General Terms & Conditions
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COLOR REPRODUCTION
Gang-Run Printing is a process that provides affordable four-color printing. "Gang Run Printing" will combine your job with others having similar sizes and requirements. This allows production costs to be spread out over several jobs, greatly reducing the make-ready/plate charges for each customer. All work is carried out by skilled professionals on state-of-the-art equipment to assure quality work at an affordable price.
Because of differences in equipment, paper, ink, and other conditions between color proofing and production pressroom operations, a "pleasing color" [as determined by generally accepted trade technical methods] is to be expected. When such a variation occurs, it will be considered acceptable performance. We accept no responsibility for color variations between submitted files and the final printed piece. Under no circumstances will a reprint be honored for color variations that have occurred during the printing process. By placing an order client is agreeing to all First Class Mailing, Inc's terms and conditions.
QC REPRINT
If a job is unacceptable due to defects in workmanship, we will reprint and ship out the job to you at no additional cost, or issue a future credit. No cash refunds are offered. Please note that the FULL original run must be returned to us and inspected. If you select option 1 we will reprint the order before inspecting it. This guarantee does not cover customer errors such as low resolution images, poor photography or incorrect copy. Furthermore, we print to industry accepted "pleasing color" standards. We will make every effort to produce a reasonable representation of your job based on your supplied materials. However, note that First Class Mailing, Inc. does not guarantee color matching so defects due to color matching cannot be honored. If a color proof is requested for critical jobs, we guarantee the color proof to match the final printed piece within recognized industry standards.
1. Quotations/Estimates
Prices posted on this website are subject to change without notice. Written estimates are good for 30 days. An estimate not accepted within 30 days may be changed.
2. Payment Terms
All orders must be prepaid due to the speed of our turnaround or postage due. We reserve the right to place your job on hold if the credit card declines or if we are waiting for payment via check. If we receive a check we have the right to wait up to 2 business days for that check to clear before proceeding with the order.
3. Orders
First Class Mailing, Inc. reserves the right to use its sole discretion in refusing to print anything it deems improper or known to be illegal. First Class Mailing, Inc. is not liable for any damages resulting from unwitting violation of copyright laws or illegal use of trade names or slogans. The client guarantees the legal title of all matter submitted to First Class Mailing, Inc. for printing and/or publication.
4. Cancellations
Due to our quick turnaround time, we process jobs as soon as we receive them. All sales are final. No refunds are available on orders unless no files have been prepared for printing and no email proof has been sent. In the case of a refund on an order that printing has not started, a $10 processing fee will be charged for printing only jobs and a $35 fee will be charged for mailing service jobs where we have already processed the mailing list. If an order is cancelled after we have sent you a proof a $35 fee will be charged. A job may not be cancelled after 4pm the day the order was submitted.
All orders that exceed 15 business days from the time a proof is sent (including design proofs and prepress proofs), will not be refunded. An in-house credit is available for orders that are in proof status and have not been printed. Design charges may apply for date or graphical changes to accommodate the delay in print.
Please note that, due to contractual terms with our list service provider, we are unable to refund any aspect of a list order purchased through our list portal.
If you need to cancel an order you must email customer service at info@firstclassmailing.com then follow up by calling 1.800.378.2263 and speak with a First Class Mailing, Inc. representative to avoid any confusion with cancellation charges.
5. Accuracy of Specifications
Quotations are based on the accuracy of the specifications provided. First Class Mailing, Inc. can re-quote a job at the time of submission if the art does not conform to the information on which the original estimate was based. Orders placed with First Class Mailing, Inc. are to the client's knowledge correct, and there are no conditions or agreements relating to the order which is not written or accompanying said order.
6. Liability
First Class Mailing, Inc's liability shall be limited to the stated selling price to the customer of any defective goods, and shall in no event include special, consequential, incidental, indirect or similar damages, including without limitation, lost profits. First Class Mailing, Inc. warrants that every product manufactured by it meets industry standard for such product and is free of any material defect in workmanship. IT IS EXPRESSLY AGREED THAT THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR USE AND MERCHANTABILITY. First Class Mailing, Inc. makes no other warranty and no actions or words of First Class Mailing, Inc. or its officers, employees or agents shall constitute a warranty.
7. Indemnification
The customer represents that it has the legal right to produce all printed materials ordered from First Class Mailing, Inc. In the event that a charge, claim, demand, arbitration, action or proceeding (collectively, a "Claim") is made or commenced against First Class Mailing, Inc. based upon, relating to, or arising from the alleged wrongful acts of the customers, or alleging that the printing performed or product produced by First Class Mailing, Inc. ordered by the customer: a) infringes any copyright, patent or other proprietary right of any person; or b) contains matter that is libelous, slanderous, defamatory, scandalous, or obscene, the customer shall indemnify and hold First Class Mailing, Inc. harmless from and against any loss, damages, cost and expense arising from or related to the Claim including without limitation; 1) defending First Class Mailing, Inc. against any such Claim 2) paying any judgment or award against the customer; and 3) reimbursing First Class Mailing, Inc. for any legal fees and expenses it reasonably incurs in responding.
