Expert: Arthur Naman - 7/6/2009

Question
My brother and I have started a screen printing service and I am his office manager. He will be handling the printing. We are anticipating our very first job, but I need to understand what are the different paper-forms it will entail from the point the job enters the office through to the point the job is printed and sent back to the customer. I need to know the names of the forms/paperwork that will be necessary from the point the job comes in to the point the job is sent out. Will the job come in as a 'work order' from which a 'job ticket' will need to be generated? What will be sent to the printery, and when will an 'invoice' be generated? In short, please guide me on the paper trail of a print job--what stays in the office and what goes to the print shop?


Answer
There is no specific answer to your question as it depends on how you run your business. For example, you ask "Will the job come in as a 'work order' from which a 'job ticket' will need to be generated?" -- there is no defined answer. If you would like to use a work order or job ticket, then do so.

Quickbooks, if you choose to use that software can produce the forms needed, I think. Also, Quickbooks has advice on how to setup a small business.

You may likely, have a work order form when the order is placed showing what needs to be done. Then when completed, you may need to provide the customer with a receipt.

Also, you might check with your local office supply store as they have pre-printed and pre-numbered forms for many functions.

If you need to ask follow-up question(s) please do so.