its final size, ensuring a professional print outcome.
What file formats are accepted for printing?
Commonly accepted file formats include PDF, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. PDFs are preferred as they maintain the layout and fonts, ensuring consistency in the final print.
Do you print in RGB, Pantone, or CMYK?
We use CMYK for all our print production, except for carrier bags, writing instruments, and T-shirts.
Can I supply my own print-ready design files?
Yes, you can provide your own print-ready design files. Please ensure your design file meets the following requirements:
- File Format: Provide your artwork in a high-resolution PDF format.
- Color Mode: Use CMYK colour mode for full-color printing. For black-and-white designs or grayscale images, use grayscale mode.
- Resolution: Images should have a resolution of at least 300 DPI to ensure high-quality printing. Low-resolution images (such as those from websites) might appear pixelated when printed.
- Bleed: Include a standard bleed of 3mm (millimeters) on all sides of your design.
- Fonts: Embed or outline all fonts used in your design to avoid font-related issues during printing. This ensures that the text appears as intended even if the recipient doesn’t have the specific fonts installed.
- Safety Margins: Keep important text and elements within a safe zone, typically 3mm inside the trim line. This prevents essential content from being too close to the edge, minimizing the risk of it being trimmed off during printing.
- File Size: While high resolution is essential, be mindful of file sizes, especially for large print projects. Compress images where possible without compromising quality to make the file manageable for uploading and processing.
- Proofing: Before submitting your design, review it thoroughly for errors in spelling, grammar, and layout.
To be sure your artwork meets our printing requirements why not download our Free Artwork Templates
What is a margin and how much is necessary?
A margin in design refers to the space between the content or elements of a document and its edges. It’s crucial to ensure that important text or graphics don’t get cut off during the printing or trimming process.
- Safety Margin: Also known as the “safe zone,” this is the area inside the document where essential text and important elements should be placed. It’s typically recommended to keep all critical content at least 3mm (millimeters) inside the trim line. This prevents these elements from being too close to the edge, reducing the risk of them getting cut off during printing.
- Bleed Margin: The bleed margin refers to the extra area beyond the trim line. Design elements that are intended to extend to the edge of the printed page, like background colors or images, should extend 3mm beyond the trim line. This additional space ensures that there are no white borders after the document is trimmed, providing a professional and polished look.
By incorporating both safety margins and bleed margins into your design, you ensure that your printed materials look exactly as you intended, without any risk of important content being lost during the printing process. Always check with your specific printing company for their margin requirements, as they can vary based on the printing equipment and techniques used.
Do you store design files for reprint purposes in the future?
We retain all design work completed by us for 1-2 years, allowing for future edits and reprints. However, design files provided by customers are kept for only 30 days after the order is completed.
What do you mean by the term print ready artwork?
Print-ready artwork refers to files that have been prepared to meet commercial printing standards using suitable design software. These files are optimised and do not need any adjustments and can be sent directly to the printing process.
What is the difference between digital printing and offset printing?
Digital printing is ideal for small quantities and quick turnaround, whereas offset printing is more cost-effective for large quantities, offering high-quality results.
What is large-format printing?
Large format printing is when you print big things, like posters, banners, or signs. It’s done using special printers that handle larger paper or materials. This type of printing is great for making things that need to be seen from a distance, like advertisements or event banners.
Do you offer same-day or 24-hour express print?
This is possible for some of our products, we strongly recommend contacting us prior to ordering.
Will my print order match what I see on my computer monitor?
The final print usually closely matches what you see on your computer screen or print from your own desktop printer. However, due to differences in technologies and calibration among these devices, there might be slight variations in colour.
Do you offer printing on other types of material?
If you prefer printing on materials not listed on our website, please reach out to us. We might be able to assist you with your specific requirements.
Can you print custom sizes and shapes for promotional materials?
Yes, we can often accommodate custom sizes and shapes for various print materials.
Is there a minimum order quantity for printing services?
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the product. It’s best to check the specific product page or contact us for details.
What do you mean by free UK mainland delivery?
Free UK mainland delivery means we can deliver items to addresses within the main part of the United Kingdom at no additional cost to the customer. This includes most areas in England, Scotland, and Wales, excluding more remote regions and offshore islands. Customers do not have to pay any extra fees for the standard delivery service to these locations, making it convenient and cost-effective for them.
Please refer to our Delivery Information page for more details.
Do you offer International shipping?
We can ship some of our products internationally. Please get in touch with us before placing your order to check which products qualify for international shipping. To calculate the shipping cost, we will need the complete postal address of the delivery location. Feel free to contact us for more details.
What are your delivery rates?
We provide free delivery for all our products to a single address in the UK mainland.
Can I change my delivery address after I’ve ordered?
We highly advise you to double-check your delivery address to avoid unnecessary delays. Once an order is placed, changing the address is challenging due to the high order volume we handle daily. It is costly and time-consuming to adjust these details after confirmation. If you’ve made a mistake, you can request an amendment, but please note that most of the time, these requests may be declined.
Can I collect my order once it is completed?
We no longer offer a collection service. All orders will now be sent through couriers and delivered to the address you specify.
Will I get tracking information to trace my order?
Yes, you will receive tracking information to monitor the progress of your order. This allows you to keep track of your delivery and know exactly when to expect your package.