can you please explain your announcement sizing?
can you explain the proofing process?
what is your typical printing timeline?
can you explain your pricing structure?
what forms of payment do you accept?
Letterpress for the Environment
This topic is first on our list as it is asked again and again. Yes, many consider letterpress printing an eco-friendly printing method. We use a sparing amount of ink on press and beautiful recycled papers. We recycle our photopolymer plates and also make use of the paper waste (trimmings) as much as possible. All other paper that cannot be reused by Spark is recycled. Quite honestly, we're sensible and responsible.
Recycled Papers
Our house stock is a 100% reclaimed cotton paper (tree-free) made up of fabrics from the garment industry that would normally have gone to waste. We also offer recycled chipboard and other fun, recycled colored papers. We are making available a bamboo paper as an option, even though we didn't want to jump on the bamboo bandwagon. None of us here at Spark are convinced that it is a responsible eco option given where it is harvested, how it is made and its rather ugly carbon footprint.
Selecting a Design
Clients working with Spark directly or through one of our preferred retailers may select from a variety of designs featured in our custom albums - Wedding Love (vol. 1 & 2) and Stationery Love (vol. 1) - or on our website, blog and flickr page. If there is something specific you have in mind, just ask!
Announcement Sizing
Our stationery is sized to standard announcement sizing. See our chart below for measurements.
A9 panel card is 5.5" x 8.5" or 140mm x 216mm
A9 envelope is 5.75" x 8.75" or 146mm x 222mm
A7 panel card is 5" x 7" or 127mm x 178mm
A7 envelope is 5.25" x 7.25" or 133mm x 184mm
A2 panel card is 5.5" x 4.25" or 140mm x 108mm
A2 envelope is 5.75" x 4.375" or 146mm x 111mm
4Bar panel card is 4.875" x 3.5" or 124mm x 89mm
4Bar envelope is 5.125" x 3.625" or 130mm x 92mm
Monarch panel card is 3.625" x 7.25" or 92mm x 184mm
Monarch envelope is 7.5" x 3.875" or 191mm x 98mm
For invitation suites, we typically pair the A9 panel/envelopes with the 4Bar panels/envelopes. Likewise, we pair the A7 panels/envelopes with A2 panel/envelopes. Our pocketfolds and belly band wraps come in either the A9 or A7 sizing. Belly band wraps may be wrapped around the invite panel OR around the pocketfold for the same price. If wrapped around the pocketfold, we will remove the button and string. Envelope liners are available for ALL envelope sizes. Inner envelopes available for A9 and A7 sizing.
Monarch and A2 sizing are very appropriate for personal stationery, such as thank you cards and personal note cards. All panel cards are available folded, please inquire for pricing.
We also offer custom die cut shapes such as a wide variety of circle sizes, scallop, heart leaves, shells and much more.
If you are in need of a custom size or shape, please inquire for details and pricing.
Request a Sample
We are more than happy to send you a letterpress sample whether you are planning for a special event or you are an independent designer looking to work with Spark on a wholesale basis. Please complete our online inquiry form. We charge a flat fee of $8.00 to cover the cost of the sample(s) and postage. We utilize paypal for payment, however if this doesn't work for you, please let us know!
Placing An Order
Please complete our Spark Order Form (PDF) and email to spark@letterpresslove or fax to 866.617.8904. We respond to all order inquiries within one business day. We will provide you with a detailed estimate at the time we receive your order form and need your approval prior to moving forward with the design.
Requesting An Estimate
An estimate may be requested by sending an email inquiry to spark@letterpresslove.com or by completing our online inquiry form found on our website. We need the same information outlined above in "Placing An Order."
Proofing Process
Clients working with us directly or through one of our preferred retailers should budget one month for the proofing process and printing time. Less time is needed for smaller orders. Typically, after an order is placed, a PDF proof will be issued within 2-3 business days. The entire proofing process can take anywhere from 7 days to a few weeks, depending on what is created.
We permit an exchange of 3 PDF proofs with each order. If additional proofs are required after the third proof, a small non-refundable fee of $30 is charged for each proof issued.
Note: Please proofread all of your text and dates carefully. While we do everything we can to catch and correct errors, ultimately your signature and/or approval is a binding agreement between you and Spark to proceed with production on your order as shown in our PDF proof.
Printing Timeline
All orders are shipped within 15 business days from time of proof approval. Timing is affected by the complexity of the order and the availability of materials. Rush orders are accepted if our schedule allows. A 20% rush fee is applied to the order total.
Pricing
Spark offers the same retail price to our online clients as we do to our clients who purchase our custom products through one of our retailers. Our one color letterpress eco-sets start at $700 (100 qty), this includes a printed outer envelope, invite panel and reply postcard. Likewise, a two color eco-set starts at $850 (100 qty). If you prefer a 4-piece invitation set, which includes a printed outer envelope, invite panel, reply panel and reply envelope, one color letterpress sets start at $850 (100 qty) and two color letterpress sets start at $1000 (100 qty). Our beautiful pocketfolds start at $3.00/piece. One color letterpress calling cards start as low as $125 for 100 qty.
The most important thing to remember is that you can CHANGE anything. If we show an invitation panel in 2 colors, but you want it in one color - no problem. Likewise, if you want to turn a one color insert card into a two color insert card - no problem. We allow our clients to pick and choose and change to their hearts content to suit their personal style and budget, so order what you want!
Our pricing includes design time (using existing Spark artwork), printing on our beautiful, standard weight house stocks, choice of over 50 standard ink colors and a plentiful selection of fonts. We encourage you to contact us to estimate your project! We promise to respond in a timely manner.
Need more info? Review our General Pricing Structure (pdf).
Payment
All orders must be secured with a valid credit card (mastercard, visa) before work on the custom design occurs. Orders valued over $1000 may require a down payment of one half the total cost of the custom stationery ordered.
An invoice is typically issued, not including shipping costs, once the order moves into the production stage. Clients have a few days to review the invoice at that time. When the order is shipped, Spark reserves the right to collect payment for our services. We will use the credit card on file, unless alternate payment has been arranged.
International Shipping
We will ship to clients internationally via the United States Postal Service. Most international orders are shipped priority mail and range anywhere from $40 - $100+ in price, depending on weight. We are able to track international orders.
Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are covered in full by our customers. Spark ships all orders via UPS ground service, unless expedited shipping is requested. We ship to the United States and Canada, as well as other international locations upon request. Most orders shipped within the United States will cost anywhere from $7.00 - $25.00 for standard shipping. Feel free to contact us for a shipping estimate at anytime during the process.
Order Cancellation
If you wish to cancel an order, Spark must receive your cancellation request in writing via email to spark@letterpresslove.com within 1 day of your order being placed. Any cancellation requests received after this time will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Spark offers no guarantee that your order will be able to be cancelled after this time period, as your order may have already gone to print. Orders that are cancelled will be subject to a $50.00 cancellation fee, as well as any plates, materials and labor charges incurred at the time of cancellation.
