FAQ / Pro Tips

When you are on the first page of the product you want to order you can choose the production speed that will fit your time frame. You have 3 options: 4-5 day production, 2-3 day RUSH production, 1-2 day Emergency RUSH production.  You can also enter your state and zip code and select the shipping speed that will help your order arrive faster. 

We suggest contacting us first if you are in a RUSH, to determine if we can produce your order on time and what the exact price will be. 

The website will automatically calculate the total price with shipping and an expected due date. If for some reason you need help or need your project faster than the available options please contact us. We are here to help you.

If your total price is coming up as $0.00 or a very low price when you select 1-2 day emergency please contact us first before placing an order. We will try to help you, so you can receive your project on-time.

We are generally willing and able to help out with rush projects. Contact us if you need help. 

Tel:(203) 513-8214
E-mail: customerservice@bestprintingusa.com

If you send us (upload) a print ready file and you want the images, text, grahics, photos, borders, etc. to run off the edge of the page (so no white is showing on the edge) and you did not create the file with an extra 1/8" (,125) bleed...

We only have two options. We can enlarge each page a little so that we have the required 1/8" bleed or we can shrink each page a little and add a white border on each page. When we print booklets (like every other printing company) we print on oversize paper and then trim them down to final size. We NEED extra bleed so that no white paper shows on the edges.

If we enlarge each page, keep in mind that everything that is close to the edge (within 1/8"- 1/4") has the chance to get cut off. See image below called "creep", that will help you understand why bleed is necessary when making booklets and why some of your fonts/words/pictures/images/graphics/page numbers, etc. may get cut off.

When it comes to adding bleed to a booklet file, the standard recommendation is to include a bleed area of 1/8"  0.125 inches (or 3 mm) on all sides of each page. Bleed refers to the extra space beyond the final trim size of the page to ensure that when the booklet is printed and trimmed, there are no white borders or unwanted unprinted edges.

To add bleed to your booklet file, follow these steps:

1. Open your document in a design or layout software such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or a similar program.
2. Set up your document with the correct page size and margins.
3. Extend your document canvas or artboard size by adding the bleed value to each side. For example, if your final trim size is 8.5 x 11 inches, your document size with bleed should be 8.75 x 11.25 inches.
4. Ensure that all important elements (text, images, backgrounds) extend into the bleed area, ideally reaching the edge of the extended canvas.
5. Save your file, preferably in a print-ready PDF format, making sure to include the bleed settings. 1/8" .125

When you create a booklet, the file always has to have 8 or more pages. in multiples of 4 pages.

Think of it this way: When take a single FLAT sheet of paper it has 2 sides, (2 pages). When you FOLD it in half, it now has 4 sides (4 pages), when you add another sheet of paper that is 8 pages. Add another sheet and it is now 12 pages, and so on...

You can have blank pages in your booklet if you want, but they still need to be part of your file and the file will always be in multiples of 4 pages. 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 36, etc.

If you are using Saddle Stitched (staples) or Squareback binding having  multiples of 4 pages is mandatory.

The most popular places for blank pages (if they need to be added to your file) are:

Inside front cover

Inside back cover

Outside back cover.

The first step in uploading your file is preparing it properly. We prefer one pdf file that contains all of the pages in your booklet/magazine/catalog as single pages. The first page should be the front cover and go all the way through to the outside back cover. If you have multiple files and you want to send all of them, follow the instructions below.

On the second page of the website while ordering you will be prompted to upload your file. Select the file (from your computer) that you would like to upload and then click the upload button.

The upload button/box is set up as a default for files under 150MB.

In order to upload files OVER 150mb click bluish box/ button once and then you will be able to use the same button/box below to upload large files over 150mb.

To save separate files into one compressed (zipped) folder for uploading; follow these instructions:

• Select the files (hold down the shift key to select multiple files) -> Right Click -> Send To -> Compressed (zipped) Folder. You will upload that zipped folder.

If you need to upload your file after placing an order, follow the instructions below:

If you want to upload a new file (with changes) after you already uploaded a file, contact us first to "clear out" the first file you uploaded. 

If you reject your proof you will be able to upload a new file.

Log in to your account on the website, In the "My Account" drop down menu select "Orders". On the next page look for your new order. It should say "Awaiting Artwork" Click the "Upload Artwork" button. Select your file and then click submit. 

If you are having trouble uploading your file there are many different reasons why this can be happening.

These are the most common reasons:

You do not have a fast internet connection.

The upload button/box is for files under 150MB and your file is over 150MB

In order to upload files OVER 150mb click bluish box/ button above once and then you will be able to use the same upload button/box  to upload large files. over 150mb

If you are still having trouble, you can use the "upload file later" button and proceed with your order without uploading a file.

