Press Approvals / Press Checks

Hello Everyone,

First time posting a question for me, hope that you are able to help.

I am compiling a list of necessary requirements for both operators, managers and clients when attending a press approval. Apart from the obvious requirement of a signed contract proof, does anyone have any other requirements that they insist upon or ideas that may benefit others for press approvals.

thanks in advance and apologies if this is posted in the wrong spot.

Sharon

i would suggest that you find a way to stay clear of press ok by commitee. too often ive seen a number of company reps and art directors come down for a press approval. It winds up being like a 3 ring circus. If theres to be an on press approval the fewer people in the ok room the better. It should be encouraged that the person that comes down for the approval has final say. Its very frustrating to be dealing with a client that needs to call back to the office for permission to sign off on something. And most importantly i feel that its important that the person doing the ok is someone who is familiar with the limitations of the process. Clients need to understand that even the best proof will not be an EXACT representation of how a job will print. Back in the days when companies had huge budgets set aside for their printing it was not uncommon in some shops for a press approval to take hours. With modern technology and a client thats understanding of the limitations of the process a press check shouldt take more than a half hour from the first sheet a customer gets to see. If its taking longer than that id think some issues need to be addressed with either your customer or your pressman.

Not to mention:

Up to date PMS books.

Make sure the person who does the press check is qualified to do so and not some "trick" just out of Graphic Arts School.

Literally had my fill of the "know it all graduates" on how to run black and silver and "just tighten up the rollers" to get it to print darker!!!