Frequently Asked Questions

We hope we can answer your questions below, otherwise please give us a call on 0191 469 9949 or drop us an email at: enquiries@smileyprint.co.uk 

What printing process do you use?
We use litho presses for one colour printing and digital machinery for full colour orders. We always use high quality paper and card.

Do your prices include VAT?
Our prices do not include VAT when visible on the product pages, the VAT will be added on during checkout, with some exceptions due to VAT exemption / Zero Rated VAT.

How do I pay for the order?
Full payment is required upon placing your online order. Payments can be accepted via Paypal or Shopify Payments.

Do you accept cheques?
Unfortunately we are unable to accept cheques or postal orders due to our online payment system.

Why have you charged my card before despatching my goods?
Your payment is processed at the time your order is placed. As the items ordered are bespoke to our customers, they cannot be resold if payment should fail. Because of this, payment must be secured before the goods are produced.

Will I receive a VAT invoice?
We will send a VAT invoice alongside your parcel or via email if requested.

Can I collect my order from your premises?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that this will be an option and this would need to be sorted out on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch with us if you'd like to collect your order and we can let you know if this will be possible.

Can I arrange my own courier to collect my order?
Similar to the above question, this would need to be worked out once the order has been placed to figure out the logistics and confirm if this is possible. Please get in touch with us to enquire about this possibility.

How do I know my printing will be of good quality?
Our quality control team checks every order before dispatch to ensure it meets our strict quality standards. For extra reassurance, you are also covered by the Smiley Print Quality Guarantee.

How are your prices so low?
Because our store front is on the internet, it allows us to keep costs low and pass the savings on to you. We have no high overheads or administration costs, so you can take advantage of the best prices and superb customer service at less than the cost of your standard printer.

What other items do you print?
As well as the items on our website, we are happy to quote for a multitude of other items. Please get in touch if you'd like a quotation on any of the below items:
- Large Format Posters
- Raffle Tickets
- Post Cards
- Questionnaires
- Booklets 
- Envelopes
- Pamphlets
- Brochures
- Forms
- Appointment Cards
- Tent Cards
- Tickets
- Rubber Stamps
- Ink Pads
- Paper Supplies
- General Printing

Where are you based?
We are based in Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear (Just outside of Newcastle Upon Tyne, whey aye!)

Can I order recycled paper or card?
Yes, several of our products have options available for recycled stock printing, although if you'd like a specific quotation for recycled stock on any of our other products, please let us know.

How quickly will I receive my printing?
We offer 2 turnaround speed options:
- Standard Turnaround Speed - This takes roughly 4-5 working days.
- Express Turnaround Speed - This takes roughly 1-2 working days.
The above turnaround times are from the approval of your proof until your order is dispatched.

How long have you been trading?
We have been in the printing industry since 1987 and we pride ourselves on providing a quality, professional service.

What if I am not satisfied with my printing?
We will always do our best to ensure that you are happy with your final product, however if a mistake is made on our part we can reprint your order at no extra cost.

Can you reproduce a banknote on my printing?
Under certain circumstances it is possible to reproduce partial images of bank notes on printed products, although the Bank of England has regulations which printers are required to follow. You can read more about these requirements at the following link: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/using-images-of-banknotes

What is bleed?
A design is said to bleed if the printed area extends right to the edge of the stock in any region of the design (i.e. there is no continuous 'border' of clear space separating the inked area from the edge of the paper/card).

What is a Pantone colour?
A Pantone colour refers to a colour identified in the Pantone Matching System, which is a worldwide standard for describing colour, owned by Pantone Inc. Pantone, the company, sell printed colour guides showing hundreds of different colours on different types of paper. Two parties in different locations who are both looking at current versions of the Pantone Guide can be confident that they are both looking at very similar colours. When a client or designer specifies a colour for a printing job they will often tell the printer what Pantone colour(s) to print it in.

Do you have any secret discount codes?
We do, but it's hidden on our website somewhere! Good luck :)

What is Laminating (Gloss, Matt or Soft Touch)?
This process coats the printed sheet with an extremely this layer of either glossy or matt plastic. It should not be confused with encapsulation which uses much thicker plastic, and which extends beyond the edges of the item being encapsulated.
The advantages of lamination are that it provides a highly professional, extra smooth finish, as well as protecting the paper or card surface from markings such as fingerprints and scratches caused by everyday handling.
Lamination also removes the danger (which is otherwise present) that ink in heavy ink coverage areas may come off slightly if rubbed. Additionally, lamination is especially recommended if the design in question features a dark colour which bleeds, in order to preserve clean edges where the dark ink meets any very slight roughness in the edges of the paper or card itself.

Can I pay via PayPal?
Yes!

What is your policy on printing adult material?
We'll consider printing anything, but we do reserve the right to refuse to print any material we choose.

Can you help me with design?
Yes, we can help you with any advice you need when it comes to the design of your printing, and we even offer a bespoke design service if you'd like us to completely take care of it for you.