Frequently Question
How can I get FERR samples?
We offer free samples which we printed for our clients before.
If samples based on your printing file, we will require samples cost, but it could be deducted from the total order amount if order
amount is big.
What is the lead time for China production?
Working overseas has its advantages, but also does require a bit of planning when it comes to lead time. Typical turn times for
China printing projects are 6-8 weeks including shipping, depending on your location. Of course larger or more complex projects will
require more time. In this month's newsletter we offer some tips for managing China production lead time
1. PRE-PRODUCTION:
Dummy (white sample) preparation time: While Express Courier each way is normally only 2-3 days, in all this may add a week or so
to preparation time. For special paper and cloth materials that require additional order times or complex produce
Preflight and file ready time: For suppliers with professional preflight software, it takes as little as one hour to check hundreds
of pages. Since the software is only capable of finding general problems such as low-dpi photos, pages without bleed or color
space problems, a manual check is required as well to detect other innacuracies such as incorrect spelling or missing page numbers.
2. PRODUCTION:
Production itself requires about the same amount of time in China as anywhere else. If the item requires a lot of hand labor, less
time is generally needed due to the possibility of adding many laborers to the job. However it is wise to make sure that all
requirements are clearly stated and all production conditions clearly understood before the job begins, as any confusion will cause
unnecessary delay.
3. SHIPPING:
While production time in China may be the same or less than that of your local printer, shipping time indeed makes the difference.
The below chart provides some rules of thumb you can use to plan your shipping time:
North America: 25-30 days for East Coast
15-20 days for West Coast
South America: 25-32 days
Australia: 13-15 days
Europe: 25-30 days
Japan: 3-7 days
In addition to the actual shipping time, you must take into account the time for customs clearance (usually 2-3 days), GST
Settlement (Australia) and potential delays due to additional customs inspections, poor weather conditions or other unforeseeable
events.
More Questions
Communicate clearly what you want in writing, preferably with samples and/or photos, so that preproduction and production
results will be more accurate.
If the product is simple and you trust your supplier, forego some lesser sample stages and accept photos and reports instead.
China Printing Solutions International provides a "Preflight report," “Prepress Proof”, “Firstbound Production Samples” and
a "Final Inspection Report with Photos" to enable your inspection and feedback at each critical step. This will save you time
compared to sending the real sample to you directly. But this method has its risks, better to allow needed time.
Partial air shipment is the fastest way to get the final samples on hand for urgent use, but it’s always very expensive to do
so. The rough FedEx fees are around $20/kg to Australia, $28/kg to US/UK and $45/kg to South America or South Africa.
Look for ways to speed up shipping. For instance, sailing to the East Coast of the United States via the Panama Canal is
cheaper but takes longer. Full containers will clear customs faster. If using multiple containers, you should plan to ship them
one by one.
What NOT to do....fail to leave enough time and then push your supplier excessively to finish faster. While something
can always be done, “Haste makes Waste” and nothing slows a job down like a rework. If you can’t leave enough time,
perhaps the job is not suitable for China or your planning is not realistic.
We prefer PDF, but we accept ALL file types from ANY platform. While there are some preferred file types since
modern print production primarily uses these in its workflow. We happily accept Corel, Publisher and other files types
created on a Mac or PC.
How to prepare the printing file?
1. File Preparation Guides
Applications Supported
Our preferred file format is a print ready PDF file. Many current design and drawing applications will allow you to generate
a PDF file right from the software. If yours does not, you would need to generate a PDF using Adobe Distiller if is available
to you. Otherwise we will more than likely be able to work with your native files (please remember to include you
images and fonts when uploading).
