FAQs

Where can I find templates to use with my Southwest Products and Equipment?

Please go to our Templates Section under the heading Hint & Tips. That's where you can find templates for sending in your Artwork, printing on Copier Tabs and much more.

How do I measure the Ring Capacity of a Binder?

If your Ring is a Slant D ring, put your ruler to the inside of the slant and meaure how large the slant metal is. If your binder is a D ring, meaure the inside of the middle of the ring from top to bottom. If your ring is a Round ring measure the inside of the ring from side to side.

My lamination is coming out wavy.

Wavy lamination can mean there is a problem with your laminating machine. Download our Laminating Film Solutions flyer to see the fixes to the most common lamination problems. You can also call us toll free at 1-877-285-7044 to speak with our Equipment Maintenance specialists.  Lamination Solutions (1939 kb)

How can I cut my Copier Click Charges in half?

By printing on 11" x 17" paper and cutting your sheets down to 8 1/2" x 11"  you cut your click charges in half! Southwest sells a full line of Cutters to fit any need or budget. Please contact your Account Representative to learn more. 

How can I cut down my outsourcing costs?

Southwest can put together a comprehensive cost savings analysis for your company so that we can show you exactly how much you could be saving by completed projects in house instead of outsourcing. We have equipment and supplies for every requirement no matter how big or small. Please contact your Account Manager today to request your personalized cost savings report. 

How can I easily insert my sheets into the Front/Back/Spine of a Clear Overlay Binder?

Inserting sheets into a clear overlay can be difficult, however, if you open the binder and then insert the pages it can be easier. What's even more easier is to print out your sheets and send them to us, we can create Trap Sheet Binders with your prints and not only do you have your sheets already inserted into your binders, but it gives your binders a customized look at a fraction of the cost.

What are some solutions if I am having problems printing on Matte Mylar or Trilar Copier Tabs?

One thing to keep in mind when you are handling the tabs is to not touch the tab portion itself. The oil residue left from our fingers will sometimes affect the printed text.

If you are having problems with the text not sticking properly, ask your Copier Tech to adjust the fuser on your copier (the fuser is what "bakes" on the ink and gets the ink to stick). Keep in mind, the hotter the temperature of the fuser, the more likely you are to have curling when your paper is out of the copier.

If your print is still not crisp or if there is any smudging, try our new Gen2 Trilar Copier Tabs. They eleminate smudges and blurriness no matter what Copier or ink you are using. You can also call your Account Manager for additional information and trouble shooting directions.  

Do the Artwork Prices include everything?

Prices do not include bleeds, halftones, screen tints, close-register or back cover printing. Please ask your Customer Service Representative for prices. All prices are based on finished digital or camera-ready line artwork. If art and/or typesetting services are required, Southwest can supply them for a moderate charge, and additional production time may be needed. Also, depending on the complexity of the artwork, the prices may vary.

How do I send in my Artwork and does it need to be approved?

You can either e-mail the artwork to your Account Manager or you can Click Here and send it through our You Send It account. Please make sure that you enter in your Sales Order number and your Customer number in the comment box. Also, please make sure that your artowkr file is high quality in either .eps, .psd, .tiff, .jpeg or .png file format.

The art must be separated if the order is for more than one colour imprinting. Any artwork which has halftones, close register, and/or bleeds must be approved by our Art Department before acceptance. Southwest will not be held responsible for mis-spelling and/or other errors in customer provided artwork and/or customer approved artwork. All custom order production times start upon receiving customer approved artwork. Please keep that in mind when setting your delivery deadlines.

How do I get a Login and Password?

Your Client Login is your email address, however you must have an open and valid account at Southwest Bindings Location. Ask your Southwest Sales Representative for access to the Purchasing System at SouthwestBindings.com and he or she will be happy to sign you up.

Once you have been added, the system will email you your Password.

How do I recover a forgotten password

Go to the Southwest Bindings Login Page and simply click on "Assign Password". Once the correct information has been entered, you will be sent your password via email.

How do I know if I am logged in?

Simple, there will be a menu along the bottom left hand side of each page with links to your Shopping Cart and your Worksheet.

