Five Tips For A Rush Print Job

Even with planning, occasionally you may require a rush printing job due to an unforeseen deadline. The following tips can help you get your job printed on time.

1. Reserve Press Time

Your first task, before you even begin to develop the document you need to print, is to contact your printing service and request press time. This way you have a spot reserved in their printing queue that should ensure that your job is completed by the time you need it. The longer you wait to reserve press time, the more likely that your job won't be completed on time. Further, having a reserved press time provides a hard deadline for completing the document and getting it to the printer.

2. Keep It Simple

A last-minute print job isn't the time to create a complicated document. Stick to a simple template, preferably one that you have used before and know how to set up easily. A simple document is less likely to require adjustments once it is sent to the printer, so your job can be completed more quickly. Further, it is easier to create a simple document as opposed to a complicated or image-heavy piece.

3. Make It Print Ready

One of the main issues that can delay a rush printing job is the artwork or images in the document. Contact your printer before you begin the document and find out what you need to do to create a print-ready document. This may mean sizing images to specific dimensions, setting the correct resolution, and using the correct color protocols. If you ensure everything is perfect in the print file you provide, the chances of having the job completed on time are much higher.

4. Split Your Job

One way to speed up a printing job is to print in smaller batches. This may cost more in the long run, since you may not qualify for a bulk discount, but you can get your initial order quickly. For example, if you need 2,000 brochures overall, but only 500 of them right away, then split the order so you can get the initial 500 by your first deadline.

5. Get a Digital Proof

Printers usually require that you look over a proof of the document before they will print it. Speed up this process by requesting digital proof as opposed to physical proof. This way you don't have to wait for the proof to be delivered and you can approve the print job immediately.

Contact a service in your area that provides rush printing if you need more help.