Shangyuan supports the following layout programs:
.ai, Adobe Illustrator drawing or vector graphics file
.eps Encapsulated postscript image file created using Adobe Illustrator; designed for high resolution printing of
illustrations; standard file format for importing and exporting PostScript files
.cdr Corel Draw Vector drawing file
.tiff Tag Image File Format; preferred bitmap graphics format for high-resolution postscript printing
.jpg or .jpeg standard format for photographic image compression developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group
.psd Bitmap file created using Adobe Photoshop
.indd InDesign Document from Adobe Systems
.pdf Portable Document File from Adobe Acrobat
.qxd QuarkXpress Document or Data File
.pub Document file associated with Microsoft Publisher
File preparation CHECKLIST
Please follow this guide to reduce potential problems,
avoid additional costs and speed up production and delivery
1). SCAN/SAVE
Scanning resolution is usually twice the output line screen. A resolution of 300 dpi or close is ideal when scanning color
and grey scale materials. B/W art should be scanned not higher than 600 dpi. Text should be at 400 dpi. Always scan at
100% of the final size of your document.
2). COLOR MODES
No RGB images. RGB is used for viewing images on a monitor. Please convert to and save all your images in CMYK mode.
Your images will not output properly if your files are not set up in CMYK.
3). BLEEDS
A bleed occurs when the ink prints to the very edge of the paper. For bleeds, you must extend your artwork beyond
the border page by 1/8 inch.
4). PROOFREAD
Please spell-check your document and review all other information carefully before submitting your files to us to
ensure accuracy.
5). IMAGE FILES
• Please submit all image and graphic files used in your document
• Include the original copies of each graphic file.
• Include all supporting files used in the document
• Send the linked file of “placed images” in Illustrator or Quark.
• Do not embed image files into your layout
6). FONTS
Please submit your files with all the necessary fonts included – both screen & printer fonts used in your document.
Without the printer fonts we cannot create a proof or plates for your print job.
7). PRINT GUIDE
Please send us a mock-up or dummy of your job to serve as a guide.
8). CONTACT INFORMATION
All files and medium sent to us should have client’s complete name and contact information.
9). CHECKLIST
Please include a print out or checklist of each item you are sending.
Here are some tips and guidelines to help you in finding potential errors in your file,
BEFORE it goes to press
Check proofs for accuracy against laser prints and mock-ups:
Are all pages included in the proof?
Are the pages in the proper order & page numbers correct?
Are all images/photos included and in proper placement?
Measure the final trim size and check folds for accuracy.
Check for image quality and color accuracy:
Are photos cropped correctly? Are all photos facing the proper direction?
Do photos & graphics have good contrast?
Check color placement & color consistency throughout the pages. If you have received a color accurate proof, are
the colors correct?
Check general accuracy of fonts, bleeds, and crossovers:
Are all fonts correct?
Is the text crisp & spaced properly?
Are the margins & page alignment(s) correct?
Are there any missing characters or broken type?
Verify that bleeds extend beyond the trim marks.
Highlight hickeys and misc. scratches:
Are there dust spots, printing marks, or dirt marks?
Double check set-up and print specifications:
Verify any finishing elements like die-cuts, embossing, foils, varnishes, etc.
Confirm the weight and color of the final paper stock.
Check indicia for accuracy (if item is used for mailing).
Proof Checklist:
Color
image placement
text placement
hyphenation
typeface
spot color
metallic ink
What happens if there are pricing errors?
We make every effort to ensure that all information on our quotation is reliable and accurate, including
product description and pricing. However, should a product be listed at a wrong price or with incorrect
information due to typographical or human error, please note:
• We have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed whether or not the order has been confirmed.
• If your order is canceled due to a pricing error and your credit card has already been charged, we will immediately
issue a full refund.
Product prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please check before placing your order
If you haven’t approved your proof, you can make an order change request by Emailing us. Our Customer Service
Team is available anytime to assist you.
An order may be cancelled on condition that no work has been completed for that order. In this case, the customer
will be charged a $15 cancellation fee in addition to any fees charged for proofs or samples, if applicable. However, an
order cannot be cancelled if and when
• The order has been sent to production.
• The ordered item has been printed.
• The order is already packaged.
• The order is en route to you.
• The order has been delivered.
• In such cases, please understand that we are unable to cancel any orders and the customer shall be charged in full.
How do I make a change to my order?
