General
Site Security
Lamination
Binding
How do I contact Customer Service?
Help is available by calling 1-800-723-4000 Web Support. A web help member is staffed weekdays from 7AM - 6PM CST. Also, you may send a fax to GBC at 1-800-914-8178.
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Which customers are able to order over the website?
Any customer in the continental United States is eligible to order via the web. Additionally, a customer may designate their account "protected", which would not allow new users to register to their account and purchase on-line without special authorization. GBC dealers and distributors and International customers are not permitted to place orders via the web at this time.
* Alaska customers for binding and lamination products, please contact GBC`s local dealer, Arctic Office Supplies, at 1-800-478-2322.
* Protected accounts should contact customer service at 1-800-723-4000 to confirm the necessary procedure for web registration.
* International customers, please see the Locations tab on the site.
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Does GBC have a GSA contract with the government?
GBC is a major supplier of binding, laminating, shredding and visual communication products and systems to local, state and Federal government customers.
Federal Government agencies may purchase GBC binding machines and supplies under GSA contract number GS-25F-0095M, State of Texas agencies may purchase under TXMAS contract number TXMAS-3-36080 and State of California agencies may purchase under California Multiple Awards Schedule (CMAS) contract number 4-02-35-0040B by calling 1-800-723-4000. If you are an existing GBC customer utilizing a government contract, you may register on our site to see your specific pricing and purchase on-line by clicking here.
If you are not a current GBC customer, but would like to request information regarding our GSA or CMAS contracts, click here to email us your contact information.
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Why does GBC include sales tax on my purchases of GBC products via the Internet?
Since GBC has nexus (i.e., a physical presence) within all state tax jurisdictions, GBC is required by law to charge tax unless you provide GBC with a sales tax exemption document. If you qualify for an exemption from sales tax, please fax your documentation to GBC Sales Tax Department at 1-847-484-4112 or see the question below on how to obtain the appropriate documentation.
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If I am exempt from paying sales/use taxes, where do I find the appropriate tax forms?
As a new customer registering on GBCConnect.com, if you self-select tax exempt status, you will be brought to a screen where you can access the appropriate tax forms. If you are an existing customer looking for tax forms, you may link to www.gbc.com/taxform and access the screen directly.
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How do I request a catalog from GBC?
To request a catalog, please click here.
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What credit cards does GBC accept?
GBC accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards.
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What is the return policy?
More information can be found under the 'View Return Policy' link under the Technical Support tab.
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What security scheme does GBC use on it's web site?
GBCconnect.com utilizes Entrust, Inc. As trusted layered security experts, Entrust secures digital identities and information for consumers, enterprises and governments in 1,700 organizations spanning 60 countries. Leveraging a layered security approach to address growing risks, Entrust solutions help secure the most common digital identity and information protection pain points in an organization. These include SSL, authentication, fraud detection, shared data protection and e-mail security. Entrust helps organizations meet or exceed their security goals.
- Authentication - By checking our Entrust Server ID, our customers can verify that the web site belongs to GBC, and not an imposter.
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How can you tell that GBCconnect.com utilizes a Entrust Secure Server ID?
- The URL in the browser window displays "https" at the beginning, instead of "http" (when you go to the registration page and beyond with GBCconnect, you will see this change).
- In Internet Explorer, a padlock icon appears in the bar at the bottom of the IE window.
- In Firefox, a padlock icon appears in the lower right corner of the bottom of the Firefox window with the URL shop.gbcconnect.com.
- In Netscape, the padlock in the lower left corner of the Navigator window will be closed instead of open.
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How can I avoid laminator film wrap-up?
By allowing 2"-3" of lamination film to hang out of the laminator as you start your lamination job and by making sure the back of the laminator is not up against a wall, cabinet or other obstruction, you should assure wrap-free operation. Most GBC laminators have a wrap-free feature, but it is always good to allow that clearance.
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Why is my lamination turning out bubbly?
If you are using a thermal (heat) laminator, then the heat setting may be too high for the item being laminated. If the machine has a control to adjust the heat, try lowering the temperature. Also, if using a thermal pouch laminator, make sure that you are using a "carrier" for the pouch - and the correct carrier.
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Why is my lamination cloudy?
Cloudy lamination is usually the result of insufficient heat. If the machine has a control to adjust the heat, try increasing the temperature. Also, if using a thermal pouch laminator, you may be using a laminating pouch that is too thick for the machine (some machines have pre-set temperatures designed to work with standard pouch films - usually 3 and 5 mil).
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What is the difference between leadered and non-leadered carriers?
Leadered carriers open from the bottom and are sewn or seamed at the top -these are usually available in retail packs. These non-leadered carriers open like a book (no sewn margins) are are usually included in bulk packs (50 or 100 pouches per box).
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How can I get adhesive off of my pouch laminator rollers?
While the pouch laminator is still hot, run a sheet of copy paper through without a carrier or pouch. This will remove any adhesive buildup. The best way to prevent adhesive from getting on the rollers is to use a carrier all the time when laminating.
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Why won't my thermal film stick to my ink jet output?
