To begin the ordering process, please log into your account created. If you have not already created an account, you will need to do so prior to placing your order. (Please fill in all the information when creating your account.) We do not sell or release any of the information provided to PrintDirectforLess.com.
There are 3 different ways you can order specific items; the Products Bar, Custom Quotes or through our Designer. Please keep in mind when placing your order, that if you have multiple designs, each design needs to be its own item. We are not able to break up one quantity into multiple designs. You will not be able to upload any artwork until the order has been paid for and you have received your confirmation number.
Once you have designed and saved your project in our Designer you can order your item and then select your "Saved Design" instead of uploading a design from your local computer.
If you have requested a Custom Quote, you can order directly from the quote. When viewing that quote you can check the box to the left of the information. If there is more than one item on the custom quote, be sure to select the ones you are looking for. Once this is completed you can "Add to Cart." If you are ordering just one item you can proceed to check out using existing account. You can add multiple items to your shopping cart. By doing this it will save on the shipping costs as long as all the items are going to the same shipping address. See Check Out Instructions when ready to check out. Please keep in mind you will not be able to upload artwork until you have received your confirmation number.
If you click on the Products bar you will see a drop-down list of the products PrintDirectforLess.com offers. By clicking on the product you will get a description of that item. You can also get this information by selecting one of the product icons as well. It will list your turn time, paper used, document set up information and more. To add the product to your shopping cart you will need to complete the pricing calculator on the right side of the website. Please be sure to fill in all the information. Once you have completed the pricing calculator you can add your item to the cart. If you are ordering just one item you can Check Out Using Existing Account. You can also add more than one item to your order by choosing an item from the products bar or clicking "Continue Shopping". If ordering multiple sets of business cards you can click "Duplicate Item." By selecting "Duplicate Item" it will copy the same item that was just added to the shopping cart. Once you have added the additional items, Check Out Using Existing Account. Please keep in mind you will not be able to upload artwork until you have received your confirmation number at the end of Check Out.
In order to upload your artwork you will need to complete the check out process. You can indicate if you would like to be notified via text. The next step is going to be entering your payment information. Payments can be made by credit card or by PayPal. Please fill in all the appropriate information. Remember, if you have a credit card on file and the expiration date has changed, you will need to enter the new verification code along with the new expiration date. If you have a promotion code you would need to enter it. The shipping information must be completed even if you are purchasing Mail Services or wanting to pick up your order. Please be sure not to enter a P.O. box. We ship by UPS and they do not deliver to P.O. boxes. You can also select to have your order split shipped to various locations. There is an additional fee of $10.00 per address after the first address plus the standard UPS charges.We are located in Columbia Station, Ohio; you can opt to pick up your order from our location. If you are not going to pick up your order you must select a shipping method. The UPS map that is shown will advise the approximate time for shipping based on our location.
The next step will be to review your information. Please verify all the entered information. If everything is correct, you can select "I agree to the above terms" and "Place Secure Order." After you have received your confirmation number you will be able to upload your artwork. If your order has been declined, please go back and review your information, then resubmit.
Now that you have received your confirmation number, you can upload your artwork. You can go to your Client Area, you may need to log in again, and either go to Orders and select the order number or on the right hand side of the website you will see a red box that says "I want to:" and select Upload files. This will give you a list of orders that are still open. Click on the order that you see "Uploads are required for #####, CLICK HERE". The website will give you a breakdown of the items orders and the steps that need to be completed. You will see "Upload files here" for each item that requires artwork. Click on this link and it will take you to a new page where you can browse for the needed files. You can upload multiple files for each item if needed. Remember if you have ordered multiple items you will need to upload the appropriate files to the correct items. Do not upload all the files to one item. Also if you have requested Mail Services, do not upload your mail list directly to the order. The mail list must be emailed to maillist@PrintDirectforLess.com. You can upload multiple files for each item if needed. To do this select "Add Field" and you will be given an additional browse field. Most of the products now go through an Auto Proofing System. There is no way to by pass this part of the system unless you opted for a Non Automated Online Proof. Click "I understand the terms above" and "Upload" You will see a progress bar for the uploading and auto proofing. If you have selected a Non-Automated Online proof, you will not get a proof instantly. You will still need to upload your artwork, however our prepress department will manually post that proof. Once they have done this you will get an email that advises you have a proof available. You must approve your artwork before it will go into production.
PrintDirectforLess.com, by default, converts all PMS (spot colors) & RGB colors that are electronically submitted, to CMYK colors. PrintDirectforLess.com is NOT responsible for notifying the client who submitted the electronic artwork of this change before converting from PMS or RGB to CMYK colors, and we will also not be responsible for the final color conversion. It is assumed that when clients submit electronic files for print production in PMS or RGB colors, that they will expect the final print product to be produced in CMYK colors. PrintDirectforLess.com will NOT convert CMYK to PMS or RGB colors under any circumstance.
