First Press Printing FAQ – Comprehensive Guide

General Printing Questions

What are First Press’s turnaround times for orders?

We strive to print and ship your projects as quickly as possible. Turnaround time begins once you approve your proof (we provide an online proof for every order). Many small jobs can be produced in just a few business days – for example, some orders can be ready in 2–7 days depending on the speed selected. Larger or more complex projects may take a bit longer. If you have a firm deadline, we offer rush services (with expedited production and shipping) to meet your timeline whenever possible. Always communicate your deadlines in the order notes or to our team, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Remember: shipping transit time is separate from production time, and we are not responsible for carrier delays, so plan a buffer if you have a hard due date.

Is there a minimum order quantity, or can I print small batches?

We accommodate short-run printing – there’s no huge minimum for most products. Whether you need one poster or a small batch of booklets, we can handle it. In fact, First Press specializes in flexible ordering: no minimums on many items. Some products (like business cards) are sold in preset packs (e.g. 250 cards per pack) for cost efficiency, but generally you can order as few or as many pieces as you need. We use digital printing and efficient workflows that make small quantity orders economical while still delivering top quality.

How should I prepare my files for printing?

For the best results, provide print-ready files in high resolution with proper bleed and crop marks. Use CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction and at least 300 DPI resolution for images. Include a 0.125" bleed on all sides of your artwork so that it can be trimmed without white borders. Keep important text/images within a safe margin away from edges to avoid accidental trimming. We accept file formats like PDF (preferred), JPEG, TIFF, and EPS. Convert fonts to outlines or embed them, and flatten any transparencies. If your project is color-critical, consider requesting a hard-copy proof for review (especially for exact color matching). For detailed guidance, see our File Preparation guidelines (or ask our team – we’re happy to double-check your files). Proper file setup helps prevent errors and keeps your job on schedule.

Do you ship to the United States or internationally?

Yes. First Press is based in Montreal, Canada, but we serve clients across North America. We ship orders throughout Canada and the United States via reputable carriers. During checkout you can enter a U.S. shipping address (or other international address) and see available shipping options. Our turnaround times refer to production; shipping transit times will depend on the method you choose at checkout. International shipping outside North America may be arranged by special request – please contact us for a custom quote if you need delivery beyond Canada/USA. We’re experienced in securely packaging prints for long-distance shipping, so your items arrive in perfect condition. Wherever you are, we’ll help get your First Press order to your doorstep!

Business Cards and Stationery

What is the difference between matte, gloss, and soft-touch business cards?

These refer to the finish or coating applied to your business cards, and each has a distinct look and feel:

• Matte Finish: A matte coating gives a non-reflective, elegant appearance. Colors appear more subdued (less shiny) but text is highly readable. Matte cards have a smooth satin feel and are easy to write on (great if you want to jot notes on your card). They’re also resistant to fingerprints and smudges, keeping a clean look.
• Gloss Finish: Glossy cards have a shiny, high-sheen coating. This makes colors look vibrant and eye-catching, really “pop” with depth. Gloss adds a protective layer that withstands moisture and fading better than matte. However, glossy cards can have glare under light and are difficult to write on (ink can smudge). They resist wear – for example, gloss cards are less prone to peeling or folding than matte cards.
• Soft-Touch Finish: Soft-touch (sometimes called “velvet finish”) is a premium matte-laminate that feels velvety or suede-like to the touch. It’s low-gloss with a slight sheen and adds thickness and durability to the card. Soft-touch cards convey a high-end look. They can be written on with some pens (not all) and they resist scuffing and scratches well. Soft-touch is a great choice when you want to impress with texture as well as color.

In summary, choose matte for a modern, muted elegance (and writability), gloss for a bold, shiny impact and maximum color vibrancy, or soft-touch for a luxurious feel. All three finishes are available at First Press – our premium business cards come in matte, gloss, or soft-touch lamination, so you can select the finish that best represents your brand. Tip: If you’ll be handing out cards at events, remember that matte cards are easier to write on than glossy if you or your recipients might add notes.

Can I get rounded corners or specialty options on my business cards?

