Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Prints in London

Are you planning to print important documents or eye-catching visuals for your business? Ordering prints might seem simple, but many people unknowingly make mistakes that lead to poor results, wasted time, and unnecessary costs. At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we see these issues every day — and we’re here to help you avoid them.

In this guide, we break down the top 5 common mistakes to avoid when ordering prints, so you can get professional, high-quality results every time.

1. Not Choosing the Right Paper Type

One of the most common mistakes when ordering prints is selecting the wrong paper. The paper you choose has a huge impact on how your final product looks and feels.

• Glossy: Ideal for photos and vibrant designs.
• Matte: Perfect for professional documents and easy reading.
• Textured: Adds a premium feel to invitations and creative prints.

Whether you’re printing flyers for promotion or business cards for networking, choosing the right paper ensures your materials represent your brand properly.

2. Ignoring Colour Accuracy

Colour mismatch is one of the most frustrating printing issues. What looks perfect on your screen may appear different in print if colour settings are incorrect.

Top tips for colour accuracy:

• Always supply files in CMYK for print (not RGB).
• Calibrate your monitor where possible.
• Speak to your printer if colour accuracy is critical.

At Printbox London, our team is happy to advise on colour setup — especially for urgent same day printing in London.

3. Overlooking Resolution and Image Quality

Low-resolution images are a guaranteed way to ruin an otherwise great design. Pixelated or blurry prints look unprofessional and can damage your brand image.

• 300 DPI: Recommended for high-quality printing.
• 72 DPI: Suitable for screens only — not print.

This is particularly important for large-format items like posters and roller banners, where poor image quality is immediately noticeable.

4. Failing to Request Proofs

Skipping the proof stage is one of the biggest and most costly mistakes customers make. A proof allows you to check layout, text, colours, and alignment before committing to the full print run.

Why proofs matter:

• Catch spelling or layout errors early.
• Confirm colours match expectations.
• Avoid expensive reprints.

At Printbox London, we always recommend proofs — especially for important or time-sensitive jobs.

5. Skipping Delivery Options

Printing is only half the job — getting your prints on time is just as important. Many people forget to plan delivery or collection properly.

Things to consider:

• Deadlines: Do you need same-day turnaround?
• Method: In-store pickup or courier delivery?
• Timing: Allow enough time for finishing and transport.

With same day printing in London, Printbox London helps you meet tight deadlines — but it’s always best to confirm delivery needs when placing your order.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common printing mistakes can make all the difference between disappointing results and professional-quality prints. From choosing the right paper and colour settings to requesting proofs and planning delivery, every detail counts.

At Printbox London, we’re committed to making printing simple, fast, and stress-free. If you need reliable, high-quality same day printing in London, we’re here to help.