Providing the laminator temperature and speed settings are correct, the most likely culprit is your image. Ink jet prints that are not completely dry can prove to be impossible to laminate. Inks contain Glycol to prevent the ink from clogging the nozzels. Glycol is an oily-type solvent that is not compatible with thermal adhesives. Now, what can be done to improve adhesion? First, make sure you are properly using the ink limiting setting during your RIP. Ink limiting will reduce your drying time. Next, choose the proper media to print on. High gloss papers are difficult to laminate because most of the ink rests on the receptive coating of the paper. Matte papers absorb more moisture and are therefore, easier to laminate. Remember, your prints must be completely dry before laminating, and, highly saturated prints will take longer to dry.
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What causes silvering?
In thermal films, silvering is caused by the adhesive not "wetting out" properly. This can be solved by either increasing the temperature setting, or slowing down the speed setting. Sometimes you may need to do both. This will promote a better adhesive flow. The same principles apply to cold laminates. A temperature setting of 110F will help wet out the adhesive and accelerate the initial bond.
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How long will my ink jet image last if I protect it with a U.V. overlaminate?
Generally speaking, overlaminates with U.V. inhibitors will extend the life of your image by 3-4 times. Dye-based inks, when subjected to high levels of U.V. radiation, can fade in as little as a few days. This means that even with a protective overlaminate, your dye-based image can be damaged in as little as 2 weeks. Pigmented inks last significantly longer than dye-based. Laminated images printed with pigmented inks can expect a six to twelve month outdoor lifespan without experiencing significant U.V. fading.
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How do I choose a binding style for my presentation needs?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a binding style. Determining your document requirements is the first step. Therefore, we recommend answering the following questions to help you determine the best finishing solution.
- What is the document application?
- How will the document be used? Who will be using it?
- Is editing the document important and/or frequent?
- What are your most common document sizes?
- How important is the image or appearance of the document?
For specific product recommendations, click on the "Help Me Choose A Product" section on the left navigation bar, and answer the questions to receive a product recommendation.
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What are the elements of a well-finished presentation?
A good presentation package consists of the following elements:
- An attractive cover to capture your reader's attention to the content
- A functional binding style for ease of use
- Organization - index tabs are recommended to separate topics or sections
- A consistent look to supporting elements of the presentation
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What customization options are available to enhance my document finishing?
GBC offers the most comprehensive range of convenient and affordable custom services. Choose from custom printing options such as silkscreen, offset, embossing, debossing and foil stamping. Dress up the entire presentation with color-coordinated binders, dividers, index tabs, and pocket folders all printed with your company logo. Don't wait&call your GBC sales representative for a free consultation today!
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If I am using desktop publishing software for my presentation cover how can I enhance the finished look?
GBC transparent covers are perfect for showcasing your desktop publishing. Available in a variety of sizes and finishes, transparent covers can be custom imprinted to enhance your design and protect your presentation.
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How can GBC help me with my next meeting or presentation beyond the bound proposal?
From pocket folders through multimedia CD-roms and DVD's, GBC can design, produce, fulfill and distribute your information. From start to finish we are your complete source.
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I would like to package information for a sales meeting in a 3-ring binder with my company's artwork on it. Can this be done on short notice?
GBC offers the Quick-Color binder, the only 4-color insert and seal binder in the industry that can be designed, produced, and shipped in 3 business days. Go to the Binder/Media Packaging section of the product catalog and select "Quickcolor".
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How do I know what binding element size to order for my presentation?
GBC has provided recommended sheet capacity ranges for each binding style during on-line ordering. The capacities are based on 20lb. bond paper. Thicker paper stocks, binding covers and index tabs should also be considered when selecting your binding element size. If your document sheet capacity is close to the high end of the recommended range, GBC would suggest ordering the next larger size.
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How do I know what binding cover size to order for my presentation?
GBC recommends oversized covers (11 1/4" x 8 3/4") if you are using Plastic Comb binding. Oversized covers have two rounded corners and are ¼" larger than the document to protect it from fraying edges and tearing. For Color Coil", Twin Loop", VeloBind®, and SureBind® binding styles, GBC recommends using "flush-cut covers". Flush-cut covers are 11" x 8 ½" and have four square corners.
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How do I contact my Document Finishing specialist?
Please call 1-800-723-4000 with your account number or zip code for the name of your Document Finishing sales specialist.
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How do I get service on my GBC binding equipment?
Please refer to the "Technical Support" tab of the website for service information.
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Can I trade-in my current binding equipment if I am considering buying new GBC equipment?
Yes, GBC accepts trade-ins of all GBC and competitor equipment. Please contact your local Document Finishing specialist for information on our trade-in offers.
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What is the difference between Velobind® and SureBindTM?
The end result of the finished documents is identical; however, there are subtle differences in the strip and its functionality.
- SureBind strips have 10 prongs; VeloBind strips have 11 prongs.
- The SureBind prongs are slightly offset, making it compatible with the GBC Plastic Binding system. Therefore, if you have a document punched with 19 rectangular holes, you can bind it with a SureBind strip for a different look.
- VeloBind strips are evenly spaced and are not compatible with any other style binding.
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