Yes. We offer customization options like rounded corner business cards, various cardstocks, and special finishes. When ordering, you can usually choose square or rounded corners (our standard cards are 3.5" x 2" with sharp corners, but we have templates for rounded corners as well). We also provide options such as extra thick cards, custom sizes, or folded business cards by request. While our online product may list common specs, don’t hesitate to request a custom quote for specialty features – for example, foil stamping, embossing, spot UV, or unique shapes. First Press can often accommodate those premium options to create truly distinctive cards. Just reach out to our team with your ideas, and we’ll work to make your business card as unique as your business.

Does First Press print letterheads, envelopes, and other office stationery?

Absolutely. Our Business Essentials range covers all your corporate stationery needs. We print custom letterheads (standard 8.5"x11" or any size you require) with your branding, as well as matching envelopes (#10 envelopes with or without windows, or other sizes). We also produce notepads, NCR forms, and presentation folders – essentially, if it’s on paper and for your business, we can print it! For example, our letterheads feature crisp offset printing on premium bond paper, giving your correspondence a professional look. We can print your company logo, contact info, and any design elements in full color. Envelopes can be printed with your return address and logo, and we ensure proper alignment so they run on envelope feeders cleanly. We even offer branded pocket folders (with business card slits) to impress clients in presentations. All these stationery items are available to order – if you don’t see a specific item on our site, just ask. First Press prides itself on being a one-stop shop for business cards, letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders, forms, and more – keeping your brand identity consistent across all materials.

(Bonus: Our in-house design team can also help lay out your stationery if you need design assistance – see Design Services below.)

Marketing Materials (Brochures, Flyers, Postcards, etc.)

What is the difference between a brochure and a pamphlet?

In everyday use, “brochure” and “pamphlet” often refer to similar printed marketing pieces – typically folded sheets containing information. Brochures usually denote higher-end marketing documents, often printed in color on glossy paper and folded (like tri-fold or z-fold brochures used for sales or product info). Pamphlets is a broader term that can refer to any unbound booklet or leaflet, often of an informative or educational nature. In practical terms, there’s no hard distinction – a pamphlet can be a simple one-sheet flyer or a small multi-page booklet, whereas a brochure tends to imply a more standard, folded piece for advertising. At First Press, we use “Brochures” to refer to folded print pieces (for example, tri-fold brochures are very popular marketing handouts). Whether you ask for a brochure, pamphlet, flyer or leaflet, we will clarify the size, folding, and paper you want and produce a top-quality print. If you’re unsure what to call your piece, just describe the format (e.g. “an 8.5x11 sheet tri-folded into a brochure”) and we’ll handle it. Essentially, brochures and pamphlets are the same category of product here – marketing handouts – and we’ll ensure yours looks professional, with crisp folds and vibrant printing. (We also print multi-page booklets if your “pamphlet” is more like a small magazine; see Booklet Printing below.)

What postcard sizes can I print, and can they be used for mailing?

We offer postcards in a range of sizes to suit both marketing impact and postal regulations. Common sizes include 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 5.5″ x 8.5″, 6″ x 9″, and even jumbo 6″ x 11″ postcards. Our Postcards product can be customized to the dimensions you need – just pick from standard options or request a custom size. All our postcard stocks are thick cardstocks with optional UV coating or matte finish, giving them durability in the mail.

Yes, our postcards are absolutely designed for direct mail. The popular 4x6 and 5x7 sizes meet USPS and Canada Post requirements for mailing at postcard rates. Larger sizes (like 6x9, 6x11) mail at letter or flat rates but offer more room for design. If you plan to mail your postcards, let us know – we can leave a blank area for addressing or even handle the mailing service for you (addressing, sorting, and mailing to your list). We ensure proper postal sizing and thickness so your postcards won’t get rejected. For instance, we use at least 14pt or 16pt cardstock so the mail sorting machines can handle them without bending. Many customers use our postcards for EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) campaigns or targeted mail-outs, and we can advise on guidelines (like keeping important elements out of the barcode clear zone, etc.). In short, you can print postcards of any size with First Press, and they are mail-ready – a cost-effective way to reach your audience directly. (Need help with design or mailing? See our Direct Mail support in Design Services, or ask about our mailing add-ons.)

(Aside from postcards, we also print flyers, door hangers, bookmarks, rack cards, and posters as part of our Marketing Essentials. So no matter what format you need for your campaign – a mailable postcard, a stack of flyers for handouts, or a poster for a bulletin board – we’ve got you covered.)

Booklet Printing

Saddle stitch vs. perfect bound vs. spiral bound – which binding should I choose?

