What to Bring When Visiting Printbox London for Same Day Printing

When you need professional printing within a few hours, arriving prepared can make the ordering process much faster and easier. Missing artwork, unclear sizes, low-resolution images, or uncertain quantities can delay production, especially when your deadline is later that same day.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we help businesses, students, event organisers, charities, creatives, and individuals complete urgent printing projects throughout London.

Many standard print products can be completed within approximately 3–4 hours after full payment and final artwork approval, depending on the product, quantity, material, finishing requirements, and current production schedule.

This guide explains what information, files, and details you should bring when visiting our Tottenham print shop for same day printing.

Table of Contents

• Know Your Printing Requirements
• Bring the Correct Digital Files
• Use Suitable File Formats
• Check the Artwork Size
• Check Image Resolution
• Prepare Bleed and Safe Margins
• Check Fonts and Text
• Organise Double-Sided Artwork
• Prepare Booklet Files Correctly
• Bring Samples or References
• Know Your Exact Deadline
• Consider Paper and Finishing Options
• Be Ready to Complete Payment
• Confirm Collection or Delivery
• Questions to Ask Our Team
• Popular Same Day Printing Products
• Final Visit Checklist
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Information

Know Your Printing Requirements

Before visiting the shop, decide exactly what you need printed. Clear specifications help our team provide an accurate quotation and determine whether the required deadline is achievable.

Please be ready to confirm:

• The product you require
• The finished size
• The quantity
• Whether printing is single-sided or double-sided
• The preferred paper or material
• Any finishing requirements
• Your required completion time
• Whether you will collect or require delivery

Use Exact Product Names

Instead of saying that you need “some cards” or “a large poster,” provide as much detail as possible.

For example:

• 100 A5 double-sided flyers
• 250 standard business cards
• One A1 event poster
• Ten A4 colour presentation documents
• One 80 × 200 cm roller banner

Confirm the Finished Size

Common standard sizes include:

• A6: 105 × 148 mm
• A5: 148 × 210 mm
• A4: 210 × 297 mm
• A3: 297 × 420 mm
• A2: 420 × 594 mm
• A1: 594 × 841 mm
• A0: 841 × 1189 mm

A standard UK business card is commonly 85 × 55 mm.

Bring the Correct Digital Files

Your final artwork is the most important item to bring for an urgent printing order.

You can provide files using:

• A USB drive
• Email
• A cloud-storage download link
• Your phone or laptop
• An online file-transfer service

Large files are usually easier to send using a download link rather than as an email attachment.

Bring the Final Approved Version

Avoid supplying several similar files with names such as:

• final.pdf
• final-new.pdf
• final-2.pdf
• latest-final.pdf

Clearly identify the exact version approved for printing.

Download Cloud Files Before Visiting

If possible, make sure your files are available offline. Slow internet access, expired links, passwords, or account permissions can delay the order.

Bring the Original File

Original files normally produce better results than:

• Screenshots
• Messaging-app previews
• Social media downloads
• Images copied from websites
• Photographs of documents

Use Suitable File Formats

PDF

A high-quality print-ready PDF is generally the preferred format because it helps preserve:

• Page dimensions
• Fonts
• Images
• Layout
• Page order
• Bleed settings

PDF files are suitable for most products, including:

• Business cards
• Flyers
• Posters
• Documents
• Menus
• Invitations
• Booklets
• Banners

JPEG

High-quality JPEG files may be suitable for photographs, posters, and simple single-page designs.

PNG

PNG files can be useful for logos and graphics with transparent backgrounds, provided the resolution is suitable.

TIFF

TIFF files may be appropriate for high-resolution photography and artwork, although they can be very large.

Editable Office Files

Word, PowerPoint, and similar editable files may display differently on another device because of missing fonts, layout changes, or page settings.

Exporting the final document as a PDF before visiting is recommended.

Check the Artwork Size

The artwork should match the proportions and dimensions of the finished print.

For example, an A5 flyer should be prepared at A5 size rather than as an A4 page that must be reduced during production.