If you haven’t approved your proof, you can make an order change request by Emailing us. Our Customer Service Team
is available anytime to assist you.
Can I change my order once it has been placed?
Changes to your order can be accommodated before you approve your print job.
Once we have received your approved proof and your print job has been sent to the press, we no longer entertain
changes to the file, artwork, quantity, product options, etc.
Our Customer Service Team will send you Email which include the order tracking information, after the order was
shipped out.
Proofs are usually available 2-3 days after the order is placed. Submitted files with no issues will have a proof ready
in 2 days. Almost all files we receive have some issues therefore delaying the proof completion time.
A "proof" is a preview of your press-ready file, allowing you to examine and confirm layout, text and content before
your order goes to press. We rely on your thorough inspection of the proof to detect and correct errors. Orders
will not go to press until we receive your proof approval. Online & hard proof options are available
How long will my file take to upload?
Uploading a file varies depending on the size of your file, your internet connection, and the amount of traffic on our
site at the moment you submit it. If you feel your file is taking too long to upload, cancel and try again after a few minutes.
Please contact us to get FTP serve, it's a simple way to upload your file.
Or you can upload your file to any website you can use.
Or you can send us disk.
Why and How to compress your files?
File compression reduces the size of a file, allowing for faster transmission over the Internet. Compression also protects
the file from possible corruption. Files should be compressed when:
1. You have more than four files to upload
2. You are sending Mac files
How to compress your files:
1. Take all the files for the job and put them in a single folder. Name the folder something appropriate to the order.
2. For Windows files, compress the folder as a .zip file using the compression software Winzip or PKZip. For Mac files, use
StuffIt and please BinHex encode it so that your file will retain its resource fork and arrive with icons intact.
What types of media do we accept files on?
We accept any media type including CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, Jazz, Zip and All DVD formats.
What is satisfaction guarantee?
stands behind the quality of its products and services. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase from us, simply
contact us within 45 days from the shipping date you receive it and we will refund the full price of the product(s) in question,
excluding shipping and processing costs.
Indeed, Shangyuan takes great pride in its commitment to customer satisfaction. However, certain circumstances are
beyond our control and are not covered by the guarantee. Please note that we cannot be responsible for:
Spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors made by the customer.
Inferior quality or low-resolution of uploaded printing files.
Design errors introduced by the customer in the document creation process.
Damage to the printing products arising after delivery to the customer.
Please preview your designs carefully and correct any mistakes prior to placing your order. In an effort to keep costs
down and pass substantial savings along to our customers, Shangyuan does not proof documents created by its customers
prior to processing.
Chinese Holiday
Modern China operates according to two separate calendars, the Chinese or Lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar
used in the West. The traditional Chinese calendar, which has been in existence for over 2500 years, changes from year
to year, and is the calendar used exclusively for Chinese Holidays.
Most important of these ancient holidays is the Chinese New Year, a week long holiday that this year will be celebrated
from February 13th to February 21th. When planning your production, take into consideration this and other holidays that
may disrupt working schedules. For the longer holidays, expect some work slowdowns, supply chain delays or other
irregularities in the days preceding and following the actual holiday dates. Below is an overview of China holidays in 2010.
New Year’s Day: Jan 1-3 3 Days
Chinese New Year: Feb 13-21 7 Days
Grave Sweeping Day: Apr 3-5 3 Days
Labor Day: May 1-3 3 Days
Dragon Boat Festival: June 14-16 3 Days
Mid-Autumn Festival: Sept 22-24 3 Days
National Day: Oct 1-7 7 Days
How To Prepare The Artworks?
Accepted File Formats
Adobe Illustrator AI
Press Quality or Hight Quality Print PDF
Layout Guideline
Verify the dimensions and orientation of dieline for which you are creating your artwork.
Check to see if there are any “safe viewable areas”, cut-outs, glue area, crease (foldingline) that must be considered in
creating your layouts.
Include “1/8” bleed.
Create files in CMYK mode.
Provide all fonts or all fonts outlined.
