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 to complete an 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 do our best to meet your deadline.
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 PDF proof which will be sent to you online. 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 your complete 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.
Unfortunately we still have customers that do not completely proof their labels and occasionaly find misspelled words or incorrect numbers after receiving the printed labels. Their only options are to correct the error on the next run or to purchase more labels. It can be quite an expensive, yet preventable, mistake.
4. Do I still need to approve a proof if I supply my own artwork?
Yes.
5. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
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. Or submit the short online estimate request and we will get back with you.
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