How come the system kicks me out?

Each user has two (2) timers set when they access the system. The first time is an access timer and sets for 24 hours. This will keep your order in memory. The second timer is set for 30 minutes and just keeps you as an active user. If you get back to your computer after a long delay or interruption, and the bottom button line is missing, just go to the home page and login again.

What happens to items in my Shopping Cart when I log out?

If you are logged out of Southwestbindings.com for any reason, all of your items in your Shopping Cart will be stored on memory for 24 hours. After that time, all the items in your Shopping Cart will be deleted.

When I order an item, is the quantity I type in per box or per each?

When ordering online all quantities are to be enter as each. So for example if you wanted 1 box of plastic bindings, you would enter your order for 100pcs.

Why does the Price of some of the items in my Shopping Cart say "$0"?

There are certain products that we do not list the prices of online. Please call your Southwest Representative and they will be able to assist you.

What is the difference between adding an item to my Shopping Cart and adding it to my Worksheet?

Adding an item to your Shopping Cart allows you to place an order online. Adding an item to your worksheet, adds the product to your records. This makes it easier for repeat orders since you just have to click on the "My Worksheets" button on the bottom left hand corner, enter the amount desired beside each item and select "Add to Cart". That way you save time by not having to navigate through the whole Web Site.

Can I get the Shipment Tracking Information for my orders?

Yes. Simply call your Southwest Representative and they will be able to assist you.

How do I edit the Shipping and Billing Locations for my online ordering account?

When you are checking out, a page is displayed telling you the shipping and billing address. If the shipping address has changed, check the option "no" for the question "Is the shipping address the same as the billing address".

If you need to change the billing address please contact your Southwest Representative and they will be able to change that for you.

How do I get Credit Approval?

If you are placing your first order with Southwest, please fill out a Credit Application, which requires three trade references and one blank reference along You can also call our toll free number, speak with a Customer Service Representative and ask for a Credit Application.

How long will the Credit Approval process take?

Open account status can only be received with approved credit references. The approval process usually takes around 24 hours, so this may add time to your delivery date. If you want your order processed immediately, a deposit may be required. Southwest accepts Mastercard, Visa and American Express.

What are the payment terms?

Terms are Net 30 Days. All prices are subjest to change without notice.

Can I return my products?

Most stocked items can be returned if they are unused and have been purchased recently. However, all returns are subject to approval and handling charges will apply to any stock product returned unless defective.

Can I cancel my order?

If your order is in production and you must cancel, a minimum of $40.00 will be charged, plus any additional costs which Southwest has incurred, depending on how far the order has progressed. Also, if you have changes to be made, and the order has passed the point where the change was to have taken place, there will be a charge for the work already done. Please note: it is not always possible to make changes on an order, so please ask your CSR to check on the status of the order before asking for a change to be made.

Do my Products come with a Guarantee?

All Southwest products are guaranteed against faulty workmanship or materials. Defective merchandise can be returned for credit or replacement only upon written approval from Southwest. Liability for all goods damaged or lost in transit rests with the hauler, and the consignee should file a claim without delay directly with the freight company. It is important to inspect shipment at the time of delivery in case a claim must be made.

What are Overruns and Underruns?

Due to the difficulty of running exact quantities when producing custom products, it is possible a slight variance might occur. Therefore, as with the general printing industry practice, Southwest reserves the right to ship up to %5 over or under the amount ordered. Your invoice will reflect the quantity shipped. If you wish to order an exact amount (no overs or unders), there will be an additional charge.

When and how will my products be Delivered?

Southwest's products have varying delivery schedules and if your artwork must be prepared by Southwest, or if you are using a special metal or material, the production time may be longer. Check with our Customer Service Department for specific details. Please specify Inside Delivery on your order if this is required at your place of business. All shipments are F.O.B. factory. Unless other arrangements are made, all orders will be shipped freight prepaid and charge.

How much paper fits in a 3 Ring Binder

The number of 20lb sheets in a 3 ring binder
will vary on the size, please check the chart in Hints for Supplies.