Once you have placed your order you will immediately receive an automated email with an order #. You can then email us a link to download your file via any file transfer program such as DropBox, WeTransfer, Google Drive, etc.

customerservice@bestprintingusa.com

Please reference your name and order # so we can match up the file to the order.

Yes, we are a full service mailing company. We will need to know if you want to use Pre-Sorted First Class, Pre-Sorted Standard, or Pre-sorted Non profit postage rates and we will need a properly formatted mailing list. We charge a mailing fee plus actual USPS postage costs. All lists are processed with our sophisticated mailing software and checked for address verification/undeliverable addresses. Each list is CASScertified and NCOAcertified. We are able to achieve the lowest possible postage rates available. We generally use our indicia for bulk mailings. We can also use first class stamps, standard mail stamps, non-profit stamps, or meter the mail. If you want to mail your project using Non Profit postage rates we will need your Non Profit USPS authorization number. 

Our mailing fees generally start as low as $215.00 but the actual mailing fee depends upon the quantity and the specs of your project. 

Our mailing fee includes: Processing your mailing list with our sophisticated mailing software which checks/fixes bad/undeliverable addresses, performs a move update (NCOA), CASS certifies the list, sorts the list for maximum postage savings. We then address, sort, place into trays and deliver the mail to the USPS post office.   If you would like your "cleaned up" mailing list back once we are done with your project, just ask. It is included in the fee.

Please contact us for further details.

Tel:(203) 513-8214 
E-mail: customerservice@bestprintingusa.com

This is a simple answer: The more you order, the lower the cost per item.

The higher quantities take into account the efficiencies of printing a lot at the same time. The more you order the cheaper they cost each.

Design Pro Tip: Allow at least 3/8" of clear space on the spine side of the page for the binding holes to fit comfortably. Anything closer than 3/8" from the edge of the paper will get holes punched into it. 

If you allow room for the holes it will help make your pages look centered between the binding and the edge of the paper.

When you are setting up your print files for a booklet please put the pages in the same order as the book reads. Start with the front cover, then inside front cover, then page 1, then page 2, all the way to the outside back cover.

For saddle stitched or Squareback binding always use multiples of 4 pages.  8, 12, 16, 20, 24, etc... These types of binding need multiples of 4 pages in order to bing properly.

Each SHEET of paper when folded in half has four sides (four pages)

Our Standard Calendars are 13 months Jan 2024 - Jan 2025     We will use 15 of YOUR full color 8.5 x 11" photos, one of your photos for each of the 13 months plus the front and back covers. We also drill an 1/8" hole for hanging.

You can choose to use our standard calendar layout for each month or you can supply your own calendar. You can send us the photos (15 of them) and we can place them into the months you specify, or you can custom design your own calendar and send us the print ready files.

Pro tips: The top photo portion of each month is 11" wide and 8.5" high which is LANDSCAPE format. (wide, rather than tall). When you are choosing your photos for each month please save them with the name of the month in the file. Make sure your photos are high resolution and not blurry or out of focus. If your photo are going to run right to the edges of each page (bleed), please be aware that we will trim off approximately 1/8" off all 4 sides of the photo to make sure that no white edges show. 

Best Printing USA is a Connecticut (USA) corporation and we do not charge sales tax on any orders that are shipped out of our state (CT).

If your company or organization is located in CT and we are shipping the product to an address in CT or if you are picking up at our plant in Shelton, CT we are obligated to collect CT sales tax on the sale.

If your company or organization is sales tax exempt, you can send us the proper "sales tax exemption forms" documentation and we will keep it on file.  

If you contact us prior to placing an order and send us the proper forms we can set your account to tax exempt. Then whenever you place an order there will be no sales tax charged. 

We have designed our website and the prices to be very competitive with other online printing companies. We generally DONT use any special discount codes or promos to lower our prices.

We believe that if you compare or standard prices with other online printers that are offering huge discounts and special offers (gimmicks) that our prices are lower.

Our service and quality are better than everyone elses.

We may not be the biggest, but we are definately the best!

After you complete the ordering process by uploading your file and paying, we will get a notification that a new order has been placed. You will also immediately receive an automated email with all of the details of your order. If you did not upload your artwork/print file during the ordering process you will also receive an email asking you to "upload artwork".

Once we have received the order we will download your artwork/print file. After it is downloaded we do a quick scan of the file to see if we notice any obvious preliminary issues. If we do spot issues, we will notify you about our findings.