We offer three main binding styles for multi-page documents (which we categorize as “Booklets”): Saddle-Stitched , Perfect-Bound and Spiral-Bound . The best choice depends on your page count, budget, and usage:

• Saddle-Stitched Booklets: This is a staple binding – folded sheets are nested and stapled through the fold (the booklet’s spine). Saddle stitching is most cost-effective for shorter books and is very common for programs, catalogs, and newsletters. It allows the booklet to lay fairly flat and is great up to around 64 pages (16 sheets); beyond that, the booklet gets too thick and staples may not hold well. Saddle-stitched booklets have no printable spine (they’re stapled, not square-edged). If your document is relatively thin, this is likely the way to go – it’s budget-friendly, fast to produce, and opens wide (almost 180° flat). Example: A 20-page product catalog or a 12-page event program would typically be saddle-stitched.
• Perfect-Bound Books: Perfect binding uses glue along the spine to bind pages to a wrap-around cover, creating a square spine. This method is used for thicker publications, usually over 64 pages or whenever you want a more formal, professional look (magazines, softcover books, thick reports). Perfect bound books have a polished appearance – the pages and cover are trimmed flush, giving clean edges and a printable spine for the title. Choose perfect binding if you need a durable book with many pages; the trade-off is it doesn’t lie flat when open (you have to hold it open). Perfect binding is a bit more expensive than saddle-stitch due to the gluing process and cover requirements, but it’s ideal for catalogs, manuals, or lookbooks that are substantial in size. In short: for a thicker, more book-like piece, perfect binding is superior – it offers a “bookstore” quality finish that looks more professional than saddle stitch.
• Spiral-Bound (Coil) Booklets: Spiral binding involves a plastic or metal coil wound through punched holes along the edge. This binding type is excellent for workbooks, reference manuals, notebooks, or any document that needs to lay completely flat. In fact, spiral books can fold back on themselves 360° (cover to cover), making them very user-friendly for hands-free use or writing in. We often use durable plastic coils (various colors available) which are resilient and allow frequent page turning without damage. Unlike saddle or perfect binding, spiral binding has no real page count limit dictated by the method – we can bind very thick manuals with a coil as long as the proper coil size is used. It is typically used for mid-size documents (say 20 pages up to a few hundred pages). The appearance is more utilitarian (you’ll see the coil on the spine), but it’s highly practical. If your booklet is a training manual, recipe book, or any material that benefits from lying flat on a desk, spiral is the best choice. It’s also a bit more durable for heavy use since the pages turn freely.

In summary: Saddle-Stitch for short booklets (cheap and quick), Perfect-Bound for thick, polished books (clean spine, professional look), and Spiral-Bound for user-friendly manuals (lays flat, very sturdy for frequent handling). Not sure? You can consult with our team – we’ll consider your page count and purpose to recommend the optimal binding. We even offer Wire-O binding as a variant of spiral, if you need a more refined double-loop wire finish. First Press has the equipment for all these binding types in-house, so we’ll make sure your booklet is bound beautifully and functionally.

How fast can I print a saddle-stitched booklet (and other booklets)?

One advantage of saddle-stitched booklets is speed – the binding process is quick, so production is faster than for perfect-bound books. For a standard saddle-stitched booklet (say an 8.5″x11″ booklet folded to 8.5″x5.5″), we can often turn it around within a few business days once we have your approved proof. For example, a short-run saddle-stitched booklet might be printed and bound in as little as 3 days, plus whatever time is needed for shipping. If you need it even faster, let us know – we’ll see if we can expedite it. Keep in mind that the timeline depends on page count and quantity: a 8-page booklet order of 50 copies is simpler than a 60-page booklet order of 5,000 copies. But generally, saddle-stitching is our quickest booklet option. Perfect binding requires extra time for the glue to cure, and huge quantities might require additional press time, but even for those we aim for a speedy turnaround. As a reference, many booklet projects are completed within a week (or less) of proof approval under our normal schedule. Always communicate your deadlines – if, for instance, you have a trade show next week and need 200 booklets, we’ll do everything possible to meet that. Our print experts will advise at order time if a rush is needed or if standard production will suffice. Rest assured, “fast booklet printing” is something First Press prides itself on, especially for saddle-stitched catalogs, program booklets, and zines. You’ll get your booklets in hand promptly, with no compromise on quality.

