Card Art Specs & Order Terms and Conditions

While we strive to always be as flexible as possible for our clients, there is a minimum set of ground rules by which we all must play. Without these, we couldn't do our job effectively and you wouldn't end up being a happy customer. These are for your benefit as much as ours.

Before you place an order, please be sure to read our:

• Artwork Specifications
• Directions for Sending Artwork
• Directions for Submitting Data Files for Imaging/Encoding or Mailing/Fulfillment
• Order Terms & Conditions

 

Artwork Specifications

• File formats accepted: Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, and PDF

• Color space: CMYK

• Bleed: Allow for 1/8” (3.18mm)

• Safe Zone: Type must not extend more than 1/8” (3.18mm) from the edge of the card

• Font info: Reverse type must not be smaller than 6 points (.007”) at the thinnest stroke

• Resolution: 300dpi at 100% and 1200dpi for bitmap files

Directions for Sending Artwork

• Include all images and graphics imported into your document

• Send all the fonts used to create the artwork

• Always indicate the PMS (preferred) or CMYK values of the colors used in a separate document or layer in your artwork

• Submitted art must reference the order number so the file(s) can be easily identified

• A signed/approved faxed or scanned Proof is required for all orders before printing will commence

• Please send only the files necessary for output

• Files may be submitted by CD ROM, FTP, or via your private, secure account portal

• Artwork should be sent directly to your Account Manager or uploaded via your private, secure account portal

Submitting Data Files for Imaging/Encoding or Mailing/Fulfillment

• All data files should be sent as ASCII Text or Excel CSV

• Use comma or tab field separators

• Letter/Carrier copy should be submitted as a TXT or MS Word document

• Files may be submitted by CD ROM, email, FPT, or via your private, secure account portal

• Files may be compressed using ZIP, RAR, TAR, or SIT

• PGP and PKZip password encryption is supported

 

Order Terms & Conditions

Quotes: Quotes are valid for 21 days. If the purchase order deviates from the quote, Spectrum Card Company and 4DTechSpace, Inc. (herein after: "Spectrum Card") reserves the right to review and modify the quote once order configuration is confirmed. This includes but is not limited to size, quantity, copies, and artwork.

Prices: Shipping costs, packaging, and any applicable sales taxes (only for billing in CA) are additional. If tax exempt, you must file a certificate with the Spectrum Card accounting department. For international orders, customer(s) is responsible for any customs, duties, and taxes that may be imposed by the customer(s)' country.

Order Acceptance: All orders, pricing, and delivery dates are subject to acceptance and confirmation by Spectrum Card. We reserve the right to accept or reject any job. Accepted orders subsequently cancelled may be subject to a cancellation charge to compensate for costs incurred on work accomplished to time of cancellation. Modifications and/or changes to proposed items may increase or decrease price to Customer. Acceptance of modifications and/or changes will be mutually agreed upon prior to commencement of work requested. Client agrees to meet all commitments including payment of invoices according to proposed terms, service charges and collection costs associated with collecting the account should it become past due.

Art/Proof: Art submission guidelines are provided with every quote. Your first electronic proof produced from your submitted artwork is provided at no charge. Additional charges may apply to art creation, modification or proof revisions (due to no fault of Spectrum Card).

Artwork: If Customer cannot supply print-ready artwork that abides to the artwork submission guidelines, Customer may opt to use Spectrum Card’s Artwork Service to have the artwork created for a fee. The Artwork Service includes initial conversion of Customer’s existing design to artwork file (1 version), and up to 3 minor revisions to the artwork file created. Additional charges may apply to additional minor revisions, any major revisions, or any changes after artwork approval (due to no fault of Spectrum Card).

Design: Customer may choose to use Spectrum Card’s optional Design Service for a fee. The Design Service generally includes up to 3 initial designs for customer to choose 1, and up to 3 minor revisions to customer’s chosen design. Additional charges may apply to additional designs, minor revisions, any major revisions, or any changes after design approval (due to no fault of Spectrum Card).

Proofing: It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure that the electronic proof provided to Customer is correct. Proof may differ from Customer supplied artwork and material. The proof indicates the exact spelling and type font of text, and placement and positioning and sizing of all text and all elements. The computer generated proof is a good representation of how the color will appear on the final printed product. However, it is not an exact match. Color(s) designated will be matched as closely as possible. Certain ink colors can vary after some production process(es). Therefore, exact PMS color matches cannot be guaranteed. Areas for variable data and/or signature panel indicate space provided for variable data and/or signature panel. They do not necessarily represent the size of variable data. Tolerance for variable data/signature panel may vary. Die cutting tolerance of finished product may vary up to 1/8” in any direction. Customer’s approval of the proof makes the Customer responsible for any and all reprint costs (including but not limited to printing and shipping costs) once the order is printed as approved.

Terms: Typically 1/2 payment is required at time of order and remaining balance to be paid upon order shipment. Deposits may be required for certain products and/or projects. If special payment terms are extended and payment is not made within terms specified, the customer shall be responsible for any/all collection fees incurred in obtaining full payment, including, but not limited to, attorney's fees and court costs. Also, invoices more than 30 days past due will incur a Late Payment Fee of $25 or 1.5% per month, whichever is greater or the maximum allowable by state law. COD is not available on most orders. Credit card orders may be subject to a 3.5% up-charge.

