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Frequently Asked Questions

Senior2013

How will my pieces be mailed?

Marathon Press will send your pieces for you via bulk mail. No additional charge.

Can we merge our list of senior names with the purchased list?

Yes. Our list company source and your own list can be combined as long as yours is within the same Zip Code protected area as the purchased list. Names will be deduped to avoid multiple mailings to the same client. No additional charge.

Can I purchase extra cards for studio use?

A separate piece is designed to coordinate with the look of the mail-out pieces, but will be better suited for handout use. They are 5.5x11 and cost $30 per hundred.

Can I determine my specific special offer?

Absolutely! Marathon's sample promotion does not represent a recommendation. It's up to you to determine your own offer.

Are the cards customizable?

Your cards are semi-customizable with your own images and offer when using the existing layout. You can fully customize everything for just $299. Contact your Marathon Account Representative for more information.

How do I get started?

Simply pay a $500 deposit which will apply to your order.

How early should I start?

NOW! Remember... ZIP Code protection is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't be disappointed!

Birthday Program

Can I purchase extra cards for studio use?

Yes. Price will be $1.75 for both pieces

Will there be zip code protected areas?

Yes.

Can we set up mailing criteria to qualify clients?

Yes.

What if I don't have images to customize my card right away?

Marathon has professional stock images available for use. Contact an account representative at 800/228.0629 to find out more.

Is there a start up fee?

The cost to start the program is $59.

What if I want to submit some of my studio names that target children a little older than 5 or I do not know the exact age of the child?

Pieces without the age printed on them are available.

Can I change the offer on my promotion from Marathon's sample?

Absolutely! Marathon just used this as a sample piece and that doesn't represent a recommendation. It's up to you to determine the offer.

PressPrints

Will the designs/layouts I've created for mPrint still work in PressPrints?

Yes, all of the products that were available in mPrint are also available in PressPrints.

In the file specifications for PressPrints it calls for a TIF file, can I use a JPG?

You can use a JPG, however, JPG files use lossy compression, which means each time an image is opened and saved the image quality degrades slightly.
TIF is the preferred format since it uses lossless image compression when saving files and thus no loss of image quality.

Can I use a Photoshop layered file (.PSD) in PressPrints?

PressPrints does not work with .PSD files. TIF and JPG are the only acceptable file formats.

How quickly will my order ship?

Orders placed by Monday 8am CST will ship Wednesday.
Orders placed by Wednesday 8am CST will ship Friday.
Orders placed by Friday 8am CST will ship Tuesday.
Calendars require longer production time, call customer service for details.

Schedules do not account for holidays or extra services you request.

UPS ground shipping is 1- 4 days after leaving our facility. If you need it faster, select one of the expedited shipping options when ordering.

Is there a user guide?

Is support available if I have questions about the software or my order?

Yes, we're here to help you. If you have any questions, would like a personal demo, or need any assisstane with the PressPrints or PhotoBooks software, please call one of our account representatives at 800/228.0629. Live technical support is available from 8-5 pm Central time Monday thru Friday or you can email us at software@marathonpress.net

Bellagrafica

What is BellaGrafica?

BellaGrafica is a new product line from Marathon Press dedicated to unique marketing solutions for boutique studios. Marathon has partnered with eight of the most innovative marketers in the photographic industry and have worked with them to create marketing tools to attract their ideal clients–those who value fine things and are willing to pay a premium for an outstanding experience.

How do the products work?

With eight distinct collections, there is something for every studio. BellaGrafica products can be used as templates–use the maker’s design and Marathon will insert your images and text into the design. If you like a product but the design does not fit your style, use the product concept (size, die cut, shape) to create your own custom design or allow Marathon to create a custom design for you.

What is Off-the-Shelf?

It doesn’t take thousands to start marketing like the industry’s top studios. Several BellaGrafica products are available Off-the-Shelf, meaning they are already printed and can be purchased and used right away in your own studio for a fraction of the investment in custom printing. Because these products are already produced, they can be purchased in lower quantities.

Plus, many of these products can be customized for your studio by adding your own imprint. Off-the-Shelf products have been adapted from the original custom design and therefore may differ from the product specs listed for custom printing. For additional information, contact an account representative at 800/385.5938.

