FAQs — Spectrum Printing Center

Question 1

Do I need an account to place an order?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a registered account is required to place orders. Registration is free and gives you access to order history, saved configurations, and wholesale pricing.

Question 2

Is Spectrum Printing Center a wholesale-only printer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are a trade-only wholesale printer. Our products are intended for resellers, print brokers, and graphic designers who resell to end clients. We do not sell directly to the general public.

Question 3

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

Browse our product catalog, configure your desired options (size, stock, finish, quantity, and turnaround), then click the order button to be directed to our ordering portal at spectrumprintingcenter.com.

Question 4

Can I reorder a previous job?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Log in to your account and navigate to your order history to reorder any previous job with the same specifications.

Question 5

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) as well as ACH bank transfers for approved accounts.

Question 6

What file formats do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept PDF, AI (Adobe Illustrator), and EPS files. PDF is strongly preferred. Files must be print-ready with all fonts embedded or outlined.

Question 7

What resolution should my artwork be?

Accepted Answer

All images and artwork must be at least 300 DPI at the final print size. Low-resolution files will result in blurry or pixelated prints and may delay your order.

Question 8

Do I need to include bleed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All files must include a minimum 0.125" (1/8") bleed on all sides. Any background color or image that extends to the edge of the card must extend into the bleed area.

Question 9

What is a safe zone?

Accepted Answer

Keep all critical content (text, logos, important design elements) at least 0.125" inside the trim line. This is the safe zone. Anything outside this area risks being cut off during production.

Question 10

Should I use CMYK or RGB color mode?

Accepted Answer

All files must be submitted in CMYK color mode. RGB files will be converted to CMYK during prepress, which can cause unexpected color shifts. We recommend converting to CMYK in your design application before submitting.

Question 11

Where can I download templates?

Accepted Answer

Free templates for all our products are available on our Templates page. Templates include bleed, trim, and safe zone guides for popular design applications.

Question 12

When does my turnaround time start?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround time begins after your order is placed AND your print-ready file has been approved through prepress. Orders submitted after 12:00 PM EST will begin processing the next business day.

Question 13

What turnaround options are available?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround options vary by product but typically include 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day business day options. Specialty and Majestic products may have longer minimum turnaround times.

Question 14

Do you ship on weekends or holidays?

Accepted Answer

No. Production and shipping occur on business days only (Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays). Weekend and holiday days are not counted in turnaround times.

Question 15

Do you offer rush or same-day printing?

Accepted Answer

Select products offer a 1-business-day turnaround. Contact us at 718-845-2700 to discuss availability for urgent orders.

Question 16

Do you ship nationwide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We ship to all 50 US states via UPS and FedEx. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on order weight, dimensions, and destination.

Question 17

What is the difference between Majestic and standard products?

Accepted Answer

Majestic products feature premium enhancements such as Raised Spot UV, Akuafoil, and other specialty effects that go beyond standard laminate finishes. They are ideal for high-end clients who want a distinctive, tactile business card.

Question 18

What does Raised Spot UV look like?

Accepted Answer

Raised Spot UV applies a thick, glossy, three-dimensional coating to selected areas of your design. The raised texture is visible and tactile, creating a dramatic contrast against matte or soft-touch laminate backgrounds.

Question 19

What is Akuafoil?

Accepted Answer

Akuafoil is a unique printing process that creates a holographic, iridescent foil effect across your entire design. Unlike traditional foil stamping, Akuafoil prints full-color artwork over a foil base, producing a shimmering, multi-color effect.

Question 20

Can I get a printed proof before my full order?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer printed proofs. We recommend reviewing a digital soft proof carefully before approving your order. All sales are final once a file has been approved and sent to press.

Question 21

What is the minimum order quantity?

Accepted Answer

Minimum order quantities vary by product. Standard business cards start at 250 pieces. Specialty and Majestic products may have higher minimums. Quantity options are shown on each product page.

Question 22

What if my order arrives damaged?

Accepted Answer

If your order arrives damaged in transit, please contact us within 5 business days of delivery with photos of the damage and your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue promptly.

Question 23

What if there is a print quality issue?

Accepted Answer

If there is a manufacturing defect or print quality issue on our end, we will reprint your order at no charge. Please contact us within 5 business days of delivery with photos and your order number.

Question 24

Do you accept returns or cancellations?

Accepted Answer

Because all orders are custom-printed to your specifications, we do not accept returns. Orders may be cancelled before a file is approved and sent to press. Once in production, cancellations are not possible.

Question 25

Are colors guaranteed to match my screen?

Accepted Answer

Screen colors vary by monitor calibration and cannot be guaranteed to match printed output exactly. We print to industry-standard CMYK tolerances. For color-critical work, we recommend using Pantone-to-CMYK conversion references.

Question 26

How can I reach customer support?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us by phone at 718-845-2700 during business hours (Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, Sunday by appointment only), or visit us at 129-08 Liberty Ave., Richmond Hill, NY 11419.

Question 27

Do you offer price matching?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a price match guarantee on comparable products from qualifying competitors. Visit our Price Match page for full details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Accounts

File Setup & Artwork

Turnaround & Shipping

Products & Printing

Quality & Reprints

Contact & Support

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