Frequently Asked
Questions

Quotations

How much will it cost to print?

Prices will vary depending on a number of factors including your job quantity, number of pages, paper material, product size, print method, binding method, etc. Due to the varying nature and the wide range of products we offer, all prices are provided by way of a quotation.

How do I go about getting a quotation from you?

We suggest you call us on (02) 8043 6074 and talk to one of our experienced Sales Representatives. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to fill out our online Quotation Request Form with your specifications here. It just takes a couple of minutes to fill out.

How long does it take to receive a custom quotation?

This depends on the complexity of your quote request. 90% of all quotation requests are replied to the same day.

What if I have special instructions or questions?

While filling out the required information in the Quotation Request Form, you will be able to enter notes about your project under the notes section. You can contact us directly in case of any queries. Our Sales Representatives on (02) 8043 6074 are always ready to answer your questions and accommodate your needs.

Can you assist with my speciality stock requirements?

Yes, but please be aware that stock specifications outside our normal paper inventory will require us to make a special order to the paper mill for your job. This may slow down your project.

Is there a minimum order quantity?

Spot Newspapers can print a few hundred copies or millions. Web offset printing provides cost effective large scale print solutions.

Minimum order quantities apply for particular items:

  • Newspapers – 250 items
How long are your quotations valid for?

Quotations expire after 30 days. After that period we’ll have to re-do the quotation taking into account any market changes (supplier price increases, foreign exchange currency fluctuations etc).

How can I proceed after I receive a quotation from you?

After you have finished reviewing the quotation and you are happy, you will be guided by one of our Sales Representatives on the next steps. The normal steps are as follows:

  1. You formally accept the quotation
  2. You complete the New Customer Application Form
  3. We review your supplied information
  4. You are appointed an exclusive Account Executive.
  5. You place an official Order for the printing of your job by emailing it to orders@spotnews.com.au
  6. We manufacture your job as per your Order.
Do you supply samples of your work?

Yes, we do supply samples. Please contact one of our Sales Representatives on (02) 8043 6074 and they will arrange a custom sample kit for you.

Can I book a tour of your printing facilities?

Yes you may. Please contact one of our Sales Representatives on (02) 9549 1156 and they will arrange a tour of our printing facilities for you.

Where is Spotpress Newspapers located?

Spotpress Newspapers is centrally located in Sydney at 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place, Marrickville, NSW.

What are your privacy and security policies and procedures?

Spotpress Newspapers takes your security and privacy very seriously. We take every precaution to protect our clients’ information. When our clients submit sensitive information via our site, their information is protected both online and off-line. We use state of the art Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption software to protect submitted information. We do not share, sell, rent or otherwise disclose information to others in ways different than as necessary to process and ship orders and communicate with our customers.

Design

Can you help me design my publication?

Yes, we have a number of talented designers that have extensive experience with publication design. Please call us on (02) 8043 6070 or via our contact form.

Orders

I have an quotation number. Do I still need to place a purchase order?

Yes. You must submit a purchase order every time you require your job to be printed. A purchase order serves as a set of instructions for our various departments. It ensures the accuracy of your print order and the timely delivery of your job.

Your orders need to be emailed to: orders@spotnews.com.au

What happens once I send through my purchase order?

Once we receive your purchase order, we will:

  1. configure our workflow software systems to be on standby to receive your artwork files; and
  2. schedule your job across our numerous manufacturing resources;
  3. create a set of instructions based on the details of your order that is specific for each department involved in manufacturing your job.

Paper

What are the paper options for printing my job?

We have a long list of trusted paper suppliers from which we source various quality materials. We have a trading relationship with most major reputable paper mills in Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, China, Japan and Korea.

What should I consider when choosing a paper?

Your paper choice can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your print communication piece. Commercial printing paper is divided into two broad categories – Coated and Uncoated (sometimes broadly referred to as offset stock).

Within each of those categories are sub-categories by weight – Text and Cover Stock. Text Stock is the lighter weight paper used most frequently for the inside or body of a book, magazine or catalogue. It is less expensive than cover weight paper. Cover Stock is a heavier and more durable paper used for the outside cover of a book or catalog. The heavier the paper’s weight with a resulting greater thickness, the more upscale is the look and feel that will be achieved.

However, when choosing paper for the body of your publication, you may need to consider that choosing a heavier paper stock may have a huge impact on your overall project cost both for printing and for freight or mailing. For example, if your job is to be mailed with Australia Post you might be able to half your delivery costs by choosing a lighter coated stock for your text pages.

Do you carry any recycled stock?

Yes. Most of our popular stocks already include a high percentage of recycled content. However, if you would like to use a stock that is 100% recycled we can easily organise this for you.

What does the term ‘GSM’ mean?

