Frequently Asked Questions

Minuteman Press Uptown is a one-stop shop for all your commercial printing needs. Our capabilities include:
- Digital printing
- Large format printing (banners, posters, signs, etc.)
- Bindery services (stapling, folding, cutting, etc.)
- Mailing services
- Graphic design
- Direct mail campaigns

We can handle projects of all sizes, from simple business cards to full fleet vehicle wraps. Just let us know what you're looking for and we'll be happy to assist.

Our 16,000 square foot production facility is located in North Minneapolis, at 4024 Washington Ave N. We moved to this location in January 2023. Before that, Minuteman Press Uptown was on Hennepin Ave, south of Franklin. We kept the name "Uptown" to make it easy for our customers to keep track of us!

Our print pricing is based on a number of factors including the quantity, paper stock, finishing requirements, and turnaround time. We provide upfront, transparent pricing so there are no surprises. We can even show you options to work around your budget. We're happy to provide a detailed quote before you place your order.

Many of our projects have price breaks at certain quantity levels. For example, if you order 1,0000 business cards, it will cost much less per card than if you order only 50. Another way we offer volume discounts is through mailings. We know all the ins and outs of getting the lowest possible rates with the USPS, including Every Door Direct Mail rates and special rates for non-profit organizations.

Simply use our online estimate request form by clicking here. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information to do an accurate quote is to call us at (612) 870-0777 and speak with one of our customer service representatives.

Our standard turnaround time is 5 business days from proof approval, but we typically beat that. We also offer rush options for 24-48 hour delivery.
Let us know when you need your job completed. We go to great lengths to meet the most demanding timelines.

Yes, we offer rush services for an additional fee. Please call us directly at (612) 870-0777 to discuss your urgent project needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.

We accept all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), checks, and cash. For approved business accounts, we also offer ACH bank transfers and Net 30 invoicing. Note that credit card orders are assessed a 3% pass-through surcharge.

Payment is due in full prior to delivery of your order, unless other arrangements have been made.

Yes, we provide both local delivery and nationwide shipping options through FedEx and UPS. Delivery fees are calculated based on the size, weight, and destination of your order. We're happy to drop off your order directly to your office or other location. Just let us know the delivery details when you place your order.

The moment your order has been completed, it is flagged in our system. We immediately call you to let you know that it's ready to be picked up, unless you arranged for delivery.

Yes, we are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and use environmentally-friendly printing processes and materials whenever possible. All of our printing options use soy-based inks. Ask us what we can do on your project to ensure your materials are FSC-certified.

Yes, we can provide paper samples to help you choose the best stock for your project. Visit our shop or contact us to request samples.

On our homepage, click Get a Quote and fill out the form. At the bottom of the form is a section to Add Files.
If you're sending new files for an in-progress order, go to our homepage, and on the top right, click on Send Files.

We accept a variety of file formats including PDF, AI, EPS, PSD, and high-resolution (300 dpi) JPEGs and PNGs. For best results, we recommend submitting Print Quality PDFs, with bleeds added. Please make sure all files are sized correctly for your project.

Our team is happy to review your files and provide guidance if needed.

If you're working in Canva, please follow these directions:
- In Canva, Go to File > View Settings and select “Show print bleed.” Extend backgrounds to this bleed.
- When ready, download as a PDF Print file, and tick the box for “Crop marks and bleed.”

Bleed refers to the extra area around your design that extends beyond the trim edge. It ensures that your artwork extends to the edge of the paper after trimming. Without a bleed, there can be a white hairline on edges of the final piece.

We recommend including a 0.125-inch bleed on all sides. For example, a 3.5" x 2" business card with color going to the edge should have a file where artwork is sized to 3.75" x 2.25."

A proof is an electronic pdf file of your printed document emailed to you. We do not begin production until you approve the proof, unless it's a rush job or a repeat order and you ask for "No Proof."

Review the proof document carefully. Here's what to look for:
- With the pdf open, set the zoom to 100%
- Examine the layout and colors. The colors on a screen will not match a printed product, but are still a helpful reference
- Take one last look for typos, names, and dates

If there is a problem with the proof, just reply to the email explaining what needs to change. Included in your quote are two free rounds of revisions.

