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frequently asked questions from lancer ltd customers

Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – call or contact us online.

  1. What type of products and services do you provide?

    Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. Keep browsing through the website to check out most of what we do! Of course, there are products that we supply that may not have made it to the website yet, so call if you can't find what you need!

  2. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

    Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
    In the Spokane area - 509.922.0260 / Toll Free - 800.541.2232

  3. Tips on how to save your design files.

    Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

    COREL DRAW:
    Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    • Export as Illustrator EPS

    FREEHAND:
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to paths
    • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

    PAGEMAKER:
    Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    • Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
    Postscript Level 2
    CMYK Mode
    TIFF format and
    Binary

    PUBLISHER:
    You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. Please follow the steps below.
    Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
    Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF

    If you do not have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF, please contact our office, or send native file.

  4. Tips on file format setups

    Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your project.
    • Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
    • Include all placed images
    • Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas.
    BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line
    TRIM: This is the guideline where the form will be cut
    SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4” guide in from the trim should work fine.

  5. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

    Resolution should be set to 300 dpi.

    Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

    Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

  6. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

    In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.
    Digital jobs - you may request a "hard copy" which will be printed on the actual paper and machine that will be used to produce the final job.
    Offset jobs - you will be recieving a digital proof which will be as close to your final job as possible, but there will be differences in ink colors - because your proof will be printed with TONER rather than INK. If you require a "press-proof" which is a proof off the printing press (with ink), you will need to request a quote for that process.

  7. What is the Pantone Matching System?

    The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

  8. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    In short, ink, toner-based printers and monitors all produce colors in different ways.

    Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Toner-Based Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model. Offset printing (ink) uses either the Pantone Color Model, or CMYK, however INK and TONER also differ, like ink and paint and light.

    When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.

  9. Is white considered a printing color?

    Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, OPAQUE white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it.

  10. PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

  11. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?

    Unfortunately, this isn't as easy to answer as we would like! If you order a Quick Print job - it will be next day, if ordered by noon. Bindery added to those jobs will add one day. As for all other jobs - it depends on the type of form, where it's produced, and what the transit time is. For the most part, we try to keep our lead times to 5 - 7 working days PLUS transit time. There are a few items, however that extend to 10 working days. There are, normally, expedites that we can do for you - so ASK about it - we'll always do our best for you!

  12. Are you a “green” company?

    Absolutely! We take very seriously our role in preserving the environment and integrate numerous green practices into our daily operations. In addition to energy-efficient equipment and chemical-free technologies, we can perform many print jobs using recycled paper stock. If you would like to use recycled paper for your next print job, let us know. You’ll be pleased with the results and feel good about helping the environment, too.

  13. What is variable data printing?

    Variable data printing is technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

  14. Do you offer storage?

    Why yes...we do! If you find yourself wanting to order higher quantities, but don't have the room to store the products - let us know! We offer FREE storage...the only expense to you is the shipping (if applicable) upon request of release! Ask us about it when you place your order...

Proud of our longstanding affiliation...and even more proud of our rating!