Our Ordering Process

From your idea to product in hand. How we make it happen.

Getting Started

First contact and what we need from you.

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Getting organized at the beginning of any project is always a time-saver. Whether we will be designing your project or it has already been designed, here are a lists of what we will need from you to get started:

  • A mockup, print samples or general idea if what you want your project to look like.
  • Copies of your logo or any other logos or branding items that you want included. We prefer digital files but can use printed material if necessay. Web graphics can be used for reference only as they are not print resolution.
  • Photos. Digital or prints, but not from the web.
  • Copy. We do not write copy so please have some ready for your project. Keep in mind when it comes to copy, less is more, so keep it simple.
  • Please send all digital artwork in the CMYK color space at 300 dpi in TIF, EPS, PDF or JPG formats at the size to be used or larger.
  • We work on the Macintosh operating system and use up-to-date versions the following publishing software: QuarkXpress, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat.
  • We cannot accept Microsoft Publisher or CorelDraw formats...please convert your files to be compatible with the software above.
  • Send font files (Mac or PC) or convert your fonts to artwork/curves/paths.
  • Always follow up by phone with your sales representative to ensure we received your information by mail, fax, or email.
  • Always provide contact information, the company you are with and what order the materials are to appear on when submitting files.
  • If you desire a specific color, please provide us with the Pantone number or the CMYK breakdown.
  • When sending digital photos, bear in mind that to reproduce an image 4"x6", the resolution will need to be approximately 1800x1300 pixels. The smaller the resolution, the smaller your photo will be.
  • We CANNOT use images from web pages. To prepare a web image for print it must be reduced to 25% of its size. This usually renders the image too small for its intended purpose.
  • Send small to medium size files by email to graphics@ga-printing.com. (compress files as ZIP or SIT if needed to save upload/download time).
  • You can send larger files directly to our FTP site (ask for login info) or use services like dropbox.com, yousendit.com, etc.
  • We can also read USB flash drives, CD's, DVD's, Zip disks, and 3.5" floppies by mail.
  • We accept copy by email as text in the body of the email, as a Microsoft Word document, or as a plain-text attachment.
  • We work on the Macintosh operating system and use up-to-date versions the following publishing software: QuarkXpress, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat.
  • We cannot accept Microsoft Publisher or CorelDraw formats...please convert your files to PDF, EPS, TIF or jpeg format.
  • We have the following Office software from which to "extract" photos or text (we will have to recreate your layout with our publishing software if you submit your files this way): Microsoft Office: Word, Powerpoint and Excel.
  • Always follow up by phone with your sales representative to ensure we received your information by mail, fax, or email.

Once you get organized we have several ways to begin the ordering procees depending on what stage you are prepared for. If you are simply wanting a quote or you are ready to submit preliminary information you can begin by filling out and submitting our Quote ⁄ Preorder form.
Visit our Quote ⁄ Preorder page

If you have questions you can email us or call us at 800.438.8726 and one of our print specialists can help you get started.
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Proofing

Our proofing process: What to expect.

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We offer several methods of proofing to suit your needs;

  • Online
  • Email
  • Fax
  • Hard copy by mail

At this time our standard method for proofing is by email. If you would prefer another method just let your personal print specialist know.

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Making Changes

Streamlining your project.

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Once you receive your proof you may find that you need to make some alterations. We have a streamlined alterations process for in-production jobs at no cost to our customers. Minor changes can usually be made and re-proofed the same day. More complex changes may take longer but are still treated as high-priority.

During the proofing/alterations stage, please keep in mind any project deadlines you might have.

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Approving For Print

From final approval to product in hand: What to expect.

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We accept project approvals by:

  • Online
  • Email
  • Fax
  • Phone

After approval your project will be put in queue for printing. The shipping date for your project is determined by several variables which will be explained to you by your print specialist. Average time from approval to ship is two weeks. Please keep this in mind throughout the process if your project has a strict deadline.

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Re-ordering

Reorders with us are simple. Even if you have changes.

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We archive all projects indefinitely. This means that at if you would like to reorder a project we can pick up where we left off during the last printing or go directly to press if there are no new changes. To begin a reorder all you have to do is contact us and we will get your project in production again.
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