Terms and Conditions for Print & Branding Services

What a good one includes

• A strict proof approval clause stating that the client's final sign-off, whether digital or physical, absolves the printer of liability for any subsequent spelling, layout, or design errors.
• A realistic color matching disclaimer explaining that variations naturally occur between digital RGB screens and physical CMYK ink or Pantone color systems.
• A clear overrun and underrun policy defining the acceptable industry-standard margin of quantity variance for bulk production runs.
• Detailed shipping and turn-around time terms clarifying that delivery dates are estimates and that the shop is not liable for carrier delays once the package leaves the facility.
• A rigid return and refund policy stating that customized or printed items cannot be returned or refunded unless there is a clear manufacturing defect.
• An abandoned property clause specifying what happens to finished goods left unclaimed by the client after a set period, such as 30 or 60 days.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on verbal or casual email confirmations for design changes instead of requiring a formal, written sign-off on the final art proof.
• Failing to clearly define who owns the working design files versus the physical printed deliverables, which often leads to intellectual property disputes.
• Using generic online templates that do not account for physical manufacturing realities like bleeding, trim lines, or substrate variations.
• Forgetting to specify upfront payment terms, such as requiring a non-refundable deposit before purchasing custom materials or starting the print run.

Frequently asked questions