Frequently Asked Questions

You may request an estimate using our online estimate request form (on this site), or call us toll free at 1.800.457.2899 to speak to a printing specialist. A phone call may be the best way to communicate, as it will ensure we have all the necessary information to provide an accurate quote.

Typically, you can count the various colors you have on your design. If you have a full-color image, you can classify your piece as four-color or full-color. If you are unsure, call an expert in our pre-press department.

In most instances, no. White is often the default color of paper. It is simply recognized as the absence of ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if text or graphics requires it.

Yes, absolutely – mainly because printers and computer monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors use the red, green, blue (RGB) color model to support a wider color spectrum. Printers use the cyan, magenta, yellow, black (CMYK) 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 from the RGB model. If a color is selected from the RGB model that’s out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color to match it. Programs like Adobe Photoshop allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.

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

It is critical to review your proof for accuracy. In the printing world, a proof is a one-off copy of your document, after all modifications and printing set-up processes have been completed. It is your last opportunity to ensure that the printed result is what you expect. Your approval of the final proof confirms that every aspect of our work, and your own work, is correct – that the copy reads and appears exactly as you intended. Mistakes can happen, so it is essential to catch errors during this all-important proofing process, rather than after the job is completed and delivered. We call the best proofreaders in the business “our final set” of eyes on a project.

That’s easy: One has a bit of shine, while the other has a matte or duller finish. Uncoated stock is comparatively porous and inexpensive, and is typically used for applications such as newsprint and basic black-and-white copying. Coated stock, from higher-quality paper, has a smooth, glossy finish that reproduces sharp text and vivid colors nicely. It tends to be more costly, however.

The address window on a typical business envelope measures 4 1/2" x 1 1/8".

Common brochure sizes are 8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x 14", and 11" x 17".

The basis weight of a given grade of paper is defined as the weight (in pounds) of 500 standard-sized sheets of that paper. With that in mind, here are different examples of paper grades and their respective basis weights. Bond: This stock is most used most commonly for letterhead, business forms, and copying. Typical basis weights are16 lb. for forms; 20 lb. for copying; and 24 lb. for stationery.

• Text: A high-quality grade paper with a lot of surface texture, where basis weights range from 60 lb. to 100 lb., with the most common being 70 lb. or 80 lb.
• Uncoated Book: The most common grade for offset printing is typically 50 lb. to 70 lb.
• Coated Book: Has a glossy finish that yields vivid colors and achieves overall excellent reproduction. Basis weights range from 30 lb. to 70 lb. for web press, and 60 lb. to 110 lb. for sheet press.
• Cover: Used in creating business cards, postcards, and book covers. It can be coated or uncoated. Basis weights for this grade are 60 lb., 65 lb., 80 lb., or 100 lb.

Our full-service creative department will assist you with targeted copy and outstanding design.

An indicia is essentially a bulk-mail postage stamp. Instead of using pre-canceled stamps or a postage meter, what you may use to affix postage to a single mail piece, we use a technique to print postage information in the upper right corner of the mail piece called an "indicia."

Several factors play into calculating postage for your mailing project. We look at the postage class of mail (First Class, Standard, Non Profit, Saturation), as well as the mail type (postcard, letter, flats). Weigh, height, and thickness also contribute to your postage rate. Additionally, the number of pieces being mailed in a particular carrier route, zip code, or geography will affect actual postage.

We usually give you a very close estimate on postage costs before we run your job. We will always process your mail and recommend any necessary adjustments to ensure your mail qualifies for the lowest-possible postage. As certified mailing agents, we understand USPS requirements and know exactly what should be done.

No. We can print your mail and hold it in inventory to drop smaller quantities.

Normally, we get your mail into the mail stream within 3 – 5 days from proof approval. Once in the mail stream, the class of mail will determine how quickly your mail is delivered.

• First Class: Average of 3 days
• Standard Mail: Between 7 & 21 days
• Non-profit: Between 7 & 14 Days

These general guidelines are dictated by the U.S. post office. Depending on the scope of your mailing campaign, we may offer other options to speed your delivery. We handle priority drop-ship and mail delivery to SCF & DDU, as well as PMOD. Ask a mailing specialist for more information.

We offer a variety of options for postage application.

We offer variable-data printing as well as match-mailing for letters and other personalized communications that may consist of variable data.

This is a mailing with a personalized letter that is inserted into an envelope without a window.

Variable-data printing is a form of digital printing, including on-demand printing, in which elements such as text, graphics and images may be changed from one printed piece to the next using information from a database.

A Personalized URL (PURL) is a unique and personalized landing page created especially for each recipient of your direct mail or email marketing campaign.

The reason we request you sign a proof approval is to eliminate any possible errors prior to production. It’s a final check of your creative before we hit the start button. It means that you have verified spelling, content, and layout and certify they are correct. Your design will print exactly as shown in the PDF proof. Unless you are requesting a printed proof (fee may apply) you cannot change your design after approval.

What to review during the proofing process:

To ensure perfect print quality we suggest you check your PDF Proof to confirm

• Entire design specification
• All content including spelling, punctuation and images
• The text and images are properly aligned and/or centered
• Your image quality is good
• The bleeds, sizes and backgrounds
• How your piece may be folded, inserted and addressed

Please note, you the customer is fully responsible for final proof and layout approval prior to the printing. Amerilist Printing Solutions is not for errors in a final product caused by any of the following reasons: misspelling, grammar, punctuation, wrong design approval, or wrong color approval.

Please check the PDF file carefully to make sure all the content is correct – both the type and graphic elements. Please also note that colors vary between monitors and printers – the color you see on your monitor or printer may not be exactly the same as the color that is printed on our press. If precise color-matching is critical to your job, then we highly recommend a press-printed proof. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee colors will be accurate.