GSM is a unit of measurement used to define the weight of paper. GSM is an acronym standing for ‘Grams per Square Meter’. The higher the GSM number, the heavier the paper.

What is newsprint?

Newsprint (NP) is an uncoated paper used for printing newspapers. It comes in a variety of categories ranging from 40gsm standard newsprint up to a 55gsm improved newsprint with a whiter, bright look.

Printing

How long will it take to finish my job?

Turnaround time will vary depending on the quantity and complexity of the order. Simple jobs are often completed in a matter of hours from submitting your files. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on the number of manufacturing processes required and the size of the job. As a general guideline:

  • press finished-newspapers are completed within a few hours.
  • magazines, depending on their configuration and volume normally take between 24 and 48 hours to complete.
  • direct mail catalogues will normally be produced within 36 hours but may take longer if the run lengths are very long.

We always strive to provide an accurate estimate of the turnaround time for each job we do. And we’ll always work with you to find ways to  meet your deadlines.

Do you print on a web press?

Yes we do.

How do I know my colour will be consistent?

Spotpress Newspapers is a colour proficient printer to international ISO standards, this means from job to job, press to press and week to week, the colour will be consistent.

Do you employ environmentally friendly practices?

Yes, we certainly do. In choosing Spotpress Newspapers for your printing requirement, you are choosing a printer with environmental printing practices aimed at maximising the sustainability of our environment. All production takes place under Spotpress’s Environmental Sustainability Program. The team can also assist in choosing eco-friendly paper stock options and finishes.

Please refer to the Environmental Sustainability area of this site.

Services

What level of customer service can I expect from you?

Discovery & Strategy
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (AE)
Your AE is here to keep you informed about all our services and options, beginning with acquiring a deep understanding of your product requirements to helping you define the right solution.

Planning
CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST (CSS)
The CSS supports your AE and takes care of all administrative tasks related to your project such as orders.

Production
COMMERCIAL MANAGER (CM)
Your primary point of contact during the production cycle, the PM ensures your project is on time and on budget. Your PM sends approvals, tracks the status of the project, makes any last minute changes, schedules updates and oversees shipping.

Distribution
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER (DM)
Once books are printed and packed, your DM will choose the best delivery service depending on the order’s size, weight and delivery speed requirements.

I have a question that isn’t listed.
No problem! Please contact us and we’ll reply as quickly as we can.

Binding

What binding options do you offer?
What is saddle-stitching?

Saddle-stitching is a post-press binding process whereby staples are inserted into the spine to bind the all pages together. Saddle-stitching is an economical option for publications with low page counts such as magazines, booklets, catalogues, brochures and manuals. Best for publications up to 5mm thick.

What is perfect binding?

With perfect binding, the individual internal sections of a publication are inserted into the cover and then glued to the spine of the cover. Adhesive-bound hardcover books can be produced with standard perfect binding EVA hot-melt, or PUR adhesive for greater strength. Perfect binding is best for publications greater than 5mm thick and with cover stocks greater than 180gsm.

Delivery

Do you deliver?
What methods of delivery do you use?

This will depend on your specific requirements such as the number of delivery points, their geographical location, the requirement for tracking and your required turnaround time. We have a vast range of resources and will work closely with you to find the most reliable and cost effective delivery method.

Can you organise letterbox delivery of my printed job?

Yes. We have several options depending on your requirements.

Do you offer a newsagency distribution service?

Unfortunately, we do not directly deal with news agencies. However, we may refer you to a specialised newsagency distributor that can organise your national or statewide newsagency distribution.

Can I request split shipments?

Yes. If there are split shipments, please indicate this prominently in your completed order form (even if you supply a separate listing of the addresses and quantities).

Payment

When do I need to pay?
How can I pay?

We accept payment via EFT, cheque or credit card (VISA, Mastercard or American Express).

Is there a credit card surcharge?

Credit Card Payments incur a 2% surcharge.

Can I apply for an account?

For regular customers with solid financial credentials, we offer trading accounts of either 7, 14 or 30 days. You will have to apply for credit which must be formally assessed and approved by our credit lenders. Credit accounts will incur a financing surcharge.

To apply for an account, please download an account application here and then contact one of our sales representatives for assistance.

Can you revoke my credit?

We may revoke your credit if we feel it is no longer in our interest to provide you with such credit (for example, if you are continuously late in meeting your payment obligations)

Contact

How can I contact your company?
What are your business hours?

Our production plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our business office hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Call us at 02 9549 11111 during those hours or email us at enquiries@spotnews.com.au

How can I get information about becoming a supplier for Spotpress?

To learn more about providing products or services to Spotpress Newspapers, contact:

Procurement:

kieran.m@spotnews.com.au