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Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping Information

Information about shipping can be found in our Shipping Information section.

Order Cancellations

Can I cancel or revise my order?

Yes, we can cancel or revise your order as long as your order has not yet been picked, packed and assigned a tracking number. Please contact customer service to check current status of your order. You can reach our customer service team Monday thru Friday, 7:30am to 5:00pm, Central Time. (See holiday hours)

NOTE: Order changes or cancellations must be submitted via email to our customer service team at cs@thepapermillstore.com

Phone: (800) 790-TPMS (8767)
Email: cs@thepapermillstore.com
Live Chat: Ask us a question

If your order hasn’t been assigned a tracking number or shipped:
Please confirm your cancellation with our customer service team and we will take care of the rest.

If your order has already been assigned a tracking number or shipped:
Upon receipt of your order, please contact our customer service team to have a return authorization code issued. Please see our return policy for more details.

Product Pricing

Do you offer any discounts?

We offer several discount opportunities, including our Buyer Rewards program, special discount programs for qualifying organizations, as well as exclusive email promotions you can access by joining our mailing list.

Email promotions

Join our email list and receive a discount code for $5 off your next order of $15 or more. Stay up to date with the latest from The Paper Mill Store and be the first to receive promotional discount codes when available.

Buyer Rewards

Create a customer account at The Paper Mill Store and start earning reward points with every order. Buyer Rewards members earn discounts that translate dollars into points ($1 = 1 point) and points earn you increasing discounts on every order. Points totals are calculated on a rolling 365 day period and your discount level will reflect your purchases within the current 365 day window.

More Discount Programs

Learn more about Buyer Rewards and our discount programs.

Payment Options

We accept all major credit cards, as well as payments made through PayPal.

For credit card orders, once your order is ready to ship, the funds held on your card from the time of order placement will be charged. If your order was delayed due to product availability, we may need to reach out to you for updated payment information.

If you would like to fax in your order form, please submit your order to our secure fax line 608-834-9800. Please print out our order form and send it to us.

If you would like to send us your order by mail, please print out our order form and complete your order information. Send it to us by U.S. mail, with your check or money order made payable to ThePaperMillStore.com.

Paper Samples & Swatch Books

Do you offer Samples or Swatch books?

Official Mill Swatchbooks

Our Paper Mill suppliers produce beautiful sample swatchbooks which are essential tools in every designer's library.

Swatchbooks are available for most brands of paper and envelopes that we carry. These swatchbooks have small paper samples of the colors, weights and/or finishes of each brand.

Paper Samples

There's no better way to understand exactly how a paper looks and what it feels like than a sample of the actual paper. You can use samples to confirm color, test printing and experience it's texture and finish.

We've made it simple to order samples of all your favorite papers. Simply click on the 'Order Sample' button and a single 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of the selected paper will be added to your cart.

Samples are just $3.00 each and ship free to the US, Canada & Puerto Rico via USPS usually within 24-48 hours from receipt of order. Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery.

NOTE: Samples and Swatchbooks cannot be returned.

Color Selection of Paper and Envelopes

The product images on our detail pages are large and very detailed, especially when using the zoom feature. This gives you the best visual experience we can offer over the internet. We provide detailed descriptions and specifications about each product along with the CMYK and RGB color values of each product. We also offer printing and handling hints for most products to help you determine which paper is best suited for your requirements.

NOTE: Accurate color representation varies based on computer monitor model, settings and ambient light conditions. If exact color is important to you, we recommend purchasing a sample first.

Paper Services

Custom Trimming, Perforating, Scoring and Drilling T&C

The nature of custom services requires that you be absolutely sure that this is the paper that you want. You will have no opportunity to return or exchange this paper once your custom services have been applied to the paper.

By placing your custom services order, you are agreeing that the choice of paper and all aspects of this custom services order have been your sole decision and that you accept full responsibility for this decision, even if The Paper Mill Store staff participated in your decision making process. You further agree that even if the paper does not perform as you had wanted, is not the color or weight that you intended or is not to your liking for any reason, the paper is not returnable or exchangeable for a full or partial refund.

If you have any uncertainty about the paper you are ordering or are not familiar with the specific brand, we recommend that you order a sample packet or swatchbook before placing your custom services order so that you can feel and touch the paper before ordering. The Paper Mill Store accepts no liability for customized paper except that we guarantee the quality of the customization services itself.

Due to setup and testing requirements, please note that slight quantity variances may occur when ordering custom perforated/scored paper. The variance in quantity for total number of sheets may be up to +/- 4% of the ordered quantity.

Additionally, custom perforated/scored papers may experience minimal variations in finished measurements. Variances within 1/32” – 1/16” are within industry tolerance for acceptable, good-quality product as absolute perfect perforations or scores (particularly for scoring) is nearly impossible to achieve. As long as the product is square and even with less than 1/16” measurement variance, it is considered within industry tolerance and standards.

