If you’re planning your first press check, you may have some questions about the process. You know it’s a chance to review your project before it officially goes to press, but what exactly happens when you arrive at the plant? What should you be looking for? And most importantly, what benefits do you gain by showing up in person?

We sat down with Cassie Elliott, Customer Service Manager at Walsworth – Marceline, to walk through what customers can expect during their first press check and why this step can make a big difference in the final product.

A Warm Welcome

From the moment you arrive for a press check, you can expect to be greeted with the same warmth that defines Walsworth’s customer experience.

“Friendliness,” Elliott said without hesitation when asked what customers can expect first. “We’ll meet them at the front door, get them settled into the customer lounge, then we will wait for the Pressmen to get their project ready to proof. At that point, they’ll come down to the press, meet the press operator and work hand in hand with them on any adjustments or color concerns they may have.”

That personal connection is central to the process. You’re not just dropped into a production environment. You’re welcomed into the workflow and paired with professionals who understand how much your project means to you.

Reviewing on Press

Once the press is running and your job is set up, you’ll work directly with a press operator to review the sheets as they come off the press. This is where you’ll evaluate color accuracy, density, registration and overall quality.

This step is more than a formality. A press check gives you the opportunity to spot issues before an entire run is completed. Elliott explained that even minor details can be addressed. “If they find something while proofing on press; a spelling error, for example, at that point we can arrange a plate change.”

That flexibility is invaluable, especially for high-profile or high-visibility projects. Catching a small error on press can save time, money and headaches compared to discovering it after thousands of copies are printed.

Why Attend a Press Check?

One of the biggest advantages of attending a press check is seeing your project and the printing process in person.

“It’s important to see the plant as a whole – a lot of people work in design their whole lives and don’t see the full process of creating a book from start to finish,” Elliott said. “Seeing the full process tends to bring the ‘wow’ factor.”

For designers, marketers and authors, this is often an eye-opening experience. It bridges the gap between digital files and the tactile reality of ink on paper, helping you visualize how color, paper and press mechanics all work together. This new level of understanding can help you make more informed decisions during future print runs.

Who Benefits Most from a Press Check?

According to Elliott, there are many different types of customers who could benefit from an in-person press check. “We have one-off customers, mom and pop type work, who enjoy seeing the whole shebang. Our larger customers also come in for catalogs or high-end coffee table books, getting their eyes on the product before it’s completed.”

In other words, whether you’re publishing a one-time commemorative piece or overseeing the production of a flagship catalog, being present can give you confidence that your final product will look exactly as you envisioned.

What Makes a Walsworth Press Check Special

Every printer offers some form of press check, but the Walsworth approach is uniquely personal.

“We really value the customer getting that one-on-one interaction; that personal, feel-good experience,” Elliott explained. “We’re a family-owned company, and we give them that family atmosphere when they walk in the door. When people leave, they often say they felt so welcomed and appreciative of how friendly we are.”

That sense of care and pride shows in every step of the process. You’re not just reviewing a print job. You’re part of an experience that connects you with the people and the craft behind your publication.

A Customer’s Perspective

Brian Smith, Head Coach of Mizzou Wrestling and author of Tiger Style, experienced this firsthand during his press check at Walsworth – Marceline.

“Walsworth was outstanding to work with. It was my first book, and they made the printing process easy and made me feel like the most important client in the world,” said Smith. “They let me come visit the plant and watch while they explained the entire process to me. All the people I spoke with took great pride in what they were doing and what they could do for me. Walsworth has an amazing culture. I even got to spend time with Don Walsworth (Walsworth’s CEO). It was a special day, and the process was more than I expected.”

Tips for Making the Most of Your First Press Check

If you’re preparing for your first press check, here are a few ways to ensure the experience is productive and rewarding:

• Come prepared: Bring any reference materials, such as color proofs or swatches, to help guide adjustments.
• Dress the part: You’ll be visiting the manufacturing floor, which is an active work area. For your own protection, plan on wearing closed-toe, closed-heeled shoes or boots. Tie back long hair, tuck in shirttails and remove any loose jewelry, including necklaces, long earrings, bracelets, rings and watches.
• Ask questions: Press Operators and Customer Service Representatives are there to explain what’s happening. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn more about the printing process.
• Focus on priorities: Pay close attention to color, image sharpness and critical design elements to ensure they meet your standards.
• Take in the experience: Beyond the technical aspects, enjoy the chance to see your work come to life in real time!

Experience Your First Walsworth Press Check

Your first press check may seem intimidating, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the printing process. It’s your opportunity to collaborate directly with experts, safeguard the quality of your project and connect with the craftsmanship that makes your book, magazine or catalog possible.

At Walsworth, a press check is more than just a technical review. It’s a personal experience rooted in pride and partnership. Whether you’re a first-time author or a longtime customer producing your latest catalog, the time you spend at the press can transform the way you see your project and the people behind it. If you’d like to collaborate with printing experts on your next project, get in touch with us today.