Minuteman Press Uptown goes the extra mile to check your QR Codes and even looks at spelling and grammar. That being said, the file that you approve is the file that we'll print, and it is your responsibility to catch errors before production begins. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed.

Absolutely! Many projects take a couple tries to get just right. That's why Minuteman Press Uptown does not charge for the first or second round of proofs. After you've reviewed two rounds of files, and need more changes, only then is there a fee of $25 per proof.

And yes, we can provide you with a hard copy proof. If you're making a self-published book, want to see how a project looks on different paper stocks, or want reassurance that we're hitting your colors with precision, a hard copy proof might be for you. Hard copy proofs begin at $25, depending on project complexity.

Yes, of course! Our talented team of in-house graphic designers will be glad to assist with all aspects of your print project, from concept to completion. This includes:
- Logo design and branding
- Advertising and marketing materials
- Brochures, flyers, and postcards
- Business stationery (letterhead, envelopes, business cards)
- Custom illustrations and infographics

We'll work closely with you to understand your vision and bring your ideas to life. Our design services are available à la carte or as part of a full-service print package.

Yes, we offer design consultations to discuss your project in detail. Please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our graphic designers.

We use advanced color management systems and calibrated equipment to ensure color accuracy. We recommend providing files with CMYK color profiles for accurate color reproduction. Our prepress team will also review your files to ensure color accuracy.

Absolutely, our color experts can match spot colors like Pantone as well as any CMYK color to ensure your printed pieces align perfectly with your brand guidelines.

We have multiple devices that print 5-color and even 7-color. This allows us to hit a much larger gamut than conventional CMYK printing, resulting in vivid, vibrant colors.

We have a stringent quality control process that includes press checks, color management, peer review, and multiple inspections throughout production to ensure consistency.

Yes, we can print QR codes on a variety of materials. In fact, we can generate QR codes for you! Just let us know which URL to point it to and we'll include it in your design.

Our in-house bindery department can handle a variety of finishing services like folding, scoring, cutting, padding, stapling, perfect binding, saddle stitch binding, coil binding, and wire-o binding.

In addition, our in-house finishing department can coordinate specialized embellishments like foil stamping, embossing, die-cutting, and specialty coatings.

Some of the common methods of binding books and other multi-page documents include:

Perfect binding: Gluing the outside edges of the pages together to create a flat edge.

Saddle-stitch binding: Using staples along the folds of the pages to bind them together.

Spiral binding: Wires in a spiral form threaded through punched holes along the binding edge of the papers. Allows the document to lay open flat.

Plastic comb binding: Similar to spiral binding but using a tubular plastic piece with teeth that fit through rectangular holes punched into the binding edge.

Three-ring binding: Holes are punched into the pages and fitted into a binder.

Case binding: Sewing the pages together and then attaching them to a hard cover.

Our state-of-the-art flatbed and roll-to-roll printers have printing capabilities up to 64 inches wide. We also have a Colex cutter and other equipment that puts precision finishing work on all your large format needs, including banners, posters, window graphics, vehicle wraps, yard signs, wall graphics, vinyl and mesh banners, and ADA-compliant signs.

Yes, we offer end-to-end direct mail services including list procurement, variable data printing, addressing, postal sorting, and managing the USPS delivery process.

Yes, our all-digital presses allow for cost-effective variable data printing. Our variable data printing capabilities make us well-equipped to handle sophisticated direct mail campaigns with personalized content and graphics. We can personalize items like direct mail pieces, fundraising letters, invitations, name tags, and raffle tickets.

Absolutely! We can design and print trade show displays, banners, table throws, brochures, promotional products, and custom merch to make your booth stand out.

Yes, we can produce a variety of custom promotional products and branded merch such as branded pens, mugs, t-shirts and apparel, drinkware, and more.

Yes, we can print high-quality photographs in various sizes and formats. We also provide services to artists to create prints of their work using advanced digital printing technologies, which is comparable to Giclée printing. Whether you need prints for personal use or professional displays, we can accommodate your needs.

In addition to standard paper stocks, we can print on specialty materials like magnetic sheets, clear/colored vinyl, synthetic fabrics, acrylic, foam core, and more. Just let us know your requirements.