Provide all linked artwork DO NOT embed images.
Resolution
Resolution should be a minimum of 150 DPI to a maximum of 300 DPI at the final (100%) size.
Never use low-resolution images (i.e. screenshots, low-resolution web images, etc.)
Colour Proofing
If a Hard Copy Colour Proof has not been requested (additional charge), we would send press digital proof file through email.
If Hard Copy Colour proof is required, we would need PMS Colors to be specified or physical proofs or previously printed
boxes are provided to match.
Hard Copy Colour Proof : Press ready file printed over proof paper plus Color Drawdown
Colour Drawdown: PMS Colour ink applied over ordered stock paper , coated and uncoated
Does SoOPAK accept any file format?
No.
SoOPAK accepts print-ready files in any of the following formats:
ai, pdf
In other words, SoOPAK accepts print-ready files saved from the following design software programs: Adobe
Photoshop CS, Adobe Illustrator庐 CS, Adobe InDesign庐 CS
----
In the ai or pdf file all the images need to high-quality, uncompressed 300 dpi resolution, 8 bit, CMYK color mode.
Do I need to use CMYK color mode?
Yes. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB or Pantone, they will be converted to
CMYK during preflighting. Conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift. Before submitting
your digital artwork files, you may want to review our file preparation guidelines.
Does my artwork have 0.125" bleeds?
SoOPAK requires a 0.125" bleed around the perimeter of your artwork to ensure accurate cutting (e.g., artwork for
a 4"x6" postcard should extend to 4.25" x 6.25"). If your image has a white border on all four sides, bleeds are recommended
but not required. If your image is not white on all four sides, you must include bleeds in print-ready files. Before submitting
your artwork files, you may want to review our file preparation guidelines.
Resolution also known as DPI (Dots Per Inch) can be described as the number of dots that fit horizontally and vertically
into a one-inch space. Generally, the more dots per inch, the more detail captured and the sharper the resulting image.
For an image to print properly, the image must be at least 300 dots per inch (dpi) at the final output size. If your file is
not 300 dpi, you can not simply increase the dpi from a low resolution to a higher one by increasing the DPI in your imaging
program.
What resolution is needed for my job?
For most printing jobs, 300 dots per inch (DPI) is the minimum resolution to guarantee acceptable printing results. For
larger products such as large format posters and banners, we recommend sharper resolution which can range from 300
to 1200 dpi, depending on the intended use of the printed piece.
What if my file is missing fonts?
It is important that you supply all fonts used in your layout. If you do not supply fonts in your artwork file, we will request
that you resubmit your files with fonts included.
If you have vector artwork and your file is missing fonts, you can open your file in Illustrator, select "Create Outlines", save
your fonts, re-save your artwork file, and then upload it.
If you have artwork that is rasterized, you can open your file in Photoshop and select "Flatten the Layers", re-save your artwork
file, and then upload it.
Please do not submit your fonts seperately from your file because it is critical that we receive your print-ready file with fonts
included to avoid any printing issues.
How do I convert text to outlines?
All text within your files must be converted to outlines with the outline set to zero to eliminate the need for fonts. Before
submitting your artwork files, you may want to review our file preparation guidelines.
What if my file is missing images?
Please EMBED all the image in your file.
If your file is missing the images you desire, you should re-save your file properly so that the images will not drop out during
printing.
We do not normally accept images by themselves. The only exception is if you engage one of our graphic designers to help you
with your project. Otherwise, you must place all images in your artwork and make sure to save your files properly. Please refer
to your software program manual for more information on how to save your files properly.
Vector-based software programs such as Illustrator or InDesign have a tendency of image dropping out when transparency
effects are being used.
If you are using Photoshop, you should flatten all layers before saving to keep all images and text in place.
What if my artwork contains gradients?
Gradients are commonly used in printing and in most instances produce good results. Gradients can be represented in a file
as a mathematical equation (Vector) or rendered by the application into a series of pixels (Raster). Before submitting your
artwork files, you may want to review our file preparation guidelines.