Educational Programs

Print Buyers Guide

When to Ask for a Press Check

Certainly, press checks are optional and depend on the complexity of your job. Off-press proofing is so consistent and accurate today that pre-approval by that means may be a viable alternative in most cases. However, if you are interested in a press check, you will want to discuss the printer's policy regarding them at the time of quotation (re: cost per hour for press time, time limits, delay charges, etc.).

It is good practice for you to suggest a press check when you produce a job which:

has an especially high value
involves critical color
involves an unfamiliar paper
has changes for which you haven't seen a corrected proof
you plan to use to establish benchmarks for total quality management or statistical process control
about which you feel even the slightest uncertainty about how it may turn out
is being produced at a print shop with which you've not previously worked

Some people think that asking for a press check signals mistrust of the printer. On the contrary, a press check can ensure a close working relationship through the final stages of production.

Return to Top

Scholars to Careers

Educational Programs

Print Buyers Guide

When to Ask for a Press Check