If we do not see any obvious issues your order will move to our pre-press dept to have the print file processed with our pre-flight and Fiery Rip software. Minor issues with the file will be fixed at N/C,. Large issues will be brought to the customers (your) attention. We will look for and suggest possible options to correct whatever issues we discover.

Once your proof is prepared we will upload it to the website. You will receive an automated email alerting you that you have a proof available to APPROVE or REJECT.

Once you download and review your proof you will have the option to approve or reject it.

If you are having trouble locating and downloading your pdf proof, please follow these step by step instructions on how to locate your proof.

Log into your account, 1. On the top right menu click "My Account", then select "my account". 2. On the next page click the button on the right that says "View". 3. In the middle of the page under STATUS click the "download proof" link. ***Please use Adobe Acrobat to view your PDF proof***
After downloading and viewing your proof, go back to the website and scroll down the page and click the pink box and either Approve or Reject your proof.

If you reject the proof and would like us to make a correction, please leave a description about what was wrong with the file or what you would like to be fixed. (additional charges may be incurred)
Once you click the Reject Proof button, you will be able to add comments and if needed upload a new file.

If you approve the proof, your order will move into production. You will receive an automated email with the details of your order.

If your proof approval took longer than 1 day (with the original file) the expected due date is automatically updated to allow enough production and shipping time.

If you reject your proof you will be able to leave a comment as to why you are rejecting it. You will also be able to upload a new corrected file. Each additional new file will incurr a $25.00 charge. If you believe that we made a mistake to your file/proof, please let us know what is wrong. There is no additional charge for us to fix our own mistakes.  Once you submit your new file we will process it again and start the pre-flight / proofing process over again.

The way our website ordering is designed, you would have to place an order to receive a pdf proof. 

Once you complete the ordering process by selecting your product, choosing all the specs, uploading your files and paying, the order will then show up on the website with an order number and due date. We will then print out a job ticket and download your print file. We will then look at your files and do our pre-flight / pre-press process. When we are done with the processing of your files we will upload a pdf proof to your account on the website for you to download and review, then you can either approve or reject it.

Under certain circumstances it is possible for us to review your print file and see if everything looks correct. If you have more questions or need help please contact us via chat, email: customerservice@bestprintingusa.com or phone 203-513-8214. We would be happy to help you. 

You have 3 proofing options to choose from when placing an order. 

1. No Proof (we print your order using the file that was uploaded during the ordering process)

2. Free PDF proof. 

3. Hard Copy proof. (You will receive a pdf proof of your file that you will need to approve prior to us printing your hard copy proof.) The exact cost of the hard copy proof depends upon what you are ordering, but generally the cost is approx. $130.00 which includes overnight

Additional information about proofs below:

The way our website ordering is designed, you would have to place an order to receive a pdf proof. 

Once you complete the ordering process by selecting your product, choosing all the specs, uploading your files and paying, the order will then show up on the website with an order number and due date. We will then print out a job ticket and download your print file. We will then look at your files and do our pre-flight / pre-press process. When we are done with the processing of your files we will upload a pdf proof to your account on the website for you to download and review, then you can either approve or reject it.

When your proof is ready/available you will receive an automated email.There will be a direct link to your proof in that email. If you have been waiting for your proof and you don't see that email please check your spam or junk mail folder. Sometimes the automated emails get flagged as spam or junk by certain email programs.

If you are having trouble locating and downloading your pdf proof, please follow these step by step instructions on how to locate your proof.

Log into your account, 1. On the top right menu click "My Account", then select "my account". 2. On the next page click the button on the right that says "View". 3. In the middle of the page under STATUS click the "download proof" link. ***Please use Adobe Acrobat to view your PDF proof***
After downloading and viewing your proof, go back to the website and scroll down and click the pink box. Then you can either Approve or Reject your proof.

If you reject the proof and would like us to make a correction, please leave a description about what was wrong with the file or what you would like to be fixed. (additional charges may be incurred)
Once you click the Reject Proof button, you will be able to add comments and upload a new file. You can also email us the new file or a download link (please reference your 4 digit order number). customerservice@bestprintingusa.com

The spine of a Squareback booklet can have words printed on it, but the booklet needs to be at least 1/8 to 3"16" thick before it is practical.

Squareback binding is very similar to saddle stitched binding in how it is produced (two staples) and how it functions (lays flat). The advantages of Squareback binding are that the books have a nice square edge spine, they will look more professional, they will stack up neatly, and not "pop" open like saddle stitched booklets do.

Squareback binding looks very similar to Perfect Binding (glued) but it uses two staples and will open up and lay flat on a table. Perfect binding will not lay flat and needs to be held open the entire time you are reading it. 

