Frequently Asked Questions

Our pricing is competitive for the quality we produce. We include services many shops charge extra for — pre-press file checking, proofing, and quality inspection before delivery. A reprint costs more than getting it right the first time. For large or recurring volumes, our brokerage network lets us access bulk rates across multiple presses. Ask us for a quote and compare.

We confirm capacity before accepting a job. If we cannot meet your deadline, we tell you upfront — not after you have committed. For urgent work, WhatsApp us directly with your page count, copies, binding, and deadline so we can confirm what is realistic before production starts.

We understand the frustration — a missed deadline or poor finish can have real consequences. Our process is built around accountability: pre-press checks before production, proactive communication if anything changes, and quality inspection before delivery. If something is not right, we fix it. We do not invoice until the job meets the agreed standard.

Yes. As print brokers, we are not limited to a single press. For larger volumes or specialist finishes, we coordinate with suitable production partners and confirm realistic timelines before the job starts. Jobs that exceed one supplier's capacity are exactly what brokerage is designed for.

No. We support individual consultants ordering 50 business cards as well as organisations planning larger campaigns. The quality of attention is the same regardless of order size. Smaller jobs are handled efficiently because our process is well-organised, not because we deprioritise them.

We can discuss purchase order, proforma invoice, tax invoice, receipt, TPIN, and ZRA-related receipt requirements before production starts. If your organisation has specific procurement documentation needs, send them with your quote request so we can confirm what is available.

The fastest way is to send your brief by WhatsApp or email. Include what you are printing, quantity, size, colour, binding or finishing, deadline, delivery location, and any artwork files. We respond to quote requests within one business day.

Within one business day for standard requests. For complex or multi-item jobs, we may need slightly longer to price accurately — we'll let you know if that's the case.

The more detail the better. At minimum: what you're printing, quantity, size, colour (full colour or B&W), binding or finishing requirements, and your required delivery date. Artwork files or a description of what you have help us quote more precisely.

It depends on the product. Business cards start at 50. Flyers and brochures from 50–100. Offset printing is generally most cost-effective from 500+ copies. Digital printing has no meaningful minimum — even one copy is possible. Ask us and we'll advise the most cost-efficient quantity for your needs.

Start by confirming the purpose of the job, quantity, finished size, number of pages, colour requirements, binding or finishing, deadline, and delivery location. For SMEs, NGOs, schools, clinics, consultants, and suppliers, this information helps us recommend the right production method and avoid delays once the quote is approved.

Include the product type, quantity, size, page count, colour or black-and-white printing, paper preference, binding style, finishing requirements, delivery location, and deadline. If you already have artwork, send a print-ready PDF or the original design files. If the job is urgent or tender-related, mention the submission time clearly.

Common mistakes include sending low-resolution logos, missing bleed, supplying RGB artwork, changing page counts after approval, forgetting binding instructions, approving files before proofreading, and starting tender printing too close to the deadline. We check technical issues before production, but your team should always confirm content accuracy.

Yes. Many clients know the result they want but not the technical print specification. Tell us how the material will be used, who will receive it, how long it should last, and your budget. We can recommend practical options for reports, manuals, tender packs, brochures, forms, signage, and corporate stationery.

We prefer print-ready PDF files (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 with embedded fonts and bleed). We also accept Adobe InDesign (.indd), Illustrator (.ai), and high-resolution Photoshop files (.psd). Word documents (.docx) and PowerPoint files can be used but often require pre-press adjustment — we'll advise if this applies.

Images for print should be at least 300 DPI at the final print size. Images taken from websites are typically 72–96 DPI and will print blurry. If you're unsure, send us the files and we'll check them as part of our pre-press review.

Yes, for any design that has colour or images extending to the edge of the page. We require 3mm of bleed on all sides. If your file doesn't have bleed, we may be able to add it — let us know and we'll advise.

CMYK for print. If your file is in RGB (common for designs created on screen), we'll convert it during pre-press, but colours can shift slightly. For brand-critical colour work, supply CMYK files or specify your Pantone colours and we'll manage the conversion carefully.

We don't have an in-house design team, but we work with trusted design partners in Lusaka and can refer you if you need artwork created or existing artwork adapted for print. Once you have print-ready files, we handle everything from there.

It varies by product and quantity. Business cards and small flyer runs: 2–3 business days. Brochures and booklets: 3–5 business days. Tender documents: 1–3 business days (urgent same-day available). Large offset print runs: 5–10 business days. These are working estimates — we'll confirm exact timelines when quoting.

Yes, for many products. Tender documents especially — we prioritise these and can often turn them around in 4–6 hours for confirmed clients. WhatsApp us directly for urgent jobs so we can confirm capacity immediately.

Yes. For larger jobs we recommend a printed proof or a digital proof (PDF) for your approval before we go to full production. This is included in our process at no additional charge for orders above a certain value — ask us when quoting.

Our pre-press team checks all files before production and will notify you of any technical issues (bleed, resolution, font problems). However, we cannot check factual content — so we recommend you carefully proofread your artwork before submitting. We are not liable for reprints due to client-approved content errors.

Tender submissions are formal procurement documents. Poor page order, missing dividers, weak binding, unclear labels, or rushed copying can make a submission look careless. Proper formatting, binding, covers, tabs, and copy control help suppliers, consultants, contractors, and NGOs submit documents that are easy to review and ready before the closing time.

As early as possible. If files are final, one to three business days is comfortable for most tender packs. Same-day tender printing may be possible, but it depends on page count, number of copies, binding style, and our production schedule. For urgent tenders, WhatsApp us directly so we can confirm capacity immediately.

Digital printing is best for short runs, urgent work, variable content, and documents that change often. Outsourced specialist printing is better for high-volume offset work, large format signage, special finishing, unusual materials, and strict colour consistency. We help you choose the right route based on cost, deadline, and quality requirements.

Print brokerage gives your organisation one contact for many print needs. Instead of dealing separately with digital printers, offset printers, signage suppliers, binders, promotional material suppliers, and couriers, you brief Tumpetech once. We source, coordinate, inspect, and deliver the job with one quote and one accountable team.

Common weights: 80gsm bond (office-style); 90–100gsm uncoated (reports, manuals); 130–170gsm art paper (brochures, flyers); 250–350gsm art board (covers, business cards). We can source specialist papers on request.

Gloss lamination (shiny, vivid colours), matte lamination (soft, non-reflective, elegant), and soft-touch matte (velvet texture, premium feel). Spot UV can be applied over matte lamination to highlight specific areas like logos or headings.

Spiral / comb binding, saddle stitch (stapled booklet), perfect binding (glued spine), thermal binding, ring binder assembly, and tape binding. For tender documents, we can produce any format your submission specification requires.

Yes. We can arrange delivery to other Zambian cities via courier. Delivery costs and timelines vary by destination — we'll include this in your quote if relevant.

New clients: payment in full before production commences. Established clients: we can discuss 30-day credit terms on application. We accept bank transfer, mobile money, cash deposit, and point-of-sale payment where operationally available. Payment details and references are included on every quotation or invoice.

We can support procurement-led work for government suppliers, NGOs, schools, clinics, consultants, and companies that need clear quotes, purchase order documentation, and deadline-aware delivery planning. Contact us to discuss your organisation's requirements.

If your procurement process requires supplier documentation, tell us what is needed before quoting. We will confirm what we can provide and avoid making claims that are not backed by current paperwork.