General Information
How can signs made by Decals and Signs help my business?
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.
What if I don’t know what I want?
You are not alone. Many people come to us with a skill or talent to produce a quality product or provide an outstanding service, yet they have absolutely no design abilities or creativity and they openly (humbly) admit it. Great! because I can’t replace my radiator on my car either. We all do our parts to make the world go round’. Our part is to make your business look good! We will ask questions and provide recommendations to produce a product that “works” for you and your business.
How much does it cost?
Naturally there is a wide variety of products making an equally wide variety of costs. Quotes are provided up front so there are no surprises! We are always happy to offer you options to meet
your budget.
How long will my sign last?
We have many levels of materials to choose from. We use some of the best materials in the industry: 3M, Avery, Gator Foam, Orajet, 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.
How do I know if I’m going to like the design or even the finished product?
Clients are never surprised with the final product because we provide a full color 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.
Can I approve the sign before it’s made?
Absolutely. Before we begin production, we require your approval of the artwork, colors, spelling, and layout. Once you are satisfied, we begin producing your sign. This way, we’re both clear on what we’re producing.
How fast is your average job being completed?
The turnaround time for your average sign varies based on your specific needs. We keep all the major materials in stock because we understand our clients needs are sometimes more urgent and we need to have everything in place and ready to go. That’s how we’re able to crank out a job with a very short notice. We also try to work with suppliers that are close and/or deliver next day, so we can get the rush jobs done if we need to.
How do I submit artwork / files?
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 Vectorize) the artwork you provide us in a JPEG, TIFF, PSD, GIF, etc. at an additional charge. You can email us your “print ready” or “cut ready” artwork, mail us a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD or USB flash drive or upload your file to our website. 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 phone or email.
What resolution is acceptable for artwork submitted?
If sending your artwork in “real size”, please send your work 150 dpi. We can also work with a one-inch-to-one-foot ratio (Example: if the art is to be 6 feet long and 4 feet tall, the submitted artwork should be 6 inches long and 4 inches tall) at 300 dpi.
What is dpi?
Dpi is the standard of measurement for the resolution of images that describes the number of dots per inch (dpi) that are used to create an image. The higher the dpi, the higher the resolution which translates to better quality of your final product.
What is the difference between vector and bitmap images and which is better?
Vector and bitmap images are the two major graphic types. Both types are made up of many individual objects, and both respond differently when enlarged and/or reduced to produce different sizes of images. We can use both types of files, however we prefer vector files and we can change sizes easily without sacrificing quality using original vector formats. Vector images can be output at the highest quality in any scale because they are made of lines and panels rather than pixels or dots. Vector images are resolution independent. Common vector formats are eps, ai and pdf. These formats are available in most graphics programs.
A bitmap image (also called a raster image) is made of pixels (sometimes referred to as dots). The number of pixels in one square inch of an image is called the dpi (dots per inch) and is known as the resolution of the image (Example: 150 dpi means that the image has 150 dots per square inch within that image). Quite simply, the larger number of dots you have in your image produces a higher quality of reproduction. Bitmap images loose quality when the are re-sized from their original size and must be created with consideration for their output use. Bitmap images should be built at 150 dpi if they are built at the actual finished size. You can build the bitmap files at a smaller proportional size than the final usage size, but you must increase the resolution accordingly. For instance, if you build your file at a ratio of 1 inch = 1 foot, you should build the file at 300 dpi. In this case, you would build a 2 inch x 2 inch file at 300 dpi to print a resulting 2 foot x 2 foot image at 150 dpi. Common bitmap-based formats are jpeg, jpg, gif, tiff, png, pict and bmp. Although vector image is the preferred format for submitting artwork, it is not as common for non- designers and bitmap images at the correct resolution can be substituted.
Larger resolution files also use more bytes of memory & sometimes require special methods to transfer the images. Many graphic files become too large for standard email servers to upload so contact us if you need to get us a larger file.
Custom Quote Questions
How long before I receive a response?
Our usual quote turnaround time is 24 hours or less. If you haven’t been responded to in 24 hours please call 780-481-9996.
What is your order turnaround time?
Our standard turnaround on almost all products/services is 1-2 business days. If you are looking to have your order completed in less than 24 hours or same day then we consider it a rush order and it may be subject to 25% upcharge.
What is your minimum order?
We have no minimum order, however; we do have a minimum charge of $45.00 on all custom orders. This is to ensure that all printer, set up and labour costs are covered as we strive in providing a high quality and satisfactory final product.
Do you have previous job examples?
Yes, we do. If you take a look at our Gallery, we have various examples of the previous jobs and high-quality work we’ve provided in the past.
Do you have a font resource page?
Yes we do, fonts can be tricky that’s why we work with www.dafont.com to provide you with the option of browsing many available font options so you can select and visualize a typeface that would best suit your desired project.
Do you have a graphics resource page?
Yes we do, we have an unlimited image/vector download subscription to www.freepik.com that you are allowed to choose from for your own use in any of your printing projects.
