Name
This is an optional area for inputting the users's first and last names. As you use the system, it will collect this information for future application. Each time an email address is used, the system will extract and use the stored user information. This applies to all of the user information described below.

Company
Optional field for entering the name of the user's Company.

Address
Optional fields for entering the address of the user.

City/State/Zip
Optional fields for entering the City, State & Zip Code for the user.

Phone/Fax
Optional fields for entering the user's phone number and fax numbers. Please input a phone number so that we can contact you directly.

Email
This field is required and must contain the email address for the user. When complete, the estimate requested will be emailed to this address. The system validates each email address received and will limit the functionality of the system for unregistered users. Each time the same email address is used, the system collects the user information (Name, address, etc.) for future use. Once the user information is entered once, that information will be applied to future estimate requests.

New users will be allowed up to 3 estimates. Before receiving any future estimates from X-Quote, the user must be validated by CrossTech personnel. Certain common email domains (such as "hotmail.com") are restricted from receiving any estimates without prior validation by CrossTech personnel.

Description
This is an optional field for entering a useful description of your project. This will help CrossTech and you track this estimate should there be questions.

Salesperson
If you know the name of your CrossTech salesperson, select it here. If you don't know, select "Don't Know". If you would like to obtain the name of your CrossTech salesperson, please call 312-382-0111 and ask for Rich DiPietro.

Press
Two state-of-the-art presses are available at CrossTech:

The 74 Karat Waterless Offset Press is a direct image (DI) press with a maximum sheet size of 20.5" x 29". The Karat runs at 10,000 sheets per hour and is suitable for short to medium run length projects requiring extremely high-quality printing. The Karat offers an inline aqeous coater and stock weights up to 24 pt. board. Because the 74 Karat is a DI press, printing plates are imaged directly on press for extremely quick "make ready" and cost-effectiveness at very short run lengths.

The HP Indigo 3000 Digital Offset Press is a true digital press (no printing plates) that offers ultra short run printing as well as variable data and personalization. With a sheet size of 12" x 18" the Indigo is ideal for many short run applications, including: sell sheets, business cards, letterheads, brochures, postcards, etc.

It is not always clear which press is appropriate for each job. In these cases it makes sense to estimate a project on both presses. To accomplish this simply: 1) estimate the project for one of the presses, 2) submit estimate, 3) hit the back button on your browser, 4) change press, and 5) submit second estimate request. This will allow you to compare the differences between the two presses.

Service Level
Three service levels are available: Normal, Premium and Discount. These service levels, as the names imply, represent three distinct levels of pricing and service.

At the low end, Discount service is for those projects which do not require quick turnaround, file intervention, critical color match or heavy coverage. Discount service provides reduced pricing for those clients who wish to assume more responsibility for their projects in turn for lower pricing.

By default, Normal service will be used. As a general rule, Normal service will provide the service and quality you've come to expect from CrossTech. When in doubt, use the Normal service level.

Premium service is for rush projects or those requiring exact color match, some file manipulation or heavy coverage. Premium service has been designed to allow CrossTech the latitude to assist your project in every way possible.

Quantity
The user may enter up to four individual quantities to obtain pricing for. It is not necessary to enter four quantities but the first field is required. To obtain pricing for more than four quantities, hit the back button after submitting the first request, change the quantities and resubmit the request. Repeat this process as necessary for additional quantities. Each request will generate an email estimate containing up to four quantities per estimate.

Pages
Enter the number of pages your project involves. This is a required field and pages must be counted as follows:

Single Sided Flyer = 1 page
Double Sided Flyer = 2 pages
4-Page Brochure = 4 pages
16-Page Brochure = 16 pages
Single Sided Poster = 1 Page

As you can see, each unique page and side is counted as a page. Count up the unique originals and multiply by one for single sided pieces or two for double sided pieces. As another example: if you have three unique sell sheets that are printing double sided, you would have 3 (sell sheets) X 2 (double sided) = 6 pages. This can be a little confusing and is the cause of many pricing errors. If you have any question about this please contact us.

Printing (Ink)
The "Printing (Ink)" fields require the user to indicate if the project is printed Single Sided or Double Sided. The user is also required to indicate whether each side prints in Color or Black & White. Both the 74 Karat Waterless Offset Press and the HP Indigo 3000 Digital Offset Press print in 4/C Process (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow & Black) or Black & White. Color or Black & White may be different for the front and back of a piece.

