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Below are answers to some common questions. The manufacturing
process is complicated and many steps are required. This means
there are many opportunities for errors to occur. We follow
strict procedures in order to produce the best quality product
possible. Please understand and be considerate of our procedures
and timelines. Also, please follow our instructions in regards
to package design if you are submitting your own artwork.It
is your responsibility to make sure your designs conform to
our requirements to avoid additional billing.
Q. How long does it take for me to get my CDs?
A. Our standard production time is 10 to 15 working
days (working days are Monday through Friday excluding holidays).
Production schedules vary throughout the year. We always do
our best to have your CDs ready to ship on day 10. Although
we cannot guarantee your order to ship out on the 10th day,
we do guarantee that it will be ready to ship within 15 working
days.
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Q. Can I place a rush order?
A. No. Rush orders are bad news waiting to happen.
Plan your project properly so a rush is not required.
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Q. How do I receive my CDs? Can I pick them up?
A. Your CDs will be shipped directly to your door
using the least expensive shipping method unless otherwise
instructed by you. You are responsible for paying all shipping
charges. You can pickup your CDs from our sales office only
however you still have to pay for shipment of the merchandise
to our sales office.
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Q. Do I have to pay sales tax?
A. California residents must pay sales tax. The only
way for California residents to avoid sales tax is to provide
us with a resale certificate with a valid reseller number.
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Q. What is the difference between CD replication and CD
duplication?
A. CD replication are professionally manufactured
CDs just like the ones in the major retail stores. Since replication
involves a complex manufacturing process with automated machinery,
it is only cost effective to produce a minimum of 1000 units.
CD duplication is CDs created from "CD burners,"
just like the burners available from your local computer store.
CD duplication is only good for short runs, 500 units or less.
Be aware that replication provides a protective coating over
the data whereas duplication does not. If you want a professional,
retail-ready product, CD replication is the only way to go.
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Q. How many CD Masters do you need?
A. You only need to supply one but we highly recommend
that you supply two in case the first one does not pass our
quality assurance test. If you only supply us with one master
and it fails our quality assurance test, then we have to wait
for you to supply a new master and your project WILL BE DELAYED.
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Q. Can you supply us with a barcode?
A.
Yes, we can provide a UPC barcode number and the graphic file
to be placed onto your package design.
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Q. Do I need to fill out all the forms?
A. Yes. We know it seems like a hassle but they are
a necessity. One, we must fulfill legal requirements in regards
to copyright issues. Second, the forms help us monitor your
project to minimize errors. Please help us help you by completing
all forms.
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Q. Do I really have to use your templates? Can't I use
my own?
A. YOU MUST USE OUR TEMPLATES. If you do not, you
will be billed a minimum of $75 for file inspection. Our templates
are set to exact specifications for printing on the CD disc
and packaging materials. Different manufacturers and printers
may have different specifications for a variety of reasons.
Do not listen to a designer that tells you, "Don't worry,
I have templates of my own, it will be all right, I do this
for a living." THEY ARE WRONG! Any designer that does
not bother to obtain the proper specifications and templates
is lazy and unprofessional. It will end up costing you more
money in the long run.
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Q. What software programs do you support?
A. We support Quark Express, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
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Q. How do I submit my electronic files to you?
A. You can submit your files on CD-R, Zip disk (100 or 250MB)
e-mail, or FTP. Please speak with your account executive to
obtain e-mail and FTP information.
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Q. What is a bleed and when and why is it required?
A. A bleed is an area that falls outside the trim (cutting) lines
of your package design. A bleed is required when you have
artwork that extends to the edge of a page. Cutting machines
may shift during the cutting process and a bleed prevents
any white edges appearing on your final packaging materials.
A standard bleed is 1/8". CD discs do not require a bleed.
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