Check Orientation

Confirm whether the file should be:

• Portrait
• Landscape
• Square
• A custom shape or proportion

Avoid Stretching Artwork

Artwork should not be stretched to fit a different shape because this can distort photographs, logos, and text.

Allow for Cropping

If the image proportions do not match the selected print size, choose whether you prefer:

• Cropping
• White borders
• A custom print size
• A redesigned layout

Check Image Resolution

Resolution determines how much detail an image contains. A file that looks clear on a phone may become blurry when printed at a larger size.

Small and Medium Prints

For business cards, flyers, brochures, invitations, menus, and documents, images should ideally be approximately 300 DPI at their final printed size.

Large Posters and Banners

Large-format printing may use a different effective resolution depending on the product size and viewing distance. However, the source image must still contain enough detail for enlargement.

Use Original Photographs

When printing photographs, bring the original full-resolution file supplied by the photographer or captured by the camera.

Do Not Rely on File Size Alone

A large file is not automatically a high-quality file. Image dimensions, focus, compression, and original detail all affect the finished print.

Prepare Bleed and Safe Margins

Bleed is the extra background area extending beyond the final cutting edge. It helps prevent unwanted white lines after trimming.

Add Approximately 3mm Bleed

For many standard products, approximately 3mm bleed on each edge is recommended.

Any photograph, background colour, or graphic intended to reach the edge should extend into this bleed area.

Keep Important Content Inside Safe Margins

Names, logos, prices, phone numbers, QR codes, and other essential information should remain several millimetres away from the trim edge.

Crop Marks Are Not Always Required

A correctly sized PDF with bleed is often sufficient. Contact us if you are unsure whether crop marks should be included.

Check Fonts and Text

Font problems can cause text to change, disappear, or move when the file is opened on another computer.

Embed Fonts

When exporting a PDF, make sure the fonts are embedded where possible.

Convert Text to Outlines

Professional design software may allow fonts to be converted into outlines. Keep an editable copy before doing this.

Check Readability

Very small text may be difficult to read after printing. Review the file at approximately actual size before approval.

Proofread Everything

Before visiting, check:

• Names
• Dates
• Times
• Prices
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Website addresses
• Venue details
• QR codes

Customers remain responsible for all approved content.

Organise Double-Sided Artwork

Double-sided products should be supplied clearly and in the correct order.

Use a Two-Page PDF

For a double-sided flyer or business card:

• Page 1 should be the front
• Page 2 should be the back

Name Separate Files Clearly

If supplying separate files, use names such as:

• business-card-front.pdf
• business-card-back.pdf

Check Reverse-Side Orientation

Confirm whether the reverse should rotate on the long edge or the short edge. This is particularly important for landscape cards, menus, and folded materials.

Prepare Booklet Files Correctly

Booklets require additional preparation because pages must be assembled and folded in the correct order.

Supply One Complete PDF

Where possible, provide a single PDF containing every page.

Use Reading Order

Submit pages in normal reading order:

• Page 1
• Page 2
• Page 3
• Page 4

Do not manually arrange pages into printer spreads unless requested.

Use the Correct Page Count

Saddle-stitched booklets normally require a total page count divisible by four, including the cover.

Suitable page counts include:

• 8 pages
• 12 pages
• 16 pages
• 20 pages
• 24 pages
• 32 pages

Learn more about our booklet and brochure printing services.

Bring Samples or References

If you want your print to resemble an existing product, bring a physical sample or clear reference photograph.

A sample can help communicate:

• Approximate size
• Paper thickness
• Matt or gloss preference
• Folding style
• Colour expectations
• Finished appearance

Explain What You Like About the Sample

Tell our team whether you are referring to the sample’s:

• Paper weight
• Surface finish
• Size
• Colour
• Layout
• Folding

Exact duplication may not always be possible, especially when the original paper, printing method, or finishing is unknown.

Know Your Exact Deadline

Tell us exactly when the finished order is required.

