The Advantages of a Finished Proof

At POD Print, we do things a bit differently when it comes to reviewing your first sample. This sample is called a “proof” and is the final step requiring your stamp of approval before running the full order.

Usually, printers will send clients a proof in one of two ways: An emailed PDF file or something called a “press check”. Instead of these, POD Print offers a completed, fully finished proof for your review.

Why do we use this method? First we need to examine the other options. We’ll get a little deeper on press checks in a moment, but let’s talk a bit about PDFs.

Why use PDF proofs?

PDFs are most often used when the client is geographically distant from the printer, or when timing is a concern. PDF proofs are also ideal for large format projects like banners and signage. They’re much quicker than shipping a hard-copy proof and ensure your job is in production in the shortest time frame possible.

However, PDFs do have their disadvantages. Colors can vary between computer monitors, so it’s difficult to gauge color. If you use Pantone colors, POD Print will work with you to match those colors on the final product, but photographs and some illustrations might not appear accurately on your average uncalibrated monitor.

This is why POD Print offers a finished, carbon-copy sample of your project before you pull the trigger on a full print run, whenever possible.

So how does that compare to a press check? And what exactly is a press check, anyway?

Press checks originated in offset printing, which uses large, high-speed presses. Offset requires more steps to set up a print run and results in a higher base cost, making digital printing ideal for print-on-demand and small-to-moderate quantities.

With an offset press, printers provide a press check as a way to proof a project. It is a loose, unfinished sample straight off the press, without any finishing such as binding or coating. It’s used to check color and to make sure the layout is printing accurately.

But that sounds great! How is your method better?

With digital printing, we can provide a complete, finished sample of your project for your final approval. This means you get a full book, brochure, card, etc. It will include any lamination, coating, trimming, binding, or other finishing you’ve selected.

Your proof will be an exact match to the end product. This allows you to hold your book or other project in your hands, flip through the pages, and feel the paper weight and texture. It ensures all steps in the process are to your satisfaction, not only color and layout.

For complete peace of mind, seeing a true sample of your project is the POD Print advantage.