What if I want something completely unique?

Marathon is happy to work with you to create a truly unique marketing piece for your studio. With your ideas and our experience, the possibilities are limitless.

I like pieces from several of the collections. Do I have to buy into just one collection?

No. Pick and choose from each of the eight collections to fulfill your marketing needs.

Can I use my own design on a BellaGrafica Product?

Yes. Marathon will send you a template free of any art to assist you in building your custom design.

Can you send me the design template so I can drop in the images and text myself?

Out of respect for the maker’s design, Marathon does not release design templates.

How much will this cost?

BellaGrafica products have been designed to engage the consumer–causing them to interact with your marketing piece. This creates a connection with your marketing message that increases the value of your investment. With that in mind, BellaGrafica offers several options. Choose all the bells and whistles–as designed by the maker–or select a more cost effective option featuring richly textured matte paper. In addition, more than 50 products are offered Off-the-Shelf with minimum orders starting at 50 to 100 pieces.

How long does it take to get these once I order?

Off-the-Shelf products, which are not imprinted, ship within 48 hours. Off-the-Shelf products that are imprinted for your studio, ship within five business days after your proof approval. The average turnaround for custom printing is two weeks from your final proof approval. However those products featuring intricate construction and details take longer to produce–up to four to six weeks. An estimated ship date is provided upon final proof approval.

Are the products ZIP Code protected?

Because each product can be customized resulting in a completely unique marketing piece, BellaGrafica products are not ZIP Code protected. ZIP Code protection has however been granted to the makers for their home state.

I like the design but can I change the color?

Yes. Marathon can adapt any design to fit your studio’s color scheme for an additional charge.

I like the design but can I change it to fit my images and text?

Yes. Marathon will make minor adjustments to the selected design to fit your images and text at no additional charge. Extensive design changes will incur design charges.

Can I get Off-the-Shelf products with my own images and text?

Because Off-the-Shelf products have already been printed, they cannot be customized with different images. However many Off-the-Shelf products can be imprinted with your studio logo and contact information.

Can I get custom packaging?

Custom Portrait Delivery Boxes are available twice a year. Contact an account representative at 800/385.5938 for the next available run date. However custom Belly Bands and Portrait Folders can be ordered any time.

Do you offer packaging for larger prints?

The BellaGrafica Bag accommodates up to 12"x15". Portrait Delivery Boxes are available 8x10, 6x6, 11x11 and 14x14 size at this time. Portrait Folders are available up to the 11x14 size.

Printed Products

Can I order a quantity not listed for custom cards or brochures?

Intermediate quantities can be ordered but the order will be billed at the next higher quantity level. For instance, if you wish to purchase 700 cards, you will be billed for 1,000.

Why should I choose between a PMS and process color?

PMS color always requires an additional plate which increases the cost of a print job. Marathon can build a color to match any PMS color and suggests doing so to avoid additional charges.

Why is there no discount for file furnished jobs?

At Marathon, we go the extra mile to ensure your job can be printed to the highest quality. While other companies may print exactly what you send them, each file furnished job received by Marathon is put through an extensive prepress process to make sure each is prepared correctly for optimal results.

Why can't I use the same images on my website for a printed piece?

Website images are typically optimized at the low resolution of 72 dpi. This allows for faster loading of web pages. Print standards require images of 300 dpi or higher in order to produce the best possible results. The use of low resolution images produces printed pieces that appear poor in quality.

What is the difference between flood and spot coating?

Flood coating provides a high-gloss finish over the entire surface of a printed piece.

Spot coating provides the same finish as flood coating, only it is applied in "spots" and not over the entire surface. Spot coating can be used to draw attention to specific areas on a printed piece or alone as a design element for a subtle effect.

What is included in the base price?

Custom Post Cards include one image scanned by Marathon Press, creative design services, and customary typesetting with your choice of font. File-furnished orders are accepted without additional charge.

Custom Brochures include design, typesetting, color proof and scanning of three images per side. File-furnished orders are accepted without additional charge.

Preset Formats include design (with select layouts, backgrounds and other design elements), scanning, typesetting and color proof.

What is CASS Certification?

