About Us

Roots in high-quality business cards

The Imperial Image was born as a solution to corporate marketing problems and a need for truly high quality printed products. We found that although business cards are one of the smallest branding purchases a business can make, it can also create more headaches and paperwork than necessary. The Imperial Image combined their production abilities with years of administration expertise, creating an effortless solution to what can be an office nightmare. Our methods have been streamlined further over the years to include efficient, custom online ordering sites to fit any and all clients’ needs.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do new customers begin ordering?

Here are a few ways to begin.

Give us a call so we can get you started at 800.354.9733.
Visit our Services tab or by clicking here to download customer profile forms.
If you were provided forms by an account executive, fill them out and email them back to us. You will be given follow up instructions on placing your first order.

Who do I speak to about my order?

We are all here to serve you. Send an email to orders@imperial-image.com to check on the status of an order or call 800.354.9733 to speak to a live representative.

What is Digital Printing?

Digital printing refers to a method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small-run jobs from desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using high-volume inkjet printers. Digital printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods, but this price is usually offset by avoiding the cost of all the technical steps required to make printing plates. It also allows for on-demand printing, shorter turnaround times, and even a modification of the image (variable data or color adjustments)

What is Offset Printing?

Offset printing is a commonly used printing technique in which the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. Unlike digital printing, offset printing uses real inks and is the best way to print when consistent, Pantone / brand color matching is absolutely critical on every job.

What is a Pantone or PMS color?

The Pantone Color Matching System is a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another. Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing, though sometimes in the manufacture of colored paint, fabric, and plastics. Pantone colors are described by their allocated number (typically referred to as, for example, “PMS 130”). PMS colors are almost always used in branding.

What does CMYK mean?

The CMYK color model (process color, four color) is a subtractive color model, used in color printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself. CMYK refers to the four inks used in some color printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (or blacK).

What is Thermography?

Thermography is another word for raised print. The only way to achieve thermography is by using traditional offset presses, which we have. Most of our Thermography work is applied to either business cards or invitations as it will not travel through a laser printer without melting. We do, however, partner with companies that do print laser guaranteed thermography and will be happy to source your stationery for you if that is what you require.

How long will it take to complete my order?

Most orders will print and ship within 3-5 business days from approved artwork. Some circumstances like typesetting or design changes can alter delivery time.

What if I don’t have artwork?

The designers in our Graphics Department have years of experience rebuilding and designing logos, business cards setups, stationery, forms, brochures, and more. They would be happy to help you. Our fees are very competitive. Please contact an account executive to get an estimate.

Contact orders@imperial-image.com directly to help you with your artwork development or feel free to call 800.354.9733.

How do I send a file?

We can accept files supplied on DVD, DVD DL, CD or USB.

We can also accept some smaller files via email. Files should be sent with all supporting fonts and illustrations, stuffed or zipped.

You can upload larger files through our FTP site found under the services tab on this site. Or please contact customer service for instructions.

Why do I have to supply the fonts with my files?

Every font has a number of font houses that create it and each one may be slightly different. In order to be sure that the type, leading, or kerning will not shift (re-flow), we ask that you supply us with the version that was used to create the piece. This will insure that your piece will look exactly as you want it to.

What is a "proof"?

A proof is a way of making sure that your job will print exactly as you want it to.

Typically, we will email you a proof for your approval or changes. In some cases a hard copy or sample may be needed.

If you are using our online ordering site you will see the proof instantly before you approve you item.

Do I still need a proof if I supply the artwork?

Yes. Measure twice, cut once. Although it is rare, file information or fonts can shift from computer to computer so we always confirm your order through at least one proof. Our graphics department always performs a pre-flight on all supplied artwork too. This means they review all of your files to ensure all of the fonts are there and readable, all images are of the correct resolution and that the file color separates properly. They will not only prepare a final proof for your inspection, but they will also advise you of their findings on the pre-flight of the file.

This will insure that you get exactly what you are expecting in the finished product.

Why does my printed color look different?

The only way to get an accurate view of what the final piece will look like is to do what is called a press proof. That is where we actually print an offset sample before printing the complete job. However, there is a fee for that. Most of our proofing is done either digitally or electronically and because all monitors show color differently and all digital printers simulate the color using multiple inks (often times called CMYK or process), the colors will not be a perfect representation of how the finished product will look. If you specified a Pantone (PMS) color, then look at the color book for the type of paper you are printing on to see what that chosen color should look like. Keep in mind that ink is transparent and thus the color of the paper will effect the final color on the printed piece.

Why does my printed piece look lighter than the digital proof?

Laser printers produce an image with graphite, which keeps the image a bit thicker than what is actually specified in the electronic file.

Our graphics rip, however, sends your file directly to the plate from which we will print. This allows a truer representation of what has actually been designed. This does, however, allow for a visual difference between the hard copy proof that you received and the final printed piece that we will deliver.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we have many accounts with locations worldwide. We regularly ship to Canada and all overseas locations.

What are the shipping options for orders?

We use UPS and FedEx Ground shipping on most orders. We do not mark-up the cost of shipping and ground shipping is the most economical method. When needed or requested we can apply expedited shipping such as 2^nd day or overnight shipping to orders. We also have several clients who supply us with their shipping numbers as they may qualify for corporate / discounted rates.

How do I pay?

We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express. New customers are supplied with a credit card authorization form and are required to use this payment initially. Your card will only be charged when your order ships. If after 60 days of good standing you can choose an alternate way of paying to ie.by check or ACH payment.

We can also ship your order COD through UPS, our ground carrier.

What is a QR Code?

A QR (Quick Response) codes are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it into your smartphone. Most QR codes capture: URLs, app downloads, free text, vCard, meCard, send an email, map location, Twitter/Instagram/Facebook accounts, WiFi networks, and more.

Why should I consider using a QR code?

It is a very easy and direct way to steer a potential client to your product, information, or almost anything you can think of. QR code readers are generally preloaded on smartphones or a free app purchase too.

Contact Info

Shipping Address
(Cargo Elevator but no loading dock available)
55 Middlesex Street #120
North Chelmsford, MA 01863

Front Door Address
(Enter door marked 51 Middlesex, go up the stairs, top of the stairs take a right, go across the bridge)
51 Middlesex Street
North Chelmsford, MA 01863

GPS Address
(This will get you to our front entrance using a GPS)
66 Princeton Street
North Chelmsford, MA 01863

Phone
(978) 251-0420
(800) 354-9733

Fax
(978) 251-7640

Email
General: orders@imperial-image.com
Billing: accounting@imperial-image.com

Our History

Roots in high-quality business cards

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Info

Contact Us