{"id":2131,"date":"2024-06-21T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.ironmarkusa.com\/printer-quote\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T14:29:51","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:29:51","slug":"printer-quote","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ironmarkusa.com\/printer-quote\/","title":{"rendered":"What Your Printer Needs for a Quote"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you have a print project coming up? We have the details for you. To make the process as smooth as possible, we\u2019ve put together a blog post with everything your printer needs to give you an accurate quote \u2014 since the right quote and creative print team could save you significant time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a specific quote, the printer needs specific information. While they can certainly help you weigh the options, it\u2019s up to you to decide the final parameters: quantity, stock type, design work, and many other important elements. Here\u2019s a look at what your printer will need for a quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: You\u2019ve Got a Print Ready File. Now What?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This one is easy! You\u2019ll want to provide the printer with as much information as possible, starting with contact information. This includes the name, email address, and phone number of the primary contact associated with the print project. Be sure to specify the preferred method of contact to facilitate efficient communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due Date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A timeline is crucial with any print project and should be clearly established beforehand. Give the printer due dates for artwork submissions and the final delivery. Make a note if the print project is part of an upcoming event, and set delivery for a specific time. The more information for your printer to work with, the better. They\u2019re constantly managing different jobs and can move them around according to due dates so that all projects are completed by their due date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artwork<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using artwork in the project, provide the printer with a sample. Generally, printers like to see artwork in a PDF or other specific format<\/a> when it\u2019s finally submitted. Check with your printer first. And if you do not have a sample, it\u2019s helpful to provide details such as file format (Again, PDF is preferred since estimators don\u2019t typically have access to CreativeSuite or EPS files), method of file submission, and the anticipated receipt date of the artwork, as well as any other noteworthy distinctions (please match art to logo color, use this font, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project\/Order Description<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll have space to provide an order description, which is crucial to getting an accurate quote. For this description, It helps to know specific commercial printing terms like the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantity:<\/span> Clearly establish the total number of pieces that need to be produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size:<\/span> The printer should know both the finished size and flat size in order to gauge the extent of the print project. Finished size refers to the size of the print after printing and binding is completed. Flat size is the size of the product before folding, but after printing and trimming, if it\u2019s laid flat. Also inform the printer of any irregular cuts or shapes (die cut) that will be included in the project. Provide the printer with a full-scale printout of the project\u2019s dimensions, including crop marks, if you\u2019re not sure of the size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Number of Pages:<\/span> State the total page count, including the interior pages and covers if quoting a multi-page document. In book printing, it\u2019s important to note whether the total number of pages includes the cover or is in addition to the cover. When using saddle stitching, make sure your final page count is divisible by four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paper Stock:<\/span> The printer should know if you want coated or uncoated paper stock, the weight (thickness) requirement, and the particular color, brand, and type (example: newsprint, recycled, biodegradable paper). Both cover and text weight should be presented. Uncoated paper has a natural finish and rough feel, while coated paper produces finishes that could be matte, gloss, dull, or cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ink\/Colors:<\/span> Specify the color selection needed for the project and whether the ink will print on one or both sides of the piece. Depending on quantity or whether there\u2019s personalization in the project, the estimator will determine whether the project will print in process or spot colors. Here are the differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n