8. Electronic Manuscripts/Images
It is the client's responsibility to maintain a copy of the original computer files, artwork and transparencies. First Class Mailing, Inc. is not responsible for accidental loss or damage to media supplied by the client or for errors on supplied artwork furnished by the client. Until First Class Mailing, Inc. can evaluate digital input, no claims or promises are made about our ability to work with jobs submitted in digital format, and no liability is assumed for problems that may arise. Any additional translating, editing, or programming needed to utilize client-supplied files will be charged at our current rates. First Class Mailing, Inc. does not archive your final product for more than one calendar year. Please save your work! DO NOT send any "one-of-a-kind" transparencies, prints or artwork.
9. Alterations/Corrections
Client alterations must be specified in writing and must include all corrections or changes from the original specifications. Such work will be charged at our current rates.
10. Proofs
If you select "email proof" we will send you an email proof shortly after receiving it in our production department. This can take up to 24 hours when we are very busy. So please reply as quickly as possible. Please take note that an email proof is by no means an accurate color reproduction of your final printed piece but is a final opportunity for you to check the layout, bleeds, crops and final text. If you select "no proof" the requested job will be sent to press without your approval. By selecting "no proof" you agree that anything wrong with the file, including but not limited to -- spelling, bleeds, resolution, file size, and file format -- is strictly the customer's responsibility.
After we send you an email proof and you determine that you need to submit new files you can do so by Uploading Your New Files Here. You are required to give us a call or email after new files have been uploaded. Due to the time it takes to pre-flight and prep your files, a $25 fee will be assessed each time you submit new artwork. If you need to submit new files because the original files are corrupt, you will not be charged.
By the time your job gets in our hands and we are ready to go to print, all edits should be finalized, the copy carefully proofread and all design issues should be settled. We will not take responsibility for any copy or design errors committed on your part. First Class Mailing, Inc. is also not responsible for any wrong dates or misspelled words in files submitted by customer or jobs approved by customer upon design completion.
On large orders First Class Mailing, Inc. will submit color proofs for the customer's review and approval if requested. A high-resolution color proof is available for an additional $70 on all printed material excluding gang-run items. A minimum shipping charge of $25 is required to send a proof via express air shipping. Proofs must be returned to First Class Mailing, Inc. marked "OK" or "Revised Proof Required" and signed by the customer. Until the proof is returned, no additional work will be performed. All requests for changes of any kind must be made in writing. First Class Mailing, Inc. will not be responsible for undetected production errors if:
Proofs are waived by the client;
The work is printed per the client's written OK;
Requests for changes are communicated verbally;
"No proof" was selected.
11. Color Proofing
Because of differences in equipment, paper, inks, and other conditions between color proofing and production pressroom operations, a "pleasing color" variation between color proofs and the completed job [as determined by generally accepted trade technical methods] is to be expected. When such a variation occurs, it will be considered acceptable performance.
**Please note that the size of the final printed piece can actually be 1/16 of an inch smaller than the size ordered due to the thickness of the blade and the layout of a gang style run. **
12. Overruns/Underruns
First Class Mailing, Inc. will normally deliver the exact quantity of goods ordered plus a small additional amount. There is no extra charge for the additional amount. The generally accepted trade practice is plus or minus 2%.
13. Delivery
Charges for delivery of materials and supplies from the client or the client's supplier to First Class Mailing, Inc. are not included in quotations unless specified. First Class Mailing, Inc. is not responsible for delays and/or damage incurred during shipping. Title for finished work passes to the customer upon delivery to the carrier at shipping point; or upon mailing of invoices for the finished work or its segments, whichever comes first.
14. Claims
Claims for defects, damages, or shortages must be made by the client in writing no later than 10 calendar days after delivery or prior to mailing. If no such claim is made, First Class Mailing, Inc. and the client will understand that the job has been accepted. By accepting the job, the client acknowledges that First Class Mailing, Inc's performance has fully satisfied all terms, conditions and specifications.
15. Disputes & Venue
For legal purposes, the venue for any dispute shall be Santa Clara County, California, USA.
16. Right to Subcontract
First Class Mailing, Inc. shall have the right to assign any portion of the work required to another contractor.
17. Workmanship Guarantee
We guarantee all orders to be free of defects in workmanship. If any order does not match the generally accepted trade standards, we will reprint the order or issue the customer a refund at our discretion. Please see RMA Returns.
18. Privacy Statement
Any information First Class Mailing, Inc. collects from order processing or from any inquiries is not shared with any other company. Your information is only used for contact, billing, and shipping purposes. Your credit card information is never stored by First Class Mailing, Inc.
Please see privacy statement
19. Samples
We reserve the right to distribute free samples of your order. Your images will not be used in any national advertising without your prior consent.
20. Billing
Your credit card bill will read "First Class Mailing, Inc."