Services
Do you remove decals?
Yes, we do! Our hourly rate is $60.00/hr + travel any jobs can be promptly quoted by sending an email into our request a quote page.
Do you install decals?
Yes, we do! Our hourly rate is $60.00/hr + travel any jobs can be promptly quoted by sending an email into our request a quote page.
Do you do full or partial vehicle wraps?
Yes, we do both! Our turnaround is typically 7-14 business days however, sometimes the volume of our install appointment bookings may extend turnaround times.
Do you offer Design Services?
Yes, we do. Our hourly rate is $60.00, please send any job requirements/details over to our request a quote page.
Do you ship cross country?
Yes, we do! We ship through Canada post, Purolator and DHL at std. Courier rates.
Setup Info
Will you colour match?
Yes, on all jobs over $500.00 we will colour match until your approval for free. On orders under $500.00 a charge subject to $25.00 is subject for colour matching.
Do you provide samples?
Yes, we do. However, it depends entirely on the what you’re looking to get. Please email any sample questions over to our request a quote page.
What if I don’t have any of my logo file formats?
This is no problem; we have a speedy and efficient redraw team who works around the clock to provide a 1-2 business day turnaround turning any picture or blurry screenshot into a high-quality usable vector artwork. Average redraw cost varies but is typically in the ballpark of $15.00-$50.00 Depending on the complexity of the artwork.
Do you charge set up for repeat orders?
No, we do not, we believe in passing the saving on in any way we can. Once we have your order/files previously set up we do no charge repeat set up fees in the future.
Product/Print Info
Can you provide products specs?
Yes, we know all of our products inside and out and can answer any of your lifetime, warranty, or popular use questions on the details of your project on our request a quote page.
Do you save files?
Yes. A very important policy at Decals and Signs is saving all customer files under their company name and number. This way we ensure consistency and quality is met on every job.
Can you print white ink?
Yes, we can, please email any job details over to our request a quote page.
How large can you print?
We can print banners, decals, signs, at a maximum height of 52” x 100’ before the graphics need to be panelled.
Store Info
What is your address?
16750 – 121 Ave. Edmonton, Alberta.
Do you have a phone line?
Yes! Feel free to reach us anytime during business hours at (780) 481-9996.
Do you have a text line?
Yes, we do (780) 937-7829. However, we prefer all orders and or questions to be sent to our request a quote page.
Can I order in person?
You certainly can, during COVID times we prefer that you order online at our request a quote section. However, if you would like to come in person, please call ahead to make sure we are able to set aside quality time to make sure your satisfaction is met to the highest standards.
Do you do walk-ins?
Yes, we do. However, it is best to call ahead of time to give us proper time to prepare and set aside for your arrival.
Pricing/Payment
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, we require 50% upfront and 50% upon pick-up. If you would like to set up an account with us, we offer Net 30 payment plans as well.
Are there any hidden costs?
No, we keep all costs upfront and honest. There are no hidden costs that will appear on your bill, we make sure that all labour and job costs are set up front and final before proceeding with your order.
Do you charge sales tax?
Yes, unless proven exempt by your organization we will charge the standard province sales tax on every order.
Do you provide invoices?
Yes, if requested we provide detailed invoices that can either be emailed or printed when you come to pick up your order.
Do you require a signature?
On any orders exceeding $250.00 we require a signature of the final proof(s) this way we ensure everything has been looked over and no mistakes occur in the final product.
Can I change my order after I’ve placed it?
Yes, there is a 1-hour grace period after ordering where we can change or cancel your order with no fee.
What payments methods can I pay with?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, and checks or PO’s. To pay by check or PO, please contact us to ensure your account is setup and approved for payment terms with us.
Security & Privacy Questions
Do you keep credit card information on file?
No. For your security, we don’t keep any credit card information on file.
Is your website secure?
Yes. Our secure checkout system uses the latest secure server technology. Your order is submitted and retrieved with a secure connection to our server and remains secure at all times.
Will you share my information?
Absolutely not. We keep all customer information internal. Occasionally, you may receive offers and announcements Decals and Signs via e-mail. You may unsubscribe from these messages at any time.
Misc.
Can you print on apparel?
Yes. We provide multiple custom apparel solutions, smaller orders (less than 12) of the same print will be done through heat press, and larger orders over a dozen can be done with silk screening.
Do you sell vinyl by the foot?
Yes. We have 30+ stocked colours of vinyl in 14” and 24” rolls that we sell by the foot. Cost varies depending on colour + size. Please send any details over to our request a quote page.
Do you do die-cut decals?
Yes, we can. We also have 30+ stocked colours to choose from on die-cut text or symbol decals.
Why should you have my business?
Because, you only have to rely on one company, one resource, one phone call. It means convenience and confidence when the next job rolls around. It also means no more pulling your hair out when your deadline is right around the corner because you’ve hired the best to handle your project. We know how busy business can get and we know how to make it easier on your by doing our part and doing it exceptional.
