Production Terms and Timeline
At Design Print Plus More, we understand how important timely delivery is to the success of your print projects. Knowing how your selected options influence the in-hands date helps set realistic expectations — for you and your customers. Several key factors are within your control, including:
- Meeting the order cutoff time
- Selecting your preferred turnaround time
- Choosing your shipping method
Cutoff Time
The cutoff time is the latest time you can submit your artwork and complete your purchase for production to begin that same business day.
If you miss the cutoff, your order will be processed the next business day, and your turnaround clock will start then.
Cutoff times are determined by the turnaround time (TAT) you choose and are based on the production facility’s local time zone — not your time zone or the destination location.
Turnaround Time (TAT)
Turnaround Time (TAT) refers to the number of business days required to produce and prepare your order for shipping or pickup.
✅ If you meet the cutoff time: Your TAT starts the same day.
❌ If you miss the cutoff: Your TAT begins on the next business day.
Orders typically ship on the final day of the TAT window, and in many cases, even sooner.
Shipping Time
Shipping Time is the number of days it takes your finished order to travel from our production facility to the final delivery address.
✈️ Next-Day Shipping arrives the next business day after production.
🚚 Ground Shipping varies by location. Please consult our Ground Shipping Estimate Page for a detailed delivery timeline based on your destination.
In-Hands Date
Your In-Hands Date is the estimated date your order will be delivered. It is calculated using a combination of:
⏰ Your selected cutoff time
🛠️ Your chosen turnaround time
📦 The shipping method you select
This three-part process helps ensure accurate planning for events, promotions, or time-sensitive campaigns.
Need help planning your timeline? Our team is happy to help you choose the best options to meet your deadline.
Days to In-Hand Examples
Next Day In-Hand
- Order submitted before the cutoff time
- Same-day turnaround
- Next-day shipping
7 Days In-Hand
- Order submitted before the cutoff time
- 4-day turnaround
- 3-day shipping
8 Days In-Hand
- Order submitted after the cutoff time
- 4-day turnaround
- 3-day shipping
🔔 Important Reminder:
Your in-hand date = production time + shipping time
If your order is submitted before the cutoff, the production clock starts that same day.
If it’s submitted after the cutoff, production begins the next business day — which will delay your in-hand date by one day.
For best results, always submit your order early and choose the turnaround and shipping options that match your deadline.
Production Timetable
Factors That Extend Turnaround Times
Group shipping and bundling services may add 1-2 days to TAT
Booklets, calendars, and catalogs require review and approval of a digital proof prior to production. It may take up to one business day to receive that proof.
Local delivery orders are delivered on the next scheduled day for your zone (excludes day of production).