Each print job at Solstice Press is custom and comes with its own unique specifications, but here are a few of the most common questions people who are looking to print a project with us ask. Take a look below and feel free to contact us with any additional questions or to get your quote started.
How do I request a quote?
You can send us an email with the specs or give us a call to talk about your project. Quote requests take up to 24 hours to be answered. If you need a quote sooner, just mention that in the request.
What information do you need to quote a job?
Since we are a completely custom print shop, you can order anything we can make: any size, any quantity, any number of inks, and any type of paper. Please provide us with the final trim size, number of inks (full color is called four color), whether you are printing on one side or both sides of the sheet, paper type (brand, color and thickness), number of pages (if applicable), and type of binding (if applicable). If you don't know exactly what you want or need, give us a call and we can talk you through it. We are always happy to give suggestions.
Sample Bid Requests:
Business Card Size: 2x3.5
Inks: 2/2 (this means 2 inks on the front and 2 on the back)
Paper: 100# Classic Crest Eggshell Cover Solar White
Quantity: 1000
Booklet Size: 6x9
Number of pages: 8 pages
Bindery: Saddle Stitch
Inks: 4/4 (full color throughout)
Paper: 100# Gloss Coated Text (no separate heavier cover)
Quantity: 250
What is your standard turnaround time?
Most standard print jobs take five to seven working days after receipt of print-ready files and at least three days after proof approval. Jobs with additional bindery and secondary processes will take seven to ten working days. Letterpress projects take ten days. Please talk to us about your deadline needs. We will always try to accommodate tight timelines if we know what we are dealing with from the start.
Can I see a proof of my project before you print?
Yes, in fact, we require it. One round of proofing is included in your quoted price.
What kind of paper do you have?
Since we are a custom print house we literally use hundreds of different papers. Specify any paper you would like. If you don't know, give us a call and we can give you some suggestions that will fit your project.
What kind of inks do you offer?
We print in both CMYK and Pantone inks. All of our inks are soy-based and low VOC. Our digital press is toner-based and prints only in CMYK, but we offer Pantone color matches for digital runs with an additional charge.
How do I send my files?
We take a high-resolution, print-ready PDF or your native files with images and fonts linked to the file and saved in a separate folder. Please send Postscript or Truetype printer and screen fonts. If you are sending a PDF, please make sure to embed all of the fonts and images and include 1/8” margins on all sides that bleed. Do not subset fonts. All images should be at least 300 dpi (dots per square inch). All full-color images or designs should be converted from RGB (if necessary) and sent as CMYK. We can take up to 10MB via email, otherwise send your files via our "upload files" link at the top of our website. Click here to upload.
Do you deliver?
Yes, we offer free local delivery to Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville. For other destinations, a delivery charge will be added. We ship nationwide using UPS and internationally using FedEx.