Press Check Gripe
Ok, so it hasn’t been really announced here but I’ve left book design in favor of working in development in the third sector. Of course I miss design but am very excited about being a full-time do-gooder.
So, at my new place of employment I’ve been asked just to do a little design—a simple invitation to a fundraising event.
On my way home today I dropped the disc off at the printer and gave them the final instructions, everything was going well and everyone was happy until I said that I wanted to do a press check. “A price check? We’ve already given you an estimate.” “No,” I said, “I want to do a press check. I can be here in ten minutes and will be out of here in five minutes.”
Now I understand the reluctance. They are busy and don’t want to be waiting around for me to come and look over their shoulder. I tried to be reassuring, “Look, I don’t want to take up your time but this is important to me.” After heming and hawing, they finally said, “No. We can’t do this.”
I was absolutely stunned. I turned and left. I didn’t take the job back. I just left. I was humiliated.
What do I do? Beg my boss to pull the job so that we can give it to another printer?
I am so angry. Does anyone have similar stories about being refused a press check?? I’m stunned.
Comments:
Ive never had a printer refuse it. Except in case of web presses, but that’s another story. If you feel it’s necessary, have your boss call them, at least you won’t have the responsibility on your shoulders if they botch the job.
If these guys are so rigid, it might not be a bad idea to look into friendlier printers. You want to be relaxed in your relationshp to your printer.