Magazine Printing

Question: The solicitation references the finished size of the magazine as an A5. I want to clarify that this is the finished size of the piece and that the piece does not need to fit into an A5 envelope. If it is going to go into an A5 envelope the finished size would need to be slightly smaller. Is the exact finished size 5.8"x8.3" and not going into an envelope once received in Germany? Answer: The finished product is to be A5 size - not slightly reduced (this European size was chosen based on the fact that we expected or assumed a local source to be used). The magazine is to be openly distributed; not placed in any envelope. Question: Can the graphic files be uploaded to an FTP site? Answer: I don't see any problem in uploading a file to a vendor's ftp site. (If they wish to pull it, we do not have an ftp site). Question: need to clarify shipping options from Ohio. If the magazine is shipped commercially it will need to be inspected by German Customs which will slow the delivery time down greatly. If shipped APO we would get rid of the Customs issue and it could be delivered directly to Ramstein, however, I would assume that a printed piece would be low on the shipping priority. Do you have a preferred method for shipping and a contact person I could call to verify the exact method, process, and cost. Answer: As for shipping, that is always an issue. If shipped through the APO system, we are at the mercy of the mail system and could suffer shipping delays, particularly around the holidays, and most likely would be at a higher cost. If shipped commercially, as stated, it will have to clear Customs through TMO. So long as the packages are addressed and shipped correctly, commercial shipment should be OK. We have been having pretty good luck lately with DHL and UPS properly clearing through TMO Customs but that is not a guarantee. Also, the vendor would need to be able to guarantee delivery by our deadline. *Additionally, shipping costs would need to fall within the funding of the order and would need to be paid up front by the vendor. As to their suggestion of using a military transport flying out of Wright-Patt, that is irrelevant and totally out of the question - it's not an option Question: The specs state that the magazine needs to be delivered "stapled" - I believe it means "saddle stitch" binding - two staples keeping the sheets from falling out. Please clarify. Answer: Yes, "stapled" means bound in this instance, whether saddle-stapled, saddle-stitched, or otherwise, just so long as it is bound (in a neat and professional manner).