Greeting cards: to send to digital printer - issues!

[Kirstymak]

Hello,

I got a good quote from a digital printer at 20 - 30p per card depending on the order but they're not assisting me with the technical requirements.

They said to send a CMYK pdf; they do minimal manipulation, they just supply a proof.

Can you pse help with my questions? I use a layout programme (Serif) and have imported RGB images. Does the CMYK pdf take care of everything or do I have to convert the images to CMYK and reimport them, then make the pdf?

The company does not supply ICC profiles.

Can you let me know how I should go about sending my cards to a printer and getting a good result? This company complained that they avoid working with photographers because they demand inkjet printer quality at digital printing prices, and expect them to spend four hours on their work, colour matching!
I'd appreciate any info.

Many thanks
Kirsty

[Kevgermany]

Sounds like you need to try some other printers.

Never been down this route, but from web posts I think you should be providing them with a proof which you expect them to match. I believe the colur space is very limited compared to even sRGB, so you need to get a feel for it and work in the correct colour space. I'm trying to remember where I read all this stuff. Could have been in Bruce Fraser's book, could have been in a web forum. Will try and remember.

[Kirstymak]

Hi
Thanks for the advice; they were quite rude and unhelpful, I've found another printer, Cypher, which is better at spelling out their requirements.
thanks
Kirsty

[Costas L]

Hi
Thanks for the advice; they were quite rude and unhelpful, I've found another printer, Cypher, which is better at spelling out their requirements. thanks Kirsty

Better off not using any company that values its customers so little that its rude to them. You made right decision to go elsewhere Kirsty

[Kevgermany]

Glad to hear that you've got someone better. Let us know how you get on, could be interesting for a lot of us.