FAQ Page for Artful Dragon Press Overseas Print Brokers
Do I have to be a printing "expert" to work with you? Don't worry. If you're unfamiliar with buying printing, printing terminology or the production process, we'll walk you through it. We're excited to show you how to save money by printing in Asia or India.
Is the Asian production quality up to my standards? Yes. You'll get printing that is as good as or better than what you're getting now. Our associates invest heavily in the latest equipment and technology. Their quality control standards are as rigorous as those of the top printers in North America or Europe . Many have ISO certifications.
What is the standard delivery time for doing jobs in Asia? Production time frames are competitive (it's not uncommon for printing plants in Asia to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week). Normal production time is 5 to 10 days after receiving your approval of the proofs, depending on the size and complexity of the job. You must also factor in the freight time: allow an average of 14-21 days for shipping by sea to U.S. West Coast ports. Inland transportation usually adds another 5 to 7 days. Delivery times to other countries may require slightly more or less time. If you need it faster, we can ship a partial by air for the cost of the airfreight.
Is there a minimum order? If it a single color product, you normally need to print at lease 10 to15,000 pieces for cost effectiveness. If it is a full color product savings can occur on quantities as low as 2,500 pieces. It greatly depends on the page count, the binding style and the overall project complexity. Most of our jobs run between $10,000 and $500,000. Please refer to our "Get a Quote" tab for a more detailed breakdown of the minimal quantity guidelines.
What format can I use for the artwork? Just about any format you want. Our pre-press capability is state-of-the-art. We can accept all of the standard media (Zip, Jaz, CD, DVD or upload to a factory server) and graphics software (QuarkXPress, PageMaker, Photoshop, PDF).
What about special projects that involve more than printing? We have excellent vendors for the duplication of CDs and CD-ROMs, video and audiotapes and other items. We can also arrange the assembly of multi-component projects that require handwork, due to lower labor costs. Just tell us what your requirements are and we can often help.
How can I be assured of a high-quality job without a press check? We provide a complete set of press proofs for all jobs, as well as a bound sample using the exact materials that you specified. Your final job will not be printed until you have approved the press proofs. In addition, either we or one of our associates can be at the press check.
Can I or one my representatives attend the press check? Sure. Just let us know and we'll make the arrangements.
What kind of paper will my job be printed on? We can print on any paper you specify. However, you will get the greatest cost benefit if you use stocks manufactured in Asia . Several countries produce high-caliber papers from U.S. wood pulp. Remember, since you'll receive a press proof printed on the same stock, you will know exactly what you are getting before the production run.
If you ship by sea, do I have to worry about customs clearance and delivery from the port? No. We'll take care of everything. Your order will be delivered to any address you designate.
What if I want my job shipped to another country? We'll deliver it anywhere in the world.
Can I save money on color separations done in Asia? Yes. We can furnish top-quality color separations. However, with technological advances in pre-press and desktop publishing, the savings on the typical project are not nearly as great as they were just a few years ago. The major benefit of printing in Asia is that you receive color proofs and advance copies.
Lead free, and environmentally sound, Soy based
Inks are used for all of our printing.
Get a Printing Quote from our International Printing Factories for the production of your next book, calendar or catalog printing project. For more information on how to get tremendous savings by using our Asian or our other International printing companies contact us by email at tpage@artfuldragon.com
As a U.S. based print broker, Artful Dragon provides quality printing for books, catalog, brochure, calendar, four color printing, etc. in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and other Asia based countries using reliable, high quality Asian and Chinese printers.