Re: Printing PDF Files with missing fonts
- From: Ralf Koenig <ralk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2005 14:48:47 +0100
Dan Sideen wrote:
We are a print service bureau, and are starting to get a lot of "print ready" pdf files. I wish.
We have very capable PS Level 3 printers that will directly print pdf files. The problem is most of our clients don't seem to have any idea how to embed the fonts in the job, so we get lots of jobs with missing fonts.
When we tell the client this, they say "it looks good on screen, and prints to my desktop printer fine - it must be your problem"
[...]
I am hoping that someone else has had
the same problems and have solutions.
BTW, smarter clients is not an option!!!
Well, this is easy.
1st) Change your pricing model!
Every effort for you - asking for fonts, installing fonts, sending inspection or proof copies, hiring a low-paid clerk to do that - means higher costs for you, and you simply give these addional expenses to the customer ('penalties' for imperfections).
On the other hand: every 'perfect file' that simply prints right may be printed at discount prices.
This will get customers interested in these issues in a second!
2nd) Invest in user education and some automation tools
Education: As a first point, offer information about this very issue on a web page 'Guidelines to submit perfect files'. You may add some Distiller 'joboptions' files.
Automation: Users can test 'perfectness' of their PDF files with a web page you provide, where users can upload PDF files. Some preflighting tool(s) evaluate the user input and gives feedback.
Those users, that want to make use of discounts, are required to send in PDF files via this interface. The tool will fuss or warn about missing fonts, RGB graphics, non-standard colors, all such things, details and policies are up to you. The 'web assistent' will also offer instructions to aid the user in getting his stuff right. (click here, click there, etc. pp). A job will only enter the print queue, once accepted by this interface. Again, final restrictions are up to you.
3rd) If the customer does not care, why should you?
Add a few words to your 'terms of business', such as: if things remain unspecified (missing fonts, etc) you will offer best effort service (you may look for a qiuck fix). But. if you print it, then customer is required to pay full price in any way.
Conclusion:
Well, you can usually choose from two extremes: * being a print shop for professional users * being a print shop for non-professional users
You may want to treat the two types of customers differently as they require different 'handling'.
Professional users:
* they know what they want and know what they submit
* Professional orders with high volumes require perfect output: perfect fonts, colors, etc. but almost no support as they are profesionals themselves and use good software and the right settings.
* often are price-sensitive
Non-Professionals
* require more care and instructions and a higher 'support level' and often fast results, but they often are more forgiving related to font issues or perfect color prints.
* are less price-sensitive. For a good support level (Send in your Word files, we will take care ...) they will accept high prices.
Ralf
PS. The serious graphics industry uses PDF/X and workflow tools for the technical matters of such issues.
.
- Follow-Ups:
- Re: Printing PDF Files with missing fonts
- From: pijnacker
- Re: Printing PDF Files with missing fonts
- References:
- Printing PDF Files with missing fonts
- From: Dan Sideen
- Printing PDF Files with missing fonts
- Prev by Date: Re: Automation Questions
- Next by Date: Re: Interesting approach to secure ebook--opinions sought
- Previous by thread: Re: Printing PDF Files with missing fonts
- Next by thread: Re: Printing PDF Files with missing fonts
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
