Rush Returns & Reprints: How Reprints Get Approved Fast (and What to Send First)

When you’re ordering rush checks on a tight timeline, you’re not just buying paper.

You’re buying momentum.

So if something shows up wrong—or shows up damaged—you don’t want a long email chain.

You want a clean decision.

This post breaks down how rush returns and reprints are usually evaluated and the exact documentation that helps support teams move faster.

Rush Return vs. Rush Reprint (Quick difference)

Return = you send product back.

Reprint = you get corrected product fast.

The catch: reprints aren’t vibes-based.

They’re evidence-based.

The faster you show what happened, the faster someone can say “yes” (or tell you the next best move).

How Reprints Are Evaluated (What support teams need to verify)

Most reviews come down to one question:

Did the finished item match what was approved and ordered—or did something go off track?

Here are the common buckets:

1) Print or production issues

Think: alignment, missing elements, smudging, cut issues, or stock problems.

What helps: clear photos and a short description of how many items are affected.

2) Proof or content issues

If you approved a proof, support will usually compare the proof to what was printed.

That’s why proof review is treated as the final checkpoint in many print workflows—proofs exist so you can confirm the print-ready version before production moves forward, including soft proofs (digital/PDF) and hard proofs (physical) UPrinting proofing stage overview.

3) Shipping damage vs. print damage

If the item is fine but the box looks crushed, the next step usually shifts to shipping evidence.

What helps: clear photos of the outer box, shipping label, packing materials, and the damaged items—because FedEx may request photos of the damaged package as supporting documentation when a claim or review is needed.  How to File a FedEx Claim

The “Send This First” Documentation Checklist

If you want fewer follow-ups, start your request with one clean bundle.

Must-have details (copy/paste)

• Order number
• Date received
• Product type (QuickBooks checks, computer/laser, manual business checks, blank stock, personal checks)
• What’s wrong (one sentence)
• How many are affected (all vs. part)

Photo checklist (this prevents the back-and-forth)

• Close-up of the issue (sharp, well-lit)
• Full view of the item
• If shipping damage: box + label + internal packaging + damaged area

If it’s damage-related, it also helps to have proof-of-value ready (invoice/receipt or order confirmation with payment), since FedEx may request proof-of-value and other supporting documents during claim review.

Rush rules that affect what happens next

On a true rush timeline, the daily cutoff matters.

You can’t rewind the clock.

But you can make sure your request lands with everything needed to act.

ChecksNextDay’s policy page spells out the key timing and eligibility points in one place—including same-day shipping before a posted cutoff, an after-hours window with an added fee on certain weekdays, and return limits that exclude printed/custom items.

What to do right now (simple playbook)

If you’re dealing with a rush issue, here’s a clean order of operations:

1. Document first. Photos + order info.
2. Explain fast. One sentence: what’s wrong and how many.
3. Attach the proof notes (if a proof was part of the order).
4. Include shipping label photos if damage is involved.

That package of info is what helps someone make a confident call.

Rush Returns & Reprints FAQ

1) What do I need to request a rush reprint quickly?

To request a rush reprint fast, send your order number, a quick note on what’s wrong, how many checks are affected, and clear photos of the issue. If it’s shipping damage, include photos of the box + label + internal packaging + damaged area. Bonus: to stay eligible for next-day speed, submit everything before the 2:00 PM ET cutoff (or use the after-hours/late-window option when available). 

2) Do I need to return the checks to get a reprint?

It depends on the situation. Printed/custom check orders typically aren’t eligible for returns, but in some cases—especially when shipping damage needs review—you may be asked to return the order in its original condition along with the required supporting documentation.

3) What if the proof was approved but the finished checks look wrong?

If the proof was approved but the finished checks look wrong, it becomes a quick proof vs. print comparison. Send the approved proof, any approval notes, and clear photos of the finished checks showing exactly what differs (text, layout, numbering, logo/color) so support can verify the issue fast.

4) What photos should I send if the order arrived damaged?

Send (1) a close-up of the damage, (2) a full view of the checks, and (3) shipping photos: the outer box, shipping label, internal packaging, and the damaged area. If you’re trying to keep Checks Next Day speed, send everything as soon as possible—ideally before the 2:00 PM ET cutoff (or use the after-hours/late-window option when available).

5) How do cutoff times affect rush reprints and next-day shipping?

Cutoffs determine whether a reprint can still ship today to stay on track for next-day arrival. If the issue is reported with complete photos/details before 2:00 PM ET, the replacement has the best chance to move the same day; after that, it usually shifts to the next business day unless an after-hours/late-window option is available. Also note that certain customizations (like logo proofs or some color logo requests) can add steps that may push a rush reprint past the cutoff.