After your order has been placed, you will be asked to log-in to your account and upload your print files to us. Because we follow a strict production and press schedule the turnaround times are completely dependent upon your review and acceptance of your on-line PDF proof as outlined below:
Orders placed and electronic files uploaded by 5:00 p.m. EST.
PDF on-line Proof sent for your review by no later than 9:30 a.m. EST the following morning.
Client accepts PDF on-line Proof by the product approval cut off time 1:00 p.m. EST same day it is posted. The only exception is a Same Day Digital Product which has a cut off time of 10:00 am EST.
Order ships 24 hours, 48 Hours, etc. after you approve your PDF on-line Proof. All turnaround times including 24 - 48 hours are based on normal business days, Monday through Friday and excludes holidays.
To determine your product's turnaround time, please go to that specific product's page and look for the "TURNAROUND TIMES" listing, below the pricing matrix.
Any job that requires bindery services such as nonstandard folding, scoring, and/or perfing, adds additional days to the turnaround times. If your order contains Mailing Services, your order will take an additional 2-3 days on average. Larger than average quantities or orders with special bindery processes such as tabbing, etc., may take additional days. Call for further details if in doubt.
Standard Business Cards:
1 business day on quantities up to 25,000
You Choose: 1 Day, 2-3 Day, 3-4 Day on quantities above 25,000 Trading/Sports Cards
2-3 business days on most quantities
Bifold Business Cards:
5-7 business days on most quantities
Standard Postcards/Rack Cards: (Approval time is 1:00 pm EST)
1 business day on quantities up to 20,000 2 business days on quantities 22,500 to 50,000 3 business days on quantities 60,000 to 100,000 For quantities above 100,000 please submit a custom quote.
Jumbo Cards:
You Choose: 1-Day, 3-Day, 5-Day
For quantities above 100,000 please submit a custom quote.
Scoring and Folding adds 1-2 Business Days
Flyers & Brochures: (Approval time is 1:00 pm EST) 1 business day on quantities up to 2,500 2 business day on quantities 3,000 to 15,000 3 business day on quantities 20,000 to 40,000 You Choose: 1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, 5 Day on quantities 45,000 to 100,000 Folding can add additional time (specialty fold 2- 3 business days) see specific product page for details For quantities above 100,000 please submit a custom quote.
Pocket Folders: (Approval time is 1:00 pm EST) 1 business day on 50 to 1,000 2 business day on 1,500 to 2,500 3 business day on 3,000 to 5,000 4 business day on 7,500 to 15,000 5 business day on 20,000 to 30,000 7 business day on 40,000 to 50,000 For quantities above 50,000 please submit a custom quote.
8.5"x11" and 8.5"x5.5" Finished Size Catalogs: You Choose: 1-Day, 2-3 Day, 4-5 Day, 6-7-Day For quantities above the highest quantity displayed, please submit a custom quote.
Posters: You Choose: 1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day
Folding adds additional time (regular fold 1 business day; specialty fold 3 business days)-see specific product page for details.
Door Hangers: 3-4 business days on 500 to 40,000 5 business days on 50,000 to 70,000 6 business days on 80,000 to 100,000
Rolodex Postcards: 4"x6" - 5-7 business days 8.5"x5.5" - 6-8 business days
Rolodex Cards: 5-7 business days on all quantities
Table Tents: 5-7 business days - up to 20,000 8-9 business days - 25,000 to 40,000 10-11 business days - 45,000 to 60,000 12-13 business days - 65,000 to 80,000 For quantities over 80,000 please call.
CD Jackets: 5-7 business days on 500 to 100,000 For quantities over 100,000 please submit a custom quote.
CD Inserts & Traycards: 5-7 business days on 500 to 100,000 For quantities over 100,000 please submit a custom quote.
Note Pads: 5-7 business days on all sizes & quantities
Event Tickets: 2-3 business days on 250 to 5,000 4-5 business days on 7,500 to 100,000
Numbering will add an additional 2-4 business days depending on quantity.
Scratch-Offs: 5-7 business days on all quantities
Letterhead: 1 business day on 1,000 2 business days on 1,001 to 2,500 3 business days on 2,501 to 5,000 4 business days on 5,001 to 10,000
#10 Envelopes: 1 business day on 1,000 2 business days on 1,001 to 2,500 3 business days on 2,501 to 5,000 4 business days on 5,001 to 10,000
7 business days on any quantity over 10,000
Printing on flap adds an additional 1-2 business days
Banners: 1 business day for 1 to 5 banners 2 business day for 6 to 10 banners 3 business day for 11 to 15 For quantities over 15 please call for turn time.
