Turnaround guide
Print versus signage: why turnaround differs
A flyer and a lightbox are both 'print', but print and signage turnaround differs because they pass through very different steps. Understanding the chain behind each product helps you choose what to order first, which items suit a tight deadline and where to leave extra time. This guide compares the main product families without promising times.
- Compare product families
- Know which steps add time
- Order the long items first
- No fixed promises
Why products take different amounts of time
Turnaround is the sum of steps. Digital flat print has few: check the file, print, trim and pack. Signage can add cutting, fabrication, framing, wiring, curing, drilling and installation. Each extra step needs capacity, material and sometimes a different person or machine.
Timing on any job also depends on capacity, job size, approved artwork, payment and a confirmed deadline. We never assume a time before we have seen the brief, so use this guide to compare, not to predict.
Print and signage turnaround by product family
| Family | Examples | Typical steps | Time sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat print | Cards, flyers, posters, certificates | Proof, print, trim | Fewest steps; often suits tight deadlines |
| Bound and finished print | Booklets, folders, NCR books | Print, fold, bind, trim | More steps; plan extra time |
| Apparel | Shirts, caps, workwear | Garment stock, set-up, decorate, cure | Depends on method and garments |
| Banners and flags | PVC, pull-up, feather flags | Print, finish, assemble | Moderate; stock of hardware matters |
| Signage | Boards, lightboxes, 3D letters | Cut, fabricate, finish, install | Longer chain; start early |
| Vehicle work | Wraps, fleet branding | Template, print, laminate, fit | Vehicle must be booked in |
What suits a very tight deadline
Short-chain items like business cards, flyers and posters are the usual candidates for same-day or next-day requests, particularly when artwork is final and stock is on hand.
Even then, rush is not guaranteed. Tell us your exact time, supply print-ready files and settle payment promptly. For bundles, consider an urgent corporate pack.
Items that need a longer runway
Order these first when several items are due on the same day.
- Fabricated signage: lightboxes, 3D letters, neon and illuminated signs.
- Installed items: shopfront signs, window graphics and anything needing access, ladders or permissions.
- Vehicle work: wraps and fleet rollouts, which need the vehicle on site.
- Custom hardware and framing: bespoke stands, frames and boards.
Tell us the full list at the start so we can sequence production.
Ordering tips for mixed jobs
- List every item with quantity and the date it is needed, not one date for everything.
- Send final artwork for the longest-chain items first.
- Approve proofs for all items in one sitting where possible.
- Ask which items can be collected early.
- Keep a buffer, especially for events; see planning an urgent print order.
Artwork not ready? See artwork rescue and design.
How ordering works
- 1
List your items
Add quantity and need-by date for each.
- 2
Sort by chain length
Start with fabricated and installed items.
- 3
Send final artwork
Upload files with your quote request.
- 4
Confirm timing on the quote
We confirm what is realistic for each item.
Frequently asked questions
Why do signs take longer than flyers?
Signs usually involve cutting, fabrication, finishing and installation, while flyers are printed and trimmed. More steps mean more time.
Can signage be done fast?
Simple signs sometimes can, depending on capacity, material stock and approved artwork. We confirm on the quote.
Which should I order first?
The longest-chain items, such as fabricated signs and vehicle work, then shorter items such as cards and flyers.
Is same-day printing guaranteed?
No. Same-day work depends on capacity, job size, approved artwork, payment and a confirmed deadline.
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Mixed order with a deadline? Send your list and we will sequence it.
Send your brief, quantities and deadline. We reply with a clear written quote and confirm the turnaround before anything goes to production.