Explaining File Formats to Buyers

[hirehannah]

For my print gigs, one of my requirements is for buyers to let me know what format they would like their design delivered in. I give them options of either a PDF or a Jpeg and either with or without bleed.

The problem is 9/10 times, they respond with “I have no idea what a bleed is” or “I have no idea what format I need”.

My question is… what is a clear way for me to ask for this information from buyers? I could just not ask at all, and send everything as Jpegs without bleed unless the buyer specifies. But being a print designer for over 10 years, this just feels so wrong. Any advice?

[hirehannah]

I"m not sure i would want to take up an available sample image, BUT! I kind of like having some sort of visual on hand, that I can just send to buyers who specifically comment about not understanding what i’m asking.