The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Print.
The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Print: How to Beat Delivery Delays and Rushes
We’ve all been there. It’s 4:30 PM on a Thursday, your big event is on Monday morning, and you’ve just realised the "final_final_v2_DEFINITELY_FINAL.pdf" for your leaflets hasn’t actually been sent to the printer yet. Your heart does a little somersault, your coffee goes cold, and you suddenly find yourself Googling "can paper move at the speed of light?"
At TubbyPrint, we love a challenge, but we love seeing you relaxed even more. While we pride ourselves on being fast and reliable, the secret to the most impressive, crisp, and professional print isn’t just a fast machine: it’s a little bit of forward planning.
Whether you’re a local business in Coalville or a national brand prepping for a massive exhibition, this guide is here to help you navigate the printing process without the grey hairs. Let’s dive into how you can beat the rush and get results you’ll be proud to share.
The Golden Rule: Work Backwards
Looking to stay ahead of the curve? The best way to plan any print project is to start at the finish line.
If your event is on the 20th, don't aim for a delivery on the 19th. Aim for the 17th. Why? Because life happens. Couriers get stuck in traffic, snow happens (even in May sometimes, apparently), and it gives you that vital "buffer zone" to organise your materials without breaking a sweat.
A good rule of thumb for your timeline looks like this:
The Idea Phase: 2 weeks before the event.
The Design Phase: 10 days before.
The Print Phase: 5–7 working days before.
The "Relaxing with a Tea" Phase: 2 days before.
By working backwards, you ensure that even if a design tweak is needed or a file needs resending, you’re still well within your deadline. Simple, affordable, and stress-free: that’s the goal!
The Artwork Headache (And How to Cure It)
Got your design ready? Before you hit send, let’s talk about the single biggest cause of printing delays: the artwork.
Even the most beautiful design can hit a snag if the technical bits aren't quite right. We’re talking about things like "bleed," "CMYK," and "resolution." If those words sound like a different language, don't worry: we speak it fluently.
Common pitfalls that can slow things down include:
Missing Bleed: This is the extra bit of design that hangs off the edge so you don't get white lines when we trim your paper.
Low Resolution: That photo you took from a website might look okay on your phone, but it’ll look like a game of Minecraft when it’s printed on an A3 poster.
RGB vs CMYK: Screens use light (RGB), but printers use ink (CMYK). If you don't convert your files, those vibrant blues might come out looking a little more... "teal-ish" than you expected.
Our Secret Weapon: Free Pre-Flight Checks
This is where TubbyPrint really has your back. Every order you place with us comes with free pre-flight checks.
While you’re busy running your business, our team is over our shoulders checking your files. We look for the technical gremlins that cause delays. If we spot something: like a missing font or a low-res logo: we’ll let you know early. It’s part of our commitment to quality stock, sharp print, and careful finishing. We’re not just a website; we’re your partners in making sure your brand looks incredible.
Big Events, Big Plans: Exhibitions and Beyond
Planning for a trade show or a community fair? These are the moments where professional print really shines. From exhibition display solutions to portable display kits, large-format printing requires a little more lead time because of the scale and the finishing involved.
If you’re looking to stand out with 3D acrylic signs or vibrant feather flags, give yourself that extra week. Large-format items often need special drying times or bespoke finishing to ensure they are durable and look as sharp as a tack.
Pro-Tip: If you're doing a shell scheme, make sure your designer has the exact panel measurements. Our team is always happy to provide templates so everything lines up perfectly on the day.
The TubbyPrint Process: Making It Easy
We know you have a million things to do. Printing shouldn't be another chore on your list. We’ve designed our process to be as simple and unpretentious as possible.
Bespoke Quotes: Need something unique? Just ask. We offer bespoke quotes for those custom projects that don't fit in a box.
Flexible Quantities: Whether you need 50 business cards or 5,000 brochures, we can help. No project is too small for our personal service.
Online Shopping: Our new website makes it easy to browse, choose your specs, and order in minutes.
Nationwide Free Delivery: One Less Bill
Let’s talk about the "hidden costs" of other printers. You find a great price, you get to the checkout, and suddenly there’s a £20 delivery fee tacked on. Not here.
Every price you see on the TubbyPrint website includes free delivery throughout the UK. Whether you're just down the road from us in Coalville or all the way in Cornwall, the price you see is the price you pay.
While delivery is free and fast, remember our "Working Backwards" rule! Even the fastest van can't beat a ticking clock if the order is placed too late. By planning ahead, you save yourself the stress and save your budget from expensive "emergency" couriers.
Your Pre-Print Checklist
Before you send over your next project, run through this quick list:
Is the text proofread? (Check your phone number twice!)
Are the images high-resolution? (300dpi is the magic number).
Is there a 3mm bleed? (Give us room to trim).
Is it in CMYK? (For those true-to-life colors).
Have you checked the delivery date? (Is there a buffer?).
Ready to Bring Your Ideas to Life?
Printing should be an exciting part of your business growth, not a source of panic. By planning your project, involving us early, and taking advantage of our free pre-flight checks, you can guarantee a result that makes you feel proud.
Got a project in mind but not sure where to start? Get in touch with us or browse our range of business cards, brochures, and banners. Let’s make something impressive together.
Simple, affordable, and stress-free( that’s the TubbyPrint way.)
