FAQ : Wording Help & Ordering Information : Poly Graphics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long will my order take?
We're quick. In most cases we will post a proof within 24 business hours of receiving your order. We usually don't work on Sundays and holidays. When you approve your proof, we will normally print your order and ship it out to you within 2-3 business days (we ship via UPS and USPS). If you are in a hurry, ask about our ($20 extra) rush option - which moves you to the top of our order queue, the front of the line. For more details, look at our turnaround time page.
When is my credit card charged?
We like to make sure the proof of your order is correct before we charge your card. Although we require your credit card information before we prepare your draft, we won't charge your card until after you approve the design. This allows you to adjust your quantities or add to your order right up until your order is sent to print.
What happens when I pay by Money Order?
We wait until we receive your money order before preparing your draft. Because there is labor involved in preparing a draft we like to have your payment in hand before beginning work. We hope you understand.
Can you print in Spanish?
Yes. We've designed many cards using Spanish. If it is unclear where tilda's and accents go, please use the Special Instructions space to clarify where they should go.
Does Poly Graphics Ship Internationally?
Yes. Please pay in US Dollars. We'll ship via USPS - our normal shipping rates will not apply. Ask us and we will calculate shipping rates or feel free to use the "Calculate Postage" tool at usps.com.
Can I cancel my order?
You may cancel your order if your draft has not yet been approved and sent to print. However, we retain a $15 proof fee to compensate for the time we have put into creating your proofs.
Can I get my envelopes in advance?
If you order 50 or more birth announcements we'll send your envelopes in advance so you can address them before the birth of your child. No extra charge. Ask for your envelopes in the Special Instructions section of the order form.
Can I send an invitation or announcement as a post card?
We print on card stock (it's like index card weight) that can be used as a post card if you wish to save on postage. We include envelopes with all of our orders - but tell us you're going to use them as post cards (4"x6") and we won't include the envelopes (and we'll give you a price break if you ask nicely).
What Wording Will You Print?
We will print (nearly) any wording you want on your cards. However, keep in mind that more concise is better; it will look neater and be easier for your readers to understand.
How do you lay out my text?
We will lay out your wording the way we feel it looks best with your chosen design. However, if you want it laid out another way, just let us know in the "special instructions" section when you order.
How come there is no instant preview?
We use designers to properly layout your text and graphics to fit your event with your chosen typestyle. An instant preview can center all the text on the sample, but not much more. Give us 24 hours and we'll design your invitation to look great. The sample you approve is what we'll print - unless you ask for a change.
Can I get a proof?
Yes. We suggest you ask for a draft (proof). After receiving payment for your order, we design your card and post a proof so you can check it over and make sure it looks just the way you want. Check carefully; everyone makes mistakes, and that includes both of us! After you approve the proof, we are no longer responsible for overlooked mistakes! If you do find a mistake on the proof before we print (yours or ours), just let us know and we will correct it and re-post the proof.
Is my design in stock?
Yes. Since we print both the design and the wording at the same time, you have ultimate control over how your invitation or announcement looks. We never run out - because everything is printed on blank paper just for you!
As you are creating an invitation, don't forget:
- the date,
- time and
- place of the occasion,
- your name and
- a phone number for RSVP.
If you wish to give directions to the event, it would probably be better to include them on a separate sheet inside the invitation. Ask us if you want us to print inserts for you.
Need help with wording?
Just ask when you place the order. We've been creating these invitations for many years and can probably provide some suggestions.
How Early Should You Mail Invitations?
Wedding invitations should be sent out four to six weeks prior to the event. During holiday seasons allow for extra time.

Informal event invitations should be sent about three weeks before the event.

If you have a date, but not all the details for an event, use "Save the Date" cards to inform your guests. This is especially nice if travel arrangements need to be made.

Size, shape, and number of enclosures affect postage. If unsure, weigh the invitations at your Post Office.
Order more than you need!
It costs more and takes extra time to have invitations and announcements reprinted. It may be better for you to order a few extra than to be caught short.
Do we sell blank invitations (no wording)?
Yes, we will sell you blank invitations. But because we print both the wording and the graphics on the invitation at the same time (giving us excellent flexibility in how the design looks) our process is almost the same. We'll give you a 10% discount for no wording.
Realize that ordering invitations without wording means that you have to print the wording yourself. We'll include a couple of blank cards for you to test with if you ask (use the special instructions section of the order form). Please understand that your printer must handle the size (6 1/4" x 4 5/8") and paper weight (80lb) of our invitations.
Is Poly Graphics a "Green" company?
Yes. We recycle 97% of our waste. We use newspaper or re-use 'peanuts' for packing materials. We recycle our used toner cartridges. We do all that we can to minimize waste and keep our extras, proofs, and trimmings out of the dump. Some things we have to throw away because our town does not not recycle them. Eveything that we can recycle or re-use we do recycle or re-use.
Will you sell or give my name and address to anyone?
We treat your personal information as if it were our own. We will not sell or give your information to anyone. We rarely contact you for any reason other than to work on your order.
Can I have your catalog?
No. Our website is much more up to date than a printed catalog would be. We add new designs to the site all the time. We would have to update a printed catalog weekly for it to show all the designs we have available. If you don't see what you want here - ask us and we'll try to design something for you.
When I print samples out, they don't look that good - why?
Our printers print to a much higher resolution than you see on the screen. The samples you see on our website are optimized for the screen, not for print. When we print your invitations, they are crisp and clear.
Is this the Poly Graphics that is sending me spam email or faxing me?
No. We don't send spam. We don't send unsolicited faxes. We don't send unsolicited emails. Someone has hijacked our domain for use in their spamming activities. There (apparently) is another company by the name of Poly Graphics that is sending faxes. We're sorry we can't help stop this.
Will anyone read to the end of this page?
We're not sure it will happen. But if you do read this far and order from us, well give you a 10% discount if you type the word 'love' in the special instructions section of our order form.
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