Q.1   What does “Press Ready” mean?

“Press-Ready” means that your files are ready to be processed into plates for use in our Press. Not all software can save files in a Press-Ready format.

Q.2   What file formats/ applications* are supported by Press?

• NOTE: We accept files saved at high quality 300dpi resolution from any program as a TIFF, PDF, or EPS. QuarkXpress/In Design: Send all PostScript Type 1 fonts and ensure all colors and any images used are converted to CMYK. Collect for output. Save and send files as a .sit or .sea, or .zip format. Make sure linked images are EPS or TIFFs, and not JPGs. Please remember to send the images and any fonts used in your document.
• Photoshop: Save all files in CMYK color mode. Resolution of file should be 300dpi. Save and send file as a flattened EPS, PDF, JPG or TIFF.
• Illustrator: Make sure colors are in CMYK. Convert all text to outlines. Save and send file as an EPS or PDF.
• Freehand: Make sure colors are in CMYK. Convert all text to outlines. Save and send file as an EPS or PDF.
• * Microsoft Word, Publisher, Corel, etc. do not create “PRESS-READY” files for output. Jobs submitted using these applications will incur additional charges to prepare your files for printing.

Q.3   Can you scan my artwork?

• Depending on the type of artwork submitted, we may be able to make modifications to your file. Any requested changes will be subject to an additional charge of at least $35.

Q.4   Why can’t I submit my job in RGB color mode?

• A lot of the colors you create in RGB mode are not achievable using standard four-color process printing. If you submit your job in RGB color mode, we will convert it before it goes to press, which will lead to color shifts that you may not be happy with. It is always best to create your document from the start in CMYK format to ensure that you have a better idea of how your colors are going to print

Q.5   If I provide a color proof, can you match it?

• Probably not… As color lasers are typically not accurate. If color matching is critical, we highly recommend you request a color proof with your order.

Q.6   Why did the colors print differently from the color on my monitor?

• Monitors display colors in RGB… not CMYK. As well, most monitors are not calibrated for color accuracy. There is also a wide range of gamma differences in PCs, Macs, and various manufacturers of monitors. Room lighting can also have an impact of your perception of color. Leave the color to us – we’re the experts!

Q.7   Can I create a file exactly to size?

• Only if there is NO bleed required… otherwise you must add 1/8″ of bleed around all 4 sides of your files. Download the appropriate template listed above to insure correct bleed and trim settings.

Q.8   Do you offer other paper stocks?

• All our pricing is based on gang-run printing on the paper stock specified in each item’s description. If you wish to print on a custom stock, your price will most likely be significantly higher than our “standard” pricing, since your job will then have to run by itself on press, which means you will incur the full cost of custom plate output, press setup, press time, and cleanup. If you are interested in having a custom quote, please feel free to contact us we’ll be happy to quote your custom project based on your specifications.

Q.9   What types of payments do you accept?

• We accept checks and all major credit cards. You can also request open account.

Q.10   Can I see a sample?

• Yes! We’re happy to show you a sample of an item(s) you’re considering.

Q.11   What if I am unhappy with my order?

• If you’re unhappy with your order because the product is defective or ‘not as promised’ or the imprint quality isn’t ‘spot on’ just contact your Customer Care Representative and we’ll rerun your order or refund your money. We are in this for the long-haul and will work with you to be sure you’re 100% satisfied.

Q.12   How do I get a free sample kit?

• Click on the "sample kit" button above to be taken to the sample kit order page. If you are a new customer, you will be asked to enter your email address, a password, name, and shipping address. Once you click "Get My Free Sample Kit," your sample kit order will be processed, and a Boss and Hughes account will be created. If you already have a Boss and Hughes account, please enter your account email address and password, and click "Request Free Sample Kit”.

Q.13   Do I have to pay for shipping?

• There is no shipping charge for sample kit orders within the United States. Shipping sample kits to countries outside of the U.S. may require an additional charge.

Q.14   Can I get multiple sample kits?

• Your first sample kit is free. You may order additional sample kits, however, please note that we have a limit of one free sample kit per customer. Each sample kit after your first order will be an additional charge.

Q.15   What type of paper stocks do you offer?

