Q: What Is Your Turnaround Time?
Our turnaround time varies seasonally, (September to December is the busiest). Once you approve your artwork, it typically takes 12 to 15 business days to complete your job. Although we will do everything possible to make your deadline, some delays such as design corrections, equipment failures or shipping delays may be beyond our control. It is very important that you allot sufficient time for developing, testing (and double testing!), manufacturing, and packaging your project. If you have a tight deadline, however -- talk to us. It is often possible to rush a job, though this usually adds to the cost of running your job.

In the interest of sanity, we strongly recommend that you do not plan a CD release party or other event too close to your estimated date of receipt. Situations sometimes come up which can delay a project or its shipping, so give yourself a safety margin. This also gives you more time to plan and promote your release, as well as send out advance promo copies for radio and reviews. We know that creating your music took time. Please allow us sufficient time to make your project look and sound appealing to your audience.

Q: Which Software Should I Use For My Design?
For images, we prefer Adobe Photoshop. For layout and text, we recommend QuarkXpress first, then Adobe Illustrator. Illustrator files should be saved in EPS format and a copy saved with the fonts converted to outlines. Design templates are available for all of these programs. Although we can accept files created on a PC, we STRONGLY recommend that you create them using the Macintosh platform. Because PC graphics files take longer for us to prepare for output than Mac there may be an additional charge for jobs that take more than 1 hour to preflight.

Q: What Do I Need To Know When Designing My Project?
Fonts: Files must include all fonts used, including any that are embedded in placed EPS files. We recommend using a vector-based layout program such as QuarkXpress or Illustrator for typesetting. Because Photoshop is a bitmap-based program, regular-sized text created in it will have jagged edges. It is best to use Photoshop as your image editor (special effects on photos, artwork, title text, colors, image manipulation) and then import the Photoshop file into your vector-based program. Do not stylizetext to add bold, italic, outline, drop shadows, etc. Laser printers often print these properly, image setters usually do not. Instead, use the font version (e.g. Helvetica Bold). Be sure to include all screen and printer fonts used. We recommend using Type 1 PostScript fonts only. True Type Fonts (TTF) do not output reliably, and we strongly discourage their use.

Images: Picture files should be saved as either TIFF or EPS. Images must be scanned in at 350 dpi. If you are placing them into Photoshop or any other program, be sure that the document resolution is also set to 350 dpi. Include all current graphic files linked to documents, including any placed Adobe Illustrator files. Include live (editable) versions of all linked graphic files in case we need to edit. Do not use PICTs, GIFs, JPEGs, or LZW compression. Size and crop images in Photoshop before placing them into your page layouts. Never resize images in your layout application more or less than 5%. When placing files in Illustrator, please link rather than embed. Do not use Illustrator to create transparency effects - use Photoshop instead. Do not use a background of none in your picture boxes in QuarkXpress. This can result in a pixelated edge where the edge drops out to 0%.

Colors: All scans and artwork must be converted to CMYK from RGB. We cannot output RGB files. If you base the colors of your design by Pantone (spot), make sure you convert the colors to process separation. Photoshop files should be saved in Bitmap, Grayscale, or CMYK mode. When creating four color files, you may prefer to use a rich black if large areas of black are used. This is commonly a CMYK black made up of 100% black and 30% cyan. Color settings should be saved to match final output.

Proofs: Your files should be accompanied by an up-to-date laser proof. If there are any changes made after the laser has been printed, please supply a new laser, or indicate the changes on the proof. Where there are any discrepancies between the two, the laser proof will be taken as correct, and the electronic files altered to match. Please print single sided and 100%, if possible. Keep in mind that color print-outs from inkjet printers may not show accurate color and may be misleading.

The same holds true for viewing the artwork on screen, as color settings vary from monitor to monitor. We recommend that you choose your color builds or spot colors from a swatch book, rather than by viewing your monitor. Only proofs supplied by Capital Disc Printing will be accurate in relationship to your final print. We will output a match print color proof for you to approve prior to printing your job. Please include a folding dummy (mock-up) of your printed piece.

Q: What Do You Mean By Cmyk And Spot Colors?
Colors on a printing press are created using a combination of four ink colors - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (called CMYK). These four inks are called process colors because they are the standard inks used in the four-color printing process. Your artwork must be in CMYK format (as opposed to RGB) before submitting.

When we describe a job as 4/4 or 4/1 we are referring to the number of process colors on either side of a printed page (e.g. 4/4 means full color both sides). Spot colors, also called premixed inks, are the inks used for silkscreen printing a CD. Companies that produce spot color inks include Pantone, DIC, and Focaltone. Spot color systems are ideal for creating crisp edges for text and images, and for guaranteeing an exact color match.

Q: What Is Direct-To-Plate Printing?
Until very recently, the most accurate way to match colors between your digital files and your print was to output your files to film, then create a match print. The film was then used to create plates for the printing press. This was a costly and time-intensive process. If you needed to make a change after the match print was made, the costs went up even more. Enter direct-to-plate, also known as CTP (computer-to-plate).

Printing technology has evolved to the point where digital files can be output to accurate color proofs without the extra step of going to film. The advantages are that proof prices are lower, print quality and turnaround times are improved, and it is much easier (and cheaper!) to make changes if you find a typo on your proof. In addition, registration and trapping problems (common to offset runs) are eliminated, and we get more consistent color balance throughout the print run.

Q: Do I Need A Resale License? How Do I Get One?
If we are shipping within California, we must charge you sales tax unless you have a resale license. You can obtain one at no charge by filling out a form at your local State Board of Equalization office.

