Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you deliver?

We deliver to research institutions, universities, medical centers, departments, laboratories, and businesses within the Twin Cities metro area.

For University of Minnesota Twin Cities deliveries, please include the building name, department, full address, and any helpful meeting instructions. We may call or text when we are nearby and can meet you or a colleague outside your building.

We do not deliver to dormitories, campus housing, apartments, or residential addresses. For residential destinations, please select an appropriate shipping option at checkout.

When do you deliver?

Same-day local deliveries are typically completed between 3–6 PM, Monday through Friday, for eligible orders placed before 12 noon.

Delivery timing may vary due to traffic, weather, order volume, campus access, or other logistical factors.

Can I pick up my poster?

Yes. Select pickup at checkout. Pickup is available from our Lino Lakes, Minnesota location.

We will email you when your poster is ready and provide pickup instructions. After-hours pickup may be available, including evenings or weekends, when confirmed in advance.

Do you ship posters?

Yes. Customers may elect to ship eligible posters anywhere in the United States.

Only foldable fabric posters are available for shipping. We typically use 2-day Priority U.S. Mail. FedEx or UPS may also be used if the customer provides an appropriate shipping account.

A flat USPS shipping fee is charged at checkout for eligible shipped orders.

What file format should I upload?

Please upload your poster as a PDF.

PDF is preferred because it helps preserve fonts, figures, formatting, images, and layout. Please export your poster to PDF rather than printing to PDF when possible.

Creating a PDF from the print menu can sometimes generate an 8.5 × 11 inch file, which is not recommended for large-format printing because images and text may become blurry when enlarged.

How do I know my poster file size?

You can check your poster dimensions using the following methods:

PowerPoint for Mac:
Click File, then Page Setup.

PowerPoint for PC:
Click Design, then Slide Size, then Custom Slide Size.

PDF on Mac:
Open the file in Preview and press Command-I.

PDF on PC:
Open the file in Adobe Acrobat, then click File, then Properties.

Adobe Illustrator:
Click File, then Document Setup, then Edit Artboards.

BioRender:
Click Export, enter your poster dimensions, select PDF, and choose High Resolution for Print.

Can my poster be scaled up or down?

Often, yes. If your poster is built proportionally, it can usually be scaled to a different size.

For example, a 36 × 48 inch poster can scale proportionally to 30 × 40 inches or 42 × 56 inches.

If your file does not match the size ordered, or if scaling would distort your poster, we will contact you before printing.

Do I need to specify landscape or portrait orientation?

No. We will review your file and print it in the correct orientation based on the document layout.

If there is an issue with the file size, orientation, or the size selected at checkout, we will contact you before printing.

Will you check my file before printing?

We review basic print-readiness, including file size, orientation, and whether the submitted file appears suitable for printing.

We do not routinely proofread scientific content, spelling, author names, figure labels, grant numbers, logos, or institutional information. Please carefully review your poster before submitting your order.

What resolution should my images be?

For best results, use high-resolution images and export your poster as a high-quality PDF. Low-resolution images may appear blurry or pixelated when printed at poster size.

If your poster contains microscopy images, flow cytometry plots, graphs, or high-detail figures, we recommend checking the final PDF at high zoom before uploading.

What poster materials do you offer?

NorthStar Scientific Posters offers three primary poster options:

Foldable Polyester Fabric Posters
Best for travel, conferences, shipping, and reusable presentation needs.

Matte Paper Posters
Best for clear readability, low glare, and professional academic presentation.

Semi-Gloss Paper Posters
Best for vibrant color, sharper contrast, and a polished presentation look.

Which material should I choose?

Choose foldable fabric if you are traveling, shipping your poster, or want a reusable poster that folds into luggage.

Choose matte paper if you want a professional, low-glare poster that is easy to read under bright lights.

Choose semi-gloss paper if you want a polished poster with richer color and stronger visual impact.

Can paper posters be shipped?

At this time, shipping is available only for foldable fabric posters. Paper posters are available for local pickup or eligible local delivery.

I am from a tax-exempt organization. How can I place my order tax-free?

Please contact us before placing your order. We can help process tax-exempt orders once the appropriate tax-exempt documentation is provided.

Do you offer group or bulk discounts?

Yes. We offer custom pricing for bulk poster orders, including scientific conferences, departmental seminars, division events, summer research poster sessions, student research programs, and other multi-poster projects.

Please contact us in advance with your approximate number of posters, preferred material, sizes, timeline, and delivery or pickup needs.

Can you help with custom printing projects?

Yes. In addition to standard scientific poster orders, we are happy to discuss custom printing projects, event printing, coordinated poster sessions, and special requests.

Please contact us with project details, quantity, timeline, material preference, and any delivery, pickup, or shipping requirements.

How should I travel with a fabric poster?

Foldable fabric posters are made from a durable polyester fabric that can be folded and packed in your luggage.

For best results, fold the poster gently and avoid creating hard creases. When you arrive, remove the poster from your luggage and allow it to relax before presenting.

Can I iron my fabric poster?

Yes, if needed. Place a clean pillowcase or cloth over an ironing board and lay the poster print-side down.

Use low heat, no steam, and keep the iron moving. Do not use high heat, and do not hold the iron in one place for an extended time.

What if I made a mistake after submitting my order?

Please contact us as soon as possible. If your poster has not yet been printed, we may be able to update the file, size, material, or delivery/pickup selection.

Once printing has started, changes may not be possible.

What if there is a problem with my printed poster?

Please contact us promptly. We want your poster to look professional and presentation-ready. If there is a printing or production issue, we will work with you to resolve it.

NorthStar Scientific Posters is happy to work with universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, laboratories, and other institutions that qualify for sales tax exemption.

Because tax-exempt orders require documentation review, please do not place tax-exempt orders through the standard online checkout. Standard checkout orders may automatically include Minnesota sales tax.

How to Place a Tax Exempt Order

To place a tax-exempt order, please email NorthStar Scientific Posters with the following information:

1. Institution or organization name

2. Department, lab, or program name

3. Contact person, email address, and phone number

4. Poster size and print material requested

5. Desired pickup or delivery date/time

6. Delivery location or pickup preference

7. Purchase order number, if applicable

8. Completed Minnesota Form ST3, Certificate of Exemption, or other applicable exemption documentation

9. Poster file, or a request for a secure upload link

After we receive your order information and exemption documentation, we will review the order and send a tax-exempt invoice or payment link. Once payment and the poster file are received, your order will be scheduled for printing.

Important Notes

Tax-exempt status must be documented before sales tax can be removed from an order. If a completed exemption certificate or other valid documentation is not provided, Minnesota sales tax will be charged.

A university, government, nonprofit, or institutional email address alone is not sufficient to establish tax-exempt status. NorthStar Scientific Posters must receive and retain the required exemption documentation for our records.

For fastest service, please include your completed exemption certificate and purchase order information when submitting your order.

Questions? Please contact us at:
admin -at- northstarposters.com