Q: What are your lead times?
A: Our lead-time for most of our standard products is generally one to four working days from approval of artwork. Large projects, screen printed projects or jobs requiring unique materials can take up to two weeks.
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Q: Will I be able to see what the finished product will look like before it goes to production?
A: Yes, we proof all signs and decals before production, preferably via e-mail or even fax. Our motto is "no surprises" so we will not submit to production without our customers approving the artwork. There are a few exceptions where a lead-time is too short for proofing, in which case the customer requests the work proceeds and accepts responsibility.
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Q: Will my finished order look exactly like the proof?
A: The proof is a very close view of the finished product when provided via e-mail or hard copy. However there are changes that can slightly alter the appearance due to how our customers' programs receive artwork and reproduce it for viewing. The process of converting pms/pantone colors by different graphic programs and even monitors create some drift in actual color. 
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Q: What type of artwork do I need to submit?
A: Generally we prefer vector formats found in adobe illustrator .ai (version 10 or less), (.eps), generic Freehand, (.PDF), and Corel, (.cdr). Please see our guidelines for file formats. Convert all fonts and images to vectors, curves, or line art. If we are digitally printing, jpegs, tiffs, bitmaps, etc., need to be with the image at 100% of size, 100-150 dpi or equivalent.
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Q: Why do you use or prefer vector to raster artwork, and what is the difference between the two?
A: Vector artwork is preferred because we can size the artwork without distortion and have the ability to edit or change during the layout process. Vector art are "individual objects" made up of precise lines and arcs stored as vector coordinates. With Vector files, we can dimensionally enlarged or reduce and manipulate without distortion. Vector graphics are many individual objects brought together to make the graphic. We can only "size" the raster images, which are made of pixels, just like a photo or picture; we cannot change the "contents" of the picture, and increasing the size usually leads to distortion unless the image is actual size with a high resolution 150 to 300 DPI (dots per inch).
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Q: Can you convert my raster images to vector files?
A: Yes. We would be glad to provide a quote for converting them.
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Q: Can you help me with laying out the sign or decal?
A: Yes, all we need are the elements of the sign, size, color, and desired material. For layouts requiring more than standard time allocation there may be an art charge. You can reference colors on our website.
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Q: I do not see the font I want on your site, can you create letters using my font?
A: Yes, in most cases we are able to source the exact font in our reference library or get extremely close. In the event we can't provide the exact font the customer can provide the true type font for us to use.
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Q: We want decals made using our LOGO can you create it?
A: Yes, we just need the elements of the decal along with the available artwork. We can recreate the logo if adequate artwork files are not available.
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Q: What do art charges run for recreating graphics or logos for a project?
A: These one-time charges can range from $15-20 for simple designs to $75-100 for more complex. We will provide an estimate before we start the project based upon the anticipated time frame.
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Q: Can you help me with what type of material to use?
A: Yes, just tell us what the desired application, use or result is and we will be glad to suggest some ideas.
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Q: What items do and do not have minimum orders?
A: See chart below for items with minimum quantities. If ordering decals we recommend you order a reasonable quantity to amortize the set up costs over a larger quantity. If you are in doubt whether an item has minimums call us TOLL FREE (877) 778-7446. This is not an all-inclusive list.
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• Imprinted items, i.e. imprinted advertising products (pens, cups, mouse pads, etc).
• Screened projects, i.e. real estate & political signs.
• Certain decal products.

• Banners.
• Rigid signs.
• Window lettering.
• Vehicle graphics.
• Hockey and soccer advertising dashers.

Q: Are there discounts for quantity orders?
A: Yes. Call us TOLL FREE (877) 778-7446 with your requirements.
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Q: Do you run seasonal specials?
A: Yes we do. Check our home page often for upcoming seasonal and event signage discounts. Also check our specials page, it changes often.
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Q: Do you keep the artwork on file so it is available for the next order?
A: Yes, we strive to archive all artwork.
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Q: I am ready to order, how do I get started?
A: To contact Instant Sign Factory, call TOLL FREE: (877) 778-7446, fax: (509) 456-3364 or email quote@instantsignfactory.com. Before releasing your work order to layout, you will need to phone in your credit card number.
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Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept VISA, M/C, AMEX, cash, money orders, bank wire transfers.
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Q: What are your office hours?
A: We are open 8-5pm, Monday through Friday, PDT. You may find us here before, after hours, and on weekends, however.
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Q: How do I remove vinyl lettering that has been on my vehicle for a couple of years?
A: We recommend warming the vinyl lettering with a heat gun or hair drier. This loosens the adhesive and typically eases the removal of the vinyl lettering. There will most likely be adhesive residue; you can remove this with an adhesive remover. The most common removers are orange peel products or 3M Adhesive remover found in hardware stores.
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Q: There are hundreds of sign shops around. Why should I deal with Instant Sign Factory? What sets you apart?
A: The reason we continue to grow is due to our consistent quality, competitive pricing, quick turnaround, and most importantly, completing projects on time. Our by-line "We Make You Look Good!" keeps our new and established customers coming back, because we do! See our testimonials.
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Q: What items do you install? What is your service area?
A: Typically, most of our customers either have in-house personnel to install or can access local installers depending on the project. We can provide helpful installation instructions for specific applications like window lettering and vehicle graphics. Just let us know your needs.
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Q: I have a small business and a customer base that would be interested in custom signs and banners. How do I become an Instant Sign Factory Dealer?
A: Please review our dealer page and fill out our application form.
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Q: Who is your primary shipper?
A: UPS.
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Q: Do you ship nation wide?
A: Yes. We also ship worldwide.
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Q: Can you guarantee color matches?
A: We strive to get as close as possible to color match but are limited to the production processes available to us, and how materials receive the colors. We have rarely been unable to meet our customers' color match requirements.
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Q: How do your signs and lettering stand up to seasonal elements?
A: We provide the appropriate product and vinyl to meet the desired performance criteria. We provide signs from limited use to long term, high abuse conditions such as vehicle graphics, coastal applications.
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Q: What is your vinyl letter size limit?
A: We have no size limit. If the size exceeds the available material limitations we can panelize the letters to produce the required height.
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Q: What are your warranties?
A: Instant Sign Factory and its suppliers of materials warranty / guarantee against any material defect and workmanship. Life expectancy is an extension of our product manufacturers stated performance ratings. Typically, performance ratings provided by manufacturers are statements of limitations. No manufacturer wants to increase their warranty liability by overstating performance levels.
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