Signage FAQ | Can you fix my banner stand?

I recently had some ask if we could fix a broken elastic cord that holds the pole sections together for a roll-up banner stand. Unfortunately, its like so much of the electronics we but today, it’s cheaper to buy a new one. Problems with the graphic being damaged, detached or not rolling up can be easily fixed. On the other hand, problems with the hardware and mechanisms is a very different story unless the product has a lifetime warranty.

Features such as size, adjustable height, and removable graphics cassettes are easy to translate into value for your dollar but durability is often overlooked. Before making that final decision to but it is important to  consider frequency of use, transport and handling environment, and impact/cost of an unusable banner when you arrive at a trade show or exhibit.

Warrantys for banner stands are typically measured in days, years, or lifetime.  Those measured in days (90 typically) are cheap knock-offs and will require tender loving care to keep working properly.  1 year warrantys apply to significant portion of the market and will handle light local duty. Unfortunately, hardware replacement parts are not available for either of these categories and a new unit must be purchased when it breaks. 

If you a using your banner stand frequently and/or transport via airlines a unit with a lifetime warranty is the only way to go.  Repairs can be made by simply returning the unit to the manufacturer.  Yes, there is a premium to pay up front but it will small compared to the cost of not being ready when show begins.

Mission City Signs, Inc is an independently owned full service sign company with operations at 186 E. Sunnyoaks Ave Suite E, Campbell, CA. Contact us at (408) 963-6587 or info@missioncitysigns.com for more information on your signage needs.

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Signage FAQ | What is available to make my upcoming tradeshow or exhibit stand out?

Graphics and hardware for tradeshows or exhibits span from a very small 81/2″ by 11″ table top roll-up banner to complete large scale booths.

Where space is limited and quick set-up is needed tension, telescopic and roll-up banners are ideal. Features to consider are adjustable height, removable graphics cassette, and double-sided. Graphics width varies by manufacturing but sizes between 30- 40 inches are readily available.

For larger multi-day events using a 10′ x 10″ booth, options available grow exponentially. Graphic backwalls, Popup displays, packing cases that convert to counter tops, lighting fixtures, table throws, literature racks and more can be incorporated. Backwalls and popups come in a variety of modules that can be covered with customer graphics to provide dramatic improvement over the standard black drape usually included with your booth.

If your competitive environment requires a large high impact displays, truss systems that require no tools to assemble can be designed to include, counter tops, lighting fixtures, table throws, literature racks shelving, monitors, and hanging structures to meeting your exacting needs.

Displays for your event are available for almost any budget and making decisions can be overwhelming. With 10 plus years experiences in designing and building tradeshow exhibits we are here to help the best selection based on your display space, viewing distance, ease of set-up, warranty, competitive landscape and budget constraints.

Mission City Signs, Inc is an independently owned full service sign company with operations at 186 E. Sunnyoaks Ave Suite E, Campbell, CA. Contact us at (408) 963-6587 or info@missioncitysigns.com for more information on your signage needs.

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Signage FAQ | What types of banners do you make?

Banners are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and types. In addition to the traditional rectangular with grommets, banners for exhibits, tradeshow displays, and attention getting flags are available. All banners produced using our wide-format digital printer are available with an unlimited number of colors at no extra charge.

Traditional banners are typically made from 13 oz. vinyl in sizes up to 4′ high and lengths up to 150′. Lighter weight materials are available but for the small price difference I don’t recommend using them. Oversized banners can also be produced based on your custom requirements.

Exhibit, tradeshow, presentation display banners are available for almost any budget. We recommend using a 10 Mil non-curling block-out polyester material in most application to provide professional high-resolution appearance. Banner stand styles include roll-ups, linear walls, double-sided, rotating, and scrolling. For the road warrior, there are products with a life-time hardware warranty and replacement parts readily available in 1 day worldwide.

You can’t help but notice the variety of attention getting banner flags when driving through any retail shopping area. Although they look fairly simple, they are made to withstand the constant buffeting of the wind and elements. Configurations include teardrop, bow, and flag pole systems.

So, as you see, if you need a banner there is solution that we can provide you with your budget in mind.

Mission City Signs, Inc is an independently owned full service sign company with operations at 186 E. Sunnyoaks Ave Suite E, Campbell, CA. Contact us at (408) 963-6587 or info@missioncitysigns.com for more information on your signage needs.

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Signage FAQs | What type of decals can you produce?

A majority of what we produce on our wide-format digital printer/cutter is some form a decal (adhesive backed). Our Versa Cam 540i wide-format printer/cutter enables us to economically produce complex contour cut decals to match your graphics and application needs. There are a number of characteristics that define decals, including: size, shape, application environment.

From very small to very large, most any size can be produced. On the very small end, if order quantity is very low quantities price per unit can be high to cover set-up costs. As size exceeds 3-4 feet, it may be necessary to make each decal in multiple pieces and installation expertise is essential.

Decals are used indoors, outdoors, on windows, walls, equipment, and shopping bags, to name a few. By understanding your application environment, we will select materials that meet your durability and removability requirements to provide maximum value.

Mission City Signs, Inc is an independently owned full service sign company with operations at 186 E. Sunnyoaks Ave Suite E, Campbell, CA. Contact us at (408) 963-6587 or info@missioncitysigns.com for more information on your signage needs.

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Signage FAQs | Why are vehicle wraps so expensive?

Although the price of vehicle wraps has come down significantly in the last few years, it is still a significant investment for the small business owner. On the other hand, over a three year period a vehicle wrap provides the lowest cost per customer impression of all major categories of advertising.  Solutions are also available for customers on limited budgets with partial wraps and mixing cut vinyl with digital print graphics.

