Printing Turnaround

You may wonder how long it will take the printer to finish your job. This guide to printing turnaround will help you know what to expect.

Printing companies typically quote you production turnaround time. This quote only includes production time. Shipping time from the printer is not included. So if the company quotes a two day turnaround time, your choice of shipping method will determine your actual delivery turnaround.

Printing companies start calculating turn around time from the time they receive your order, proof acceptance, and whatever payment they require up front. Just because you have uploaded a file to the printer, does not guarantee your job has been started. Some companies don’t start work unless you have approved a proof (a copy that shows you exactly how the finished job will look). Others include a screen proof as part of the ordering process and assume you have accepted that. If you want to see hard copies, you must add the time it takes to mail you the proofs, to your turnaround time.

If you have not received an email confirming that your job is active, assume that it isn’t. Confirm that your payment has been processed and make sure the printer isn’t waiting for you to accept proofs. This is especially important when working with an online printer, as electronic data has a way of slipping through unnoticed. If you need the job done quickly, being proactive at the start of the job, makes a difference.

Certain print products take longer to set up than others. This set-up time is included in turnaround. Setting up a variable data direct mailing takes longer than a simple digital print job. Some offset printing jobs can take more than two weeks. The complexity of the job is a major factor here.

Another factor you need to consider when calculating printing turnaround is the weekend. Assume that most printers take weekends and holidays off. This means that a turnaround time that starts on a Friday will take two or three additional days. Printers quote their turnaround in business days.

Printing Turnaround Q&A

How much time will my order take to process?

An experienced print shop can tell you how long your job will take. The type of job determines the turnaround time.

Can I ask the print shop to rush my order?

Some jobs can be rushed easily and others with difficulty. You can ask. If the shop can comply, expect to pay for the privilege.

Should I expect the print shop to guarantee their turnaround time?

Quality print shops will guarantee their turnaround time. If you cannot get this guarantee, you need to shop elsewhere. It is important to remember, though, that the print shop only needs to deliver the print job to the shipper by the promised date. From there the responsibility shifts to the shipper.

Conclusion & Advice

Now that you know a little more about printing turnaround, it will be easier to work with the printer you choose. The printer needs time to do the job right. You can’t always speed the printer’s time up, but choosing an express shipping option may help you get the job delivered to your door sooner.

At PrintingChoice.com, you can actually search for printing prices based on turnaround. Simply select your product and quantity, and then choose a turnaround time and get instant pricing from the web’s top printing companies!

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