Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Are signs an effective form of advertising?
A - When compared to television, radio, newspapers, billboards, the Yellow Pages and direct mail advertising, signs are the most cost effective form of advertising. Studies have shown that an effective and prominent on-premises sign can drive over 50% of customers to your place of business. A car wrap, in a metro area the size of Charlotte, North Carolina, will garner over 1 million views per year. That breaks down to just a fraction of a penny per impression, per year (and a wrap can stay on a vehicle for several years).
Q – Do I need to provide you with my own artwork for my sign?
A – Many clients do provide artwork to us, but it is not necessary. Sign Innovations is a full service sign company, so we have consultants and graphic designers who can work with you every step of the way, whether you have a fully developed concept, brand and the accompanying artwork, or if you just know you have a general need. The possibilities are endless, so we will work with you to provide you with options that will display your message in the most effective way to drive your business.
Q – If I provide you with my own artwork, what type of file should I provide?
A – While we can accept most file types, we recommend sending the original, native files (Adobe Illustrator .AI, InDesign .INDD, etc.) with all of the supporting linked files and fonts. If you would prefer not to send the fonts, you will need to convert them to paths. Also, all linked images and document colors should be CMYK. Compress all of the files and folder into a single ZIP or SIT file before sending. Vector artwork (such as .EPS) is recommended for the highest quality output, but if you need to send a raster image (TIF or JPG), please provide the artwork at the final output size with a resolution no less than 150 dpi. If you have any questions, a member of our staff will be more than happy to assist you.
Q – How much will my sign cost?
A – There is actually no easy answer to this question. The cost of any sign depends on many, many different factors such as choice of material, colors, size, whether illuminated or not, mounting requirements, permitting, lead-time and maintenance requirements. A good place for any potential client to start is to consider your budget. We will help to determine the options that satisfy your requirements while also fitting within your budget.
Q - Would you visit my site to consult with me on my project?
A - Sign Innovations is a full service sign company, so we would be happy to visit your location to ensure we provide you with the right product, at the right size and with maximum readability and effectiveness. A site visit is oftentimes very helpful in describing your needs in the actual environment in which it will be seen.
Q - Are full color graphics important?
A - Full color graphics have the potential to make your business more professional and consistently branded. High resolution and full color graphics also increase the customer’s perception of the quality of the service and/or product. There are times when simpler is better, and our highly trained staff will work with you to make sure you get the right impact for maximum effectiveness in every situation.
Q – Will I need a permit?
A – Outdoor signage does require a permit. Permitting requirements vary tremendously depending on city and county codes. We will work with you to facilitate the permitting process, or you may obtain them on your own. Sign Innovations cannot install outdoor signage without the proper permits, and we are also not responsible for signs that are picked up and installed without fulfilling the proper permitting requirements. We advise calling us for a consultation on this topic prior to installation of any outdoor sign. We’ll be with you every step of the way to help navigate through any unfamiliar regulations and requirements.
Q - I am extremely particular about my company’s logo and brand colors. Can I trust you
to produce graphics that will meet my expectations?
A – Sign Innovations uses a color management and matching system that is second to none. We calibrate colors between our monitors, printers and across all of our print media. Although many signage and graphics companies see this as an unnecessary cost, we see it as an essential step in meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. We will also print a test sample of any color upon request to ensure the color meets with your approval prior to moving forward on your project.
Q – Will my vehicle wrap damage my vehicle? How long does a wrap last? How are
wraps removed?
A – First of all, be sure to get your vehicle wrap applied by professional installers. Once installed, a wrap will actually help protect your vehicle’s paint from weather and also road chips. A properly applied wrap can last many years depending on various factors such as vehicle usage, whether it is maintained or garaged, and especially the type of wrapping material and ink used as well as how it is applied. Various materials are available depending on your objectives and budget, and they have corresponding life spans. Wraps are easily removed by a professional with the proper knowledge and skills. When removed, your vehicle will actually look as good as the same as the day it was applied. For this reason, even leased vehicles can be wrapped without any additional charges when the vehicle is returned.
Q – How long will it take for my sign to be produced?
A – The production process varies by product and type, but a digitally produced sign can typically be produced in about 2 – 5 days, while other, more involved fabricated signs will generally take about 2 – 4 weeks. This is from the date of proof sign-off to the date of completed installation. Examples of digitally produced signage include banners, posters, or window graphics. Examples of fabricated signs include channel letters, illuminated signs, dimensional lettering, sandblasted or monument signs and vehicle wraps. When planning for any signage need, always remember to plan for every step of the process, such as creating design options if you don’t have production-ready artwork, or permitting if you have a need for outdoor signage. Some rush jobs may be able to be accommodated, and we of course will do our absolute best to work these into our schedule to meet your deadline.
Q – What sets Sign Innovations apart?
A – We are not a typical “sign shop”. We are an independent, full service commercial sign company that is concerned with not only meeting, but exceeding, every one of our customer’s expectations, every time. We are committed to providing you with only the very best in product and service excellence. We recognize that there are a lot of choices when it comes to choosing a signage company. Signage is an important investment for your company. We don’t view your project as a one-time transaction but the start of a long-term business relationship. Trust Sign Innovations to be a strategic and reliable partner with you every step of the way, for every project.
Image is everything. Let us reinvent the face of your business to increase your market share.
 
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