Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Someone may have some questions about how to order printing services at BookPrintingChina. Here, we’ve listed some frequently asked questions about artwork, ordering steps, printing paper, binding options, binding, and more to help you print faster, easier, and with higher quality in China. Whether for books, magazines, notebooks, cards, calendars, or packages. Here, our experts will provide you with the best printing suggestion.
How to Order at BookPrintingChina?
1
Submit specs and receive your tailored quote within 1-2 hours.
2
Send your print-ready PDF via email or shared link easily.
3
We check your file for free to ensure perfect print readiness.
4
Pay the deposit, then make a free digital printed proof for approval.
5
Upon approval, we begin full production with strict quality control.
6
After balance payment, we pack securely and ship by air or sea.
How can I get a quote?
For a quick and accurate quote, simply fill out our quote form with your project details—size, paper choice, page count, binding, CMYK or black printing, finishes, quantity, shipping address, and any other needs. You’ll receive a detailed quote from our team within 1–2 hours.
What's your Minimum Order Quantity?
For standard books, marketing materials, and card decks, our minimum order quantity is 100 copies. More intricate projects, like pop-up books or board games, usually start at 500 copies, depending on design complexity. We also offer significant bulk discounts; the more you print, the lower the unit cost.
Visit our “MOQ” support page to learn more information.
Do you provide proofing services?
Yes, we offer several proofing options, including PDF proofs, physical samples, dummy samples, digitally printed samples, and offset-printed samples.
PDF Proof
A PDF proof is the first and fastest way for you to check your artwork before printing. We will provide a high-resolution PDF showing your layout, text, fonts, images, bleed, and margins exactly as they will appear in the final book. This allows you to review spelling, placement, alignment, and page order. PDF proofs are free and ideal for confirming content accuracy.
Physical & Reference Samples
If your artwork is not ready, we can send 1–2 sample books that closely match your specifications (paper, size, binding, etc.). These samples are free; you only need to cover a small air shipping fee, usually USD 35 via PayPal.
Digital Printed Sample
After your deposit is received and before mass production, we will produce a digitally printed sample. This helps you confirm the paper, binding, and general printing quality.
Offset-Printed Proof
For items that include Pantone colors or require high color accuracy, we recommend an offset-printed proof of selected pages. This proof is printed on the same machine and material used for mass production to ensure precise color matching. Offset proofs are not free, and the cost varies depending on page count, Pantone inks, and specific requirements.
Why digital sample quality is different from mass printing quality?
We offer several types of samples, including PDF proofs, digitally printed sample books, and offset-printed samples.
Many new clients prefer to see a physical sample book so they can feel the paper, check the binding, and better understand the overall quality before placing an order.
Digital samples are produced using digital printing machines. While they are useful for checking layout, paper, and binding, please note that the colors and binding quality may differ slightly from the final mass-production books printed on offset machines.
Offset-printed samples are produced on large professional offset presses, such as Heidelberg machines. The result is exactly the same as the final mass-production quality. However, offset samples are expensive, so we usually do not recommend this option for new clients unless precise color accuracy is required. If you are comfortable with the additional cost, we are happy to provide an offset proof.
How about your printing quality?
From the digital sample stage to mass printing and final photo confirmation, we follow a strict quality-control process to ensure each matches your exact requirements. As a direct printing factory, our sales team works closely with the production floor every day to ensure consistent communication and perfect results. We truly value the trust you place in us—especially as an overseas customer who invests significantly in shipping—so we make sure each item meets high-quality standards before it leaves our facility.
At BookPrintingChina, quality control is one of our strongest advantages. We guarantee that if any quality issues or printing errors occur due to our fault, we will reprint the entire batch or provide a full refund. Our goal is to build a long-term partnership with you, and we want you to feel completely confident when choosing us as your printing supplier. Trust us once, and you will enjoy working with us for years to come.
Can I cancel the order?
Yes. If production has not yet started, you can cancel your order. Please contact our customer service team first to confirm the order status.
Can I change the quantity of my order?
Yes. If production has not started, you can still adjust the order quantity. However, once production begins, the quantity can no longer be changed.
Please contact us first so we can check the production status for you.
Do you provide assembly services?
If you need your printed products packed together with additional accessories before shipment, we can arrange this for you through our value-added assembly service. Please note that this service is not free, pricing will vary based on the type of accessories, assembly method, labor required, and overall volume.
