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General
Working with SHIFT Design
Common questions about who we are and how we work.
We're based in Buffalo, MN and serve businesses across Wright County and the surrounding West Metro and Central Minnesota area — including Albertville, Annandale, Monticello, Delano, St. Michael, Otsego, and more. For design-only projects, we work with clients anywhere.
No — we handle design as part of the process. Just bring your logo, brand colors, and an idea of what you're looking for. If you do have existing files, we're happy to work with those and make sure everything is set up correctly for print.
The easiest way is to fill out our contact form with a description of your project. You can also call us at (320) 979-0347 if you'd rather talk through it first. We'll follow up quickly and walk you through the next steps.
It depends on the product. Simple print jobs like business cards can turn around in a few days. More complex projects — catalogs, large format displays, mailing campaigns — take longer. We always give you a clear timeline upfront so you can plan around it.
Yes, we typically require a deposit before beginning design and production. The amount varies by project size and will be clearly outlined in your quote.
Files & Setup
File formats & technical questions
Common questions about file types, resolution, and color.
We accept files in both Mac and PC formats. Vector files (Adobe Illustrator, EPS) are required for cut-vinyl applications. For large format printing, both vector and high-resolution raster files work. PDFs are accepted for most applications. Files from Microsoft Word, Publisher, or PowerPoint are generally not suitable for professional print output and will need to be recreated.
For standard print, images should be 300 DPI at the actual output size. Bitmap graphics should be 1200 DPI. Images sourced from websites are typically 72–96 DPI and will appear blurry when printed. For large format output, files should be 100–150 DPI at final output size.
Screens use RGB color which produces a wider spectrum than what presses can reproduce. Print uses CMYK which has a narrower gamut. Some vibrant screen colors simply can't be replicated in print. For brand-critical colors, we use the Pantone Matching System (PMS) to ensure consistency across every print run.
A proof is a digital preview of your finished job after it's been set up for production. It's your opportunity to review every detail — spelling, layout, colors, sizing — before anything prints. We never move to production without your explicit approval.
Print & Stationery
Print & stationery questions
Common questions about brochures, cards, and printed materials.
We offer classic uncoated, UV coated, soft-touch matte, magnetic, and plastic card options. We can also discuss spot UV coating for adding a tactile premium element to specific areas of the card.
Yes. If you have Pantone, CMYK, or hex values for your brand colors, share them with us and we'll work to match them as accurately as possible. For critical brand colors, we recommend using PMS values for the most consistent results.
We offer tri-fold (letter fold), bi-fold (half fold), z-fold, gate fold, and accordion fold options. The right fold depends on your content and how the piece will be used or distributed.
Minimums vary by product. We'll always be upfront about minimums and pricing tiers so you can make the best decision for your needs and budget.
Wide Format
Wide format questions
Common questions about banners, posters, and large format printing.
Our vinyl banners are printed with UV-resistant inks on durable outdoor-rated material. Under normal conditions they hold up well for 2–3 years outdoors. Factors like extreme sun exposure, heavy wind, or rough handling can affect longevity.
Yes. While we have standard sizes, most wide format products can be produced in custom dimensions. Just let us know your specific size requirements when you reach out.
We offer foam board, gator board, PVC, and brushed aluminum mounting. Each has different weight, rigidity, and durability characteristics suited to different applications.
Mailing Services
Mailing & direct mail questions
Common questions about direct mail campaigns and mailing services.
You can provide your own list, or we can help you source one based on your target geography or demographic. Either way, we manage the whole process.
Postcards are typically the most cost-effective format — they don't require an envelope, they're seen immediately when pulled from the mailbox, and they're simpler to produce.
We recommend planning at least 2–3 weeks in advance for a straightforward postcard campaign, and 4+ weeks for more complex multi-piece mailers.
Vehicle Graphics
Vehicle graphics questions
Common questions about spot graphics and mobile installation.
Spot graphics are individual vinyl decals — your logo, business name, phone number, website, or other brand elements — applied to specific locations on your vehicle. They're a clean, professional, and cost-effective way to brand a vehicle without the expense of a full wrap.
Most spot graphic installations are completed in under two hours at your location. We come to your place of business so there's no drop-off required.
No — quality vinyl graphics applied correctly and removed properly will not damage your paint. In fact, the vinyl can actually protect the paint surface underneath.
Quality vinyl spot graphics typically last 3–5 years with normal use and exposure.
Process & Pricing
Process & pricing questions
Common questions about quotes, timelines, and what to expect.
Yes, always. There's no cost or commitment to get a quote on any project. Just reach out and we'll put together a custom price for your project.
We don't publish a standard price list because most jobs are custom — size, quantity, materials, design complexity, and finishing all affect the final price. The best way to get an accurate number is to request a quote.
Yes — we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit and debit cards.
For most projects, all you need is your logo (any format), brand colors if you have them, and a description of what you need. For vehicle graphics, we'll need your vehicle's year, make, and model.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Give us a call or send us a message and we'll get back to you fast.