Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.

As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Just start by following one of the links below.

If you think of question that is not on this list, please click on "Ask a Question" and let us know what you're thinking. If enough people ask the same question, we'll post the answer in this section for future visitors.

1. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
2. Submitting Art and want to know what formats we accept?
3. Statement of Use and Warranty Information
4. What is a "proof"?
5. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
6. Do I still need to approve a proof if I send the file or bring my work in on disk?
7. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

1. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

   Our motto, "We Ship Before Others Begin", usually is quite accurate.

   Some jobs can and are produced and printed same day. Others may take some time.

   Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll get it done. We always go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands because we know your business depends on it.

2. Submitting Art and want to know what formats we accept?

   Listed below are the specifications for the different areas of electronic artwork. We recommend that you follow these guidelines in order to keep your costs down, as well as, eliminate any problems when your job is printed.

   •Software Compatibility
   Our graphics department is state of the art Macintosh based. Most current art applications are cross platform. If you have any questions regarding software compatibility, please contact the Art Department directly.

   MAC: Any version of Macromedia FreeHand, Quark Express, Adobe Illustrator , Adobe Photoshop or Adobe In Design.

   PC: All PC files will be converted to their Mac counterparts.

   Please note: We can NOT accept native files in the following programs: Microsoft Word, Corel Draw, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Pagemaker. If using any of these programs, please save the file as an Adobe EPS image.

   •Accepted Disk Formats
   DVD, CD, 100 and 250 Iomega Zip disks. We accept stuffed or zipped files via e-mail attachment (send to: artfiles@labels-systems.com). You can upload larger files to our ftp site atwww.labels-systems.com. Always send a copy of your files. Please do not send us your original files - keep them for future reference.

   •Original Art/Scans
   Please include placed graphics and photographs on your disk, even if those images are embedded in the file. If using Adobe Photoshop, please send both the original UNFLATTENED file and the final output file. Scan resolution should be a minimum of 300 dpi at final scale for continuous tones and 1200 dpi for all line work.

   •Type Specs
   4 pt. minimum. Please avoid fine reverse type or reverses with serif typefaces. Avoid 4 color process type less than 12pt.boldand reverse type less than 8 pt. bold.

   •Fonts
   Include all fonts used in your artwork on disk. Where Postscript fonts have been used please include both printer and screen fonts.
   The preference is an eps file format with all the type converted to Outlines/Curves to prevent the possibility of text re-flow. Please remember that it will be very difficult for us to edit text after it has been converted, so make sure all text changes have been made.

   •Image Area
   Maintain 1/16 inch margin from the INSIDE dieline edges for all art, unless it is an intentional bleed.

   •Bleed
   Bled images should exceed 1/8 inch beyond the outer dieline or cropmarks.

   •Color Specifications
   For spot color artwork, specify required PMS numbers. If a special color match is required, a sample must be provided, but for consistency it is always best to provide a specific PMS numbered color.

   •Color Separations
   Before sending your disk to us for output, please ensure that you printout ALL separations from your printer and verify that each color separates correctly. Eliminate any additional colors in the document that are not to be used. Include a copy of the separations with your disk. If the job is going to be printed 4-color process, convert any Pantone or other color system spot colors to process before sending us the file. We suggest printing your color separations to ensure that you don't have unexpected spot colors.

   Scanned images can be saved as either TIFF files or EPS files. Be sure to convert all scanned images to CMYK. If you have manipulated the art to produce additional colors from spot colors by overprinting screens, please send a note with your file to alert the Art Department.

   •Screens/Tints/Gradients
   Screens may range from 100 percent to a minimum of 1 percent. Any values that run below 1 percent may not reproduce correctly.

   •Trapping
   Please do not attempt to color trap images. We have RIP software that automatically will color trap your files, as well as be reviewed by the Art Department.

   •Lines/Rules
   Minimum line width is .5 pt. For printing negative (reverse) lines/rules, .75 pt is the minimum line width.

   •Nutrition Facts
   Please contact the Food and Drug Administration for necessary requirements needed for your particular product. We can build the format for you but you must provide us with all the data.

   •Barcode/UPC's
   We will produce your barcodes. Simply provide the appropriate number, symbology and format, and we will generate the code at no additional cost. We do not guarantee scan ability of Barcodes reduced more than 80 percent. Please provide sufficient space in your design to accommodate the barcode image.

   •Cutting Dies
   Be sure to contact one of our Customer Service representatives for a listing of the available die shapes and sizes in our extensive Die Inventory. Custom Dies can also be created for you. Price will vary according to size and complexity of the shape.

   •••Communication is the key, and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Simply contact the Art Department for further assistance.

3. Statement of Use and Warranty Information
   As with all pressure-sensitive materials, the product should be tested thoroughly under end-use conditions to make sure it meets the requirements of the specific application.

   All statements, technical information and recommendations about Labels & Systems, Inc. products are based upon tests believed to be reliable but do not constitute a guarantee or warranty. All products are sold with the understanding that the PURCHASER has independently determined the suitability of such products for their purposes. Labels & Systems, Inc. products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment. Any product shown to the satisfaction of Labels & Systems, Inc. within the time provided to be so defective shall be replaced without charge or Labels & Systems, Inc. may issue a credit in such amount as it deems reasonable, however, in no event shall Labels & Systems, Inc. be responsible for claims beyond the replacement value of the defective product or in any way liable or responsible for consequential or incidental damages from the use or non-use of the product.

   NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES, WHETHER OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE, OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH ABOVE (WHICH IS MADE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES) SHALL APPLY TO PRODUCTS SOLD BY LABELS & SYSTEMS, INC. LABELS & SYSTEMS, INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER SUCH WARRANTIES. NO WAIVER, ALTERATION, ADDITION OR MODIFICATION OF THE FOREGOING CONDITIONS SHALL BE VALID UNLESS MADE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF LABELS & SYSTEMS, INC.

   No salesman, saleswoman, representative, or agent of Labels & Systems, Inc. is authorized to give any guarantee, warranty or make any representation contrary to the above statement.

4. What is a "proof"?

   A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online which can be viewed online.

   Corporate policy is to have a signed proof from the customer prior to printing. That way, we can be assured you have seen the "final" and you know the information and layout is accurate eliminating costly reruns.

5. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?

   We employ human beings to produce your work and, last time we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

6. Do I still need to approve a proof if I send the file or bring my work in on disk?

   It may seem like a proof wouldn't be needed in this case but corporate policy is to have a signed proof prior to print. Output devices process digital information using a variety of processing languages. Your approval of the proof which we will provide assures that the output device used has correctly interpreted and processed the information you have provided.

7. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

   Since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

   Why not call now! Toll Free 888-357-7468.