Before seeking quotes for NCR printing it's always a good idea to fully consider your required specifications. This will help to prevent misunderstandings and assist you in controlling variable cost factors. Here is a checklist that may help:
1) Artwork Files - Do you have print ready artwork? There is a common misconception that providing a hardcopy form to the printer is job done. However, your chosen print partner requires artwork supplied electronically usually as a high resolution PDF, JPEG or TIFF files. If you only have a hardcopy of your artwork it will usually have to be recreated by your graphic designer or printer, as scans of your document will not be as sharp as original artwork. This can work out expensive as some companies charge up to 50 per hour. The moral is that if you have paid for artwork, always ask your supplier for copies, just in case you want to change supplier with minimum fuss and cost in the future.
2) Order Quantity? How many books, pads or sets do you require? Remember pads and books usually contain 50 sets per pad unless you advise otherwise. Be clear when you place your order by stating the number of sets and pads, for example 500 sets (10 pads). Make your order quantity as large as possible as this will reduce the unit costs considerably, however we would not advocate buying more than 12 months expected usage as you never you when you might need to change your design. Also ensure you have sufficient storage space to accommodate larger quantities.
3) Are All Parts of Your NCR Form the Same? Sometimes you may wish your NCR sets to have different text on some or all parts. For example the first part of the set may be an Order Form and the second part may function as an Invoice with different information. If you require differing parts please make your printer aware of your requirements and supply all the artwork.
4) Standard or Non Standard Size? I know it's obvious but you need to tell your Printer the finished size of your form. You can use standard size like A4 or A5 or you can specify a non-standard size if required, though be aware that this is likely to put up the unit cost because of paper wastage.
5) How Many Parts Does Your Form Have? Though you can specify 5 or 6 part sets, you should be aware that you will have to push down pretty hard on your pen to see a clear impression on the latter parts of the form. Common configurations are: 2 Part (Duplicate) = Top Sheet + 1 copy, 3 Part (Triplicate) = Top Sheet + 2 copies, 4 Part (Quadruplicate) = Top Sheet + 3 copies.
6) Are You Printing To The Front Side Only or Front and Reverse? The front of your form is the bit you write on but you might want to use the reverse for additional information, for example your company's Terms and Conditions. Your Printer will require you to supply print ready artwork for both sides. This means providing it in an acceptable format (see artwork above).
7) Number Of Ink Colours? How many ink colours are you using for the front side? Standard colours are black, blue, red and green. You can also specify your own pantone colours, if required but be aware that the more colours selected the greater the cost. Even multi-national companies forego their corporate colours to save money on their NCR printing, so avoid corporate vanity if possible.
8 ) Paper Colour Sequence? Often Printers have a standard page colour sequence for example: 2 part: white/pink, 3 part: white/yellow/pink, 4 part: white/yellow/blue/pink. Your own specific colour sequence can be accommodated but may require an extra charge.
9) Numbering? Do you require your NCR sets to be individually crash numbered? This is useful for say contracts, invoices and work orders. Just tell your Printer which number to commence at and where on the form you would like the number to appear.
10) Drilling? Do you require your NCR forms to be drilled? Please specify either 2 holes or 4 holes and where on the page your require the holes to be drilled eg. left hand edge.
11) Where should the pads / books be glued / bound? You need to tell your Printer whether they should use the left hand edge or top edge.
12) Fixed Writing Shield Required? When you write on the top set of your NCR pad or book, you need to insert a shield (usually a piece of card) to prevent the writing impression going through to the next set of forms in the pad / book. For an additional cost you can ask your Printer to add a fixed writing shield, sometimes known as a wrap around cover. As the name suggests the shield is permanently attached to the pad or book thus facilitating the process.
1) Artwork Files - Do you have print ready artwork? There is a common misconception that providing a hardcopy form to the printer is job done. However, your chosen print partner requires artwork supplied electronically usually as a high resolution PDF, JPEG or TIFF files. If you only have a hardcopy of your artwork it will usually have to be recreated by your graphic designer or printer, as scans of your document will not be as sharp as original artwork. This can work out expensive as some companies charge up to 50 per hour. The moral is that if you have paid for artwork, always ask your supplier for copies, just in case you want to change supplier with minimum fuss and cost in the future.
2) Order Quantity? How many books, pads or sets do you require? Remember pads and books usually contain 50 sets per pad unless you advise otherwise. Be clear when you place your order by stating the number of sets and pads, for example 500 sets (10 pads). Make your order quantity as large as possible as this will reduce the unit costs considerably, however we would not advocate buying more than 12 months expected usage as you never you when you might need to change your design. Also ensure you have sufficient storage space to accommodate larger quantities.
3) Are All Parts of Your NCR Form the Same? Sometimes you may wish your NCR sets to have different text on some or all parts. For example the first part of the set may be an Order Form and the second part may function as an Invoice with different information. If you require differing parts please make your printer aware of your requirements and supply all the artwork.
4) Standard or Non Standard Size? I know it's obvious but you need to tell your Printer the finished size of your form. You can use standard size like A4 or A5 or you can specify a non-standard size if required, though be aware that this is likely to put up the unit cost because of paper wastage.
5) How Many Parts Does Your Form Have? Though you can specify 5 or 6 part sets, you should be aware that you will have to push down pretty hard on your pen to see a clear impression on the latter parts of the form. Common configurations are: 2 Part (Duplicate) = Top Sheet + 1 copy, 3 Part (Triplicate) = Top Sheet + 2 copies, 4 Part (Quadruplicate) = Top Sheet + 3 copies.
6) Are You Printing To The Front Side Only or Front and Reverse? The front of your form is the bit you write on but you might want to use the reverse for additional information, for example your company's Terms and Conditions. Your Printer will require you to supply print ready artwork for both sides. This means providing it in an acceptable format (see artwork above).
7) Number Of Ink Colours? How many ink colours are you using for the front side? Standard colours are black, blue, red and green. You can also specify your own pantone colours, if required but be aware that the more colours selected the greater the cost. Even multi-national companies forego their corporate colours to save money on their NCR printing, so avoid corporate vanity if possible.
8 ) Paper Colour Sequence? Often Printers have a standard page colour sequence for example: 2 part: white/pink, 3 part: white/yellow/pink, 4 part: white/yellow/blue/pink. Your own specific colour sequence can be accommodated but may require an extra charge.
9) Numbering? Do you require your NCR sets to be individually crash numbered? This is useful for say contracts, invoices and work orders. Just tell your Printer which number to commence at and where on the form you would like the number to appear.
10) Drilling? Do you require your NCR forms to be drilled? Please specify either 2 holes or 4 holes and where on the page your require the holes to be drilled eg. left hand edge.
11) Where should the pads / books be glued / bound? You need to tell your Printer whether they should use the left hand edge or top edge.
12) Fixed Writing Shield Required? When you write on the top set of your NCR pad or book, you need to insert a shield (usually a piece of card) to prevent the writing impression going through to the next set of forms in the pad / book. For an additional cost you can ask your Printer to add a fixed writing shield, sometimes known as a wrap around cover. As the name suggests the shield is permanently attached to the pad or book thus facilitating the process.
About the Author:
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