Job Spec Creation
Job specs get built from a mix of email, verbal calls, and dictated notes. This module gets you from any of those to a spec the shop can quote — without inventing values the customer didn't give you.
The one rule of spec creation
This is the single most common CSR mistake. You know the customer usually orders 3-inch cores, so you fill it in. Then the customer meant 1-inch this time and you've built and shipped 10,000 wrong labels. Every gap in the customer's message is a clarification opportunity, not a place to guess.
How to structure the spec by packaging type
The spec structure depends on what you print. Impressly's RFQ Spec Extractor already branches by packaging type — but you should know what fields each one needs so you can quickly spot omissions.
Labels: size, quantity, substrate, adhesive, print method, colors, finish, roll direction, core, delivery, ship-to. Folding cartons: style, dieline, board, quantity, colors, coating, special finishes, gluing, delivery. Flexible: structure, gauge, format, size/capacity, colors, print process, sealing, features, sustainability, delivery. Corrugated: flute, board, style, dimensions, quantity, print process, colors, coating, features, palletization, delivery.
When to send a clarification email vs. quote with assumptions
If the customer is missing 1-2 non-critical fields, quote with clearly-labeled assumptions and let them correct. If they're missing anything that changes tooling (dieline, board, flute, structure), send a clarification email — do NOT quote yet.