Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.
As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Just start by following one of the links below.
If you think of question that is not on this list, please click on "Ask a Question" and let us know what you're thinking. If enough people ask the same question, we'll post the answer in this section for future visitors.
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
- What is a "proof"?
- Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
- Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
After we have your information on sign content, colors, font preferences, and materials; and after we have received payment or arrangements for payment, (1) our graphic artist will do a draft layout (usually within one to three days depending on workload). The draft layout will come to you as a PDF attachment to an email, and you may approve or make changes. (2) When you approve a final layout, your job will be released to (3) production - with completion expected within two to three business days.
If we accept a rush job that must be completed in less than one week, there may be additional charges (when employee overtime is required).
- What is a "proof"?
A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned as you like it. Every sign job except real estate riders gets up to two color proofs free of charge. We are happy to continue making changes and sending proofs until you have exactly what you want, but after two proofs, you will incur charges for graphics time (by the hour, in one-minute increments) until you approve the final design.
We generate your color proof from our production software and send it to you by email. If email is not an option for you, you may view a proof at out office.
When you must see final colors, shading, or gradients as they will be on your sign or banner, we can generate a production proof on our production equipment on the same materials from which we will manufacture your sign. There will be a $25.00 fee for each production proof.
- Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
As much as we'd like to be perfect, we occasionally miss something or misunderstand something. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate.
- Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
Yes. Output devices process digital information using a variety of processing languages. Many design software programs use layers, and layers can somehow get out of order so that an important part of your design is hidden underneath something else. When that happens, we have no way of knowing from your file alone if it is appearing as you intended. It's always a good idea to also provide a "preview" file such as a PDF or a jpg that we can use to check the production file against.
Because this type of proof is not necessarily for typesetting, it can be even more difficult for you to spot a problem. Look extremely carefully to be sure that every object in the design is where it is supposed to be and in front of or behind what it's supposed to be.
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. If you would prefer, you can give us a call at anytime during business hours and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
