Project Timelines
PrePress
Once files are verified to print ready, proofs are generated according to he schedule.
Electronic Proof: Next business day*
Physical Proof: 2 Weeks
*This does not include the time needed to correct any issues with files and proofs are not generated until the issues are resolved.
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Customers who are new to printing typically require 1 week to make these adjustments
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Electronic proof generation takes one full business day so if you need to make changes, it may take another business day each time you submit new files.
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Production
All of your project will be printed all at the same time. Exact production time varies, based on project type*.
GROUP TOURS
Saddle Stitched 1 - 2 weeks
Perfect Bound 2 Weeks
Case bound 2 Weeks
Wire Bound 3 Weeks
Spiral Bound 3 Weeks
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Production times may vary and do not include any Chinese holidays, which vary.
Larger orders typically over 3000 units or custom orders may take additional time.
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Shipping
All or some copies may be shipped via expedited air for additional charge.
Standard Ocean Liner: 6 Weeks*
Expedited Air**
Upgrading to expediting shipping does not expedite production time.
Shipping times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Your order may arrive before, during or after the estimated time frame provided. Shipping time will vary depending on weather conditions, port or boat capacity labor fluctuations, customs approval or other factors
**In certain instances we are able to provide a guaranteed delivery date for expedited shipments for an additional charge, but you must confirm pricing and scheduling with us before the order is placed.
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Estimated Turnaround time
Please remember estimate turnaround time is an estimate only Your order may arrive before, during or after timeframe.
Prepress Time Detail
Proofing, production, and shipping are three separate processes. Once you have paid and uploaded your files and we receive them, you will get a digital proof the next business day before we close. Files sent after hours or over the weekend are received on the following business day. We will work with you until your proof is right; sometimes this takes several times back and forth. We recommend you budget a week to make sure your files are correct and ready for press, but this can vary based on your experience and ability to make fixes to your files. Once digital proofing is complete we will create any physical proofs or press hardcopy proof sheets you have ordered. (Book hardcopy proof sheets take two weeks to produce and ship, and game and board book hardcopy proof sheets take 3 weeks.) Once proofing is complete and you approve the proofes we proceed to production.
Production Time Detail
Production turnaround times start from the day you go to press, which is usually one to two days after you approve your final proof. Production varies based on project type, project complexity, binding type, and project size. The timeline estimates above are for modest sized orders (fewer than 2000 units) with average complexity. While we are usually well inside these timeline estimates, getting your book right is the main priority. If you have a large order, many specialty options, or a high page count please anticipate a longer production timeline.
Once your order is printed and bound our Quality Control staff inspect a random sampling of your order and confirm it matches your proofs. We then pack them and ship them according to the method or methods you have paid for.
Shipping Time Detail
Shipping is where you have control. We offer budget shipping via ocean container and that takes 6-8 weeks after your book is finished printing. We also offer expedited shipping via air freight that takes 7-10 days after production. You can ship via one or both of these methods, and our calculator (internal link to calculator home page) can give you an instant price for splitting your shipment in this way. These timelines are also estimates, and Twainspress does not have control of customs, port strikes, ocean currents, and other rare occurrences that can extend your shipping time.
Twainspress always recommends padding your timeline and ordering as early as you are able. While we will do all we can to meet a requested timeline, we cannot offer guarantees, and we never want to sacrifice the quality of your project. Our estimates are just that, estimates, and while the majority of our projects fall within those listed timelines, delays are possible when custom manufacturing your unique book