Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

What does the Print, Copy & Mail Center (PCMC) do?

Printing and copying
Digital and conventional offset printing
Poster, banner, & sign printing
Bindery services
Direct mailing services

How do I submit a print request?

Anyone can submit a print request through the Place an Order tab or simply email printcenter.orders@spps.org.

How do I pay for order?

PCMC requires a budget code obtained from your school clerk, principal or program manager.
PCMC also accepts checks and cash for payment from community members and nonprofits.

What is the turnover time for a project?

Turnaround time is one to four days but can vary based on size of the print order.

The PCMC does offer same day service on most orders if needed. PCMC will do everything possible to meet your deadline.

Do you provide graphic design support?

The PCMC only offers basic graphic design services. PCMC can set up your order if the content is provided.

What types of files can I send my order in as?

Below is a list of file types that we prefer to work with. If you send a file type not listed the PCMC will do everything possible to accommodate the request.

PDF, Word document, InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Excel, Filemaker, PowerPoint
.Jpeg, .Tiff

What services do you provide?

Printing:

Conventional Offset Printing: single, two color and four color
Digital printing: single & color
Banners & signs
Posters, mounting of posters onto foam board
Business cards
Brochures, fliers, invitations, announcements, newsletters, envelopes
Magnets
Student planners, yearbook supplements
Window clings up to size 11x17
Carbonless forms ( two, three, and four part)

Direct Mailing Services:

Self-mailers
Tabbing
Inserting
First class, Presorted, or Nonprofit (if eligible) mailing options.
Delivery to Post Office

Bindery services:

Laminating
Folding
Book binding (staple, coil, comb, & perfect binding).
Perforating, padding, numbering, collating, cutting and stapling
Single & three hole drilling
Packaging for group separation or distribution

What do your popular services cost?

Black/white printing/copying is .035 per side

Color printing/copying is .195 per side up to 499 copies / .165 for 500+ copies.

Folding 1/2 or 3 fold is .025 per sheet

Posters on paper larger than 12x18 are $4.00 per square ft.

The PCMC offers volume-based pricing on large orders (call for quote).

Where do we pick up our order?

Print Copy Mail Center

1930 Como Avenue

St. Paul, MN 55108

Do you deliver?

Yes. PCMC can have your order delivered to you via courier. Courier fees are based on size of order and distance for delivery.

Can I see a portfolio of your services?

Yes. You may stop by the PCMC offices at 1930 Como Avenue between

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. to see samples of the different types of work we do.

Who do I contact if I want more information?

Main Office Ph. 651-603-5017 or printcenter.orders@spps.org

Jeff Darsow Ph. 651-603-5011 or jeffrey.darsow@spps.org

FAQ for SPPS Departments and Schools

How do I submit a request?

Requests can be submitted through:
Place an Order tab on this website.
Emailing printcenter.orders@spps.org.
Sending hard copy original to PCMC via inter-office mail.

For orders of a previously printed item that is unchanged you have the option of calling the PCMC directly (651-603-5017) as we store most files on our computer.

How do we receive our order?

Via Nutrition Center trucks at the same time as school lunch delivery.
Via inter- office mail.
Via courier (a small fee will be charged based on size of order).
Picked up directly from PCMC at 1930 Como Avenue.

We have an in-house copier, why would we use the Print, Copy & Mail Center?

School staff member(s) doing the copying could be used to work more directly with students rather than operating the copy machine.
Cost. PCMC has competitive pricing. When the full costs are figured in (lease, paper, click charge, & cost of employee plus benefits to operate your copier at your site) the overall cost is much greater than it would seem at first glance.
PCMC has economy of scale for most of your printing needs. Our costs are cheaper than commercial printing sources. We have the ability to handle small and large volume print orders.
PCMC offers many other services besides copying.
PCMC machines are production level machines that will offer a higher level of copy quality. Your print order will look better.
PCMC still offers conventional offset printing.
The PCMC would not exist without the support of the district schools and programs. Staff at PCMC is here to serve you.

FAQ for Community/Personal Use

Why use the SPPS Print, Copy & Mail Center?

PCMC is a full service one stop in-house printing shop with high-quality printing and competitive pricing.
Your order supports Saint Paul Public Schools.
We offer friendly, helpful employees who will do everything possible to ensure your print order is completed correctly and in a timely manner.
Convenience. Your print order can be submitted online without making a trip to the PCMC and the completed order can be delivered directly to you.