(For context: Our Feather Flags and other event items take about 5–6 business days in production. Most standard prints like flyers or business cards can be even quicker. Booklet printing speed is excellent, but allow a little extra time if your booklet is very large or requires special setup. We’ll always confirm the expected turnaround when you place your order.)

Signs & Large Format Printing

What is the difference betweenCoroplast, foam board, Sintra PVC and other sign materials?

We offer a variety of sign substrates to suit indoor and outdoor needs, and it’s important to choose the right material:

• Coroplast is a brand name for corrugated plastic sheets (think “plastic cardboard”). It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and waterproof, ideal for temporary or short-term outdoor signs like yard signs, real estate signs, or event signage. It has fluted plastic layers, so it’s slightly translucent and flexible. Pros: very lightweight, cost-effective, weather-resistant in the short term. Cons: after prolonged sun exposure it can fade or warp, and it’s not as sleek in appearance (the flutes can cause a slight ribbed look up close). Use Coroplast when you need a cheap, disposable or short-term outdoor sign (it can last a few months in the elements before showing age).
• Foam Board (Foamcore): Foam board is a paper-faced foam panel — a lightweight foam center sandwiched between two matte paper surfaces. It’s designed strictly for indoor use.

Pros: ultra-lightweight, smooth bright-white surface that delivers excellent print quality, and very cost-effective.
Cons: not durable — foam board easily dents, creases, or warps and the paper coating can discolor if exposed to humidity or sunlight. It also offers little impact resistance.

We recommend foam board for short-term indoor displays such as posters, presentation boards, or easel signs at events and conferences. It’s perfect when you need a crisp, professional look for one-time or limited-duration use.

⚠️ Shipping note: Because foam board is fragile and prone to denting or snapping during transport, we don’t recommend shipping this material. If you need to ship your signage or require longer-term durability, please choose sturdier substrates such as Coroplast, Sintra PVC, or Styrene, which handle transit and handling far better. (For a more rigid indoor alternative that still resists damage, consider Gator Board or PVC Board.)

• Sintra (PVC) Board: Sintra is a rigid PVC plastic board, solid all the way through (no corrugation). It’s lightweight yet much more durable than foam board. Pros: completely opaque and smooth, weatherproof and UV-resistant – it won’t degrade outdoors for years. It also resists dents and can handle pressure without warping. Sintra comes in various thicknesses (usually 3mm or 6mm for signs). It’s a go-to for long-lasting outdoor signs or high-quality indoor signs. Cons: slightly heavier (though still moderate weight), and slightly more expensive than Coroplast. It also has a low-gloss matte finish (looks professional, but if you want a shiny metal look you’d consider other materials). Sintra is great for permanent wall signs, outdoor directional signs, etc., where you want something that will not fade or weaken in sun/rain. In short: Sintra PVC is a robust choice for most sign needs – it’s one of the most durable substrates we offer for flat signs.
• Styrene: Styrene is a thin, flexible plastic sheet (a bit like a very thick cardstock made of plastic). We include it in signage options often for posters or sign inserts. It’s waterproof and indoor/outdoor friendly, but being thin (often 0.020" – 0.060"), it’s used for short-term signage or for inserting into frames (like menu boards, snap frames, etc.). Pros: inexpensive, smooth print surface, can even be rolled for shipping. Cons: Not rigid on its own – it will bend or blow away unless mounted. Use styrene for things like yard sale signs, hanging signs, or any place you might use a heavyweight poster – it’s essentially a plastic poster that won’t get soggy.

(Other materials: We also print on Aluminum composites (DiBond) for very permanent signs, Acrylic for a glass-like look, Banner vinyl, etc. But the four above – Coroplast, Foam Board, Sintra PVC , and Styrene – cover most typical sign orders.)

Summary of differences: Foam board is for indoor-only, super light but not weatherproof. Coroplast is plastic, okay outdoors short-term, very light and economical. Sintra PVC is a sturdier plastic board, great outdoors long-term (rigid and durable). Styrene is a thin flexible plastic, used like a poster. If you need guidance, our team will ask about your project’s use (indoor vs outdoor, duration, display method) and recommend the best material. We want your sign to look great and last as long as you need it to!

Are First Press’s vinyl banners weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use?