In case you receive any custom orders with variances outside of those listed above, please contact our Customer Service team with your order number and we will gladly assist you with a resolution.

Common Paper Questions

Printing and Handling Guide

Our papers print easily offset, digitally and on laser or ink-jet printers. But every paper isn't suitable for every printing process so there are things you and your printer need to know and can do to ensure the cleanest, most successful print project possible. And some papers do require specific inks and handling techniques.

Through our decades of experience working with paper mills and printers, and from the technical expertise of our on-staff paper scientist, we’ve assembled printing and handling hints for all of our specialty papers and envelopes. You can find these hints on the product detail pages and are also available there as a PDF download.

What is Vellum?

Vellum is a term used to describe two different paper types, translucent paper and the surface structure of paper. Below are the two most common modern uses of the word vellum.

Vellum is a translucent paper used primarily in scrapbooking and paper crafts. You will see this usage of vellum often used in conjunction with the word "translucent" as in translucent vellum.

Examples of translucent vellum paper:

Vellum is the slightly rough surface structure of non translucent paper. You will see this usage of vellum often used in conjunction with the word "finish" or "surface structure" as in vellum finish or vellum surface structure.

Examples of vellum finish paper:

What is pt.?

Point or the more common usage pt. is the term used to indicate the thickness of cover papers. You will see cover papers commonly referred to as 8 pt., 10 pt., 12 pt. and 14 pt. The higher the pt value the thicker the paper. Therefore 10 pt is thicker than 8 pt.

Each point equals .001 inch:

  • 8 pt. = .008 inches
  • 10 pt. = .010 inches
  • 12 pt. = .012 inches
  • 14 pt. = .014 inches

An approximation of points converted to cover weights:

  • 8 pt approximates to 66 lb cover
  • 10 pt approximates to 80 lb cover
  • 12 pt approximates to 92 lb cover

The above approximate figures should only be used for an indication of how paper thickness converts into paper weights and are posted solely for the convenience of those who are unfamiliar with various paper weights. For more precise equivalents please contact our customer service department.

What is C/1S and C/2S?

C/1S and C/2S are used to indicate which side of a particular paper has a coating on it. C/1S indicates "coated on one side." C/2S indicates "coated on two sides."

Some examples of C/1S are:

Some examples of C/2S are:

What is G/M2?

G/M2 is the metric designation to indicate "grams per square meter." Metric paper measure calculates all paper weight by measuring the weight of a single sheet of paper by how many grams per square meter.

Common paper grammages are:

  • 90 G/M2
  • 110 G/M2
  • 150 G/M2

On a bond paper basis these grammages equal:

  • 90 G/M2 = 24 lb bond
  • 110 G/M2 = 29 lb bond
  • 150 G/M2 = 48 lb bond

Web Site Security

How Do I Know TPMS Is Secure?

Your online security and your confidence in us is a primary goal that we work towards every day. We appreciate your trust in us and we take extraordinary steps to earn and keep your trust.

Your shopping experience at The Paper Mill Store is highly encrypted and offers state of the art security. The authenticity and security of our site is regularly monitored and tested from several security end points. Our site meets all of the highest security scanning standards of the U.S. government, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Sensitive payment information is never stored on any of our servers and we do not share contact information with any third parties. Further, we are members of the Better Business Bureau and carry its online verification certificate so that you can personally check out our consumer business track record. We're proud of our record. We are also members of the Wisconsin Paper Group, National Paper Trade Association and the Wisconsin Paper Council.

Why Buy from TPMS?

TPMS Buys Directly from Paper Mills

The Paper Mill Store .com has assembled some of the world's finest paper manufacturers and envelope converters to bring you an unrivaled offering of fine papers and envelopes in the quantities you need. By offering top quality brand named papers and envelopes you are assured of the highest quality standards, good availability and the opportunity to have access to papers and envelopes which are on the cutting edge of modern day paper design.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

No-questions-asked guarantee

All of our products are 100% guaranteed to be free from any quality defects. Because we only sell mill-branded paper and envelopes, you can be assured of consistent quality, but if there is ever a quality defect, you can return your paper for a full refund of the paper or envelope purchased, not including shipping charges. See our return shipping instructions.

Even if the paper is technically perfect, you can send it back if you’re not happy with it. Returns must be initiated within 30 days of delivery.

Restrictions apply

No Hassle Returns

If there is ever a quality defect, you can return your paper for a full refund of the paper or envelope purchased, not including shipping charges. Returns must be initiated within 30 days of delivery.

Paper Industry Supported

The Paper Mill Store .com is the only solely online web merchant supplied directly by paper mills and their authorized envelope converters.

