How We Work Out Your Turnaround Time
Every job starts with the same checks: what needs to be made, how many units you need, what size, and whether the artwork is print ready. A simple run of business cards will move faster than a vehicle wrap or a set of shop signs, because each step takes different machine time, finishing and fitting.
We also look at the load on the workshop that week. If there are multiple wrap bookings, laminate runs or site installs in place, the delivery date may shift a little. For local businesses in Paarl and Wellington, that usually means we can plan faster collection or fitting, but it still helps to allow a bit of time for checks and corrections.
- Artwork approved and ready to print: usually quicker
- Changes needed to layout, spelling or sizing: adds time
- Special finishes, mounting or installation: adds more time
- Large orders and peak periods: allow extra days
Typical Timeframes For Cards, Flyers And Small Print
Small print jobs are often the fastest because they are simple to set up and finish. Business cards, flyers and basic brochures can usually be turned around within a few working days once the artwork is approved. If you need a reprint or an update to an older design, that can be even faster if the files are in order.
For standard small-format work, these are the usual guide lines:
- Business cards: 2 to 4 working days
- Flyers and leaflets: 2 to 4 working days
- Posters and small boards: 3 to 5 working days
- Artwork setup or corrections: allow an extra day if changes are needed
For urgent jobs, say for a market, event or opening special, let us know early. If the art has already been checked and the proof is signed off, we can often get it moving without delay.
Boards, Banners And Light Boxes Need More Build Time
Outdoor signage takes longer because there is more to do than just print. A banner may need hemming and eyelets. A board may need mounting, trimming or lamination. A light box needs print preparation, fabrication checks and fitting if it is going on site. Coastal humidity around places like Paarl and Stellenbosch does not help materials either, so we choose finishes that hold up better outside.
Typical timeframes for these jobs are usually:
- Standard banners: 3 to 5 working days
- Boards and mounted prints: 4 to 7 working days
- Light boxes and sign fabrication: 5 to 10 working days
- Sign refurbishment or updates: depends on the condition of the existing sign
If the sign is going on a wall or above a shopfront, we also need to factor in site access, municipal rules and safe fitting arrangements. That can add time, but it keeps the job legal and tidy.
Vehicle Wraps, Decals And Contra-Vision Planning
Vehicle work needs careful measuring and fitting. A set of motorbike decals may be quick, while a full vehicle wrap takes more planning because we need to check panel sizes, curves, handles, mirrors and any existing branding. Contra-vision for windows also needs accurate cutting and a clean fit so visibility is still acceptable from inside.
These are the usual lead times:
- Vinyl stickers and decals: 2 to 4 working days
- Magnet sets: 2 to 4 working days
- Partial vehicle branding: 4 to 7 working days
- Full wraps: 5 to 10 working days, depending on the vehicle and artwork
We always recommend bringing the vehicle in clean, with no fresh polish. That makes fitting easier and helps the vinyl bond properly. If your vehicle is used daily for deliveries or rider work, tell us upfront so we can plan the downtime around your route.
What Can Speed Things Up Or Slow Them Down
The fastest jobs are the ones where the details are clear from the start. That means correct sizes, clear wording, the right logo files and a decision on finish. Delays often come from missing artwork, unclear instructions, or late changes after print has started. One small change can be simple; three rounds of changes usually adds a day or two.
To keep your job on track, please have these ready where possible:
- Exact wording for signs, cards and flyers
- Correct sizes or measurements
- Any logos or pictures in usable format
- Delivery or collection preference
- Site details if we are doing an installation
If your job is for a shop in Paarl, a warehouse in Malmesbury or a client site in Worcester, share the address early. Access details, parking and fitting height all affect the schedule.
Simple Steps To Get A Faster Quote And Production Slot
When you send through an enquiry, the best thing is to include as much detail as you can. That helps our team check the artwork, price the materials and confirm whether the turnaround is standard or needs a rush slot. Pieter Johannes van der Merwe and the team keep things practical, so we focus on what is needed first and not on extras you may not want.
Follow these steps for the smoothest process:
- Send the job type and quantity
- Include sizes, colours and any finishing choice
- Tell us whether you need printing only or fitting too
- Attach artwork or explain what needs to be designed
- Confirm whether collection or installation works best
Once we have that, we can give you a realistic lead time and flag anything that may slow it down. For business cards and flyers, that might be a simple few days. For wraps, safety signs or install jobs, it may take longer but you will know upfront, not after the fact.
