Printing press in operation

OUR PROCESS

From Brief to Bookshelf.

Every project follows a clear, transparent process — designed so you always know where your book is, what happens next, and who to reach. Here's how we work.

Six Stages, Full Transparency

From your first inquiry to the moment your books arrive — every step is designed for clarity, quality, and communication.

01
Timeline: Day 0

Inquiry

Send us your project specifications — title format, page count, paper preferences, binding, finishing, and quantity. If you have reference books or design files, even better.

Our team reviews your brief and responds within 24–48 hours with a detailed quote covering:

  • Unit cost breakdown
  • Production timeline
  • Sampling timeline
  • Shipping options and estimated freight
  • Payment terms

If anything's unclear, we'll ask — because a good quote starts with good questions.

02
Timeline: 7 working days after file receipt

File Review & Sampling

Once you approve the quote, send us your production files. Our prepress team reviews every file for:

  • Bleed, trim, and safety margins
  • Image resolution (300 DPI minimum)
  • Color profiles (CMYK conversion, spot color setup)
  • Font embedding and linked files
  • Overall print readiness

If we find issues, we'll flag them before any plates are made. Once files are cleared, we produce physical proofs — typically a digital contract proof plus a blank dummy book (for format/binding approval) — and ship them to you.

03
Timeline: Upon your approval

Pre-Production Approval

You review the proofs and confirm:

  • Color accuracy on contract proof
  • Physical format, weight, and binding feel on dummy
  • Paper selection and finishing specifications

This is your last checkpoint before mass production. Take the time you need. Once you sign off, we move to press.

04
Timeline: Varies by product (typically 20–35 working days)

Production

Your project enters the press floor. During production, we provide:

  • WIP (work-in-progress) updates at key milestones
  • Press sheets and finishing samples on request
  • Continuous in-run QC (color, registration, density)
  • Master colorist sign-off for premium projects

You can request live updates, photos, or video of your job at any stage. No black box.

05
Timeline: 2–4 working days after production

Quality Check & Packing

Every batch undergoes our 7-stage QC before packing. Final samples are photographed and shared for your records. Books are packed in export-grade cartons, palletized, and prepared for shipment.

We retain samples from every run for at least 12 months for traceability and reprint reference.

06
Timeline: Dependent on shipping method and destination

Delivery

We offer flexible shipping options to match your needs:

  • FOB Hong Kong / Shenzhen (Yantian / Shekou) — most common
  • CIF your destination port
  • DDP door-to-door delivery (customs and duties handled)

Tracking information and full export documentation provided at shipment. For urgent projects, air freight and express options available.

Preparing Your Files for Press

A well-prepared file makes everything faster, cleaner, and more predictable. Here's what we need.

File Format
Print-ready PDF (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 preferred)
Resolution
300 DPI minimum for all raster images
Color Mode
CMYK for process · Pantone spot colors identified
RGB files will be flagged and converted with your approval
Bleed
3mm minimum on all sides
Safety Margin
5mm from trim for text and critical elements
Fonts
Embedded or outlined
Black Text
100% K only (no rich black for small text)
Spot Colors
Named correctly, swatches set up as spot (not process)

Clear Terms, No Surprises

Straightforward commercial arrangements so you can plan with confidence.

Payment

Standard: 30% T/T deposit upon order confirmation + 70% balance before shipment.

Alternative: Letter of Credit (L/C at sight) accepted for orders above USD 30,000.

All payments in USD unless otherwise agreed.

Shipping

  • FOB Hong Kong or Shenzhen (Yantian / Shekou) — default
  • CIF to most major international ports
  • DDP door-to-door service available upon request

Split shipments available for special cases.

Sampling

Paid sampling covers materials, press setup, and shipping. Sample cost is refundable against bulk order upon confirmation.

Complimentary sample kits of past work available — client covers shipping only.

Frequently Asked Questions

MOQs vary by product — typically 500 copies for art books, 1,000 for hardcovers, 2,000 for paperbacks and children's books, and 1,000–3,000 for packaging. See individual product pages for specifics.
After file approval and proof sign-off, typical production is 20–35 working days depending on product complexity. See individual product pages for details.
We welcome qualified clients to visit. Please coordinate with your account manager in advance.
Yes. We offer FOB, CIF, and DDP options. For DDP, we handle customs clearance and last-mile delivery.
Yes. Physical references are the clearest brief. Send us a sample and we'll quote to match — paper, binding, finishing, and color.
Every batch is traceable to our archive samples. If an issue is confirmed as a production fault, we'll replace or credit at our cost. We stand behind our work.
Yes. We retain files, plates (for a limited time), and samples for at least 12 months, making reprints straightforward.
We maintain and pursue certifications on a project basis. If you have specific requirements, tell us early in the quoting process.

Ready to Start?

Tell us about your project. We'll respond within 24 hours — with a detailed quote, honest timeline, and answers to every question.