Yes – our vinyl banners are built for the outdoors. We print banners on heavy-duty vinyl material that is durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant. This means they can withstand rain, sunlight, and wind (within reason) without significant fading or tearing. In fact, vinyl banners are one of the most popular outdoor signage solutions because they hold up so well: the material is waterproof and won’t be damaged by moisture, and our inks are UV-stable for long-lasting color (with an outdoor life of 1+ years, depending on sun exposure). We also offer reinforced edges, grommets, and pole pockets for our banners, which add to their wind-resistance and overall durability. For very windy locations, we can use mesh banner material or wind slits, but standard vinyl works for most situations. Many clients use our banners for annual events, construction site signs, and storefront promotions – they hold up through sun and rain and can be stored and reused. Just ensure they are securely mounted (we provide grommets or pole pockets to help with that).

In summary, vinyl banners from First Press are weatherproof: the vinyl itself is completely waterproof and won’t tear easily, and the prints are designed for outdoor visibility and longevity. Whether it’s a scorching summer or a week of rain, your banner will stay bold and intact. For best results, take down or secure banners in extreme storm conditions (to avoid wind damage), and they’ll serve you well for a long time. We pride ourselves on outdoor banners that last up to a year or more outside without significant wear, making them ideal for both short-term events and longer-term outdoor advertising.

What is the largest size poster or banner that First Press can print?

First Press offers large-format printing, and we can produce very big prints. For posters, our large format printers handle up to 60″ wide rolls, so we can do seamless posters up to 5 feet in one dimension (and practically any length). For example, a 48″ x 72″ large poster is no problem. We also print foam board or PVC signs up to 4′ x 8′ (48″ x 96″) in one piece, since 4x8 feet is a common max sheet size. If you need something larger than that, we can tile multiple panels together.

For vinyl banners, the limitations are even more flexible: “virtually unlimited” length banners are possible because we weld together sections. We routinely print banners that are 10 feet, 20 feet, even 50 feet long by a certain height. Our machinery and material stock allow very large banners – for instance, a 10′ x 20′ billboard banner or stage backdrop can be done as one piece. If a single banner would exceed material or machine width, we will seam it professionally (high-temperature welds) for a flawless large graphic.

So, in practical terms: a 4 ft by 8 ft sign board or poster is straightforward, and we can go bigger by splitting into panels. We’ve done wall murals composed of multiple drops that cover entire walls. And for banners, size is not a problem – we can create enormous banners for building facades or events by using high-strength vinyl and seaming if needed. Just let us know the dimensions you need. Often, very large prints require special handling for installation, but we’ll guide you on that. Rest assured, large-format is our specialty – from giant trade show backdrops to oversized outdoor signs. If you can envision it, we can print it (in high resolution and full color, of course). Bottom line: whether it’s a massive banner or extra-large poster, First Press can deliver big impact graphics at superb quality.

Event & Trade Show Displays

What is a tension fabric wall display?

A tension fabric wall (also known as a fabric backdrop or media wall) is a type of portable display used at trade shows, media events, and conferences. It consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and a custom-printed fabric graphic that stretches tightly over it. The fabric is pulled taut across the frame, eliminating wrinkles and creating a smooth, seamless backdrop – it almost looks like a solid wall with your image on it. Tension fabric walls are often large (e.g. 8ft, 10ft or wider) and serve as photo backdrops or booth backdrops with company branding.

The fabric graphic is usually printed via dye-sublimation for vibrant colors and then either zips around the frame like a pillowcase or attaches via silicone edges (SEG), resulting in a very clean look. Key benefits: It’s lightweight and easy to set up – the frame pieces snap together without tools, and the fabric graphic slips on and is secured, often in just minutes. Despite its lightweight, when assembled it stands as a full-size wall. The graphic is reusable and can be folded for transport (the special fabric resists wrinkles and any minor creases pull out when stretched on the frame). It’s also glare-free (matte fabric), which is great for photography.

In short, a tension fabric wall gives you a professional, large backdrop that’s highly portable. For example, many red carpet events or press conferences use these fabric walls with logos (sometimes called “step and repeat” backdrops). At trade shows, companies use them as the back wall of their booth with big, bold imagery. First Press offers tension fabric displays in various widths and configurations – just ask about our fabric backdrops if you need one for an event. They pack into a carry bag for convenient travel and make a big impression on site. If you have an upcoming show or media event, a tension fabric wall is an ideal solution for a sleek, modern backdrop that sets up in minutes and showcases your brand brilliantly.

