Press checks

[jmurf133]

do you charge the customer for them?

 

[Stiv]

No, we just schedule them for 3:00 a.m.

 

[couriergraphics]

That will eliminate alot of them

 

[Stiv]

I find that you must put a time limit on them and also educate your client that they are not to press proof but used for critical color evaluation.
The last thing you want is a client proof reading while your press sits idle.

 

[gordo]

No, we just schedule them for 3:00 a.m.

That's fairly standard practice. Another is to schedule a range i.e. the press check will be sometime between 7pm and 10pm. Then call them at 10:15 and say that they've got 5 minutes to get to the press or they'll miss the slot.

Seriously though, I'm not aware of any print shop that charges for press checks. If the customer is well kown then the estimated time may be included in the original quote - but not specified as such. If the job is "important" then the sales rep may say something to the effect that "we've allowed for some press check time in the quote"

best, gordo

 

[seejay]

our position is this.
If the client requires a press pass they are informed the following before the job enters production:
The job has been estimated with XX minutes makeready, and xxx Sheets makeready allowance. We print to ISO standard and the allowances enable us to print to the standard. If during the press pass, the client decides to move away from this standard and consequently exceeds these allowances, then the additional time/sheets are chargeable.

This tends to work as a rule, after all, if the files are created and prepped, and the proof is accurate i.e. all your processes are calibrated. Then there should only be minor variation from what the client has seen.

... and then sales get involved!!