Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Where do I find pricing or get a custom quote on a project?
A1. Because of the many variables in the specifications of a job, we can't publish all possible combinations. However, we've attempted to price many of the standard combinations. If you don't find what you're looking for send us a quote request.

Q2. What's your in-house turnaround?
A2. We currently have an average 3-5 business days turnaround on most items. Some items, like catalogs, require extra postpress work which can add to our normal turnaround. Ask us about special rush charges. Sometimes, if the conditions are right, next day service might be available!

Q3. What kind of printing do you do and do you have any specialty items?
A3. We print both in full color (4-color process) and spot color (Pantone PMS).We can print up to 5 colors on one side in one pass. Typically if you want only 1-2 color printing we'll print on our 2-color 12" x 18" press. We specialize in printing 4-color process (full color) business cards and postcards, and have put excellent pricing together for you if you can utilize our high quality 111 lb 12 pt gloss cover paper. For long runs we can actually set up our 5 color to print 1 color on one side and up to 4 colors on the second side. This can save you money by only requiring one pass on the press.

Q4. What type of equipment do you use?
A4. We strive to produce top quality products quickly and efficiently. Therefore, by having a workflow which is entirely digital, it minimizes the time and expense wasted in the traditional print shop which uses film or polyester plates. We print using a 5-color Heidelberg offset press for most of our printing. The press utilizes a CPC (computer print control) for remote ink-key setting and remote registeration ajustments.The plates for the press are output direct from your digital file, bypassing archaic film process, to our Screen CTP platesetter with internal register pin punching for ultimate on-press registration.

Q5. What does "CTP" mean and why is it better than using old-school film separations?
A5. CTP is short for "Computer To Plate". Many printers still use the old style of making plates by first producing film from an imagesetter. There are many variables which adversly affect the quality of the final dot on the conventional printing plate. The CTP process eliminates many of these variables associated with film and their inherant potential for problems of film streatch, film-based dot-gain, mis-registration, over-/under-exposure.

Q6. How can you offer full color printing so inexpensively?
A6. We are a modern shop with skilled people who work efficiently. Because we are entirely digital and use CTP technology, we can eliminate much of the overhead and inefficiencies that many shops are burdened with. For example, we literally print millions of full color business cards and postcards every year - keeping our prices low due to economies of scale.

Q7. How do I submit my artwork/photos/information for printing? What type of programs or files do you accept?
A7. First, you need to fill out an order form on our website. Submitting files is easy and can be done through our file transfer page accesible from the order form, or on disk through the mail. See our list of acceptable programs and file types. Design and typesetting services are available if you need to send us artwork or incomplete files for setup here at our standard rates.

Q8. How do I pay for my printing?
A8. All printing is prepaid prior to any work. We accept all major credit cards, company checks, cashier's checks, and money orders. If you want to pay by a company check instead of one of the other options, and your order is more than $100.00, it must clear the bank (usually 7 business days) before we proceed. All first time orders are pre-paid. An account may be opened with repeat customers upon approval of a credit application.

Q9. I'm a printing reseller, and am interested in wholesale pricing. What do you have available?
A9. You'll need to fill out the form at http://www.aceprinting.net/reseller and get your information into our database. You will then be e-mailed with instructions on how to access special wholesale prices on our website. We have awesome wholesale prices on full color printing if you can provide us with press-ready files.

Click here for very important notes on color