21. Inkjet Proofs
Inkjet and laser prints are known to look substantially different than offset printing. We offer quick turnaround and low prices by printing to a "pleasing color" standard, using standard ink densities. There is no guarantee that your finished piece will match your printed sample. This is due to the varying results from different output devices including inkjet printers, continuous tone proofing devices, and film-based proofs.
22. Changes
First Class Mailing, Inc. may change, modify, add or remove portions of this policy at any time, and any changes will become effective immediately upon being posted unless stated otherwise.
23. Credit card fees
First Class Mailing, Inc. adds 4% to all postage, addressing, list, and shipping costs. This cost covers the credit card processing fee.
24. Approved Proofs
When a proof is approved client is agreeing that spelling, dates, phone numbers, and layout are ready to print. First Class Mailing, Inc. is not responsible for any errors once the proof has been approved.
25. Design Copyright
All materials we create in producing your postcard are the property of First Class Mailing, Inc. This includes typeset layouts and color scans. These materials will NOT be sold or given to any other party. We reserve the right to distribute free samples of your postcard. Your images will not be used in any national advertising without your prior consent.
MAILING SERVICES
Prices are quoted based on the information located on this website, unless specifically stated otherwise in the written quotation. Prices quoted are based on specs given at the time of the request for quotation and are subject to review when pieces have been received. To avoid any misunderstanding, all mailing service instructions should be in writing. Instructions not provided in writing may lead to problems for which we cannot be responsible.
Scheduling and Turnaround
All print jobs with mailing services will add 5-7 business days to the turn-around times.
We require at least 2-3 days for job processing of mailing services starting from the day we receive your mailing (data) list and after the piece is in the mail department. WE CANNOT MAIL YOUR JOB WITHOUT RUSH FEES IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR MAILING LIST 4 BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED MAILING DATE. This allows us processing time to insure your piece is mailed without any issues. In the event your print or mail schedule changes, please inform us immediately; we will make every effort to accommodate the revision.
Delivery Timing
If you are mailing a time dated piece, be sure to include requested delivery date when placing your order. Standard (Bulk, 3rd Class) is the most cost effective way to deliver your mailer, however it will take longer than first class mail, if your mailer is a time sensitive piece, you may want to consider the first class rate.
Data Lists
Data lists should be in ASCII, Excel, Access or Database formats. The list should contain a header format. We will remove duplicates, correct zip codes, add zip +4 designations, add barcode, CASS certify, and presort the list according to USPS requirements.
Postage Requirements
To allow sufficient time for payment deposit with the USPS, when you use our permit number, we require that all checks and credit card payments for postage be in our possession three days before your mail date. If a postage deposit is not received, we cannot advance the postage required, and the U.S. Postal Service will not accept your mail. UNDER ABSOLUTELY NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL POSTAGE BE REFUNDED FOR ANY REASON ONCE A JOB HAS BEEN MAILED BY THE U.S. POST OFFICE. Please make certain that you have advanced adequate postage to cover your entire mailing, including international fees. When using your own permit, funds must be deposited the day prior to the scheduled drop date and a copy of the postal receipt faxed to our office. If funds have not been deposited, causing us to bring the mail back, you will be charged a trip fee.
Limitations of Liability for Mailing Services
OUR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERROR, MISTAKE, OR FAILURE TO PERFORM SERVICES HEREUNDER IS EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE VALUE OF THE WORK PERFORMED.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL WE BE LIABLE TO ANY CUSTOMER FOR SAID CUSTOMER'S LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PROFITS, POSTAGE OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUFFERED BY SUCH CUSTOMER AS A RESULT OF ANY ERROR, MISTAKE, OR FAILURE BY US TO PERFORM SERVICES. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: LIST ADDITIONS, REQUESTS MADE AFTER ORDER APPROVED, AND U.S.P.S. ERROR.
When using our mailing services, First Class Mailing, Inc. shall be liable to rectify errors only to the extent of re-mailing a correction or corrected job as soon as possible, and allowable damages shall be limited to the value of the work performed. In no case is First Class Mailing, Inc. liable for loss of business or implied damages. First Class Mailing, Inc. responsibility is limited to preparing your mailing and completing delivery to the U.S. Postal Service. First Class Mailing, Inc. shall not be liable for U.S.P.S. performance failures or delivery delays.
Customer's mailing list(s), while in the possession of First Class Mailing, Inc. is the exclusive property of the customer and shall be used only with customer's instructions. Customer's mailing list(s) will not be sold or offered for use to any other party, and First Class Mailing, Inc. will not utilize the list for any other purpose.
The chargeable items listed below are not included in prices quoted unless specifically stated:
• The packing and handling of overages will be billed at current rate plus materials and freight charges.
• Storage charges on material held more than 30 days after job completion will be billed at current rate per skid or square foot of space used on a monthly basis. Any materials requiring storage for a period of ninety days or longer will be subject to long term storage charges unless agreed upon prior to order being placed.
This policy was updated on September 1, 2007