expresscopy.com > FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Do I have to pay a fee or sign a contract to use expresscopy.com?
How do I place an order with expresscopy.com?
Designing postcards is new for me. Can someone walk me through it?
What are your refund policy and terms and conditions?
Products
Do you have samples of your printed products?
What products do you offer?
Will you print something that is not on your product list?
How much do your products cost?
What types of paper stock do you offer and which one should I order?
Bindery Services for Flyers/Brochures
What types of bindery services do you offer?
What is scoring/perforation?
What is glue dot/tab sealing?
What types of paper stock can be folded?
Postcard Addressing & Mailing Services
What is the difference between Print + Address and Print + Address + Mail?
What is the turnaround time for Print + Address + Mail orders?
What is the difference between First-Class™ mailing and Standard (Bulk) mailing?
Where are Print + Address + Mail orders actually mailed from?
Which files types do you accept for address lists?
Do you accept address files in a label format?
Why does my postcard need to be laminated for mailing service?
When ordering Print + Address + Mail service, how can I have some extra postcards sent to myself?
For print-only orders, can I address my postcards or flyers using my desktop printer?
Creating a Document for Print
I am creating a design using my own software. What are your print file specifications?
Can I see what my design will look like printed?
What file types does expresscopy.com accept for printing?
What does the term "bleed" mean?
Ordering
Is there a minimum order required?
When will my order ship?
How will I receive my order?
How much does shipping cost?
General Questions
Do I have to pay a fee or sign a contract to use expresscopy.com?
You will be prompted to create an expresscopy.com account during the order process, but there are absolutely no membership fees or contractual obligations to create an account or place an order.
How do I place an order with expresscopy.com?
All orders are placed through this website. We do not accept telephone orders. There are two ways to create your print file:
- Use one of our customizable online designs.
- Upload your own design. If you plan to upload your own files, be sure to review the easy.-to-follow file specs.
Unlike many competitors, there is no charge to upload your file, and there are no fees for "premium" designs.
Once your print file is created or uploaded, you will be prompted to select your address list (for direct mail orders), specify quantities, stock, and other order details, and include any special instructions. At the end of the order process, you will have the option to schedule your order for a later date or place it into production right away.
Designing postcards is new for me. Can someone walk me through it?
Yes. We offer free, one-on-one phone sessions with our Customer Support experts to help you create your design, select your mailing list, and make sure your order gets submitted without a hitch. Click here to pick a time that fits your schedule.
What are your refund policy and terms and conditions?
Our pre-press department makes every effort to review print and address files prior to production. If you have any concerns or questions about your order, please call Customer Support at 800-260-5887 and they will be happy to help you resolve any issues.
If you need to change or cancel your order, please call us immediately at during business hours (7am-5pm Mon-Fri PT), and we will do our best to accommodate you before the order goes into production.
If you do ever find a print or addressing error introduced by us, we will be happy to refund or replace your order in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Products
Do you have examples of your printed products?
Yes. Request a sample pack by mail. to see our products, print quality, and paper stocks in person.
What products do you offer?
Direct mail services, postcards, flyers, brochures, business cards, door hangers and greeting cards. For more information regarding expresscopy.com products and services, please click here.
Will you print something that is not on your product list?
Yes, we will. We can print designs that fit on one of our standard page sizes (letter 8.5" x 11", legal 8.5" x 14" and tabloid 11" x 17"). Please contact Customer Support for requirements.
How much do your products cost?
Pricing is based on quantity, additional services and our required minimums. Please visit our Price Guide.
What types of paper stock do you offer and which one should I order?
Stock description:
- Premium Bond Paper: This is a 28# white uncoated laser sheet. It is very bright and smooth, excellent for flyers and brochures.
- Cover Stock: This is a 90# white uncoated cover sheet, excellent for heavier flyers, regular sized postcards and covers.
- Laminated Cover Stock: This is a 90# cover stock with the addition of a glossy lamination added to both sides. It is great for business cards, covers and postcards. With a highly durable plastic coating it provides optimal protection from USPS processing, but is non-recyclable.
Please note: Orders run on this stock will require one extra day of production. Cannot be perforated. If you plan to address and mail postcards yourself, please also be aware that adhesive labels may not adhere to the lamination, and this stock cannot be run through a desktop printer or postage meter. - Recyclable Coated Cover Stock: This is our standard 90# cover stock. Excellent for Regular, Jumbo and Panoramic size direct mail postcards, as well as greeting cards.