For any reprints or revisions, we maintain detailed job history records to quickly reference the original specifications and artwork. We'll manage the reorder process seamlessly.

We have extensive experience with complex, multi-component print projects like product packaging, presentation folders, and direct mail kits. We'll work closely with you to coordinate all the pieces.

Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. We begin each project with open and honest communication, making sure your needs are heard. Then, we share with you a pdf proof of what we will print, giving you the opportunity to inspect and verify the file. When production begins, we have a series of integrated quality control measures that ensure every detail is checked and double checked. We'll work closely with you throughout the process to ensure the final printed product meets or exceeds your expectations.

Working with a union commercial print shop like Minuteman Press Uptown ensures high standards of quality, professionalism, and fair labor practices. Union shops adhere to strict guidelines that guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and skilled labor. This commitment not only supports the well-being of workers but also translates into superior craftsmanship and reliability for our customers. By choosing a union print shop, you are contributing to a positive impact on the community.

Uncoated stock paper is comparatively porous and inexpensive, and is typically used for such applications as notepads and basic black-and-white copying. Coated stock, by contrast, is made of higher quality paper having a smooth glossy finish that works well for reproducing sharp text and vivid colors.

One consideration when choosing between coated and uncoated is if you want to write on the finished product. With the exception of using a ballpoint pen, it can be tricky to write on coated stock.

The basis weight of a given grade of paper is defined as the weight (in pounds) of 500 standard-sized sheets of that paper. With that in mind, here are different examples of paper grades and their respective basis weights:

Bond: Most commonly used for letterhead, business forms and copying. Typical basis weights are16# for forms, 20# for copying and 24# for stationery.

Text: A high-quality grade paper with a lot of surface texture. Basis weights range from 60# to 100# with the most common being 70# or 80#.

Uncoated Book: The most common grade for offset printing. Typically 50# to 70#.

Coated Book: Has a glossy finish that yields vivid colors and overall excellent reproduction. Basis weights range from 30# to 70# for web press, and 60# to 110# for sheet press.

Cover: Used in creating business cards, postcards and book covers. Can be either coated or uncoated. Basis weights for this grade are 60#, 65#, 80# or 100#.

We offer a variety of business card options including standard, premium, and specialty finishes such as foil stamping, embossing, and spot UV. We can also design custom shapes and sizes. If you want a QR Code added to your business card, we can take care of that for you, too.

Common brochure sizes are 8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x14" and 11" x17".

Standard sizes for booklets, journals, and catalogs are 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 8 1/2" x 11", and 11" x 17".

The most common card stocks used for postcards are:

100# stock coated on both sides: The most popular postcard stock.

100# stock coated on one side: Well suited to mailing.

12 pt stock coated on both sides: a premium paper with a high luster finish.

The three most popular sizes for personalized notepads are 4" x 6", 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and 8 1/2" x 11".

Postcards are found in three common sizes: 4" x 6", 5" x 7" and 5 1/2" x 8 1/2".

There are four popular sizes for sticky notes: 3" x 3", 3" x 4", 3" x 5" and 4" x 6".

Materials for labels and their application include:

Paper, Uncoated: Use where you need the label to be easily written on by hand or printed on by machine.

Paper, High Gloss: Use when you need good printability. Keep in mind that it cannot be written on easily by hand.

Vinyl: Use vinyl for outdoor environments, or if applying a label to a vinyl surface.

Acetate: Use when the label needs to be transparent.

Mylar/Polyester: Best for applications where the label needs to be applied to an object with sharp, angular corners.

Business envelope sizes are referenced by a number such as #9 or #10. The chart below indicates the most common sizes in use today:

These are the U.S. Post Office requirements to keep in mind when designing an envelope:

All mail pieces 1/4" thick or less must be rectangular in shape, at least 3 1/4" high and at least 5" long.

Any mail piece less than 4 1/4" in height must be at least .007" (7 pt.) thick.

Any mail piece greater than 4 1/4" in height or 6" in length must be at least .009" (9 pt.) thick.

The address window on a typical business envelope measures 4.5" x 1.125".