You can ship your accessories directly to our factory for assembly, or, if it’s more convenient, we can help source the required items locally. Once everything is prepared, we will assembly the accessories together with your printed products and ship the completed packages to your designated address.
Are there any fees for urgent orders?
No, we do not charge extra fees for urgent orders. If you need your items quickly, please let us know your exact timeline, for example, when your final artwork will be ready and the date you need the books delivered. Our sales team will coordinate with our production supervisor and shipping companies to check whether we can meet your schedule.
If we confirm the timeline, we will accept your order and ensure you receive it 100% on time. We will arrange for the production workshop to prioritize and speed up production at no additional cost to you.
If your order is large and sea shipping cannot meet your deadline, we may suggest shipping a small portion by air first and the rest by sea freight. This ensures timely delivery while helping you save on shipping costs.
Do you use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials?
Yes. We use waterless offset printing technology and soy-based inks, and we also offer a wide range of FSC-certified, recycled, and eco-friendly paper and coating options to support sustainable printing.
What kind of artwork do we prefer?
The following are some short artwork tips for your reference. You can also consult with our sales team, and we will give you our professional advice for your books. Usually, our sales team will reply to you in 1-2 hours on working days.
1: We prefer artwork in PDF format.
2: The image resolution is at least 300 DPI.
3: In CMYK colors, not RGB. As RGB will change to CMYK auto for us. If CMYK, we will guarantee the print same color as the original artwork.
4: If black text, it is better to design 100% black, not composed of CMYK colors. As 100% black is cheaper than CMYK black.
5: Full bleed each side about 0.125 inches (3 mm).
6: Convert all text to outlines.
After getting your artwork, our design department will check your artwork carefully to make sure it can be printed beautifully. When your artwork is finished, pls do not hesitate to send us via WeTransfer or Dropbox. If some small problems, our professional book designers will fix them for you to make sure we can print them nicely.
Do you provide design or file setup support?
No, we don’t provide in-house design services, but our prepress team can offer free file checking to ensure your files are print-ready. We can also provide templates and basic layout guidance if needed.
How do I send files to you for printing?
For small files, you can upload them directly through our online inquiry form or send them via email to sales@bookprintingchina.com. For large files, please share a download link using platforms such as WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
What is bleed and why do I need to add 3mm (0.125") bleed to my artwork?
Bleed is the extra area that extends beyond the final trimmed size of your book or printed product. It ensures that when the paper is cut, your design or background color reaches the very edge of the page without leaving unintended white borders.
We require a 3mm (0.125″) bleed on all sides because slight movement can occur during printing, trimming, and binding. Adding bleed guarantees a clean, professional finish and prevents any visible white edges on your final product.
what's a trim line?
The trim line (also called the cut line) is the exact edge where your printed page will be cut to its final size. Anything outside the trim line will be trimmed off, and anything inside is what will appear in your finished book or printed product.
When designing, it’s important to:
Keep important text or images inside the safe area (away from the trim line).
Extend background colors or images slightly beyond the trim line into the bleed area to ensure edge-to-edge printing.
How can I ensure my item has the highest quality pictures?
To achieve the best image quality in your item printing:
Use high-resolution images — at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print size to ensure sharp, detailed visuals.
Request a physical sample or proof copy before mass production. This lets you preview how colors, tones, and textures appear on your chosen paper type (such as glossy, or matte art paper).
Choose quality printing and paper materials — coated art paper enhances color vibrancy, while matte finishes give a softer, elegant look.
Check color profiles (CMYK) and ensure images are properly calibrated for print, not web display.
These steps help guarantee that your printed art book faithfully reproduce.
Why use CMYK not RGB color mode?
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the standard color mode used for printing because printers mix these four inks to produce the colors on paper. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is used for digital screens like monitors, phones, and tablets. Colors in RGB can appear brighter and more vibrant on screens, but they cannot be reproduced exactly in print.
If you submit artwork in RGB, the colors may shift or look duller when printed. By using CMYK, you ensure your printed book or product closely matches the colors you designed and expect.
How do I count the pages?
A single piece of paper is called a sheet. Each sheet has two pages—one on the front and one on the back. If you fold a sheet in half, it becomes a small booklet with four pages: one on the front, two in the middle, and one on the back.
What is the binding area?
The binding area is the inner margin along the spine of a book where the pages are bound. It’s the space that “folds” into the binding, whether it’s perfect-bound, case-bound (hardcover), or saddle-stitched.
