For almost every first order, yes. Every order gets a proof unless you choose "No Proof Needed" in your cart, and the proof is how you check the size, the cut line, and the border before anything is printed.
What "No Proof Needed" does
"Proof Option" is a question in your cart, with two answers: "Free Digital Proof" or "No Proof Needed". If you choose "No Proof Needed":
- nothing is emailed to you;
- the order goes straight to production, so you skip the wait for a proof and for your own reply;
- we still keep a proof on file, so the order can be reordered exactly.
You won't see the sticker before it's printed. Whatever we'd have shown you on the proof, you'll see for the first time in the box.
When skipping the proof makes sense
- Your file is print-ready, and you've already checked the sticker's size, cut line, and border on the Live Sticker Proof.
- You're up against a deadline, and you're sure of the file.
The "Live Sticker Proof" is optional, and it's on sticker pages for White and High-Tack vinyl, one design at a time. If you approve every sticker in your cart there with "Yes, Print This", no further proof is emailed and the cart doesn't ask the proof question.
If you're ordering a sticker you've ordered before, you don't need "No Proof Needed" at all. An exact reorder of approved artwork skips the proof round anyway, even at a new quantity.
When to keep the proof
- It's the first time you've ordered this design.
- The design has text that must be exact: a phone number, an address, a date, or a web address.
- The sticker is on Clear, Holographic, Glitter, or Chrome, where you'll want to see where the white ink goes.
- Your file isn't print-ready, or needs a background taken off. The proof shows you what we changed.
- The size has to fit something: a container, a panel, or a space you've measured.
Products that always get a proof
Roll labels, trade stickers (hood cleaning and the industry service templates), and stickers we design for you never print until you approve them.
If you keep the proof, here's what to check on it.