Plates: Printing plates, screens and dies required to do your job remain the property of the factory.

Shipping: Unless specific instructions are given, shipment will be made at Spectrum Card's discretion via the shipping method we determine to be the best method (most often, this is FedEx Ground service). Spectrum Card is not responsible for damage suffered in transit. All products are shipped at the purchaser's risk and are considered in acceptable condition when accepted by the transportation company. Delivery to the carrier constitutes delivery and transfer of title and possession to the distributor. Any claims for damaged shipments must originate with the consignee and must be filed against the carrier making delivery. Customer should file claims immediately with the carrier for loss or damage. Estimated shipping dates set forth on Order Acknowledgements are estimates only and never guaranteed. Orders typically ship 10-12 business days from the date final artwork is approved by customer; again, this is not a guarantee but is what most customers experience.

Partial Shipments: Spectrum Card reserves the right to make partial shipments; customer will be notified when this is required. Partial shipments are to be paid on standard terms upon receipt of invoice.

Inspection by Customer/Claims: Customer shall carefully inspect all deliveries of products as they are received and report to Spectrum Card promptly (but, in any event, within three (3) business days after receipt of shipment) any alleged error, shortage, defect or non-conformity of such products. Any failure by customer to so inspect and report shall constitute a waiver by customer of any claim or right of customer against Spectrum Card arising with respect to any such error, shortage, defect or nonconformity. Warranty is limited to replacement of defective merchandise returned and approval by Spectrum Card is required prior to return of merchandise AND LIABILITY SHALL IN NO EVENT INCLUDE SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. No goods will be taken back or allowances made after being embossed, typed, printed and/or otherwise used. A return authorization number is required and must be clearly marked on all returned boxes and packing slips for those boxes.

Delays: Spectrum Card will do its best in having products delivered on time. However, Spectrum Card assumes no liability whatsoever to customers for any lost business or other damages, real or constructive, due to production or shipping delays. Buyer assumes full risk of possible delivery delays.

Cancellations: Orders are not subject to cancellation except by our written agreement. All work done upon cancelled orders, including but not limited to labor and material for work done, will be charged for and orders printed but not shipped will be charged full price upon cancellation.

Change Order: Any changes or change orders must be in writing and are subject to Spectrum Card's approval and possible additional charges.

Rush Orders: Any order that requires special scheduling outside our normal delivery schedules at the time of order entry may be subject to up charges and factory acceptance.

Phone Orders: Phone orders for custom orders are not accepted. The customer is provided with a quote and terms and conditions. These apply to your order unless you have a separate written agreement.

Overruns/Underruns: For all custom orders, it is understood that an underrun or overrun of not more than 10% to be billed pro-rata, is acceptable by the customer.

Returns: No returns are allowable without prior consent and specific shipping instructions issued by Spectrum Card personnel along with a return authorization number to be clearly marked on the packaging. LIABILITY WILL BE LIMITED TO THE NET FACTORY PRICE AND SHALL IN NO EVENT INCLUDE SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Spectrum Card does not refund, cancel or credit if the service failure is caused, in whole or in part, by: acts of god, weather conditions, environmental or dangerous goods incidents, perils of the air, public enemies, public authorities acting with actual or apparent authority, acts or omissions of customs officials, authority of law, quarantine, riots, strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns, or other labor disputes or disturbances, civil commotions or hazards incident to a state of war, local or national disruptions in ground or air transportation networks or systems due to events beyond our control, disruption or failure of communication and information systems, disruption or failure of utilities, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Colors: A signed proof is required before any work begins. The computer generated proof is a good representation of how the color will appear on the final printed product. However, it is not an exact match. Color(s) designated will be matched as closely as possible. Certain ink colors can vary after some production process(es). Therefore, exact PMS color matches cannot be guaranteed.

LIABILITY: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL SPECTRUM CARD'S LIABILITY FOR/RELATED TO AN ORDER EXCEED A REPRINT OF THE DEFECTIVE UNITS OF THAT ORDER. SPECTRUM CARD CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL COSTS INCURRED. SPECTRUM CARD'S LIABILITY TO A GIVEN ORDER IS EXCLUSIVE TO AND LIMITED TO THAT ORDER; IN NO WAY SHALL SPECTRUM CARD'S LIABILITY TO A GIVEN ORDER EXTEND TO ANY OTHER ORDERS.

Governing Law: These terms and conditions in this agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. All actions and proceedings arising out of or relating directly or indirectly to these terms and conditions will be filed and litigated exclusively in any state court or federal court located in the city Irvine or county of Orange County in California. By accepting service from Spectrum Card, you/the Customer expressly consent to the jurisdiction of these courts, agree that venue is proper in these courts.

Entire Agreement: These terms and conditions constitute the entire agreement between Spectrum Card and customer. No amendments of these terms and conditions shall be valid unless made in writing and accepted by Spectrum Card.