Do you print custom tablecloths and other event display products (flags, roll-ups, etc.)?

Yes, we do! First Press can print a wide range of event and trade show display items beyond traditional signage:

• Custom Tablecloths: We print full-color custom table covers (throws) that drape over standard trade show tables (4ft, 6ft, 8ft). These are printed on durable polyester fabric with your logo, branding, or artwork. Our tablecloths are washable and reuseable, and the print is vibrant. Options include 3-sided (open back) or 4-sided tablecloths, fitted style, etc. A branded tablecloth instantly professionalizes your booth or display table.
• Retractable Roll-Up Banners: We produce roll-up banner stands (also called pull-up banners) which are the vertical banners that retract into a base. The print is on a smooth vinyl or fabric, and comes with an aluminum stand and carrying case. They are extremely portable – just “pull up” the banner from the base and hook it onto the support pole. Our roll-up banners come with the stand hardware included, so you get a ready-to-go display. They are great for trade shows, lobby signage, or presentations. (And yes, the stands are reusable – you can swap out the graphic in the future.)
• Feather Flags: We print feather flags (or “flutter flags”), which are tall fabric flags used outdoors to attract attention. Ours are printed via dye-sublimation on special flag fabric for vivid color. They come with a flexible pole kit and base options (ground stake for outdoor, cross-base for indoor, etc.). Feather flags are popular for storefronts, outdoor events, and festivals – anywhere you want a banner that waves in the wind. We offer various shapes (feather, teardrop, rectangular) and heights from around 6 feet up to over 15 feet tall. Each flag kit includes a carry bag and is easy to assemble on-site.
• Pop-Up Canopies and Tension Displays: In addition to tension fabric walls described above, we can also provide custom canopy tents and other displays via our partners. If you need a branded 10x10 tent for an outdoor event, let us know – we can have the canopy printed with your graphics. We also offer X-stand banners, step-and-repeat backdrops, foamcore standees, and more.

In summary, we’re equipped to be your one-stop event branding supplier. From the floor (custom mats or tablecloths) to the backdrop (fabric wall) to the verticals (flags, roll-ups, signs), First Press can print it all. These products are listed under our “Events” category on the site (e.g., feather flags, roll-up banners, tension fabric walls, tablecloths). If you don’t see a specific item, just ask – we likely can source and print it. And if you’re preparing for a trade show, reach out for a consultation; we’ll ensure you have a cohesive set of displays (matching style and color) that will make your booth look top-notch.

(All our event display prints use high-quality materials: the fabrics are tear-resistant and the colors are fixed to be fade-resistant and vivid, so you can use them event after event. Setting up and breaking down these displays is designed to be user-friendly – we know you often have to do it yourself on-site. We’re happy to provide setup instructions and tips for any item, ensuring your event marketing goes smoothly.)

Design & Specialized Services

What if I need help with design or preparing my artwork?

We’ve got you covered. First Press offers in-house Design Services for any of your print projects. If you don’t have a ready design or you want something created from scratch, our team of professional graphic designers can work with you to develop the perfect artwork. Here’s how it works: You can contact us (email or phone) to discuss your needs – whether it’s designing a new logo, laying out a brochure, or just tweaking a file you have. We’ll gather your ideas, branding elements, and content, then our designers will create a concept and refine it with your feedback. We make sure the final design is print-ready and meets all technical specs (bleeds, color profiles, etc.), so you don’t have to worry about that side at all.

Our design team is experienced in a wide range of projects – from business cards and stationery to large-format signage and packaging. We’ll ensure your design not only looks stunning but also is optimized for the print process (for example, using rich blacks, proper resolution images, and safe zones). Using our design service can save you time and ensure a polished outcome, especially if you’re not familiar with graphic design or software. We offer this service at an hourly or project rate depending on complexity, and we always get your approval on proofs before printing.

In short: if you need any level of design assistance, just ask for our Design Services. We can do minor adjustments to your files (like adding bleed or text corrections) or complete creative design. Think of us as your creative partner – First Press is not just a printer; we’re a full-service solution to take you from an idea all the way to a beautiful finished product in hand.

(To inquire about design help, you can mention it when requesting a quote or contact us on our contact form. We’ll discuss your vision and provide an estimate. Our goal is to make the process seamless – we handle design and print, so you don’t have to coordinate between separate designers and printers. Many clients love that they can get everything done under one roof with First Press.)