Please note: Provides minimal protection against postal processing wear, but is fully recyclable. Cannot be scored or folded. - Heavy Cover Stock: Our sturdiest stock, this is a smooth, white uncoated 10pt heavy cover stock, excellent for business cards and postcards. This stock cannot be scored or folded.
Recommended stock by product:
- Postcards:
Regular Size: Cover Stock, Laminated Cover Stock, Recyclable Cover Stock, or Heavy Cover Stock
Jumbo Size: Laminated Cover Stock, Recyclable Cover Stock, or Heavy Cover Stock
Block Size: Cover Stock for Every Door Direct Mail
Panoramic Size: Recyclable Cover Stock or Laminated Cover Stock
Giant Size: Laminated Cover Stock or Heavy Cover Stock - Flyers & Brochures: Premium Bond Paper, Cover Stock, Laminated Cover Stock, or Heavy Cover Stock.
- Business Cards: Laminated Cover Stock or Heavy Cover Stock.
- Door Hangers: Cover Stock, Laminated Cover Stock, or Heavy Cover Stock.
- Greeting Cards: Recyclable Cover Stock.
Bindery Services for Flyers/Brochures
What types of Bindery/Finishing Services do you offer?
Folding, scoring, perforating, and glue dot/tab sealing. Please see our Bindery Services page for more information, or our Price Guide for pricing.
What is Scoring/Perforating?
Scoring creates a crease in the paper to provide a better fold on heavier stocks. Perforation creates a serrated line at which a portion of the paper can be easily torn off.
What is Glue Dot/Tab Sealing?
Glue Dot sealing places one or two dots of glue inside your folded flyers/brochures which keeps them closed during mailing. Tab sealing places a circular sticker on your folded flyers/brochures which keeps them closed during mailing. The product and stock you are ordering will determine which type of sealing we use.
What types of paper stock can be Folded?
Premium Bond, Cover Stock and Laminated Cover Stocks can be folded. If you are having cover stock folded, you must also order Scoring. Folding services are not available for Heavy Cover Stocks.
Postcard Addressing & Mailing Services
What is the difference between Print + Address + Mail and Print + Address?
Print + Address + Mail service (full service direct mail) will print addresses from your list onto each postcard, and then we will send them via US Postal Service directly to your address list (United States addresses only). This option includes the postage for each postcard.
Print + Address service will print addresses from your address list directly onto the postcard and then we will send you all the postcards via your choice of UPS Ground or UPS Next Day Air. It is then your responsibility to affix postage and mail them. This option does not include the postage for each postcard.
Both services are available for postcards only.
What is the turnaround time for Print + Address + Mail orders?
Orders placed before noon Pacific Time will be processed and delivered to the Post Office the next business day. For First-Class™ mailing, the US Postal Service quotes 3-5 business days for delivery; for Standard (bulk) mail, they quote 2-3 weeks for delivery. Please note that turnaround times are an estimation of processing time required to fulfill your order and are not guaranteed.
What is the difference between First-Class™ mailing and Standard (Bulk) mailing?
First-Class™ mailing typically takes 3-5 business days to arrive from the time it is received by the Post Office, depending on your proximity to Portland, Oregon. All time sensitive material should be sent via First-Class™ mailing. In addition, First-Class™ mailing offers return service, which can help you keep your address lists up-to-date for future mailings.
Standard (Bulk) mailing service is available for Jumbo, Panoramic and Giant cards only. It may take up to 2-3 weeks for delivery and is not recommended for time sensitive material. Standard Mail does not provide return service.
Where are Print + Address + Mail orders actually mailed from?
Portland, Oregon.
Which file types do you accept for address lists?
We accept the following file types: Tab Delimited Text (.txt), Comma Delimited (.csv), Microsoft Excel (.xls), Standard Database (.sdf), Database (.dbf), and ACT! Click here to read more about address file specifications.
Do you accept address files in a label format?
No, we do not. Addresses must be listed in a spreadsheet/database format. Click here to read more about address file specifications.
When ordering Print + Address + Mail service, can I have extra postcards sent to myself?
Yes. There are two ways to do this:
- Add your name and address to your address list as many times as you like. Our certification process automatically deletes duplicates, so you must write a note in your order under Special Instructions stating that the duplicate addresses in your file are intentional. Each of these cards will have the duplicate address on them.
