The Proof is in the Proof
I recently was reminded of something that I knew but took for granted. Always get a proof from your printer.
If you have ever sent a job to a printer, you know that, like us, they are human! Human error being common, even a printer can make a mistake.
Whether you are having wedding invitations, birth announcements, program booklets, or brochures printed, the worst thing is to have a mistake on the final product. Not only will your product look poorly done, but you will feel you have wasted your money, as printing jobs are not cheap!
Most printers will send you a “proof” prior to producing your entire order. When you get the proof (whether by fax, email, mail, or in person at the printer’s counter), it is your responsibility to review it in detail and point out any changes or corrections to the printer. Once that step has been done, if there are changes and/or corrections, the printer should send or give you another proof. Until you approve of a proof as being exactly what you want, the printer should not proceed to your final order.
A note of caution: If your printer does not offer you a proof, don’t be afraid to ask for one. It could be a costly and embarrassing mistake!