Post Card Design Tips for Designing Postcards, Mailing and Printing

General/Company

What is your phone number and hours of operation?
You can call us at 1-888-940-7070 or 262-512-0400 from 7:30AM to 5:30PM CST Monday through Friday. Our fax number is 262-512-0460. You can send an Email at any time.

Where are you located?
We are located in Mequon, Wisconsin which is 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee and 90 minutes north of Chicago.

Why don't you have an electronic shopping cart?
Because all the printing we do is custom, we have found it not practical to offer this type of technology. Most of our customers have various unique request and we found it simpler for people to place their orders by calling us at 888-940-7070.

In addition, we want to consult with our customers to make sure they are getting the right solution(s) based on their needs and budget.

Can I get samples/examples of your work to help me make my buying decision?
Yes of course. Please call us at 888-940-7070 or sent us an email post card examples.

Products/Ordering

Can I order 1 or 2 color printing from EBA?
Yes you can order 1, 2 or 3 color printing from EBA. Your artwork should specify the call out PMS colors that you want to use. Artwork that is provided in CMYK will either need to be converted or will be need to be printed in full color. Any problems with your files will be determined during our prepress stage. If a problem is found with your file you will be notified and either you can resolve the problem or we can redo your files for an additional charge.

Can I print different size format than what is shown on the website?
Yes. Use our form on the Custom Postcard Printing page to request a custom broshure quote or call 888-940-7070.

Can I print using a different paper stock than what is shown on the website?
Yes. Since we are a custom printer we can print on just about any paper stock. Use our form on the Custom Print Request page to request a custom quote or call 888-940-7070.

How well will my job match what I see on my monitor?
Most people are surprised at how well their job matches what they see. But because of wide differences in monitor calibration and the different technologies used, some printed colors may not exactly match the colors on your specific monitor. We highly recommend that you sent us original copies or a color proof for us to match the colors you desire. We will match as close as possible your original copies/color proof. However, we do not guarantee an exact match.

If you require precise color match, please contact us to arrange for a hardcopy color proof. Once you approve the additional fee(s) (starting at $50), we will produce and send you a hard proof via overnight delivery. When you approve and return the proof, we will match (within 98%) the color of the proof when printing your final piece.

Will you match a sample I print out on my own printer, or a previously printed sample?
At EBA Printing, part of the way we offer fast turnaround and low pricing is by printing to a "pleasing color" standard, using standard ink densities. Therefore, there is no guarantee that your finished piece will approximate your printed sample. This is due in part to the widely varying results from different output devices including inkjet and laser printers, continuous tone proofing devices, high-resolution film-based proofs, and different than true offset lithography. Even from one commercial printing company to another, there can be significant differences in results. In particular, inkjet and laser prints are known to look substantially different than true offset printing.

If you require precise color match, please contact us to arrange for a digital color proof. Once you approve the additional fees (starting at $50), we will produce and send you a hard proof via overnight delivery. When you approve and return the proof, we will strive to match the color of the proof when printing your final piece.

There are additional charges for precise color match service. Also, if you request color correction or other changes after you see your proof, there will be additional charges for color correction time and a new proof.

How do I place an order and send my files to you?
To place an order please call 888-940-7070 to place an order. At that time you will be given 3 options to send us your artwork: (1) if the files are less than 10MB you will be given an email address; (2) for files of 10MB to 50MB (or can be sent in separate transmissions of 50MB or less) we will provide an automatic upload site to send your files; and (3) send us a CD or Zip Disk.

What method of payments do you accept?
We accept for payment American Express, Master Card, Visa, Bank Wire Transfer, Cashiers Check and Company Check (with a 6 day hold). A minimum of 1/2 the order value must be paid prior to work beginning and the balance must be paid prior to shipping your order.

How long does it take for me to get the proof of my job?
Once you have placed your order and we have received your artwork, you should get it within 1 business day or less.

What do in your prepress stage and what format will be proof be sent?
We will review your file to assure that it prints correctly. Any problems/issues will be communicated to from our prepress group. All electronic proofs are sent via email as a low resolution PDF. Because of communication bandwidth we do not send high resolution PDFs.

