Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place. As the name suggests, 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.

1. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
2. What is a "proof"?
3. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
4. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
5. What file formats do you need to make my sign?
6. What sort of printers do you use?
7. What other special equipment do you have?
8. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
9. Gimme a Quantity Discount!

1. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
   There really isn't a short answer to this question. Most basic jobs (such as banners, magnetics, posters) can be done within a week's time. More complicated jobs that involve custom fabrication can take anywhere from two to six weeks typically. Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands.
   
   
2. What is a "proof"?
   A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will send you a pdf (either via FTP, e-mail or fax - your preference) of our art layout for your approval prior to production.
   
   If you need to verify color matches, we can produce a proof (for a small cost) which will be printed on your selected media which can be viewed in our store or delivered to you in person by our courier service.
   
   
3. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
   We employ human beings to produce your work and, last time we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.
   
   
4. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
   It may seem like a proof wouldn't be needed in this case but it really is. Output devices process digital information using a variety of processing languages. Your approval of the proof which we will provide assures that the output device used has correctly interpreted and processed the information you have provided.
   
   
5. What file formats do you need to make my sign?
   Mac: Adobe Illustrator CS, Adobe Photoshop CS, Adobe InDesign CS, QuarkXpress 6.5
   
   PC: Adobe Illustrator CS2, Adobe Photoshop CS2, Adobe InDesign CS2, CorelDraw12
   
   In order to avoid art set-up fees, you must provide us a vectored file (a .cdr, .ai or .eps) of your art. Be sure to include any necessary font files. These files can be sent directly to us via our FTP portal.
   
   While we can work from .jpg, .tif, and .pdf files, please realize that if they are not high enough resolution (typically 100 dpi at the size you intend to print), they may look pixilated or distorted when printed. We'll try to advise you of this once we get your files.
   
   We CANNOT work from PowerPoint files - sorry! Know it's a neat thing for creating slide presentations, but it has all sorts of formatting problems when imported for digital printing.
   
   We have a large library of fonts and can re-create most artwork in-house, if needed. Our standard hourly art charges will apply.
   
   
6. What sort of printers do you use?
   Well, we have four large format digital ink printers - at least one to fit any printing need.
   
   We have two solvent printers:
   
   Seiko Color Painter 64S (holds 63" media and prints about 60" wide)
   Roland Sol Jet Pro II (holds 54" media and prints about 52" wide)
   
   We also have two aqueous printers:
   
   HP 5500 with dye-based inks (holds 60" media)
   HP 5000 with eco-sol UV inks (holds 60" media)
   
   Now, try that at home!
   
   
7. What other special equipment do you have?
   We're glad you asked.
   
   A partial listing of our shop equipment includes:
   
   Gerber Sabre CAD-CAM router
   AGL64 hot/cold laminator (accomodates 64" media)
   Universal Laser cutter (18" x 24" bed)
   Vision 1624 Engraver
   Graphtec vinyl plotters (30" and 54")
   Gerber Edge foil printer (15")
   
   Plus a full complement of woodworking, metalworking and fabrication equipment, including MIG, arc and stud welders, metal brakes, metal shears, etc.
   
   
8. 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. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call and talk with one of our Account Executives.
   
   
9. Gimme a Quantity Discount!
   Ok, sure! Typically our pricing is based on volume - the larger order you place at one time, the lower the price per item. Why? Because there's a great amount of set-up time involved every time we have to load different materials into a printer or set up our engraving machine for different materials. And, sometimes we can economize on materials by nesting them so that no materials are wasted. So, keep in mind if you think you'll need more, it's better to order things in larger batches than piecemeal. We'll usually advise you of this when you order as we want to keep our prices as low as possible for you.