 

Key factors driving the cost of a vehicle wrap are installation labor, materials and design time.  Installation of a flat piece of vinyl on the curved surface of car without wrinkles or lots of seams is labor intensive.  The surface area of a car is significantly greater than your average sign translating to greater cost of print media.  The unusual shapes of some vehicle also create additional demands for materials. Design time for wraps varies signicantly as a function of complexity and uniqueness of the graphics.

 

The advancement in wide-format digital printing and digital media have provided the consumer easy access to vehicle wraps that were once limited to very expensive custom painting. So yes, out context, vehicle wraps can be expensive, but any reputable sign company can provide you great value within your marketing budget.

 

Mission City Signs, Inc is an independently owned full service sign company with operations at 186 E. Sunnyoaks Ave Suite E, Campbell, CA. Contact us at (408) 963-6587 or info@missioncitysigns.com for more information on your signage needs.

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Signage FAQs | I’m not sure what I need. Can you help me?

Yes, our staff is trained in translating customer ideas quickly into design concepts that fit within you budget requirements. As experts in site assessment, graphic design, visual communications and products offerings we want to be involved in helping you sort out your signage needs and priorities.

In our showroom, we also have sample materials, signs and hardware to assist you in the selection process. Our website includes a product gallery and on-line catalogs for portable exhibit displays, promotional products and apparel to help you understand the possibilities available.

Once we all understand your specific needs we will provided you with several design concept proofs with a cost estimate for each.  Once you place an order, a final design will be produced for you review and approval before production of your signs.

Mission City Signs, Inc is an independently owned full service sign company with operations at 186 E. Sunnyoaks Ave Suite E, Campbell, CA. Contact us at (408) 963-6587 or info@missioncitysigns.com for more information on your signage needs.

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Signage FAQs | Why should I buy signs from you when I can get them cheaper elsewhere?

The old adage, “you get what you pay for”, is very true for buying signs. You may be able to buy a cheaper sign elsewhere, but it is unlikely to include the same combination of quality and customer value we provide at Mission City Signs.  

Before buying based on price alone, it is important to make sure you are comparing “apples to apples. “ The durability of materials, and the cost as a result, used for producing sign graphics can vary from a few months up to 10 years.  A significantly cheaper price is a flag for potentially inferior or old materials. At Mission City Signs, our quotes specifically state the materials used based on the needs of your application.  And, if there is problem down the road with our product, you can count on us to quickly resolve the problem to your satisfaction.

Another critical aspect of comparing “cheaper elsewhere” is the value provided by the sign manufacturer beyond fabrication.  Mission City Signs’ motto is “Your message is our mission”. By working closely with the customer during design we insure that an effective message will be conveyed.  If your sign company is not providing design input it is another flag that cheaper is not necessarily better.

Mission City Signs, Inc is an independently owned full service sign company with operations at 186 E. Sunnyoaks Ave Suite E, Campbell, CA. Contact us at (408) 963-6587 or info@missioncitysigns.com for more information on your signage needs.

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Signage FAQs | How much do your signs cost?

I am always surprised when a customer’s first question is “How much do your signs cost?.”  The only answer I have that is not a question is “It depends on what you want.”  But this answer doesn’t get you anywhere with your customer.  On the other hand, it is essential to understand customer needs and requirements, including cost,  before translating that into a design concept that maximizes customer value within those constraints.

Once basic requirements, such as the type of sign, size, and useage are understood, it is in everyone’s best interest to address the difficult question of customer budget.  For any given graphic design and size, the price can vary greatly depending upon the type and quality  of materials, fabrication complexity and installation requirements.  Without a common understanding of a budget, time can easily be wasted during the concept design and estimating processes.

In the end, the budgetary (cost) discussion is an essential element in establishing a working relationship that ensure a high value product is delivered and create the basis for a long-term business relationship.

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Signage FAQs | How long have you been in business?

This is a question with many answers with varying degrees of relevance. I began working in a business when I was 10 years old for my dad in farming. The first business I owned was in yard maintenance during my early years of college. After completing my Bachelors of Science in Industrial Technology, the past 30+ years have been spent working the business side of technology companies in Silicon Valley. Along the way, I completed my MBA with the idea of some day owning my own business. So, at some level I have in business most of my life.Of course, the more relevant answer, how long has Mission City Signs been in business is not a single or simple answer either. After several months researching business opportunities in late 2008, the work of creating Mission City Signs began earnestly in January of 2009. After completing a detailed business plan, Mission City Sign, Inc was formed in March of 2009. The following 3 months were spent in marketing, training, and setting a location for the business. The first orders for signs were received in June. On July 1st, two employees were hired with over 20 years of combined experience in the sign business. Five days later, we moved into our showroom of 1600 square feet in Campbell, California. For simplicities sake, when asked the “how long” question, we use this July 6th, 2009 as our start date. It is only an arbitrary point in time and does adequately reflect the investment and value our team brings to this start date.

Doug Enns, Mission City Signs

“Your message is our mission.”

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5 Signage Frequently Asked Questions – San Jose, California

To start off our CityScoop column we’re publishing a short series on 5 common questions that we get.  Over the next few weeks we’ll be answering each of these questions below in detail.  When we’re finished we’re going to build a FAQ page and add them to the page.  Over the course of the year we’ll be building out our FAQ page to help provide the answers you’re looking for.

• How long have you been in business?
• How much do your signs cost?
• Why should I buy signs from you when I can get them cheaper elsewhere?
• I’m not sure what I need, how can you help me?
• Why are vehicle wraps so expensive?

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