How to plan an urgent print order that actually lands on time

A complete first message saves hours. Gather these before you contact us:

1. What: the product, size, quantity and any material or finish preference.
2. When: the date and time you actually need it in your hands, not a vague 'ASAP'.
3. Artwork: final files in vector or high-resolution format; see our artwork guidelines.
4. Where: collection from Rivonia, or delivery, and where it will be used.
5. Approver: one person who can approve proofs fast.
6. Payment: who will pay and how, as stated on your quote.

Use the quote form to upload up to five files with your brief.

Fast turnaround is possible on many jobs, but it is never automatic. Production depends on capacity on the day, stock of the material, machine availability and everything else in the queue.

Things outside anyone's control can also slow production: stock shortages, a machine fault or a power interruption. The more time you give us, the more room there is to absorb a surprise. Rush work is for genuine deadlines, and the earlier you tell us, the more options we can offer. We confirm timing on the quote and cannot promise a time before we have seen your job.

Take the date you need the job and work back through each step: collection or delivery, production, proof approval, artwork prep, quote and payment. Then ask how much slack remains.

• Keep a buffer for the unexpected, especially for events and launches.
• For large mixed orders, send a full list so items can be prioritised; see urgent corporate print packs and event deadline print packs.
• If a job has several parts, collect finished ones early rather than waiting for all.

Proof approval is the step you control most. Check names, numbers, dates, spelling, colours and sizes on the proof, then reply clearly. If you need changes, list them all at once rather than in several messages.

If someone else must sign off, send the proof to them straight away. Approving a proof means you accept the content, so double-check anything that cannot be reprinted cheaply, such as large signs.

Confirm the job is ready before you travel to our shop at Rivonia Central, Oriental City. Check quantities and quality on collection. If you need delivery, request it when you enquire, because it is quoted per job. Need artwork help? See artwork rescue and design.