Why it matters:
Any important text or images placed too close to the hinge may get lost or hard to see because of the binding.
Designers usually leave extra margin space in the hinge area to ensure content is fully visible and readable after the book is bound.
Think of it as the “safe zone” near the spine to prevent anything from being hidden when your book is opened.
How big should my book margins be?
Margins help ensure that your text and images are not cut off or too close to the binding area, providing a clean and professional layout. Here are the recommended margin sizes:
Softcover, Saddle-Stitch, and Hardcover Books:
Top, Bottom, and Outside: 5 mm
Inside (near the spine): 10 mm
Coil-Bound Books:
Top, Bottom, and Outside: 5 mm
Inside (where the coil goes): 12 mm
These margins give your book a safe area for trimming and binding, ensuring all content is clearly visible and well-presented.
How to calculate the spine width of a book
The spine width of a book depends on the binding, number of pages, and the type/thickness of the paper used. To calculate it accurately, you can use the following formulas:
For Paperback Books:
Spine Thickness=Total Number of Pages / 2 x Interior Paper Thickness + Cover Paper Thickness x 2
For Hardcover Books:
Spine Thickness= Total Number of Pages / 2 × Interior Paper Thickness + Gray Board Thickness × 2 + Wrapping paper thickness x 2
By using these formulas, you can determine the exact spine width needed for your book layout, ensuring a professional and precise final product. Click the “spine” page to view more.
How do I upload a cover spread?
Prepare a single PDF file at 300 DPI that includes your front cover, spine, and back cover, with 3mm bleed on all sides. Make sure the design matches the dimensions you selected in your initial quote. Before uploading, label your file clearly, e.g., paperback cover.pdf, so our pre-press team can easily review it.
What is payment terms and account?
Our standard payment terms are a 50% deposit and the remaining balance paid before shipment via bank transfer.
For orders under USD 2,000, we recommend making one full payment to help you save on bank transfer fees.
We accept bank transfers, credit cards, and Western Union for mass production orders. For sample fees or small orders under USD 200, we also accept PayPal.
Once you confirm your order, our sales team will issue a Proforma Invoice (PI) with all product specifications and our bank details. After the 50% deposit is received, we will produce a free digital sample with free DHL shipping for your approval. Upon your approval, we will begin mass production. After production is completed, we will send you clear photos for confirmation. Once the final balance is paid, we will arrange shipment immediately.
What currencies do you accept?
We accept payments in US Dollars (USD), British Pounds (GBP), Euros (EUR), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Australian Dollars (AUD), and Chinese Yuan (CNY).
Do you accept credit card payment?
Yes, we accept payments by credit card for your convenience.
Who is responsible for paying import duties, taxes, or GST?
Responsibility for import duties, taxes, or GST depends on the pricing terms agreed upon for your order.
For orders quoted under EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDU, the prices do not include any import duties, taxes, or GST in your country. This means you, as the buyer, are responsible for paying these fees when the goods arrive.
For orders quoted under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the price includes all applicable import duties and taxes, so you will not need to pay anything extra for import clearance. However, if your order is subject to excise taxes, these are usually not included in DDP pricing and must be paid separately by you.
It’s important to check your country’s import regulations to understand any additional costs that may apply.
Can I cancel my order and get a refund after making payment?
Yes, you can cancel your order if production has not started. Once production begins, your order can’t be canceled. Please contact the sales representative who handled your order first to check your order status and discuss the cancellation.
How do you packing my goods?
We pay highly attention to packing quality. As we know, the books come out in perfect quality standard, but the packages are not strong and easily get damaged during delivery, so the final effect is 0. What we want is to let you get our books safely and quickly, to give us high rates, and to reorder with us next time. We will control every step very well for you.
Our packing method depends on the shipping terms you choose:
For FOB or CIF shipments: Your goods will be packed in strong, export-grade cartons and loaded onto pallets for safe handling during sea freight.
For DDP, EXW, DAP, or DDU shipments: We pack your goods in sturdy cartons, usually in two layers(two thick cartons), but without pallets, which helps reduce shipping costs—especially for air and express deliveries.
As a general guideline, if your shipment is under 100 kg, we typically do not recommend palletizing, as it increases volume and cost without providing a significant benefit.
How to choose shipping way and how long reach to my address?
There are two main shipping options for delivering your products from China to your door: sea freight and air freight.
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for large-volume orders, though transit times are longer. Air freight and express shipping are much faster, making them ideal for urgent or small orders, but they come at a higher cost.
