Frequently Asked Questions

Design & Print Top^

Q. I have started a new business and need some kind of professional 'look'. I don't have much of an idea of what I want. Can you help?

A. Yes we try to meet with all our clients and can generally get a 'feel' for the type of design that would be suitable for the business. This may be traditional or contemporary, detailed or simple, bright or subdued. A design proof is produced for the client to view and modifications can be made until the final design is approved by the client.

Q. I have a design which I want to use but it needs more work to get it ready for print. Can you work with my design?

A. Yes we often work this way. A client may already have a good idea of what they want the end result to be and we can advise and offer suggestions, and get the design ready for print.

Q. I have done all the work myself and it is ready for print. Can you print it for me?

A. This is more tricky. It depends on the format of the file that will be submitted for print. Many people only have access to Publisher on their home/office computers and this is not suitable for producing printable files (even though it gives the impression that it is). If the design has been done in Publisher it will need to be laid out again in the studio.

Q. I'm not sure how many colours I need to use.

A. You can have black and white, or any number of colours up to 4. Full colour is 4 colours. The fewer the colours the cheaper the job. Don't forget that you can get good effects from using 1 or 2 colour using tints and fades.

Q. I have most of the text ready but the photographer hasn't given me the photos yet, can I still give you what I have?

A. You can, but we do prefer to get everything we need to complete the job all the same time.

Q. How long will it take once you have all the information and artwork/photos you need?

A. We usually have a 3-4 day turnaround for the first proof which is then shown to the client. After the proof has been agreed it is usually 7-10 working days before the final product is ready for collection or delivery.

Q. What is the largest size you can print?

A. A3 size (SRA)

Q. Why is the price so much more per unit when I only want a few items?

A. This is simply due to the high initial cost of setting up the plates. Once the plates are made the actual prints made from it are relatively inexpensive.

Furniture and seating Top^

Q. I need a new desk but don’t know what will fit my area?

A. Just call and we can chat you through the possibilities; wave, straight or ergonomic shape desks. We can send you a brochure to leaf through or we can make some suggestions. Our showrooms have desking in place for you to sit at and try.

Q. My office needs a complete overhaul – but I don’t want to just order out of the catalogue.

A. Why not pop into our showroom and try for yourself – we are happy to help and advise. We can even design the space for you if it’s a larger office with several desks.

Q. What about storage – all those lever arch files and box files need a home.

A. No problem – we have lots of solutions for storage. Bookcases, shelves, cupboards, or deskend tambour units –they are a really tidy solution to leverarch files.

Q. Now what kind of seat should I have?

A. Well that depends on how long you are at your desk. All day - means a proper ergonomically designed seat should be considered. Meetings and interviews are a different seat. Maybe you need more of a managerial seat if you are up and down from your desk a lot. In short just call or call in to Oban, Fort William or Helensburgh we are happy to help!

Business machines Top^

Q. I need a fax machine – what do you suggest?

A. Depends whether you get or send more faxes - inkjet or laser technology. One is cheaper to buy the other is more economical to run.

Q. Is that it?

A. No. Also you need to consider do you need a copier or a scanner. If either would be useful maybe you want to go for a multi function machine.

Q. What else will it do?

A. It could be your printer as well.

Q. What about a printer on its own?

A. Yes that’s no problem – mono or do you need a colour printer?

Q. What are the advantages of Mono or Colour – Inkjet or Laser?

A. Cost mostly. If you want to buy an economical machine then also check out the price of replacement cartridges and toners. If you do lots of invoices or statements then probably mono laser printer will do.

Q. Aren’t laser printers expensive?

A. Not so much these days – prices start at just under £100 for a mono printer these days. And running costs are less than inkjet printers generally.

Q. What about photos?

A. Once again you can go inkjet or laser these days – the choice is extensive so give us a call or pop into one of our showrooms.

Signage Top^

Q. I need new signs for my business but I don't know where to start.

A. We can visit you and suggest ideas for the signs that you might need. This will be dependent on various factors such as the location of the building, (for example if it is at the end of a cul-de-sac or on a busy road) and the situation of the business, (whether it is ground floor or on upper levels). Interior signs may also be appropriate.

Q. Can I use my existing artwork?

A. Yes you can, although we do usually have to adapt the artwork to create the sign

Q. I don't have a logo or any artwork. Can you advise?

A. The design studio at CGL can create logos or designs for your company or business and the designers are experienced at working with artwork for signs.

Q. I have an exhibition coming up and I need some advice on the types of signs or banners I need to look professional.

A. We can supply pop-up signs and banners.

Q. I need a sign which can be read from the road at night, but I can't get electricity to the sign. Can you help?

A. We can create bespoke reflective vinyls which look attractive by day and bright and visible in car headlamps at night.

Q. What other signs can you provide?

A. We produce flags, banners, window vinyls, projecting signs, street signs, pop-up stands, reflective vinyls, illuminated signs and aluminium signs.

Copy Shop Top^

Q. As well as being able to scan my original documents, what other file formats can you accept?

A. We can accept files from Quark Xpress, PageMaker, Microsoft Office, or Portable Document Format (PDF) as well as graphic files in PhotoShop.

Q. Can you do single and double sided copying?

A. Yes we can, in all the common sizes and also in black and white or full colour.

Q. Once my copying is complete, how can you finish it off for me?

A. We can collate, bind, fold, staple, or laminate.

Printer Cartridges Top^

Q. What is the difference between named brand and compatible cartridges?

A. The named brand cartridges are the ones recommended by the printer manufacturers. They are far more expensive than compatibles. Compatibles do vary in quality and price but we supply Pelikan cartridges which have an excellent quality to price ratio.

Q. If I use compatibles will my printer warranty be void?

A. Printer manufacturers threaten to void warranties if compatibles are used. This is because they usually sell printers at or below cost so they make their profit selling their own cartridges. However it is illegal for them to do so. Most printers only have a one year warranty anyway so you certainly don't need to worry after the first year!

Q. I know the make of printer I use but don't know which cartridges I need for it. Can you help?

A. Yes we can find out the names of any cartridges for any model of printer.

If the answer to your question is not here please call and we will find the answer for you.

Ordering Top^

Q. What area do you deliver to?

A. We deliver to all areas in Argyll, the Isles and Lochaber.

Q. How long does it take you to deliver?

A. 90% of our customers can expect next day delivery. Most wait a maximum of 2 days.

Q. Can I order online?

A. We do have a large range of products to buy online, you will need to set up an account. Ordering by phone is probably quicker and easier.

Q. What if I want to order something which I am not sure if you stock?

A. One of our specialities is sourcing products so if we don't have it we will do a very good job of finding it!