How long will it take to get my order?
Most jobs will be shipped within 4 business days (or up to 10 days if you have ordered product with our "delay discount") after approval of your proof. Our normal method of shipping is UPS Ground, which takes from 1 to 4 business days to get to you depending on your location. (Note: For Alaska, Hawaii and other US territories your order will need to be shipped either 1st or 2nd day air.)

Can I get my order faster?
Yes. You can pay additional fee of $75.00 for 2 day production. In addition, you can upgrade your shipping method for faster delivery. Please let us know your requirements at time of order.

Will I receive exactly the quantity I order?
Most of the time, we ship you slightly more than you ordered, free of charge. On occasion, we ship slightly fewer pieces than you ordered. Printing industry trade standards allow for underages of up to 5%. If you plan to send your print order to a mailing list or need a guaranteed quantity, we recommend that you order 5% over the minimum quantity you need.

What if I want to change something on my order after I've placed it or approved the proof?
We require an electronic "paper trail" for all changes made after your initial order is placed. You may make changes to such things as quantity, shipping method, or shipping address by calling or emailing us. Please note that some changes cannot be made after certain stages in the production process -- for instance, the quantity cannot be changed once your job has been printed.

File Preparation

What file formats do you accept?
We can accept any file output as an Adobe PDF (Press Optimized/300 DPI), .EPS (text converted to line art preferred), .TIF (300 DPI) or .JPG (300 DPI).

Compatible Mac or PC version from the following programs: Quark (version 6 or lower), PageMaker (version 6.5 or lower), InDesign (Version 2.0 or CS), Illustrator (Version 10 or lower), Photoshop (Version 5.5 or lower), or see our prepress document.

What types of storage media do you accept?
We can take your files on a CD or Zip disk. re to send it.

How well will my job match what I see on my monitor?
Most people are surprised at how well their job matches what they see. But because of wide differences in monitor calibration and the different technologies used, some printed colors may not exactly match the colors on a your specific monitor. We do our best to make your job look good.

What is the difference between the RGB and CMYK color space and why does it matter?
RGB refers to the primary colors of light, Red, Green and Blue, that are used in monitors, television screens, digital cameras and scanners. CMYK refers to the primary colors of pigment: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These are the inks used on the press in "4-color process printing", commonly referred to as "full color printing".

The combination of RGB light creates white, while the combination of CMYK inks creates black. Therefore, it is physically impossible for the printing press to exactly reproduce colors as we see them on our monitors.

Many programs have the capability to convert the layout/images from the RGB color space to the CMYK color space. We request that you convert your colors from RGB to CMYK if your tools allow you to. By doing it yourself, you have maximum control over the results. You may notice a shift in color when converting from RGB to CMYK. If you do not like the appearance in CMYK, we recommend that you make adjustments while working in CMYK (usually lightening). Generally, you should specify CMYK color builds that look a little lighter than you want, since the dots of ink "fatten up" on press, giving you more pigment on paper than you see on your monitor. Be especially careful to keep backgrounds light if there is black or dark colored text over it, so that the text remains readable.

Will you match a sample I print out on my own printer, or a previously printed sample?
At EBA Printing, part of the way we offer fast turnaround and low pricing is by printing to a "pleasing color" standard, using standard ink densities. Therefore, there is no guarantee that your finished piece will approximate your printed sample. This is due in part to the widely varying results from different output devices including inkjet and laser printers, continuous tone proofing devices, high-resolution film-based proofs, and different than true offset lithography. Even from one commercial printing company to another, there can be significant differences in results. In particular, inkjet and laser prints are known to look substantially different than true offset printing.

There are substantial additional charges for precise color match service. Also, if you request color correction or other changes after you see your proof, there will be additional charges for color correction time and a new proof.

When sending a MS Publisher file.... should I compress it with "Pack and Go," or should I just send the normal .pub file?
While we can work with either type, we prefer to get the normal, uncompressed file. Please do not use Publisher's "Pack and Go" feature. If you are sending Publisher files with linked graphics (generally NOT recommended in Publisher), please gather all the associated files into a single Zipped file, and send us that. If you are using a font that is not included with Publisher, please send it along with your Publisher file. You can either Zip them together, or upload the font as an additional file upload (or include it on cd or zip-disk if you are sending files via mail.)

