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Bellagrafica Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 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 Uploader (available here).

Contact a Marathon Account 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.

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!

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

 Yes. Our list company source and your own can be combined as long as yours is within the same ZIP Code-protected area as the purchased list. Names will be de-duped to avoid multiple mailings to the same client. There is a $30 flat charge for list processing and manipulation. 

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 cost $30 per 100. 

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, color and offer when using the existing layout. You can for just $299. Contact your Marathon Account Representative for more information. 

How do I get started?

Simply pay a $500 deposit which applies toward your order. 

How will my pieces be mailed?

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

How early should I start?

NOW! Remember...Zip Code protection is provided on a first come, first-serve basis. Don’t be disappointed


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