As a customer, it's beneficial to familiarize yourself with key terms in the printing and packaging industry that can impact your orders. One important concept to understand is “overs and unders.” For large production runs, printers like Reno Print Store plan to produce slightly more than your exact order quantity. This is a standard practice across the industry to ensure quality and efficiency.

Reno Print Store limits overs and unders to 10%. For example, if you order 10,000 pizza boxes, a 10% allowance means your final order could range from 9,000 to 11,000 boxes. Don’t worry—you only pay for the exact number you receive. We’ll reference this example throughout this guide.

Why are overs/unders an industry standard?

During production runs, there are color checks, setup processes, and quality controls that require extra materials. It's common for us to start with enough materials to produce 14,000-15,000 pieces for a 10,000 box order. This ensures that your final product meets our high standards without delays.

What if I need an exact count?

No problem! Just let us know if you need an exact count. When you request this, you won’t be charged for any overs, nor will you receive any unders. Please specify this during the quoting stage, as the unit cost will be higher to accommodate your precise requirements.

Why wouldn’t I always ask for an exact count?

Allowing overs and unders typically provides the best value per piece by facilitating a smoother production flow. At Reno Print Store, our strict quality checks mean we often produce a higher count than ordered to ensure your final product is perfect. This approach helps keep costs down and maintains efficiency.

Can I request overs only, but no unders? Or vice versa?

Absolutely! As long as we’re aware during the quoting phase, we can tailor your order to include only overs or only unders based on your needs. These specific requests may affect the materials and schedule required for your project, so please inform us upfront.

When should you go against the industry standard of overs/unders?

While it’s uncommon, there are situations where requesting an exact count makes sense. For instance, if you have a fixed amount of materials with no plans for future production, such as a pizzeria producing a limited edition pizza box design, an exact count ensures you receive the precise number of items needed.

What do you recommend regarding overs and unders?

In most cases, we recommend allowing overs and unders for any job. Extra packaging can be safely stored and used for future orders, providing flexibility and cost savings. However, we understand that every customer’s needs are unique, and we’re always ready to find a solution that fits your specific requirements.

At Reno Print Store, we strive to ensure your printing projects run smoothly and efficiently. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our team!