- Add another item to your order for Print-Only postcards or Print + Address postcards (with the postcards coming directly to you). Note: Since this item is a separate shipment, this item must meet the product specific minimum. If you do not want your cards to have addresses on them, please choose Print-Only.
For Print-Only orders, can I address my postcards or flyers using my desktop printer?
We do not recommend running any of our printed products through any heat-producing printer (this includes laser printers) or other equipment, as it may damage both the printed product and your printer.
Creating a Document for Print
I am creating a design using my own software. What are your print file specifications?
expresscopy.com accepts print files in many common formats, including PDF and Microsoft Publisher. Our design specifications vary depending on which product you are ordering. Click the link below to view design specifications by product:Postcards
Regular 4.25" x 5.6"
Jumbo 5.5" x 8.5"
Block 6.125" x 8.25"
Panoramic 5.75" x 11.25"
Giant 8.5" x 11"
Flyers & Brochures
Letter 8.5" x 11"
Legal 8.5" x 14"
Tabloid 11" x 17"
Business Cards 2" x 3.5"
Door Hangers 4" x 11"
Greeting Cards 6.25" x 4.5"
Please also review our Preparing Your Files page for other important guidelines.
Can I see what my design will look like printed?
During the design creation process you will have the chance to review and accept a PDF preview, or digital "proof," of your final print file.
You will also have the option later in the order process to order a color proof to be sent to you via UPS Next Day Air Saver for $25. Your order will not be printed until you approve the proof. Proofs will not be laminated or Recyclable coated.
What file types does expresscopy.com accept for printing?
expresscopy.com converts all print files to a PDF (Portable Document Format) for printing. Please see our Preparing Your Files page for complete details.What does the term "bleed" mean?
The term "bleed" is used in the printing industry to describe a design where a background color or image extends to the very edge and no white border is desired. Please consult our Preparing Your Files page for specific print dimensions.
Ordering
Is there a minimum order required?
Mailing minimums for each size postcard are dictated by USPS rate and mail sort restrictions. Please refer to our Pricing Guide for a breakdown of all prices and minimums.
When will my order ship?
expresscopy.com's standard turnaround time is the same day. The following table details expresscopy.com's fast turnaround times:| Product/Service | Received by:* | Will ship by: |
| Postcards | ||
| Print + Address + Mail (delivered to the Post Office by us) |
12:00 Noon Pacific Time | Same Business Day |
| Print-Only and Print + Address (shipped back to you) |
12:00 Noon Pacific Time | Same Business Day |
| Flyers & Brochures | ||
| Premium Bond paper stock: | 12:00 Noon Pacific Time | Same Business Day |
| Cover/Heavy Cover stock: | 6:00pm Pacific Time | Next Business Day |
| Business Cards | 6:00pm Pacific Time | 2 Business Days |
| Door Hangers | 6:00pm Pacific Time | 2 Business Days |
| Greeting Cards | 6:00pm Pacific Time | 2-3 Business Days |
*Turnaround times are based on a standard Monday - Friday operating schedule. All orders must be received on or before a business day for turnaround times to apply.
Exceptions:
- Bindery services (scoring, perforation, tab sealing or folding) on postcards or flyers/brochures will require one additional business day.
- For Print-Only and Print + Address orders, lamination will require one additional business day.
- Large orders of 1,000 or more pieces may require one additional business day.
- Shipped proofs will also require at least one additional business day.
- Any problems with your order may delay turnaround times.
How will I receive my order?
For all orders shipped directly to you (Print-Only and Print + Address), we use your choice of UPS Ground, UPS Second Day Air, UPS Next Day Air Saver or UPS Next Day Air. Please note: not available to ship to PO Boxes.
For direct mail (Print + Address + Mail) orders, we use USPS First-Class™ or Standard (bulk) mail, depending on which service you choose.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping charges are dependent on your selection of UPS Ground, UPS Second Day Air, UPS Next Day Air Saver or UPS Next Day Air , your location, and quantity of pieces ordered. For a detailed estimate please see our pricing calculator.
Additional Charges:
- We do not currently ship orders internationally.
- UPS delivers Monday-Friday. If your order is set to ship on Friday and you would like it to ship for Saturday delivery, you must call Customer Support and an additional delivery charge will apply. Please note: Saturday delivery is not available in all areas..