What is the “Branded Storefronts” service and who is it for?

Our First Press Storefronts service is a specialized offering for businesses or organizations that frequently order print materials. It’s essentially a custom web-to-print portal for your company. If you have multiple team members or locations needing business cards, flyers, etc., or if you regularly need to order a variety of branded items, a First Press Storefront can make this super easy.

How it works: We set up a private online store for your organization, branded with your logo and colors. In that portal, we upload templates for your common print products – e.g. a business card design where users can fill in their name/title, or a brochure template, or swag items. Your authorized staff can log in, customize the items (within the preset templates to maintain brand consistency), and place orders directly through the portal. It streamlines re-orders and ensures everything follows your brand guidelines. No more back-and-forth with sending files or worrying if the latest logo is used – the storefront has all your approved designs and options.

This service is great for franchises, large companies, schools, or any group with repeated print needs. It saves time and centralizes your print ordering. Other benefits include potential discounted pricing for volume, and we can set permissions so only certain people can approve orders, etc. We charge a modest setup fee (our custom storefront setup is just $200 one-time), which includes branding the portal and loading your initial products. After that, it’s available 24/7 for your team. Imagine each new employee can order their own business cards from a template, or each branch can order flyers as needed without emailing HQ – the portal handles it, and we print & ship directly.

In summary, Branded Storefronts are your own company print shop online, powered by First Press. It’s about convenience, control, and consistency: convenience for your team to order prints, control to ensure brand standards, and consistent quality from our printing. If you find you’re ordering the same things repeatedly or managing print orders for many people, ask us about setting up a storefront. It can significantly streamline your print procurement process and even help reduce costs through efficiency. Many of our clients who use it say it’s a game-changer for their marketing and operations departments.

Does First Press offer a reseller program or trade pricing for print brokers?

Yes, we have a Reseller Program designed for print brokers, designers, agencies, or other print industry professionals who want to use First Press as their production partner. As a reseller, you can take advantage of discounted trade pricing and other benefits, allowing you to profitably resell our printing services to your own clients.

Key features of our Reseller Program include:

• Wholesale Pricing: You’ll receive special rates lower than our standard retail prices, giving you margin to mark up for your client. We can provide a pricing list or quote based on the products you frequently need.
• Blind Shipping: We can ship orders directly to your client with no First Press branding on the package, so it appears as if it came from your company. This keeps your business identity in front of your client.
• Dedicated Support: Our team knows resellers have unique needs, so we offer dedicated account support – whether it’s white-label sample kits, unbranded proofing, or flexible turnaround to meet your client deadlines.
• Online Tools: You could also get access to a specialized reseller ordering portal (or even a custom storefront in certain cases) to make ordering easier.

To join, we typically require a simple application or proof of business (to confirm you are a print provider or related business). Once approved, you’ll be given a reseller account. There’s no fee to join, but the program is intended for those who will be ordering regularly. We value our trade partners and work hard to be a reliable, quality wholesale supplier – effectively, we become your behind-the-scenes production arm.

So if you’re a designer or broker thinking, “Can I get a better rate for printing through First Press and resell it to my clients?” – the answer is yes! We encourage you to reach out about the Reseller Program. It’s a win-win: you get excellent print quality (which reflects well on you) at lower costs, and we get a steady partnership. Many local print brokers in Montreal and beyond have moved their production to us for our combination of quality, price, and service. We maintain confidentiality – your clients remain your clients; we’re just the manufacturer in the background. Contact us to discuss setting up a reseller relationship and we’ll happily provide more details.

Can First Press create and manage a company store for our branded merchandise?

(Related to the storefronts question above, but if the user means promotional merch, clarify)

(Optional additional info if needed) First Press primarily focuses on printed paper goods and signage. If by “company store” you mean an online portal for ordering your print materials, that’s exactly what our Custom Storefronts service provides (as explained earlier). However, if you’re referring to branded promotional merchandise (like pens, apparel, etc.), we partner with suppliers for many promo items too. We can integrate those into your storefront if needed. Essentially, talk to us about what you envision in a company store – if it’s print and promo products for your employees or franchisees, we can likely set up a solution under our storefront program and source the items. Our goal is to centralize your brand’s printing needs in one manageable system.