Estimated sea shipping times from Shenzhen (including sailing time, customs clearance, and inland delivery):
Asia: 1–2 weeks
South America: 5–7 weeks
United States / Canada: 3–6 weeks (depending on West Coast—LA, Vancouver—or East Coast—NYC, Toronto)
Australia: 2–3 weeks
Africa: 4–8 weeks
United Kingdom & Europe: 4–6 weeks
If you need your items urgently, you can choose air freight or express services such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS, which typically arrive within 5–7 days. Shipping costs depend on the weight and destination of your package. Please contact our sales team for an accurate quote. We will respond promptly based on your order details.
Can you ship one order to different address?
Yes, we can! If you need your order sent to multiple addresses, just let us know the shipping details. Our team will arrange the split shipment for you.
Can you ship to third-party fulfillment centers like Amazon?
Yes, we can. We’re experienced in shipping directly to Amazon FBA and other fulfillment centers. Just provide the required labels and shipping details, and we’ll handle the rest.
Can I custom print logo on the outer carton?
Yes, we can print your logo on the outer cartons. Please note that an additional fee will apply for this service.
Can I custom print logo on the outer carton?
Yes, we can print your logo on the outer cartons. Please note that an additional fee will apply for this service.
Can I change my shipping address or method?
Yes, you can change your shipping address or shipping method as long as your order has not been shipped. Once the order has been dispatched, the address can no longer be changed.
How long does your product printing take?
Our production time varies based on your project type, binding style, packaging, and other requirements. Below are our standard turnaround times:
Saddle stitch books: 10–12 days
Paperback books: 12–15 days
Hardcover books: 15–18 days
Spiral/Wire-O books: 15–18 days
Board books: 15–18 days
Custom cards/card decks: 10–15 days
Custom bags/boxes: 15–18 days
Labels/Stickers: 7–9 days
Calendars: Around 18 days
Can I see a proof before mass production?
Yes. After you pay the deposit and before we start mass production, we will provide a digitally printed proof for your review and approval.
Can you offer production process videos or images?
Yes, we can share photos or videos of your order during production so you can see the progress and quality of your books.
How can I check the quality before shipment?
You can review your order’s quality before it leaves our factory in a couple of ways. We can provide photos or videos showing the prints of the final product, so you can see the printing, binding, and overall appearance. If you prefer, we can also ship a finished sample to your address for a hands-on check, though you would need to cover the shipping cost. This way, you can be confident that your books meet your expectations before the full shipment is sent.
If an error is found during production, will you reprint it?
If an error occurs during production that is caused by us, we will reprint your products completely free of charge to ensure you receive the correct final product. If the error originates from your side, such as mistakes in the artwork, text, or files, we can still assist with a reprint if you agree to cover the additional production cost.
However, production errors are very rare because we offer comprehensive design support. This includes providing free templates tailored to your product specifications and performing a thorough file check before printing to catch any potential issues. Our goal is to ensure your artwork is fully prepared and your products are printed exactly as expected, minimizing the chance of mistakes.
Can I change my design after printing an order?
Yes, you can make changes as long as production has not started. Once production begins, design changes are not allowed. If you still need to make a change after production has started, it is possible, but you will need to cover the additional cost.
what if my package arrives damaged?
We take strong steps to protect your products during shipping. First, we pack everything in waterproof bags, then place them in sturdy cartons. The cartons are loaded onto pallets and wrapped tightly with plastic film and heavy-duty tape. This keeps your products safe from movement and moisture, so damage is very rare.
In case your package is ever lost or damaged, also don’t worry—you’re fully protected. When you receive your order, please check it right away. If you notice any damage, take photos or videos and note the quantity affected. Then contact your sales representative, and we’ll help you arrange compensation.
I’m not satisfied with the printed products. What should I do?
We want you to be happy with every print you receive. If your prints have mistakes from our production or get damaged during shipping, we will either reprint them for free or give you a full refund. Please contact us as soon as possible to let us know how you would like us to handle it.
What should I do if my order hasn’t arrived?
If your order has not arrived by the estimated delivery date, please contact us using one of the following methods:
Sales Representative: Reach out to the sales representative who handled your order.
WhatsApp: Click the WhatsApp button on our website to chat directly with a print expert.
Email: Send your name and order details to sales@bookprintingchina.com.
Phone: Call +86 15113794090, and our print experts will provide an update on your order.
We’ll help you track your shipment and ensure your books arrive as expected.