Instead of saying “as soon as possible,” provide a specific deadline such as:

“I need to collect the order by 4:30 PM today.”

Allow Time for Finishing

Processes that may increase turnaround include:

• Lamination
• Folding
• Binding
• Foam board mounting
• Sticker cutting
• Banner finishing
• Drying

Confirm the Deadline Before Payment

Our team will assess whether the requested time is achievable based on the order and current workload.

Consider Paper and Finishing Options

You do not need to know every paper specification before visiting, but having an idea of the desired result can speed up the decision.

Matt Paper

Matt paper provides a smooth, non-reflective appearance and is suitable for:

• Documents
• Text-heavy flyers
• Reports
• Menus
• Booklets

Gloss Paper

Gloss paper can make colours and photographs appear more vibrant. It is suitable for promotional flyers, photographs, and image-heavy marketing materials.

Heavy Card

Heavy card is commonly used for:

• Business cards
• Invitations
• Postcards
• Menus
• Promotional cards

Photo Paper

Gloss, matt, and lustre media may be available for professional photo printing and large photographic displays.

Lamination

Lamination is available up to A3 size and can add protection to menus, signs, information sheets, and frequently handled prints.

We do not laminate original documents such as birth certificates or original certificates.

Foam Board Mounting

Selected posters, seating plans, welcome signs, and presentation graphics can be mounted onto white foam board in standard rectangular sizes up to A0.

Be Ready to Complete Payment

Production begins after full payment and final artwork approval.

After the specifications are confirmed, we provide a quotation and send a secure payment link.

Complete Payment Promptly

When an order is urgent, delays in payment reduce the remaining production time.

Check the Quotation

Before paying, confirm that the quotation includes the correct:

• Product
• Size
• Quantity
• Material
• Printing sides
• Finishing
• Collection or delivery arrangement

Changes After Payment

Changes may be possible before production begins. Once printing has started, amendments may no longer be possible and a reprint may involve an additional charge.

Confirm Collection or Delivery

Store Collection

Free collection is available from our Tottenham print shop after we confirm that the order is ready.

Please do not travel to collect until you have received completion confirmation.

Local Same Day Courier

Local same day courier delivery may be available depending on:

• Delivery postcode
• Parcel dimensions
• Product type
• Completion time
• Courier availability

Nationwide Delivery

Nationwide delivery is available for suitable products. Delivery time depends on the selected service and dispatch time.

Large-Format Items

Banners, roller banners, foam boards, and oversized posters may require specialist courier arrangements because of their dimensions.

Questions to Ask Our Team

Our team can help you understand the available print options and technical requirements.

Useful questions include:

• Is my artwork suitable for the requested size?
• Will the image need cropping?
• Which paper is best for this project?
• Is the order available for same day collection?
• How long will the finishing process take?
• Can local courier delivery be arranged?
• Is the booklet page count correct?
• Does the design need bleed?
• Is my QR code large enough?
• Can the poster be mounted onto foam board?

Basic Artwork Checking

We can review basic technical details such as:

• Dimensions
• Proportions
• Image resolution
• Bleed
• Margins
• Orientation
• Page count
• General print suitability

This does not include full proofreading or responsibility for approved content.

Popular Same Day Printing Products

Business Cards

Business cards are suitable for meetings, interviews, networking events, conferences, and exhibitions.

Flyers and Leaflets

Flyers and leaflets are available in selected sizes, quantities, and matt or gloss paper options.

Posters

Poster printing is available in sizes including A3, A2, A1, and A0 on selected materials.

Banners

PVC banners can be used for shops, events, promotions, exhibitions, celebrations, and outdoor displays.

Booklets and Brochures

Booklets and brochures are suitable for programmes, presentations, reports, menus, magazines, and training materials.

Stickers and Labels

Stickers and labels can be used for branding, packaging, promotions, events, and QR codes.

Photo Printing

Photo printing is available for gifts, displays, portfolios, exhibitions, and personal memories.

