Turnaround, Timelines &
Expectations for Card Projects

This guide outlines the key stages of a custom card project, helping customers understand how long each step takes, what they control, and where delays can occur. Clear expectations reduce frustration and support smoother production.

Design Time vs Production Time

Who Controls What

Proofing Cycles

What Causes Delays

1. Design Time vs Production Time

Design Time:

  • Time spent creating card artwork, layouts, and content

  • Includes decisions on size, typography, colour and images

  • Controlled primarily by the customer or designer

Production Time:

  • Time required for printing, cutting, packaging and finishing

  • Controlled by the printer and their workflow

  • Varies based on deck size, complexity and stock

Key point: Planning design well in advance prevents bottlenecks later.

2. Proofing Cycles

Proofs ensure the design prints as intended.

  • Digital Proofs: Check layout, colours and text before printing

  • Physical Proofs: Optional but recommended for larger decks or complex designs

  • Multiple proof cycles may be needed for approval

  • Proof approval is required before production starts

Tip: Review proofs carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

Turnaround, Timelines &
Expectations for Card Projects

This guide outlines the key stages of a custom card project, helping customers understand how long each step takes, what they control, and where delays can occur. Clear expectations reduce frustration and support smoother production.

Design Time vs Production Time

Proofing Cycles

What Causes Delays

Who Controls What

1. Design Time vs Production Time

Design Time:

  • Time spent creating card artwork, layouts, and content

  • Includes decisions on size, typography, colour and images

  • Controlled primarily by the customer or designer

Production Time:

  • Time required for printing, cutting, packaging and finishing

  • Controlled by the printer and their workflow

  • Varies based on deck size, complexity and stock

Key point: Planning design well in advance prevents bottlenecks later.

2. Proofing Cycles

Proofs ensure the design prints as intended.

  • Digital Proofs: Check layout, colours and text before printing

  • Physical Proofs: Optional but recommended for larger decks or complex designs

  • Multiple proof cycles may be needed for approval

  • Proof approval is required before production starts

Tip: Review proofs carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

Turnaround, Timelines &
Expectations for Card Projects

This guide outlines the key stages of a custom card project, helping customers understand how long each step takes, what they control, and where delays can occur. Clear expectations reduce frustration and support smoother production.

Design Time vs Production Time

Proofing Cycles

What Causes Delays

Who Controls What

1. Design Time vs Production Time

Design Time:

  • Time spent creating card artwork, layouts, and content

  • Includes decisions on size, typography, colour and images

  • Controlled primarily by the customer or designer

Production Time:

  • Time required for printing, cutting, packaging and finishing

  • Controlled by the printer and their workflow

  • Varies based on deck size, complexity and stock

Key point: Planning design well in advance prevents bottlenecks later.

2. Proofing Cycles

Proofs ensure the design prints as intended.

  • Digital Proofs: Check layout, colours and text before printing

  • Physical Proofs: Optional but recommended for larger decks or complex designs

  • Multiple proof cycles may be needed for approval

  • Proof approval is required before production starts

Tip: Review proofs carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

3. What Causes Delays

Common causes of delays include:

  • Late or incomplete design files

  • Revisions after proof approval

  • Unanticipated production constraints (paper, stock availability)

  • Holidays, high-demand periods, or staffing issues

  • File errors (bleed, resolution, orientation issues)

Being proactive in preparation minimises these delays.

4. What Customers Control vs What We Control vs Delivery (3rd Party)

Customer-Controlled:

  • Finalising design and content

  • File preparation and proof approval

  • Responding to questions or requests promptly

We (Printer) Control:

  • Scheduling and running print jobs

  • Quality control and finishing

  • Packaging and readiness for shipment

Third-Party / Delivery Control:

  • Shipping and courier timelines

  • Customs or postal delays (if applicable)

  • Tracking* and handling during transit (Tracking if available)

Key point: Clear communication and timely approvals help align all three parties and reduce unexpected delays.

3. What Causes Delays

Common causes of delays include:

  • Late or incomplete design files

  • Revisions after proof approval

  • Unanticipated production constraints (paper, stock availability)

  • Holidays, high-demand periods, or staffing issues

  • File errors (bleed, resolution, orientation issues)

Being proactive in preparation minimises these delays.

4. What Customers Control vs What We Control vs Delivery (3rd Party)

Customer-Controlled:

  • Finalising design and content

  • File preparation and proof approval

  • Responding to questions or requests promptly

We (Printer) Control:

  • Scheduling and running print jobs

  • Quality control and finishing

  • Packaging and readiness for shipment

Third-Party / Delivery Control:

  • Shipping and courier timelines

  • Customs or postal delays (if applicable)

  • Tracking* and handling during transit (Tracking if available)

Key point: Clear communication and timely approvals help align all three parties and reduce unexpected delays.

3. What Causes Delays

Common causes of delays include:

  • Late or incomplete design files

  • Revisions after proof approval

  • Unanticipated production constraints (paper, stock availability)

  • Holidays, high-demand periods, or staffing issues

  • File errors (bleed, resolution, orientation issues)

Being proactive in preparation minimises these delays.

4. What Customers Control vs What We Control vs Delivery (3rd Party)

Customer-Controlled:

  • Finalising design and content

  • File preparation and proof approval

  • Responding to questions or requests promptly

We (Printer) Control:

  • Scheduling and running print jobs

  • Quality control and finishing

  • Packaging and readiness for shipment

Third-Party / Delivery Control:

  • Shipping and courier timelines

  • Customs or postal delays (if applicable)

  • Tracking* and handling during transit (Tracking if available)

Key point: Clear communication and timely approvals help align all three parties and reduce unexpected delays.