• We offer a variety of paper stocks with different thickness and coating options to choose from. Our 14-pt. paper stock is the most popular for business cards. It is sleek and durable, and you can add an optional UV gloss finish. Our Trifecta paper is our most luxurious stock and ranges between 24 to 38 pt. thickness. Recycled 100 lb. paper is our thinnest cover stock and best for cards that need to be produced in masses.

Q.16   What is a “Safe Zone” and “Bleed” when it comes to designing?

• Your Safe Zone is the area where all your elements (text, images, logos, etc) must be placed so that they are not cut off when the product is trimmed to the final size. • The Bleed is the part outside of the Safe Zone that gets trimmed off when the product is cut to its final size. Bleed is short for all the graphics on a product that will "bleed off the document" so that the color continues to the edge of your final product. Most of our business cards require that your files have a 0.1" bleed.

Q.17   I need help with my design. Do you have any pre-made templates?

• If you need help designing your cards (or just need a little inspiration), we offer several professionally designed industry-specific templates that you can customize with your company name, logo, contact information and more. We carry online design templates specific to popular industries and professions such as real estate, photography, handyman, lawyer, and much more. • The design styles range from modern and trendy to professional and minimal. All our printable design templates are specifically configured to be easily customized and personalized to match your brand's identity

Q.18   What information should be on a business card?

• At the minimum, your business cards should include your company name, first and last name, title, and preferred method of contact (phone number and/or email address). If applicable, include your physical address and website as well. • If you have room on the back of your business card or if you are ordering folded business cards, you may also want to include a list of services or products, photos, special offers or discounts, and fun personal or industry facts.

Q.19   What is the difference between saddle stitching and perfect binding?

• Saddle stitch binding is the most popular binding method for booklets and catalogs with fewer than 100 pages. During this process, the printed pages are stacked on top of each other and stapled together along the fold line to create a spine. The perfect binding method is often required for catalogs with a higher number of pages (the exact number depends on the thickness of the paper used). A perfect bound catalog means that the catalog pages have been gathered and a heavy-duty glue has been applied along the edge. The catalog cover is then placed around the pages and held in place by the glue. This process results in a flat spine. We offer saddle stitch binding for catalogs that are between 8 to 96 pages, and perfect binding for catalogs that are between 48 to 96 pages.

Embroidery FAQS

Q.1   How much does it cost to get something custom embroidered?

• Custom embroidery costs much less than regular traditional embroidery. As state-of-the-art embroidery machines are used to produce beautiful designs whether you want one single unique piece or thousands of pieces in the same design, the scalability of the design and work makes it value for money as well.

Q.2   How do I order embroidery?

• Whether you want your brand name, logo, custom design, or message embroidered on your choice of apparel, the team of custom embroidery experts at Boss & Hughes are available to assist you. Call us on 713-664-9829 or email us on csr@bosshughes.com and our representatives will get in touch with you.

Q.3   Can you make your own embroidery designs?

• At Boss & Hughes, we believe in collaborating with our customers to translate your ideas into a perfect design. If you already know the exact design that you want custom embroidered on your choice of apparel, one of our design experts will sit down with you to create a working design before we begin the process of production.

Q.4   What is the required minimum quantity to order?

• There is no minimum quantity to order anything, which is why Boss & Hughes is the ideal choice for both individuals and teams.

Q.5   Is embroidery more expensive than screen printing?

• Embroidery can be more expensive than screen printing as an option; however, it depends also on a variety of factors – material chosen, size of the design, colors chosen, etc. For example, the more the number of colors chosen, the costlier does screen printing turn out to be. In the case of embroidery though, it would be a flat rate. Additionally, embroidery can be done on thick and heavy garments as well and due to its durability, embroidered garments last much longer than screen printed ones do.

Q.6   How long does it take to embroider a name?

• Machine embroidery is much faster than the traditional hand embroidery option. A simple name could take as less as an hour or at the most 2 hours. Whereas it could take up to 7 hours when done by hand.

Q.7   How long does it take to embroider a logo?

• If you are looking at a 3000-stitch design with a lot of details, done at 400 stitches a minute, a logo can be machine embroidered in about 4 minutes. Because a logo has far more detailing than a lot of other options, a complex pattern could still take about 2 hours.