Business-Cards.com Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )

On this page we try to answer all those questions that we are asked most often. If you have a question that you can’t find the answer to, please contact us and we will be very happy to help.

Printing Process

What type of printing process is used?

All products are printed and cut by huge multi-million dollar presses using the “four color” or “CMYK” printing process with full bleed. The four color process is an industry standard whose results can be seen at any news or magazine stand. During this procedure, small dots of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black are printed on the paper in a precise fashion forming a full spectrum of colors. The end result is high quality, photo realistic printing at an affordable price.

What is full bleed?

All products we offer are printed in full bleed. Full bleed ensures that ink covers the entire area of the final product. In this process the image is printed larger than normal. After printing is complete, the excess area is trimmed away. Please see What is a trim line? below for more information.

What does 4/0, 4/1, and 4/4 mean?

These numbers signify the colors used on the front/back of your print. 4 = Full Color, 1 = Black, 0 = No Printing. Thus 4/4 means full color printing on the front & back, 4/1 means full color printing on the front with black printing on the back, and 4/0 means full color printing on the front with no printing on the back.

What types of paper are used?

All of our products are printed on the highest quality paper in the industry. Business Cards, Postcards, Greeting Cards, Bookmarks and Door Hangers are all printed on 12pt card stock. Flyers, Brochures, and Posters are printed on your choice of 80# or 100# gloss text.

What type of coating is used?

We offer FREE UV gloss coating on the front side of every business card, postcard, and greeting card. This coating adds a luxurious glossy look and feel, plus acts as a protectant from the elements ensuring your prints will stand the test of time.

Designing Your Own Artwork

This FAQ uses Adobe Photoshop 7 for examples. If you are using a program other than Photoshop, please refer to the help documents for your product.

Where should I start?

Download the appropriate pre-formatted Adobe Photoshop template. Although these templates are design ready, take a second to verify that the following settings are correct:
Image -> Image Size -> Resolution: 300 pixels/inch Image -> Mode -> (checkmark) CMYK Color

photoshop1

photoshop2

photoshop3

What is the trim line?

The trim line is located 1/8th of an inch away from the outside edge of your design. This imaginary line marks where the printing press will cut. The extra space left is the bleed area which is discarded after cutting.

trim line bleed area

YOU MUST TAKE THIS EXTRA 1/8” INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CREATING YOUR OWN DESIGNS!!
For instance, a 4“x6” postcard will have a design template that measures 4.25“x6.25” (4 + .125 + .125) & (6 + .125 + .125). For best results, take your background colors all the way to the edge of the design template, leaving no whitespace as shown in the examples.

What is the text line?

The text line is located 1/16th of an inch away from the trim line. This imaginary line marks the boundary where your text should stop. Although the automated machines used to cut are highly accurate, it’s best to leave that extra space from the cut line to assure text is not cut off. This also aids in centering the text on the design.

text line

What types of files are accepted?

We currently accept JPG/JPEG, PDF, EPS, TIFF, PSD, and Quark*

*Please contact tech support for details before uploading this filetype.

Shipping, Payments, Fees, and Refunds

What forms of payment are accepted?

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards are accepted. No checks, cashiers checks, or money orders are accepted at this time.

What are my shipping options and costs?

We currently offer Fedex Ground shipping on all orders shipped within the lower 48 states. Rush delivery is available upon request – please contact customer support. Shipping to Canada is available for an extra fee. International shipping is currently not available.

Are there any extra hidden fees?

No! Our online design studio is available for you to use free of charge. This includes uploading photos and logos, as well as your own designs. The price you see is the price you pay.

What is your refund policy?

If there is a mistake in the printing process your products will be re-printed at no additional charge. If the prints have already been shipped, we will issue you a pickup slip allowing you to return them at no cost. We can not be held responsible in the event of human errors such as spelling, misalignments, or inaccurate information printed on your products. We ask that you double check your designs for these common errors before ordering.

Turnaround Time

When can I expect my prints to arrive?

Typical turn around time is 10 – 12 business days from point of purchase to delivery.