Squareback binding cost only pennies per book more that saddle stitching so it is a great way to make your project look very professional for very little $$

Our software will butt the front and back cover images together to meet in the middle of the spine just like a saddle stitched booklet.

On larger books (80 pages or more) the spine is generally large enough 1/8" - 5/16" - 1/4" to add something to the spine***

***Extra charges may be involved***

We will need a separate spine file if you would like to print something on the spine.

The type of paper used on this website are expressed in weight. In the U.S. system it is Pound (lb) and referred to with a # sign.

The paper used for general office use is typically between (#20 to #80 text) and is called paper or TEXT stock. Text stock is used for the inside of booklets, magazines, journals, etc.

Any paper heavier than this is considered card or COVER stock, i.e. the paper used for the outside of booklets, magazines, and also used on business cards, postcards, greeting cards, etc. This type of paper is generally #80 to #120 cover stock

If you are not happy with your proof, you should reject the proof on the website. Then, you will have the option to make adjustments or corrections to your print file and re-upload a new file.

Each new file that you submit (after the first one) will incur a $25.00 fee. This will be added to your account as a "Payment Request" and you will be required to pay ASAP and before we ship your order.

If you believe that we made a mistake to your file/proof, please let us know what is wrong. There is no additional charge for us to fix our own mistakes. 

If you reject the proof and would like us to make a correction, please leave a description about what was wrong with the file or what you would like to be fixed. (additional charges may be incurred)
Once you click the Reject Proof button, you will be able to add comments and upload a new file. You can also email us the new file or a download link (please reference your 4 digit order number). customerservice@bestprintingusa.com

Coated papers are generally available in two finishes – glossy (shiny and smooth) and matte/dull (low sheen and lusterless). Coated glossy papers are suitable for almost all types of printing jobs. Glossy papers print and reproduce very well, which is important for creating sharp, bright, clean images, printed text, and graphics.

Matte / Dull coated finishes also print very well, but the images will not "pop" as much off the sheet and look more subdued. Many people prefer this "matte" look and it is becoming more popular.

Uncoated papers print well and are suitable for many types of projects. These papers have no sheen whatsoever and the printing will be somewhat dull and subdued. Many types of jobs are suited for uncoated stock and it has a unique look and feel that some people prefer. In the past, almost all business cards were produced on uncoated cover. (copy paper is an example of uncoated paper)

Regardless of what paper you choose you can be sure that our equipment can print on it well and we will uphold the highest quality standards when producing your project.

All of the papers offered on this website are made with recycled content.

If you need help deciding which paper to choose please contact us prior to placing your order.

Tel:(203) 847-8454 
E-mail: customerservice@bestprintingusa.com

Yes, you can select "Pick Up at Best Printing USA facility" at Checkout.

Tel: (203) 513-8214
E-mail: customerservice@bestprintingusa.com

Our business hours are M-F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

For order pickups; Please use the side entrance of building.

Most projects ordered through this website will be printed on one of our high quality digital presses. At our discretion we may also print your project on an offset press. Whatever is the most efficient and cost effective way.

Our system supports RGB (red, green, blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) for producing printing. However CMYK is the preferred way to set your files as most of the jobs ordered from this website will print in 4 color process CMYK on our digital presses. RGB colors can sometimes be out of the range that modern digital equipment is able to reproduce with an exact match. If you have a specific PMS color you are trying to match, please set the color to Pantone spot and tell us what color you are trying to match. If you have questions about setting up your files properly please contact us prior to uploading your file.

There are times when an order that was placed needs to be modified either by customer request or if we discover an error. If the change to the order requires an additional payment we will add a "Payment Request" to the order.

You will receive an automated email with instructions on how to log in to your account and pay with a credit card or debit card.

You should log in and pay ASAP so your order does not get delayed.

Yes, the prices that you see once you have entered in the exact specifications of your project and the correct shipping info, our system will calculate the final cost of your job. You can upload your print ready files and pay by credit card in the same session. There are no hidden fees or charges.

The only possible exception to the above is: If your order requires changes, additional proofs, or changes to the shipping speed. We will contact you will the changes to your order and add a "payment request" to your order if the changes result in a higher cost.

Most of the orders we process do not incurr any additional charges. If you have questions or concerns you can get in touch with us via our "Contact US" button on our home page, call us, email us, or chat with us

Tel:(203) 513-8214
E-mail: customerservice@bestprintingusa.com.

An 8.5 x 11" file will not reduce proportionally to 5.5 x 8.5"

The 8.5" dimension needs to go to 5.5", that is a 64% reduction in size.

The 11" dimension needs to go to 8.5", that is a 77% reduction in size.