Mailing Services: This service will add 1-3 business days for addressing The post office delivery time is not included Standard Delivery 3-10 business days First Class Deliver 2-3 business days
Custom Quotes: Turn times for Custom Quotes are included in the quote. They do not fall under the standard turn time. Please check your quote for the turnaround time.
CLIENT SUPPLIED DATABASE FILES & PrintDirectforLess.com "STANDARD" SERVICES AGREEMENT
Our posted pricing for "Address Mailing Services" includes as "STANDARD": inkjet addressing the fields that represent the business name and/or the recipients first and last name, street address, city, state and zip code only.
Because we receive many types and kinds of database files from many sources to use for inkjet addressing mailers that contain additional data fields that are not being used for inkjet addressing, YOU MUST ADVISE IN YOUR ORDER INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE OTHER SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL FIELDS INKJET ADDRESSED OUTSIDE OF THE ITEMS WE LIST ABOVE AS "STANDARD," IF REQUIRED FOR YOUR MAILING. PrintDirectforLess.com is not responsible for fields provided in a client supplied address data file that fall outside of our STANDARD fields to be inkjet addressed, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY ADVISED TO DO SO IN THE CLIENT'S ORDER AT THE TIME THE ORDER IS PLACED.
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY FOR MAILING SERVICES:
OUR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERROR, MISTAKE, OR FAILURE TO PERFORM SERVICES HEREUNDER IS EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE VALUE OF WORK PERFORMED. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL WE BE LIABLE TO ANY CUSTOMER FOR SAID CUSTOMER'S LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PROFITS, POSTAGE, OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUFFERED BY SUCH CUSTOMER AS A RESULT OF ANY ERROR, MISTAKE, OR FAILURE OF US TO PERFORM SERVICES.
The chargeable items listed (but not limited to) below are not included in prices quoted unless specifically stated:
POSTAGE PAYMENTS:
To allow sufficient time for deposit with the U.S. Postal Service when using our mailing permit number, we require that all bank checks, money orders and wire transfer payments to cover postage be in our possession 3 business days before your mail date. Please be aware that there is a $20 processing fee for wire transfers. We also accept credit card payments with a 5% handling charge on transactions. If a postage payment is not received, we cannot advance the postage required, and the U.S. Postal Service will not accept your mail. UNDER ABSOLUTELY NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL POSTAGE BE REFUNDED FOR ANY REASON ONCE A JOB HAS BEEN MAILED BY THE U.S. POST OFFICE.
MULTIPLE DROPS:
Our posted pricing for "Address Mailing Services" includes mailing all pieces as 1 drop. We can accommodate multiple drops, but you will incur a $50 fee for each drop after the first, due to additional processing and paperwork. If the additional drops require storage beyond 2 months from the date of your order, you will incur a monthly storage fee based on product type and quantity. There is a minimum storage fee of $25/month.
ADDRESSING ONLY:
Should you wish for us to address your order and ship it back to you for mailing, we do offer that service. We can re-box your addressed pieces to maintain proper postal sort. There is a re-boxing fee of $10/box for this service. Appropriate UPS charges would also apply. You can also schedule pick up of your trayed, addressed pieces. Our pick up hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Note: PrintDirectforLess.com is not responsible for any additional postage charges incurred when you choose to mail your addressed pieces from your own post office.
NCOA OPTION:
When choosing the NCOA (National Change of Address) option through our website, you are agreeing to allow us to create an account through our mailing software and have a Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF) on hand for one (1) year.
PROPERTIES OF GLOSS PAPER AND TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH FOLDING GLOSS PAPER - "CRACKING" All Gloss papers are manufactured using coating on both sides of an uncoated piece of paper. This is what gives its surface a gloss look. When your job requires folding please be aware that anytime Gloss paper is folded, there is a slight "cracking" appearance that takes place on the fold line because of a breakthrough in the integrity of the coating on the fold line. This is standard in the industry and unavoidable. The cracking appears more readily and visibly in areas that fold over darker colors. However, if your folding goes through the white paper areas you will not notice this at all as white does not tend to show this slight "cracking" on a fold line. The only folding option for 14pt is one fold (bifold), otherwise a custom quote is required. If minimizing "cracking" on your fold is extremely critical, we highly recommend that we SCORE on the fold line before folding and then fold the job on the applied score. If you are at all concerned about slight white "cracking" on the fold of your job, please notify us and we will look at your artwork and advise whether or not scoring should be added. Adding a SCORE before folding softens the blow to the sheet of paper thus helping minimize cracking. We can never guarantee zero "cracking," but scoring will minimize this issue. We have found that less than 1% of our customers choose to score their fold jobs on Gloss paper, as the minimal "cracking" is completely acceptable.