How do I check for proper imposition or backup?
"Imposition" and "backup" refer to how the front of a printed piece is oriented to the back. In the case of a brochure, you normally turn it over right-to-left (like you turn the page of a book) in order to have the back side read correctly -- not upside down. Seems simple, until you get to a postcard where one side is layout in landscape (horizontal) orientation, and the other side in portrait (vertical) orientation. We use our best judgment when imposing a job, so that it backs up in the most natural or normal manner. Some designs, however, contain both portrait and landscape elements on both sides, making it difficult to make a clear call. When reviewing your proof online, we will always post the front and the back in the orientation that they will print in relation to each other. So, if page 2 appears upside down, that is how it will be printed on the back of page 1. (Some people want it that way, so that the recipient of the piece must turn it over top-to-bottom in order to read it correctly.) Be sure to print out a copy of your online proof, and attach the two sides to each other to create a "mockup" or "dummy." This is especially important when a job will be folded.

How much should I allow for full bleed (having the ink go to the edge of the paper)?
If you design has the printing going to the edge of the paper (full bleed), please allow for an 1/8" (i.e. if the finished piece is 8.5x11 then with bleeds the layout should be 8 3/4 x 11 1/4) past the finished size of your project.

Helpful Post Card Designing Tips

How do I make a press ready PDF?
IF .pdf "doesn't process well" then many printing companies will encounter "unknown post-script error" or "unable to produce plate separations" and unable to process files.THEN review PDF distilling process: Print/Save .ps file first, then make PDF in Adobe Acrobat Distiller using default "press optimized/high resolution" preference settings (avoid exporting/making PDF direct from InDesign, Quark, etc.). Note: "Dot Gain" compensation not necessary...there are preference settings in Acrobat Distiller and native programs (Quark, InDesign, etc.) that change 100% black to print approximately 90-95% screen of black to compensate for ink "bleeding" on uncoated papers. This is not recommended for printing brochures.

Verify files are setup in CMYK?
IF job is to print in full color/CMYK process: Before sending "press-ready files", be sure that all photos are in CMYK (not RGB) and swatches have CMYK values (no SPOT/Pantone info). THEN convert all files and swatches to CMYK: any swatches used in Illustrator, Quark or InDesign should have CMYK values, and any "spot" boxes should NOT be checked (be sure to have non-global, CMYK info. spec'd)
Note: Spot/Pantone plate separations for 1-color, 2-color + 3-color jobs: please be sure that all swatches have identical "spot" info spec'd, including swatch name and color/value (i.e. Pantone 541 CV spelled out consistently in swatches.... not PMS 541 CVC from Illustrator + Pantone 541c in Quark--our systems are not always able to "merge swatches", depending on source)

How do you setup fine lines and light screens for printing?
If a line is too fine or color is applied to "fill" instead of "stroke/line", it may disappear. We recommend a minimum stroke/line value of 0.25 pt thickness (not hairline) to ensure that it "holds" on press.

If any image area is too light, it may "disappear" (color is "filled" with screen value of under 3%). We recommend a minimum screen/fill value of 5% of any 1 color ink to ensure it holds on press.

How to make sure the correct fonts show up on your brochure artwork?
IF font problems encountered: Font may be incorrectly made "bold" or "italic" using "B" and "I" buttons in Quark/InDesign. This font may not be available on as a screen preview, and "printer font" needed may not exist OR font is actually damaged/corrupt (the more fonts are copied & shared, the more they get damaged)
THEN replace font & resend files: If original, purchased font cannot be provided to us (complete, Mac-compatible screen & printer font family in a folder), then we can "replace" corrupt or incomplete font with similar font from our stock of fonts (we just need something to reference to help us match your font)

To discuss your postcardd requirements, please contact an EBA consultant at 888-940-7070 or 262-512-0400 (M-F 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM CST).

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