Obtaining physical samples of paper stocks is a critical step for many consumers and professionals in the UK, ranging from independent creatives and marketing departments to publishers and print designers. The tactile nature of paper—its weight, texture, and finish—cannot be fully assessed through digital images alone. Consequently, several UK-based and international companies offering print products have established sample programmes to allow potential customers to experience their materials firsthand. These programmes vary in scope, cost, and delivery methods, with some offering entirely free samples and others requiring a contribution towards shipping fees. The following guide details the specific programmes identified in the provided source material, focusing on their contents, eligibility requirements, and ordering processes.
QinPrinting Paper Samples
QinPrinting offers a comprehensive paper sample manual designed to assist customers in selecting the best paper stock for their print projects. This resource is described as a "beautifully bound book" that showcases the company's stock papers, special surface finishes, and a range of popular weights. The manual is intended for a wide audience, including independent creatives, marketing departments, publishers, and print designers.
Availability and Cost While the paper sample manual itself is free of charge, customers are required to pay the shipping costs from Shanghai to their UK address. According to the source, shipping costs via FedEx or DHL start from $28 for the United States; specific costs for the UK are not detailed, but international shipping fees will apply. The company states that when the manual is shipped, they will include a special printed sample similar to the customer's specific printing product at no extra charge.
Contents of the Manual The sample book includes: - Clean samples of all available paper stocks, weights, and special finishes. - Labeled page samples detailing the name and weight of the stock. - Partially printed sections featuring both images and text to demonstrate final print quality. - Weight samples of popular paper choices, including uncoated offset paper, gloss and matte coated paper, C1S paper, and holographic paper. - Examples of different finishes such as gloss lamination, matte lamination, soft touch lamination, embossing, debossing, spot UV, and foil stamping. - Fabric swatches, special paper swatches, and foil color swatches. - Information regarding artwork design support and resolutions.
Ordering Process Prospective customers are advised to contact QinPrinting directly to discuss their needs. The company emphasises the importance of paper choice on the quality, impact, design process, and price of the finished product. Once the manual is received and reviewed, customers are encouraged to talk to the company's paper stock experts to answer any questions.
Antalis Sample Service
Antalis, a UK-based supplier, provides a next-day sample, dummy, and swatch service. This service is designed to ensure customers choose the right print material for their projects. The company highlights that ordering paper and material samples in the UK is "quick and easy" through their platform.
Service Details The Antalis service focuses on speed and condition. Samples are delivered quickly and in perfect condition, facilitated by a dedicated team using the latest automated sampling equipment and strong protective packaging. This service is positioned as a way for customers to win "that vital order" by being confident in their material selection.
Ordering Method The best way to order samples from Antalis is online. However, the provided source material does not specify the exact cost structure (whether samples are free or if there is a charge) or the specific types of materials included in the sample packs. It only confirms the availability of the service and the ease of the online ordering process.
eFrame Free Print Sample Pack
eFrame offers a free print sample pack that allows customers to "feel the difference" regarding the paper's unique characteristics. This service is targeted at customers who are undecided about which paper to choose for their print needs.
Availability and Shipping The sample pack is free of charge. Upon receiving a request, eFrame ships the paper samples within 24 business hours via Royal Mail. This indicates a UK-based fulfilment process, likely resulting in standard Royal Mail delivery times for UK recipients.
Contents of the Pack The sample pack includes four specific print papers: - Epson Enhanced Matt: An economy matte paper with zero sheen. It is described as great for value-minded customers seeking a flat matte surface. It yields highly saturated images while maintaining excellent highlight and shadow detail. - Epson Luster: An economy semi-gloss photo paper. The source notes that many professional photographers use this paper for their photos.
Identification To help customers identify each paper, the name of the paper is printed on the bottom right of each sample print included in the pack.
Newspaper Club Free Sample Packs
Newspaper Club provides free sample packs specifically designed for individuals looking to print their own newspapers. These packs are intended to "kickstart your creativity" and help get designs off to a flying start.
Contents and Availability The sample packs contain "everything you need" to begin the design process, though the specific items are not listed in the source text. However, the company offers a downloadable PDF that allows potential customers to see exactly what is inside the sample pack before ordering.
Special Wedding Pack In addition to the standard sample pack, Newspaper Club offers a wedding-themed pack. This includes the standard digital sample pack along with a wedding Canva template design and inspiring examples for invites, orders of service, and other wedding stationery.
Ordering Process The source material mentions that the packs are free, but it does not explicitly detail the shipping costs or whether they are covered by the company. The instruction to "download the PDFs" suggests a digital component, but the physical packs are likely available via a request process on their website.
Print.Work Sample Pack
Print.Work offers a sample pack focused on their recycled paper stocks. The company encourages customers to "touch the paper, caress the paper, feel the weight of it in your hand" to make a more informed decision.
Availability and Cost The sample pack is free. Customers can order a sample pack, and Print.Work will post it out for free. Additionally, customers can add a sample pack to an existing order at no extra cost.
Purpose The sample pack serves as a tool to allow customers to familiarise themselves with the range of products and how well the paper showcases designs.
Conclusion
The provided source material outlines several distinct programmes for obtaining free or low-cost paper samples in the UK. QinPrinting offers a comprehensive, free manual (excluding international shipping fees) suitable for professional use. Antalis provides a rapid sample service for business customers, though pricing details are not specified in the provided text. eFrame offers a free sample pack of specific Epson papers shipped via Royal Mail. Newspaper Club caters to creatives with free sample packs, including a specific wedding-themed option, and Print.Work offers free samples of recycled paper stocks. Each programme serves a slightly different niche, from professional printing and design to personal projects like newspaper printing and wedding stationery.