Q:    How can signs help my business?

A:    Your image and how you represent your company is one of the most important aspects of business and of how customers and prospects identify you.  Most people make decisions based on the look of your business image.

Q:    What are the main functions for signage?

A:    Signage is designed to fit into three main categories:

1. Advertising,
2. Directional/Informational, and
3. Safety

Q.    What is the process for determining the best sign for my needs?

A.    Our sales and design team will discuss with you your intentions or purpose for the signage.  What do you desire to achieve with the signage?  Where will the signs be installed? How will the signs be installed?  This will help to determine the type of material, sizes, colours, and installation methods to get the best result for your investment.

Q:    How quick can I get my signs?

A:    The turnaround time is determined by the type of sign, materials and workload; however we pride ourselves in trying to meet most of our clients’ deadline. Please remember though, electrical signs and signage requiring permits may require a longer turnaround, and we have no control over any couriers that we use to ship our signs.

Q:    How much does it cost?

A:    Naturally there is a wide variety of products making an equally wide variety of costs. Itemised quotes are provided up front at your request so there are no surprises!  We are always happy to offer you many options to meet any budget

Q:     How long will my sign last?

A:     We have many levels of materials to choose from.  We use some of the best materials in the industry: 3M, Avery, Oracle, etc.  If you only need a quick sign that will be taken down after a few weeks or months, we can make your sign in a less expensive material.  If you need it to last a few years, we will make it with a better grade of material to withstand the elements for the time period you need it to last. If you need it to last 5-7 years or longer, we will go with some of the best material available on the market today and you will be able to enjoy your signage for years and years to come.  We also can add UV resistant laminates to enhance the longevity.

Q.    Do you make signs in standard sizes?

A.    We produce custom signs and banners to fit your needs and achieve your desired outcome. There are some standard sizes for safety signage etc., but the majority of the signs we produce are designed to fit the needs of the customer and the variables of where the sign will be displayed.

Q:     How do I know if I'm going to like the design or even the finished product?

A:     Clients are never surprised with the final product because we provide a full colour proof of what it will look like before anything goes to final production.  In most cases, we will email the proof for your approval. If a change is made, we will provide another proof to insure your satisfaction.  

Q:     Can I approve the sign before it's made?

A:     Absolutely. Before we begin production, we require your approval of the artwork, colours, spelling, and layout. Once you are satisfied, we begin producing your sign. We will not commence production until your full approval has been given.

Q:    How do I submit artwork/ files?

A:    We work with most professional design applications including Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator, etc. If we’re “cutting” the lettering or logo out, we will be needing a Vector File, otherwise we can digitize (or Vectorise) the artwork you provide us in a JPEG, TIFF, PSD, GIF, etc. at an additional charge.  You can email us your Print or cut ready artwork, mail us a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD or USB flash. Please be sure that artwork is sent “high resolution”. If you have questions concerning your artwork or need help uploading, feel free to contact us by going to our Contact Us page where you will find all the info you will need to get us your files.

Q:    What resolution is acceptable for artwork submitted?

A:    If sending your artwork in “real size”, please send your work at 300 DPI.  Remember when digitally printing signs, the end result will only be as good as the image you give us.

Q:    What is DPI?

A:    Dots per inch (DPI) is the standard of measurement for the resolution of images that describes the number of dots per inch that are used to create an image. The higher the DPI, the higher the resolution which translates to better quality of your image and final product.

Q:    What is the difference between vector and bitmap images and which is better?

A:    A vector image is one of the two major graphic types (the other being bitmap) made up of many individual objects. vector graphics are resolution independent because they can be output to the highest quality at any scale.  A bitmap (or raster) image is comprised of pixels in a grip. Bitmap images cannot be resized without losing image quality. Common bitmap-based formats are JPEG, JPG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, PICT and BMP.  Vector image is the preferred format for submitting artwork however since it is not a format common to non- designers, bitmap images at the correct resolution (see above) can be substituted.

Q.    How visible will my sign be?

A.    Different fonts and color combinations can affect distance readability; we will work with you to get the best visibility for your signage to get your message out there.

Q.    What colours show up the best?

A.    The choice of colour and space is a very important aspect when considering the effectiveness of a particular message.

Q.    How does full colour graphics help my image?

A.    Full color graphics have the potential to make your business more professional and consistently branded. High resolution and full colour graphics also increase the customer’s perception of the quality of the service and/or product.  Remember sometimes a picture tells a thousand words

Q.    What’s the difference between a partial vehicle wrap and a full vehicle wrap?

A.    A full vehicle wrap covers every area of exposed paint on the vehicle, while a partial wrap might only cover a side or a body panel.

Q.    Is the colour I see on my monitor accurate to what I’ll receive?

A.    Because color is subjective and can be produced by many methods, there may be slight variations in the way colour appears. Using state-of-the-art technology, we will, in almost all cases, be able to provide the specified color.  If you required a specific colour you will need to supply us a PMS or Pantone colour.

Q.    What is a Pantone or PMS colour?

A.    Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing, though sometimes in the manufacture of coloured paint, fabric, and plastics.  The Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardised colour reproduction system.  By standardising the colours, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colours match without direct contact with one another. Click here to view a Pantone colour chart.

Q.    Do I need laminate on my sign?

A.    In many cases, lamination is not required to produce a durable product, but can enhance the appearance and will extend the life of any sign.

Q.    Does Total Concept Signs provide installation services?

A.    Yes, Total Concept Signs has professional installation team for all your needs.

Q.    Can Total Concept Signs provide on-site consultations?

A.    We are more than happy to meet with you at your location to help provide the correct solution for your signage needs.  We also can provide a Site Safety Audit at a cost.

Q.    What file format can I use if I email it to you?

A.    Generally, PC format is preferred. For more information give our team a call to discuss the formats required.

Q.    Can you use a digital image from my camera?

A.    Yes, but there are limitations with enlarging digital images; therefore, quality may suffer. Contact our team to discuss your specific image and the ability to incorporate the image into your new sign.

Q.    Do you make business cards, flyers and menus?

Yes, Total Concept Signs supplies and installs everything you can think of in signage and printing, including wide format digital printing.