Marketing Materials

Marketing materials can support campaigns, product launches, retail promotions, events, and business presentations.

Document Printing

Document printing is suitable for:

• Reports
• Presentations
• Coursework
• CVs
• Applications
• Training packs
• Meeting documents

Final Visit Checklist

Before travelling to Printbox London, check that you have:

• The final approved artwork
• A print-ready PDF where possible
• The exact product name
• The finished size
• The required quantity
• Single-sided or double-sided specifications
• Your preferred paper or material
• Any finishing requirements
• The exact deadline
• Collection or delivery preference
• Original high-resolution images
• Correct logos
• Tested QR codes
• Proofread contact and event details
• A sample or reference if relevant
• Access to your email or cloud files
• The ability to complete payment promptly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk into the shop for same day printing?

Yes. You can visit our Tottenham print shop with your files and specifications. Same day availability depends on the product, quantity, material, artwork, finishing requirements, and current production capacity.

Should I contact you before visiting?

Contacting us before travelling is recommended for urgent or specialist orders. We can confirm the required information and advise whether the requested deadline appears achievable.

What file format should I bring?

A high-quality print-ready PDF is recommended. High-resolution JPEG, PNG, and TIFF files may also be suitable for selected products.

Can I bring the file on my phone?

Yes. You can email the file or provide a download link. The original high-resolution file is preferable to a screenshot or messaging-app preview.

Can I bring a USB drive?

Yes. Make sure the required file opens correctly and is clearly named.

Can you print directly from Word or PowerPoint?

We can assess the file, but exporting it as a PDF first is recommended because editable documents may change when opened on another computer.

Can you check my artwork?

Yes. We can review basic technical points such as dimensions, proportions, resolution, bleed, margins, orientation, page count, and general print suitability.

Does artwork checking include proofreading?

No. Customers remain responsible for checking spelling, names, prices, dates, phone numbers, email addresses, venue information, QR codes, and all approved content.

Can you improve a low-resolution image?

Limited enhancement may be possible, but missing image detail cannot always be restored. The original high-resolution file will normally produce the best result.

Can you design the artwork while I wait?

Simple artwork assistance may be available for an additional charge, depending on the request, file, deadline, and current workload. Extensive design work will increase turnaround time.

How long does same day printing take?

Many standard products can be completed within approximately 3–4 hours after payment and final artwork approval. Specialist products may require additional time.

When does the turnaround begin?

The turnaround begins after full payment has been received and the final artwork has been approved.

Can I pay in the shop?

Once the order details are confirmed, we provide a secure payment link. Production begins after payment confirmation.

Can I collect the order later the same day?

Yes, when same day production is available. Please wait until we confirm that the order is complete before travelling to collect it.

Do you offer same day delivery?

Local same day courier delivery may be available depending on the postcode, parcel dimensions, completion time, and courier availability.

Can you print one copy?

Many products, including documents, posters, photographs, banners, mugs, and T-shirts, may be available as single items. Minimum quantities apply to selected products such as business cards and stickers.

Can I bring my own paper?

No. We use our own approved papers and materials to maintain reliable production and print quality.

Can you laminate my print?

Lamination is available up to A3 size, subject to production capacity. We do not laminate original documents such as birth certificates or original certificates.

Conclusion

Visiting a printing shop for an urgent order is much easier when you arrive with the correct files, exact specifications, and a clear deadline.

Before travelling, confirm your product, size, quantity, printing sides, material, finishing, and collection or delivery preference. Bring the final print-ready file, original high-resolution images, and any useful samples or references.

The more complete your information is, the faster our team can prepare a quotation, check the artwork, and move the order into production.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we provide professional local printing support for businesses, students, event organisers, charities, creatives, and individuals throughout London.

Send your artwork and specifications before visiting or bring them directly to our Tottenham shop for assessment.

Contact Information

Business Name: Printbox London (Same Day Printing London)

Address: 52 West Green Road, London N15 5NR

Phone: 0207 018 5678

Email: hello@printbox.london

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