Quality Assurance and Inspection
How we check your project at every step, from your files to your shipped order
Your planner, journal, workbook or book carries your name. Before it reaches your customers, it passes through a series of checks by the people who print, bind and pack it. Every team member who works on your project reviews the files and the output at their step, and each department supervisor checks the work before the job moves to the next department.
Here is what happens at each stage.
Our Inspection Workflow
File review
When you upload your files, our prepress team reviews them within 72 hours. At least two team members check every project. We confirm that your files match the specifications you ordered, measure each PDF to verify trim size, bleed, crop marks, tab widths and binding margins, and confirm that every required file has been received. We also confirm page order and completeness, so pages and tabs are in the right sequence with nothing missing or doubled. If anything needs attention, we contact you before the job moves forward. Learn what the upload fee covers.
Foil and stamping artwork
If your project includes foil stamping, deboss or emboss, the stamping artwork PDF is reviewed for quality, including line weight, fine detail and clean vector art. A placement overlay PDF is required to show exactly where the stamp sits on your cover. The die is not made until both are approved.
Proof
We offer two kinds of proof: a digital proof on request, or a physical printed proof. You can choose to waive the proof, but we recommend approving some version of a proof before production begins, so you see exactly what will be produced.
Print file check
Print files are checked against your approved proof before printing begins.
Printing
Our presses are calibrated regularly to keep color consistent from job to job and from one order to the next. Operators compare the first printed output to your approved proof, then pull samples from the beginning, middle and end of the run. The press supervisor checks the output before the job moves to bindery.
Materials
Paper, cover boards, foil and other components are inspected when they are received. Items you send us to include with your order are spot checked when they arrive.
Bindery and finishing
Each finishing step is checked as it is completed:
- Trimming and corners
- Tabs and pockets
- Foil placement against your overlay, full coverage, sharp edges and no flaking
- Lamination with no bubbles, wrinkles or lifting edges
- Case making for hardcovers
- Binding strength, including a pull test on PUR bound books, a sewing check on Smyth sewn books and fully closed wire-o
The bindery supervisor checks the finished product before it moves to packing.
Packing inspection
Every unit is visually inspected as it is boxed, and 10% are checked thoroughly. If we find an issue, the affected units are reprinted before your order ships. Counts are verified before shipping, and on request we can share photos or a short video of your finished products before they leave our facility.
Our guarantee. All products we produce are guaranteed against defects in quality. If you receive a defective product, we will replace it at no additional charge. Read our guarantee.
How You Can Help
The single biggest factor in a smooth production run is a print-ready file. Before your designer starts, send them our Print Specifications and Templates so your files are built to the correct trim, bleed and binding margins from the beginning. Then approve a proof before production, especially for a first order or a new design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who reviews my files?
Our prepress team reviews every file within 72 hours of upload, and at least two team members check every project. If anything needs attention, we contact you before the job moves forward.
Do I need to approve a proof?
You can choose to waive the proof, but we recommend approving some version of a proof before production. We offer a digital proof on request or a physical printed proof.
What do you need for foil stamping?
We need a foil artwork PDF, which is reviewed for quality, and a placement overlay PDF that shows exactly where the foil sits on your cover. The die is not made until both are approved.
Is every unit inspected before shipping?
Every unit is visually inspected as it is boxed, and 10% are checked thoroughly. If we find an issue, the affected units are reprinted before your order ships.
What if I receive a defective product?
All products we produce are guaranteed against defects in quality. If you receive a defective product, we will replace it at no additional charge.
Can I see photos of my order before it ships?
Yes. On request, we can share photos or a short video of your finished products before they leave our facility.
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