FAQs

File Upload and Preparation

CMYK or RGB files are both acceptable, although CMYK images are preferred. We can convert RGB to CMYK using our standard conversion for better color reproduction.

We can work with any application, but most often we use Adobe products.
Application files are preferred in case changes or assembly is required. PDF files will work for jobs that require no changes.
There are several options:
  • >Access the website, click on “File Upload” and follow the instructions on the page.
  • We also accept files via email, provided that a single email does not exceed 10MB.
  • We accept files via our web-based FTP interface: ftp.gowhiteoak.com.
  • Finally, we will be happy to download files from your source or site.
We may experience problems if the PDF has any of the following characteristics:
  • It was created at Low Resolution.
  • It was created in RGB color mode. (We can convert it for you, but if you created your document with specific CMYK colors in mind, you may not like the results.)
  • It was created as CMYK process, but is supposed to print Spot PMS colors.
  • It was saved without fonts embedded. (Unless you also collected the fonts for us, we will not be able to print it.)
  • It has the wrong trim size and is not proportional to the correct trim size.
  • It was created without proper bleed or no bleed.
  • It contains Spot colors interacting with Transparency. (If your job prints in Process, then the Spot colors should have been converted to Process before creating the PDF.)
  • It requires file editing.

Marketing Services

What are the benefits of using an Cross-Media Marketing Campaign?
If executed correctly, you will see a number of benefits in your campaign, including the following:
  • Improve direct mail response rates.
  • Provide relevant content in response to preferences.
  • Engage responders in more meaningful dialogue.
  • Convert responders' preferences into revenue.
What is Trigger Marketing?
A marketing message that is automatically generated in response to a predetermined event. What are the benefits to Trigger Marketing? If executed correctly, you will see a number of benefits in your campaign, including the following:
  • Precision marketing effectiveness.
  • Cross-sell and up-sell effectiveness.
  • Customer profitability.
What is a PURL?
A PURL, or Personalized URL, (such as yourname.mypurl.com) is a unique web address that directs email recipients to a web page that is customized just for them.
What is a QR Code?

QR or “Quick Response” Codes, are small printed bar codes that, when captured with a mobile device, allow users to visit web sites, send emails, get product information, see a location on a map, send a text message, play a video, interact with social sites, place phone calls (to numbers not in their address book), and many other actions, without typing a single character. Anyone with a smart phone can scan and read QR Codes with the click of a camera.

Mailing Lists

Do I need to use a specific program for a variable data job?
No. Most of the current layout programs can accommodate variable data set-up. We primary use Adobe InDesign for variable data orders.
Do I need to supply data for the VDP job?
If the job is for a mailing or prints with variable data, yes. We do offer list acquisition. Please contact your account manager or customer support person for list acquisition assistance. If the job is not a mailing, we can usually build the data file for you at an additional cost. You will need to supply all the information for the database to be built.
What mailing services do you offer?
We provide full mail service options so we offer mail list generation and mail list management as well as, processing one mailing list, CASS Certification (will allow mailing to eligible for certain bulk postage rates), NCOA data review (reduces risk of undeliverable mail), presort, setup, addressing and delivery to local post office. If multiple lists are supplied, there may be an additional cost for multiple list management.
What kind of file do I need to supply for a mailing list?

While there are several types of files we can use, the most common are tab and comma delimited, Microsoft Excel, MS Access and MS Word. If you have another type of file and are not sure if it would be usable, please contact our customer support department.

If you are addressing my mail piece, does it have to be sent from your local post office?

No, we can address the piece and send it back to you for you to mail. In that instance it will be necessary for you to supply the desired indicia to be used on the piece. You will also need to provide the necessary postal documents to the Post Office to receive postal discounts.

What will my mailing cost be?

You will be given the cost to mail your printed piece after we manage the mail list. The cost is dependent on many factors, including how many pieces are being mailed, how they are being sent and the final size of the mail piece. Review our guide to give you a general idea of postage costs.

Making Your Company Efficient

How can I handle the print and marketing needs of my company more efficiently using a Online Management Solution (OMS)?
White Oak's Online Management Solutions (OMS) is a complete end-to-end web-to-print workflow and management platform, integrating web-based ordering, design and file submission, and fully automating these processes to provide the ultimate branded storefront experience.
How quickly can a Online Management Solution (OMS) be set up for my company?
Our Online Management Solutions (OMS) can be up and running for your company within two to three weeks. However, many organizations also request additional functionality, customizations and integrations, typically increasing set-up time to 45-60 days.
What types of marketing assets and materials can be included in a Online Management Solution (OMS)?
White Oak’s Online Management Solutions (OMS) provides a single, easy-to-use interface that allows users to order:
  • Direct mail campaigns
  • Email campaigns
  • Printed Materials
  • Marketing Materials

In addition, the Online Management Solutions (OMS) allows users to access and download digital marketing assets such as:

  • Photographs
  • Customizable PDFs
  • Audio files
  • Print advertisements
  • Forms and documents
  • Logos
How much does a Online Management Solutions (OMS) cost?
Implementing a Online Management Solutions (OMS) with standard features can be very affordable and quick. However, many organizations find added value in custom-programmed functionality, such as integrating their database and targeting tools or connecting a to 3rd-party systems. A phased deployment can be developed to match your needs and budget. Please contact us so we can learn about your needs and provide you with an estimate.
How can I get our locations to use our Online Management Solution (OMS)?
User adoption is one of the most important elements for achieving results with a marketing asset management system, which is why we have designed our Online Management Solutions (OMS) to be easy to use while providing valuable tools for the end users. We also offer phone and email support to assist users.
Here are some ways companies increase user adoption with Online Management Solutions (OMS)
  • Provide access to your corporate database through the portal, or allow users to upload their own lists.
  • Centralize ordering for all your marketing materials within this single system, helping users save time and effort.
  • Allow users to customize marketing and print materials for use with their local audiences.
  • Assign budgets to users.