Aqueous Coating
For the 74 Karat Waterless Offset Press you may select aqueous coating if desired. Selecting this option for the HP Indigo 3000 Digital Offset press will have not effect as aqueous coating is not available for the Indigo. Aqueous coating for uncoated stocks is not efffective and therefore will have no effect on those estimates which select "Uncoated" papers.

Bleeds
If your printed pieces have bleed edges (color that prints off the edge of the sheet) select "Yes". Otherwise select "No". When building your pages and files, please remember to include at least 1/8" bleed on all edges.

Page Dimensions
Enter the "X" and "Y" dimensions of your finished piece in decimal inches (e.g. 8.5 x 11 NOT 8-1/2 x 11). Do not enter inch marks or any other character. If your piece is folded, enter the finished folded size. For converted items (such as pocket folders and envelopes), enter the unfolded flat dimension. List below are a few decimal equivalents for fractional numbers.

Flat Dimensions
If your piece is a flat or converted item (sell sheets, envelopes, pocket folders, etc.) you may leave this field blank or input the same dimensions as page dimension. If your item is folded to a smaller dimension enter the opened flat dimension here. For example a 4-page 8.5" x 11" brochure: Page Dimension = 8.5 x 11 and Flat Dimension = 17 x 11. For items that are single page but fold smaller (e.g. 8.5" x 11" sell sheets folded to #10 envelop size). Use the page dimension and select folding under the bindery section.

PDF Estimate
This optional field will allow the user to decide if the estimate should be provided in PDF format (in additional to the email text). This PDF is a more professional looking document which is suitable for presentation.

Stock
Many unique stocks are available for each press. For simplicity all stocks cannot be listed here. You will find representative stocks in four categories: Gloss Coated, Dull Coated, Uncoated and C2S. Select the stock which most closely matches your desired stock. Different stocks can have a dramatic cost impact. If you require a specific stock, please include that information when you request validation of the automated estimate.

Proof
Each print project requires an approved proof prior to printing. Leave this select set to "Default" and X-Quote will select the appropriate proof for the selected press, as follows:

For the 74 Karat Waterless Offset Press, the proof should generally be "Epson Coated Proof". The Epson Proof is a high-quality color proof that is color and content accurate.

For the HP Indigo Digital Offset Press, the proof should generally be "Press Proof". With the Indigo's digital nature, a Press Proof is easily generated on the exact stock you choose. This provides a one-to-one representation of the finished product.

The "Ink Jet" proofing option is suitable for Karat projects which do not require color accuracy. The proof is content accurate in representative color. While the "Ink Jet" option provides cost advantages it is not suitable for most projects. The "Press Proof" option, when used with the 74 Karat Waterless Offset Press will add the cost for "press proofing" your project on the 74 Karat. This will provide a one-to-one representation of the finished product on the actual stock but at a significant price premium.

Bindery
If your project requires more than flat pieces, you'll want to select the appropriate bindery services. Many projects require multiple bindery steps and therefore there are three areas to select bindery/finsishing options. If you have any questions about which options to select, please contact Glenn Geweke at 312-382-0111.

Request Estimate
When you click the "Request Estimate" button, the information you have input will be transmitted to our automated estimating system. After processing and validation, a detailed estimate (including a formatted PDF estimate if desired) will be emailed to the address you have specified. While we believe the pricing contained in the estimate to be accurate, it is solely dependent on the data input by the user. Because errors and omissions can occur, the pricing contained in this estimate will not be valid or honored by CrossTech until the pricing has been validated by our estimating department. To have your estimate validated, simply reply to the email and one of our estimators will respond during normal business hours. If you have any changes or questions, include those with your reply and we will take care of those at the same time.

Notes
Please keep in mind that this is an automated system and to simplify operation of the system, not all print options can be represented here. For specific projects which require options not available here or unusual quantities, please contact your CrossTech sales representative at 312-382-0111. If you do not know who your CrossTech sales representative is, please call 312-382-0111 and ask for Rich DiPietro.

We value your business and appreciate the opportunity to work with you.