The Paper Mill Store .com (TPMS) is supported by the forward thinking members of the paper industry and exists to blend traditional paper distribution and e-commerce making the paper and envelopes of our paper mill partners available in all markets in the quantities you need. The business model of TPMS is focused on graphics professionals and welcomes all visitors seeking top quality paper and envelope products. With our focus on graphics professionals as our guide we have created a superior offering of brand name paper and envelope products ready to ship from our Paper Valley Wisconsin warehouse.

Local paper merchants are an integral facet of paper mill's fine paper distribution strategy, acting as small order specialists TPMS compliments local paper merchant distribution by making it easy and economical for local paper merchants to service small and locally non stocked orders for their graphics customers. Ask your local paper merchant about our Merchant Referral program. All fine paper merchants are invited to join TPMS.

We use 100% Wind Power

We use wind power to offset 100% of our electrical usage.

The Paper Mill Store .com uses wind power in all of our facilities. We choose to purchase wind power credits for our corporate offices as well as our converting and distribution center to help protect the environment and reduce the use of foreign oil. The purchase of wind power credits serves as a voluntary subsidy for the growth and expansion of wind power production. This is important as it helps our country move away from foreign oil while reducing the introduction of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Here's how wind power helps

  • The Paper Mill Store electricity usage: ~245,290 Annual Kilowatt Hours
  • This renewable energy purchase avoids introducing 341,445 lbs of carbon dioxide into the air: 41,445 lbs of CO2 Annual Avoidance
  • This renewable energy purchase has the equivalent carbon dioxide reduction as the planting of 46 acres of trees: 46 Acres of total planted trees
  • Carbon dioxide emissions avoided compares to NOT driving 267,783 miles in a car: 267,783 miles NOT driven or 96 car trips from New York City to Los Angeles
We are FSC Certified

Our commitment to corporate and environmental responsibility

Our five-acre campus on the pond is clustered with a wide variety of more than 100 trees including cottonwoods, ash, aspen, river and white birch, various fruit trees, lindens, lotus, maples, oaks and weeping willows. We enjoy watching a mix of wildlife on the property including fox, coyote, hawks, deer, great blue heron, king fishers, rabbits and more.

We are deeply committed to protecting natural and people resources, and act on those beliefs through:

  • Our use of 100% Wind Power through the purchase of renewable energy credits.

This has the equivalent of annual carbon dioxide reduction as the planting of 46 acres of trees.

  • Our offsetting of 100% of the carbon produced by our outbound shipments.
  • Our Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification.

Our ongoing process of reducing our energy usage and finding more recycled shipping materials and products for sale on our site.

When purchasing FSC certified paper and envelopes from us you can be certain that the fiber used to manufacture certified paper and envelopes came from well managed forests where people, wildlife and the environment benefit from the forestry practices.

Our Environmental Policy

Our vision is to provide you with the best papers, envelopes and graphics arts tools available while providing friendly, thoughtful and helpful customer service. We do this in concert with what might be the largest selection of eco-preferable fine paper products available online. Internally we operate our company using as many eco-preferable processes and resources as we can. We support wind power, because it is clean, renewable, American made and creates more jobs here.

We believe responsible use of resources is smart. And we want to help you make informed choices for your projects. From your "concept to completion" we give you the most eco-preferable choices supported by our educational materials, detailed product information and our growing list of like-minded suppliers. We hope to be a reliable resource and a part of your solution when creating paper based projects.

Find out more about our Environmental Responsibility

Sales Tax & Exemptions

Why am I paying sales tax on my Internet purchase

Due to the Supreme Court ruling on South Dakota vs Wayfair (see case here), the majority of states are now requiring ecommerce companies that satisfy their nexus rules to collect and report sales tax on Internet transactions shipped to their state.

As such, The Paper Mill Store is currently obligated to collect sales tax in several states with the expectation that this list will grow as individual states adjust their nexus rules.

Current list of states:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
How do I register for tax exempt status?

For our tax exempt customers, we have worked with a leading tax management software provider to design a self-service system that allows you to register your tax exempt certificates with our company. The process is very easy and we have a dedicated team to answer any questions on how to register your tax exempt status with The Paper Mill Store.

NOTE: All customers will need to register their tax exempt certificate(s) in our new system, even if you have registered with The Paper Mill Store in the past.

Registering your tax exempt certificate can be done in 4 simple steps:

  • Create or log into your user account at The Paper Mill Store
  • Navigate to the Tax Exempt Certificates section
  • Select your state and click “Upload your certificate”
  • You can check the status of your certificate registration in the Tax Exempt Certificates section of your online account.

Once our customer service team has validated your certificate, you will be able to place tax exempt orders at The Paper Mill Store automatically.