FAQs

A: We sell Epson printers for a wide range of applications. Epson is known for high quality imaging, and they feature printers for a broad range of applications, including: proofing, fine art, photography, signage, marketing, communications, packaging, architectural, engineering, direct to garment, and dye sublimation.

A: In printing, the answer is always “it depends.” Alder focuses on your specific needs to get you set-up with the right equipment for the job. This means no extra bells and whistles, up charges, or unnecessary tools. Our level of expertise allows us to make straightforward recommendations based on your budget and your needs.

A: Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

A: Yes, we stock mostly wide format Epson papers, though we also stock some non-Epson specialty papers, like Hahnemüehle fine art papers. Additionally, we sell and stock most of the wide format Epson inks.

A: At Alder, we work with printers, designers, and photographers every day. We have hands-on experience with many of the papers currently Whether your application is proofing, color accurate mock-ups, fine art reproduction, or photographic uses, we can help. From optical brighteners and archival properties to dye and pigment inks, we navigate through buzzwords and marketing jargon to deliver cost effective results.

A: Yes, we are happy to stock new products for our customers, if there is a reasonable quantity being used on a regular basis. We just need to know how much and how often you will need this media and we’ll make sure we have product in stock.

A: Shipping time is based on a number of things but can vary from next day to one week. If this is an item that you need immediately, contact us about overnight or 2-day delivery.

A: No, we primarily work business-to-business and don’t have a showroom. That being said, we do have an office with a demo facility where we can demonstrate many products for you.

A: Yes, we will come to your location to help you achieve consistent, predictable color. This is a chargeable service.

A: Absolutely. Since monitors drift over a short period of time, a smart investment is to purchase a calibration kit and have Alder do an initial on-site to train to perform monitor calibrations yourself. A calibration kit makes the process easy and gets your monitors back on track immediately.

A: Yes we can. Some situations require us to come onsite (i.e. where a RIP is involved), but many situations can be handled through the mail. We can provide you with a target to print and you just mail it to us. We handle the rest using TeamViewer to access your computer to install the profile and teach you how to use it to achieve the best results.

A: Calibration is key, and a little knowledge of color management and print settings goes a long way. Ideally, you should have a calibrated monitor and ICC profiles made for the particular printer and paper you are using. You also must know the correct print settings in the application you are printing from.

Alder has digital test files and printed hard copies to evaluate your printer. It is as easy as confirming settings, printing the test file, and comparing it to the hard copy reference to make sure you are printing to industry standards.
Our color experts can guide you through the maze of ICC profiles, calibration and color settings to make sure you are getting accurate color from your printer. We can help you calibrate your monitor and make custom ICC profiles for your ink and paper combinations when necessary. Just give us a call. We are glad to help.

A: RGB defines color by using the primaries of light: Red, Green and Blue. This color space is used in capturing or creating digital images through photography, scanning and digital illustration in Photoshop. RGB is used to view this type of artwork through digital means.

CMYK defines color by using the primaries of pigment: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. This color space is used to re-create RGB images in physical form through printing. It is also used when creating some types of digital files for printing.

Contact us if you would like to discuss which file type is best for your application and tools.

A: Raster images are made of pixels and are a set resolution. Photographs and scans are raster images.

Vector images are made of points, lines and mathematical formulas. Certain logos and illustrations are vector images.

A: Postscript is used by applications like InDesign, Quark and Illustrator to describe the page (art) that has been created. Art from these applications can contain both raster and vector images (see definitions above).

You can output raster RGB images using applications like Photoshop to printers directly using the drivers from the printer manufacturer. A RIP is desirable if you are printing postscript files, vector data, or CMYK images and want consistent color.

A: RIP stands for Raster Image Processor, and it is software that translates Postscript and vector data into raster images. Usually, a RIP will also send these raster images to an output device, such as an inkjet printer, filmsetter, or a platesetter. If you are printing vector data, CMYK images, or want to control spot colors on an individual basis, a RIP is highly recommended. If you are printing raster RGB images using applications like Photoshop, you may not need one.

There are many RIPs on the market with a wide range of features and pricing. Alder is up-to-date on many of the latest RIPs on the market and can help you select the correct RIP for your needs.