CASS certification is a process that verifies mailing addresses to assure physically deliverable addresses. This process does not however verify the recipient's name as a valid resident.

What does the term "4/4" or "four over four" mean?

The term "4/4" or "four over four" means full color will appear on both the front and back of a print job. When printing full color on the front and one color on the back, the term "4/1" or "four over 1" is used.

What are the terms of payment?

Preproduced items must be paid in full at time of order.

Custom orders must be paid on approval. Personal check accompanying order, VISA, Discover or MasterCard are accepted.

Prices subject to change without notice.
Postage is not included in pricing and must be paid by check or money order prior to mailing.

What "additional charges" will my project require?

Additonal charges are typically associated with items such as folding, scoring, coating, PMS colors, etc. Contact customer service with any questions you may have about additional charges.

The catalog lists pricing for 500-900 brochures at $14. Can I buy 700?

When the catalog lists quantities of 500-900, the minimum order is 500 and the price rises after 900. However, quantities must be ordered in increments of 100.

Should I send Bulk Rate or First Class?

Many factors related to time and money affect the decision to mail Bulk Rate or First Class. Consult with a customer service representative for specific details.

Should I mail the same thing twice?

Many leading industry experts will suggest multiple mailings to the same list. Success rates typically increase as the frequency of mailings increases.

How will I receive my proof?

Proofs are sent by e-mail as PDFs or are faxed. Hard copy proofs are available upon request.

How should I send my files to Marathon?

For file specifications, click here: marathonpress.com/fileprep
Files can be sent on CD or uploaded via nStream (available here).

Contact a Marathon customer service representative at 800/228.0629 for more information on uploading files.

How long does it take to get a proof?

Preproduced items are proofed in as quickly as 3 days. Preset items are proofed within 5 to 10 days, cards within 5 days, and brochures within 10 days. Proofing timeframes are subject to the difficulty of the job and the type of the product. Signed approval regarding the proof must be received before the job goes to press.

Marathon does not provide proofreading, however, our staff makes every effort to avoid errors and to question material that does not appear to be correct. We cannot take responsibility for the accuracy of material printed in our plant if it is not proofread by you. We strongly advise that you carefully read and mark your corrections.

How long will my job take to get?

Custom orders typically ship two weeks from the date of the client's signed proof approval. Marathon's preproduced products usually ship within 48 hours, however, orders requiring proof approval ship three days after Marathon receives the client's signed approval.

How many mailings should I do?

Many leading industry experts will suggest multiple mailings to the same list. Success rates typically increase as the frequency of mailings increases.

Internet

How do I get started?

Once you have selected a package site, please call an Internet Support representative. They will send you a checklist to help gather the required number of images and content pages needed to build the package site. You just gather your materials and Marathon will resize the images and build the site for you. If you are interested in a Custom Website, we can setup a consultation call.

What is a blog?

A blog is a frequently updated, personal website. With Marathon's blog service added to your website, you'll be able to present your most up-to-date studio news at the push of a button. Share your favorite photographs, announce your recent promotions, or share a story; it's all about making a connection between you and your favorite people: your clients!

How do I purchase a domain name?

Currently don't have a domain name? You can register your domain name through Marathon Press. Please click here and search for available domain names. Once you have found an available name, please go through the order process. If you have additional questions while going through the checkout process, please contact domain support at (480) 624-2500.

How do I manage my domain name and account?

Marathon has made a decision to use a Domain Name Registrar that gives our clients more domain name options for the same price. You should have received an email about managing your domain name or contact an account representative for more information.

With this new system, you can renew your domain name for additional years online anytime. Additionally, you may choose the "Auto Renew" option and change your payment method so that you don't have to worry about your domain name expiring in the future. At this time, Marathon did NOT select the Auto Renew option since it requires a selection for payment option for future billing.

Need additional support uploading images or changing images on your website?

Additional support on how to change gallery images, upload sessions, blog features, email marketing surveys, etc. Please visit our support website.

What is the difference between an HTML and Flash websites?

Most HTML websites are static web pages. However, some of the newer HTML designs created by our Marathon web designers use creative, technology-inspired ways to achieve the excitement often displayed by Flash websites but are more search engine friendly including the option to add music to the homepage only enhancing that “first-look.”

