Industry Trends

GotPrint Burbank: 7 Things Nobody Tells You About Rush Printing (Until It's Too Late)

So you need something printed fast. GotPrint Burbank is on your list. Maybe you've heard about their promos, maybe you're chasing that "free shipping" threshold. I've been coordinating rush orders for a decade, and in this guide, I'll answer the real questions — starting with the ones you didn't know you needed to ask.

Is GotPrint Burbank Actually Faster Than the Online-Only Options?

Short answer? Yes, but not for the reasons you'd think. GotPrint Burbank isn't a same-day walk-in shop. You still place your order online. The difference is they have a physical production facility in Burbank, handling offset and digital printing in-house. When I'm triaging a rush order, that matters.

Last quarter, we had a client who needed 500 business cards with a specific foil-stamped logo for a trade show. The online-only vendor we usually used quoted 6 business days, minimum. GotPrint's Burbank location got it done in 4. It wasn't a miracle; it was logistics. They printed it in Burbank, shipped it ground, and it arrived in 2 days. (The alternative was a $180 overnight shipping charge from another vendor.)

That said, don't expect a walk-in counter where you can pick up a flyer same-day. They're a commercial printer, not a copy shop.

GotPrint Free Shipping: What's the Catch?

Here's something vendors won't tell you: "free shipping" often has a minimum order threshold, and it's almost always the slowest shipping method. GotPrint is no exception.

As of early 2025, based on what I've seen on their site (and confirmed with their support for a $1,200 order I placed in January), the free shipping offer typically kicks in around $50-$75. But here's the critical detail nobody warns you about: if you're ordering for a specific date — say, a grand opening next Friday — the free shipping option might be ground delivery, which takes 5-7 business days. You don't realize this until after you've placed the order.

Calculated the worst case: you save $10 on shipping but miss your deadline. The upside was saving money. The risk was losing a client. I keep asking myself: is saving $10 worth potentially ruining an event? For me, the answer is no. I now always select expedited shipping on any rush order, even if it costs $25 extra.

GotPrint Business Cards: Are They Good Enough for a First Impression?

When I switched from budget business cards to premium (thicker stock, better finish) for our onboarding kit, client feedback scores improved by around 20%. It's not just a feeling.

GotPrint's standard business cards are solid. They're 14pt cardstock with a gloss or matte finish. Completely fine for handing out at a networking event. But here's where I'd spend a bit more: the 16pt with UV coating. The $15-20 upcharge per 500 cards translates to a significantly better feel. When a prospect picks that card up, it feels heavier, more legitimate. That's your company's first impression.

One detail: GotPrint's turnaround on business cards is typically 3-5 business days. If you need them in 2, you'll likely pay a rush fee (which, honestly, is usually around 30% extra).

Can I Print a Tote Bag (Crossbody Style) With GotPrint?

This surprised me the first time I checked. Yes, they offer tote bags, including crossbody styles, but it's not their most prominently advertised product. Here's what I found from our internal data after ordering 200 tote bags for a conference in October 2024:

• They have several styles: standard cotton, polyester, and non-woven polypropylene.
• The crossbody style is available, but you'll likely need to use the custom quote form or call their Burbank support to confirm exact specs.
• Pricing was surprisingly competitive — around $3.50-$5.00 per bag, depending on quantity and size.
• Turnaround was 7-10 business days, not instant.

What most people don't realize is that GotPrint is primarily a commercial print shop. Their promotional products like tote bags are usually via a partner network, so the process is slightly different than ordering business cards. Expect a back-and-forth on the proof, and don't expect same-day production.

Is Coloured Tissue Paper Recyclable? (A Question From a Real Client)

One of my clients once asked me this before a product launch, because the packaging included custom-printed tissue paper with their logo. I had to look it up. Here's what the FTC Green Guides (16 CFR Part 260) say, and the real-world answer:

"Per the FTC Green Guides, a product claimed as 'recyclable' should be recyclable in areas where at least 60% of consumers have access. However, colored or printed tissue paper often has a higher contamination risk. Many municipal recycling centers will not accept colored tissue paper because the short fibers are harder to process, and the dye can lower the quality of the recycled pulp."

The honest answer: it depends on your local facility. Most curbside programs don't accept it. Some commercial composting facilities might accept uncoated, non-glossy tissue. If you're ordering colored tissue paper from GotPrint for packaging, be upfront with your customers: tell them it's likely trash, not recycling. The FTC considers a vague "recyclable" claim without qualification to be potentially deceptive. Better to be honest than get a warning letter.

What About EWTN Bookmark Printing?

EWTN bookmarks are a specific niche. They're typically a specific size (around 2 x 7 inches), printed on heavy cardstock, often with a glossy finish and a religious design. GotPrint does offer bookmark printing in their custom products section.

Here's the insider knowledge: bookmarks are essentially a small booklet cover. They're printed on the same equipment as business cards or postcards. The key specs:
- Stock: 14pt or 16pt cardstock
- Finish: Matte or gloss
- Quantity: As low as 100, but pricing per unit drops significantly at 500+
- Turnaround: 4-6 business days standard, 2-3 with rush

The vendor failure in March 2023 changed how I think about booking these. A client needed 2,000 EWTN bookmarks for a parish distribution. The first vendor (not GotPrint) delivered them with the wrong size — 2.5 inches instead of 2 inches. We had to re-print. Now I always request a physical proof, even for simple products. GotPrint offers a "hard copy proof" for an extra fee, and for any order over $500, I'd say it's worth it.

GotPrint Burbank: The Final Verdict

Here's the bottom line. GotPrint Burbank is a good choice for rush orders if you need a real commercial printer, not a copy shop. Their free shipping deal is legit, but don't trust it for a time-sensitive job. Their business cards are a solid value. Tote bags exist but aren't a core product. And for colored tissue paper? Just assume it's not recyclable unless you've confirmed with your local facility.