Proofing Process

 

Our pricing estimates are based on print ready files. It is the Customer’s responsibility to maintain a copy of any original Electronic File or Print Ready File provided by the customer. Cascade makes every effort to review materials for spelling, color, accuracy, and placement. CPM shall not be responsible for checking the accuracy of supplied input from an electronic file or print ready file unless otherwise agreed in writing. Any additional art revisions, die-lines, or reconfigurations will be subject to art fees, at a minimum of 1 hour.

Any changes must be requested via email or phone with your CSR at our main office. Please note that excessive changes and alterations may result in additional fees and will prolong the overall project timeline. We suggest “batch requests” of changes or revisions to try to expedite your project as best as possible. Please allow up to 48 business hours to receive revisions.

If you do not have an account with us, we require a minimum of 50% deposit before the start of the project. This includes prior to receiving PDF or hard copy proofs. Deposits can be made online via our online payment portal, cash or check. Please note that we must have payment in hand and clear in corporate accouns in order to start the project. Sending checks or cash in the mail can delay the start of your project. If you would like to set up accounting terms with us, simply ask your CSR for an application.

Test Prints

Proofs are for content and layout purposes only and are being transferred electronically during the proofing process. We always will send a PDF proof for approval. Please note that PDF proofs do not always accurately reflect color samples of how color will be once it is printed in CMYK, however, we do our very best to get as close as possible. Should you need a hard copy proof, additional fees may apply. We do require the hard copy proof back in order to ensure we have during the production process.

We require written approval for all proofs, both PDF and hard copies.

Once approved and deposits are received, we go to production! Projects are printed in the order of how they are received in our production queue. If you are trying to hit a certain deadline, this must be discussed with your CSR prior to production. Please note: we are not responsible for shipping delays. We take no responsibility in delayed, lost or stolen projects once they leave our facility. The production process usually requires press set up, printing, drying/offgasing, and packaging. Please assume 5-10 business days after proof approval for most projects, unless specified in writing from your CSR.

No projects are to leave our facility with an unpaid balance unless previously discussed with your CSR prior to the start of production.

Color & Color Matching

All files are printed as CMYK formats unless otherwise specified. Please send all files with a CMYK build, unless otherwise specified. Please provide a PDF layout proof of the files being printed. If Pantone colors need to be matched, please specify on purchase order or prior to production. Additional fees may apply for color matching. All critical Pantone colors need to be called out in the file as uncoated or coated. We do not guarantee color matching. Due to their inherent nature proofs supplied by the Company shall be accurate for layout and content only and it is understood and accepted that proofs shall not be accurate for color comparison to the finished Work unless otherwise agreed in writing. If the Customer requests (and the Company agrees to) a more specific and achievable level of color matching additional charges will apply.

Cascade Print Media will produce all color to the best of its ability, within acceptable industry standards and machine or process limitations. Because of differences in monitors, operating systems, color profiles, and other conditions between email proofing and production pressroom operations, variation between color proofs and the completed product is to be expected. When such a variation occurs, it will be considered acceptable performance. If near‐to exact matches are required, please work with your sales rep to produce actual material samples. Additional fees will apply. Printing process variations: All reasonable efforts will be made by the Company to obtain the best possible color reproduction on the Customers Work but variation is inherent in the printing process and it is understood and accepted as reasonable that the Company shall not be required to guarantee an exact match in color or texture between the Customers photograph, transparency, proof, Electronic File, Print Ready File, previously printed matter (whether printed by the Company or by a third party) or any other materials supplied by the Customer and the finished Work. Where the Work is produced using full color printing (also known as process color or CMYK printing) it is accepted and understood that Pantone colors (also known as spot colors) shall not be accurately reproduced due to the inherent nature of the printing process.

File Formats

Please send illustrator, photoshop or in design files. Your CSR will let you know if any specific files are needed. When sending files, please be sure to include all supporting art (fonts, linked images, etc.) Our pricing estimates are based on print ready files. Any additional art revisions, die-lines, or reconfigurations will be subject to art fees, at a minimum of 1 hour. Files are accepted via email, dropbox or personal FTP. Please provide all personal FTP guidelines. Cascade Print Media FTP can be set up upon request. Murals and large wall graphics must be built as one file. We will do our best to minimize breaks as best as possible. It is the customers responsibility to maintain a copy of any original Electronic File or Print Ready File provided by the customer.

Materials

Cascade Print Media will recommend or produce stock as specified on the quote. If the customer wishes to supply their own stock, that must be agreed upon in writing. Quantities or materials supplied shall be adequate to cover normal spoilage. Any costs incurred because of shortages, including re-starting jobs, duplicating masters, etc. will be charged in addition to the estimated price.  Cascade Print Media takes no liability for provided stock and will use reasonable endeavors to secure the best results and/or in every case will try to replace with equal or greater value for the purpose of the job, to the best of our ability. Cascade takes no liability for the quality of finished work on provided materials.

Resolution

All files must be at 200-400 pixels per inch at 100%, but may be change based off of project. Results may vary.

Font Specifications:

Please call out font specifications when sending over art. If changes need to be made in the file, please provide the fonts and a version of the file with editable type.