Flash websites are feature rich animated controls, along with the ability to play music throughout the site. This animation can be achieved when a website is built in frames.

Marathon offers a FREE Entry Page for both HTML and Flash websites that can contain important Internet-search keywords.

Webinar

I've never participated in a Webinar. How does it work?

A Webinar is a live webcast that you participate in while in the comfort of your own surroundings. When you register for any of the events, you will receive a unique URL that you will click on or paste into the address bar of your Internet browser. Then you will be taken to a "meeting room" where you will join other participants and the speaker. You will watch and listen to the speaker on your own computer and can ask questions via a Chat area on the screen.

What time of day are the Webinars scheduled for?

Times for Webinars are listed on on the Webinars page of MarathonPress.com/webinars.

Can I bring others to watch with me?

Yes. You can gather your staff to join the Webinar around one computer. However you cannot use the same log in on more than one computer.

What's the best way for me to register?

The best way to guarantee a seat is to register online as soon as possible.

How early should I arrive?

We recommend you arrive a half hour early so that you have time to check in and get settled. This will also give you time to be sure your computer is correctly configured for the Webinar. The first time you attend a Marathon Webinar you may be prompted to download and install a plugin.

Can I arrive late for the Webinar?

We highly recommend that you arrive promptly. However, once the Webinar has been opened you can sign in any time up to the end of the Webinar.

Will I be able to purchase products following the Webinar?

Many speakers offer specials reserved just for those attending the live Webinar presentation.

Will I be able to ask questions of the speaker?

During the presentation, the Chat area will be closed. Once the speaker has completed their presentation, the Chat area will be opened and you will have the opportunity to ask questions by typing the message into the Chat area.

How long will the Webinar last?

Webinars typically last 45-50 minutes with 10-15 minutes for Q&A at the end of the program.

Can I record the Webinar?

No audio or video capture is permitted. Doing so is in violation of copyright laws.

Will I receive a recording of the Webinar?

To request a copy of the Webinar, please contact webinars@marathonpress.net. Only registered attendees may request a copy. You will be emailed a link to the recording which can only be viewed online. The link can be watched multiple times and will not expire.

What are the hardware and software requirements to attend a Webinar?

Marathon's Webinars can be viewed on both MAC and PC platforms with Flash Player installed. We suggest a wired 512kb or better Internet connection for best performance. Wireless connections may slow delivery to your computer. Audio will be heard through your computer's speakers. There is no need for a phone to attend Marathon's Webinars.

Will there be someone that can answer my technical questions?

In order to take full advantage of the Webinar, please check your settings by clicking on Meeting, then Manage My Settings, then My Connection Speed. Be sure this is set at DSL/Cable for optimum performance. Should you experience any technical problems after correctly configuring your computer for the Webinar, please email webinars@marathonpress.net. Your message will be addressed as soon as possible following the conclusion of the Webinar.

The sound is breaking up. What do I do?

Make sure you are using a wired Internet connectiont. A wireless Internet connection may slow the delivery of the Webinar to your computer. In order to take full advantage of the Webinar, please check your settings by clicking on Meeting, then Manage My Settings, then My Connection Speed. Be sure this is set at DSL/Cable for optimum performance.

I lost my log in information. How can I retrieve it?

Please email webinars@marathonpress.net at least two hours before the Webinar begins. Your login information will be resent.

Is there a discount for MAP members to attend?

Yes. There is a special, discounted price for MAP members. Talk to your facilitator for more information.

Is there a refund if I'm unable to attend?

Unfortunately there are no refunds once a registration has been made. In the event of an emergency preventing you from attending, please contact webinars@marathonpress.net.

Is there a refund if I'm not satisfied with the content?

No. Marathon is unable to refund your registration in the event you are not satisfied with the program because a limited number of reservations are accepted into each Webinar to begin with. Please read the Webinar description carefully before registering. Webinar descriptions and changes to program content are at the discretion of the speaker and Marathon is not liable.

Who do I contact to comment on my experience?

If you wish to comment on anything regarding your Webinar experience, please email webinars@marathonpress.net. Your comments will be taken under advisement and used to improve the experience of future participants.


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