As you can see the reduction size is not the same, so in order to reduce your file to 5.5 x 8.5" we would have to distort the artwork (stretch one dimension and shrink the other.) It can make things look very strange. One option (other than sending us the artwork at the size of the book you want) is for us to reduce the book to a custom size 6.5" x 8.5". We can reduce your 8.5 x 11" artwork 77% and it will be 6.5" x 8.5" that is with NO distortion. In general that size book is $50.00 more than the prices on the website for standard 8.5 x 11"

To View, Print or Download your Invoice:

Log into your account. Under the "My Account" drop down menu select "Orders". Once you are on the Orders page select the "Invoice" button, then use your browsers Print or Download function.

You can view and print these even if you haven't paid yet.

 To View or Print the  Payment Request details of your order:

Log into your account. Under the "My Account" drop down menu select "Orders". Once you are on the Orders page select "View Details" button, then select the "Payment Request" tab. Use your browsers Print menu to print this page for your records.

Our preferred file type is a pdf. We like files that are set up in the following way: Makes sure all images, fonts and grahics are embedded and the file is saved with crop marks and bleeds (when applicable). Save the file as high resolution for print as a.PDF file with all pages in one document. All pages of a book should be in the order they will print in. Page 1 is the outside front cover, page 2 is the inside front cover, page 3 is the first page on the right, and so on.... For more information on how to set up your files properly you can read our  "File Setup & Artwork Guidelines"  page at the top of our home page.  We also have  design templates available in many popular programs at the top of our home page.

www.BestPrintingUSA.com currently has 26 popular print categories on our site, but we have the capability to produce many other types of custom projects. (just ask us) We have new high tech digital printing equipment that we have spent considerable amounts of time researching and money on. We are confident in our knowledge, employees, and our machines to produce the finest printed products available anywhere. Give us a try and see for yourself why we get so many 5-Star reviews.

The www.BestPrintingUSA.com website was specifically created to offer Booklet, Catalog, Magazine, and Program printing services to everyone in the USA. We have been in business for 34 years and collectively the owners and employees have hundreds of years’ experience producing high-quality commercial printing. We have now purchased our sixth digital printing press. This new digital press is the latest technology available and has an inline booklet making system with our exclusive Squareback binding. It is 100% fully automated and produces booklets with amazing quality and speed. We load the paper in one end, push the start button and high quality finished booklets come out the other end. There is no better machine on the planet that can match the quality, speed, and versatility of this digital printing press. With the winning combination of our new digital printing press, our years of experience, our fast production schedule, our wide range of products, our low prices, our high-quality work, instant quoting system, our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and one-day ground shipping to all of New England, we cannot be beaten. Simply go to one of our product pages, select the exact specs of your project from the drop down menus, receive an instant price quote, upload your artwork, enter your shipping information, complete the payment and your order is put into production and then on its way to being ready and delivered to you.

Our website will currently accept credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal for instant ordering and payments. Paypal has a payment option where you can make monthly payments instead of paying all at once. We can accept check/ ACH payments, but you will need to contact us before placing an order.

Recently we have been asked by a few schools and non-profit companies to pay by check or ACH with a "purchase order". Usually this can be arranged, but you would have to contcat us in order to use this method. We will need your company to provide credit details so we can process a credit application.

You would have to create an account on the website. Then the order would have to placed into your account by one or the BPUSA staff . Then your company or organization can send us a check or ACH for payment. Please understand that in most circumstances we will not start printing/production or ship your order until we have received the check or ACH payment. Please contact us for further details.

***SEE IMPORTANT NOTE BELOW*** The due date / delivery date of your order is calculated when you place your order, but it gets recalculated once you approve your proof.

The production time and shipping time necessary to schedule and complete your order is calculated after you approve your proof because we cant control how long it may take to get a print ready file approved. Our system assumes that your proof will be approved withing 4 business hours of when you place your order. It also takes into account the time of day that your proof is approved, if there are weekends/holidays in the middle of the production schedule. We understand that if you need your project on a specif day this may be cause for alarm. See below.

***If you need your project to arrive on a specific due date please contact us and discuss this with us. We are usually able to juggle/rearrange our production schedule and deliver projects on-time when our customers need them.***

Tel: (203) 513-8214
E-mail: customerservice@bestprintingusa.com

By using Best Printing USA as your print provider you save time, money, and we are hassle-free. We carefully check every print file that comes in and we either fix any issues or alert you to problems that we have found. We never ship your order unless we believe it is 100% exactly what you want. We have perfected the process of online ordering and processing your order. We have been in business for 33 years and we have hundreds of years experience collectively in the industry. We can be relied upon to produce a high-quality product, at low prices, and deliver it on time. We are your partner in business and a valuable resource.