Our state-of-the-art equipment and customer satisfaction make us your best choice for high-quality labels.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Have a question that is not on this list, please click on "Ask a Question" and let us know what you're thinking.

  1. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
  2. What is a "proof"?
  3. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
  4. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
  5. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
  6. Barcode Symbology
  7. How do I get a U.P.C. Barcode number?

1. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

Some jobs can be produced in minutes and some may take weeks. Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know if it can be done and will give a firm delivery date you can count on.

2. What is a "proof"?

A proof is a way of ensuring that your art will be reproduced according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed by you. Once approved, we will reproduce according to the art provided.

Please remember, graphics, art and colors will yield different results if viewed on a computer display, inkjet, color laser, high quality proofing systems and even to the individual eye. The only way to ensure an exact match to yourcomplete and total satisfaction, is for you to do a press check which involves you being here when your job is on the press.

3. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?

Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of the job and approved it as accurate regarding the colors, text, placement and all other factors associated with the job. It is the customers' responsibility to ensure all errors are identified prior to printing. It does benefit everyone, mentally and financially, if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

4. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?

It may seem like a proof wouldn't be needed in this case but it is corporate policy to have the customer sign and submit the proof as evidence that the item has been approved before printing. Besides, your approval of the proof which we will provide assures that the output device used has correctly interpreted and processed the information you have provided.

5. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call toll free at 800-229-8321 and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

6. Barcode Symbology

With the vast array of barcodes and the ever changing landscape from 2 dimensional to 3-D, barcodes can be a bit of a mystery. Here are just a few of those you may have heard about and what they are used for...

Numeric-Only Symbologies

UPC-Based Symbologies:

  • UPC-A: Used with consumer products in U.S., 12 characters
  • UPC-E: Short version of UPC symbol, 6 characters
  • EAN-13: Used with consumer products internationally, 13 characters
  • EAN-8: Short version of EAN-13, 8 characters
  • JAN Codes: Same as EAN-13, used in Japan
  • Bookland: Used to mark books with ISBN number

UPC-Based Extensions

  • 2-Digit Ext.: Used to indicate magazines and newspaper issue numbers
  • 5-Digit Ext.: Used to mark suggested retail price of books

2 of 5 Symbologies:

  • Standard 2 of 5: Used in airline ticket marking, photofinishing
  • Industrial 2 of 5: Same as Standard 2 of 5
  • Interleaved 2 of 5: Used in warehouse, industrial applications

Pulse Width Modulated Symbologies:

  • Plessey Code: Old Symbology, used for shelf marking in retail environments
  • MSI: Variation of Plessey code, with similar applications
  • Modified Plessey Code: Same as MSI
  • Anker Code: Used in European POS systems before EAN was implemented

Code 11 (USD-8): Used to id identify telecommunications equipment

Postnet: Printed by U.S. Post Office on envelopes

Codabar (aka Ames Code/USD-4/NW-7/2 of 7 Code): Used in libraries and blood banks

Alphanumeric Symbologies

Code 128 Based Symbologies

  • Code 128: Very dense code, used extensively worldwide
  • UCC/EAN-128: Used to encode shipping/product information
  • SISAC: Used to encode serial items/periodic magazines

Code 39 (aka USD-3, 3 of 9): U.S. Government and military use, required for DoD applications

Code 93 (aka USS-93): Compressed form of Code 39

7. How do I get a U.P.C. Barcode number?

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