Q: What Are Capital Disc's Policies Regarding My Order?
Capital Disc printing, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any order. All jobs are completed as quickly as possible on a first-come first served basis. A rush charge fee will be charged for jobs requiring a quick turn around time. For more information contact our customer service department.

Quotations: Custom item quotes are valid for 30 days. We do reserve the right to alter telephone/e-mail quotes if the item is different when we see it. All prices are quoted subject to purchaser assuming all taxes and charges of any nature imposed by any local, state or federal governmental authority, which shall become payable by reason of the sale or delivery of Capital Disc printing Inc., products. CDP Inc. cannot be held responsible for quotes given over the phone/e-mail until the final evaluation of materials supplied.

Samples: Sample packages send upon request free of charge. For express packages, Please contact our Customer service department at Info@capitaldisc.com or 888-387-0066.

Q: What Are Capital Disc's Production Policies?
Digital File: We recommend going over Capital Disc Printing¹s Digital Document Checklist before submitting any artwork to make sure they meet our specifications. CDP Inc. cannot be held responsible for the content of supplied material by the customer. Minimum rate of $75 per hour will be charged for any alterations performed on electronic files by CDP. INC.

Proofing: Many customers do all proofing and correction before sending digital files to us, but we highly recommend you to see a proof before your project goes to print. If a proof is desired, you will receive a digital color proof for color jobs and laser for black and white jobs. Please pay attention to layout and positioning of elements on the proof. A proof approval form will be supplied with each job. The proof approval form must be signed, dated and returned with the digital & laser proof to us. Allow this time in your overall schedule and remember this proof must be returned to us before printing can begin. CDP Inc. cannot be held responsible for the color or print quality if a client does not request a digital proof by CDP Inc.

Q: What Are Capital Disc's Pricing & Payment Policies?
Billing Policy: All orders are subject to 10% over run.

Sales Tax: All orders placed or shipped within the state of California are subject to state sales tax unless a valid tax exemption certificate (resale permit) is on file in our accounting office. In addition, if Capital Disc Printing, Inc. must use legal services or suit to collect, our terms stipulate that collection fees and reasonable attorney and other charges are to be added to the original amount due.

Pricing Policy: All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Capital Disc Printing, Inc. reserves the right to change prices, colors, materials, specifications and quantities mentioned in your catalog without notice or obligation.

Payment: All orders through web site are prepaid by credit card only. We accept Discover, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Cash, money order, personal or cahiers check, Please contact our Customer Service Department at Info@capitaldisc.com or 888-387-0066.

Q: What Are Capital Disc's Shipping Policies?
Shipping: All prices are quoted FOB factory. All shipments will be sent via the most efficient method depending upon size of order. Shipped to Street address only, no P.O. Box. All freight charges will be added to your invoice at the time of purchase.

Will Call: You may pick up your order from our West Los Angeles plant. Recommended for local clients, multiple or large orders.

Express, 2nd day or special arrangements: Please contact us before or at the time your order is placed at Info@capitaldisc.com or 888-387-0066. If you need a small portion of material to be delivered overnight, please inform your representative when placing your order.

Deadlines: While it is natural to try to plan ahead for the release of your cassettes or CDs, it can be extremely stressful to plan special dates for either performances or release parties before you have product in hand.

If you are at or beyond the recording stage of your project, you probably have discovered that things often do not go as smoothly as you would like. When Capital Disc Printing, Inc. gives you an estimated shipping date for your product, it is important to understand that this is an estimate only and not a guarantee.

There are many factors which affect turn around time. Graphics creation is the greatest consumer of time. Digital Files supplied by the customer or graphic artist may have problems which need attention and modifications. Any adjustments before going to print is sure to slow the process down.

To avoid stress caused by there potential problems, it is wise not to make any plans for your release until the product has been delivered. We know that creating your music took time. Please allow sufficient time to make your project look anything less than perfect to your music consumers.

Q: What Are Capital Disc's Credit Policies?
Job Purchase Order: All orders must be accompanied by a purchase order or letter and payment(cashiers check, money order or Capital Disc Printing credit card authorization form completely filled out and signed), unless credit has been approved by CDP. INC. Before mailing purchase order and payment, please contact our office for an exact quote.

All orders whether initial or reorders must be accompanied by or confirmed with a written purchase order. Unless written confirmation is supplied, we cannot be held responsible for quantities, shipping destinations or special instructions When confirming a verbal order, please mark your purchase order with the word 'confirmation' We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but we find it a necessary procedure in order to insure service to you.

Credit Terms: A credit application will be sent to you upon request. We reserve the right to accept or deny credit. All approved accounts will be assigned a credit limit and terms. This means that the account is open until that credit limit is reached or exceeded. When this limit is exceeded, the account immediately reverts to credit hold mode and the customer is notified. The account will remain on hold until the account is reduced below the limit. At this time, the account is back on the approved credit.

All orders subject to satisfactory credit investigation. After our terms stipulate a service charge of 10% of unpaid balance per month commencing number of days from date of invoice is past due. In addition, if Capital Disc Printing, Inc. must use legal services or suit to collect, our terms stipulate that collection fees and reasonable attorney and other charges are to be added to the original amount due.

Q: What Is Capital Disc's Return And Cancellation Policy?
Cancellation: Canceled orders will be billed for all work done and materials used up to time of cancellation.
No Refund. Company Credit Only.

Returns/Errors: We as manufacturers stand behind our products and will replace them if we are in error. The product in question must be submitted to us prior to any decisions. Please refer to Terms & Conditions Of Sale (Item 17. Claim/Liens.)

Q: The Fine Print: Terms And Conditions Of Sale
Please see the TERMS page.