Before you order
Pricing and estimates
Most orders start with a quote. Send us the product specifications, quantity, and deadline, and we'll provide pricing and guide you through the steps of placing an order.
You don't need to have finished artwork or everything figured out before contacting us. If you're unsure of the specifications yet, tell us what you're trying to produce and we'll help determine the right options.
Turnaround times
Turnaround depends on the piece and the finishing involved.
- Postcards: typically 3–5 business days after proof approval.
- Booklets: typically 5 – 7 business days after proof approval.
- Custom Packaging: typically 7–10 business days after proof approval.
*Orders with die cutting, foiling or other special finishes often require additional production time.
The single most useful thing you can do to keep a job on schedule is send print-ready artwork. Our file preparation guide covers what to check.
If you have a specific deadline, give us a call or tell us when you request your quote. The earlier we know, the more options we have to say yes. We'll review the project and let you know what is realistic before you place the order.
Rush production may be available depending on the project and production schedule. Additional charges will be communicated before you commit to the order.
Our guarantee
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with your printing, please contact right away to discuss your options. Full details are on our terms and conditions page.
What the guarantee does not cover
- Errors approved on the proof. The proof is the final check of your design, and you are responsible for reviewing the spelling, design, layout, size, color, and material before approving it
- Damage or loss in transit. Once your order has been handed over to the carrier, delivery times and the condition of the package while in transit are outside of TPS Printing's control. If your order is lost, delayed, or damaged during shipping, contact us as soon as possible. We'll review the tracking information with you and help determine the appropriate next steps, including assisting with a carrier claim when applicable.
- Certain circumstances beyond our control, listed in full on our terms and conditions page
There is a limit on refunds. We offer a choice of reprint or refund on orders up to $2,500. For orders over $2,500 we will reprint the order but cannot offer a refund.
Placing an order
How to order
There are four ways to start, depending on how far along you are.
- Request a quote. The usual route. Send us the specifications and we will price it.
- Upload your files. If you already have artwork ready to go.
- Request a consultation. If the job is complex or you want to talk options before committing.
- Call us. For anything urgent, or if you would rather talk it through.
Your account manager
Every customer has an assigned account manager who handles their account and orders. You deal with the same person from quote through delivery, and on every reorder after that.
If your account manager is out of the office, another member of our team covers for them. Otherwise, the person you start with is the person you keep.
Sending your files
Send your files as they are. When we receive them, we let you know whether they are press-ready or need changes.
Often we can make files print-ready ourselves using our own software, so you do not need to make the changes on your end. Most people are not print designers, and they should not need to be to place an order.
Proofing
Every order requires proof approval before it goes into production. We will not move forward with an order until it’s approved.
For most projects, we'll send a PDF proof for you to review. Booklet projects receive a 3D page-turning proof so you can verify the sequence of the pages, blank pages, cover placement and overall flow before production.
If your project is color-critical, contact us about a hard-copy/printed proof. Colors on a digital proof can vary depending on your monitor or screen settings, and a hard copy shows you the actual printed color on the actual stock.
Hard-copy proofs require additional fees and production time that may affect your overall turnaround.
What you are approving
The proof is the final check of your design before we begin printing. You are responsible for reviewing the spelling, design, layout, size, color, and material. TPS Printing is not responsible for errors after proof approval, so please read it carefully before you sign off.
Changes and cancellations
Call us right away. If the job has not gone into production we can usually accommodate a change or a cancellation.
Once a job is on press, options narrow quickly, so the sooner you call the better
Payment
Payment methods
We accept:
- Credit or debit * NOTE: a 3% processing fee will be added to credit card payments. This fee reflects the actual cost charged to us and is not an additional markup on your order.
- Check
- ACH/bank transfer
We also offer open accounts, for pre-approved local and regional businesses. If you would like to discuss opening an account, call us before placing your order and we will explain the options and terms available to you.
When you will be charged
Card payments are processed when the order is placed. If you are paying by check we may ask for the check before we begin printing. Open accounts are billed when the order is accepted.
Card security
Card details are encrypted and transmitted directly to our payment processor’s PCI-compliant server. Your card information never touches our web servers and is not stored with your account information.
Your billing address has to match the address your card statements are sent to. That is a security check the card companies require, not one we set. If it does not match, the card company declines the charge before it reaches us.
Sales tax
Sales tax may apply depending on your order and location. Any applicable tax will be included on your quote and invoice. If your organization is tax-exempt, please send us your exemption or resale certificate.
Delivery, Shipping & Pickup
Shipping
Shipping is calculated based on the weight, dimensions and number of packages in your order. We use a live connection to our shipping partner to calculate shipping costs and group products into the smallest practical number of packages to help keep shipping costs down.
Shipping is quoted separately from the printing so you can clearly see what you're paying for production and what you're paying for delivery.
Which carriers do you use?
We ship using UPS and FedEx.
Can you ship to multiple locations?
Yes. If an order needs to be divided among multiple shipping addresses, we'll coordinate the split shipments with you directly. Contact your account manager when placing the order so we can set everything up correctly.
Local delivery & pick up
Local delivery is available for qualifying orders and locations. Delivery charges, if applicable, will be included with your quote. You can also pick up your order from our facility at:
TPS Printing: 9906 Mesa Rim Road, San Diego, CA 92121
Let us know what you prefer when you place your order.
Tracking your order
Your account manager is your point of contact throughout the production process. Call or email them if you'd like an update. We'll also contact you if we need a decision, clarification or approval to keep your project moving.
We will let you know when your order is complete. If the order is shipping, we will provide the carrier tracking information. If you chose pickup, you can collect any time after you’ve received our completion notification.
Reorders
Just tell us what you ordered and the invoice number (if available). We keep your previous quotes, specifications and files on record, so you don't have to start the project from scratch each time.
We'll review the previous specifications, confirm any changes and send a proof for approval before printing.
Still have a question?
Call 858.625.4111 or send us the details and we will come back to you.
Related pages
File Preparation: bleeds, color mode, resolution, and what to send.
Printing Templates: free downloadable templates by product.
Glossary of Printing Terms: plain definitions for the terms on your quote.
Upload Your Files: send us artwork for an existing or new job.