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I should've posted this a couple weeks ago, just keep forgetting. Anyway, I have a long time client that needed some 3D letters for the front of their new store. Making them myself was not practical in this situation.I've known about Gemini for a long time, but avoided using them. There have been instances where an out of town sign company contacted me to install vinyl letters, or paint a sign. EVERY single time it has been a big hassle. They send the wrong size vinyl, or measured the gym floor wrong, or the contact person didn't show up at the jobsite. So "I'm over" being the middle man. And that's what category I relegated the plastic letters to.
When I first contacted Gemini, to ask for a catelog, it was on a Friday afternoon. The catelog arrived Monday afternoon. I was impressed. The staff was always freindly, even with the newbie-calls-numerous-times deal. I ordered 18 inch tall (45cm?) letters, with the "combination all" installation hardware. Followed the installation instructions in the catalog and it went without a hitch. I worked rather slowly, being first time and all. I charged 8 hours for the install, but got it done in 5, including making a pattern.
The letters are beautiful, thank you Gemini Inc. (they're a merchant here)
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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We have been very happy with the quality of the products & the service from Gemini too. They make it easy to succeed with their product. My only complaint is they need to get someone who knows how to KERN in their pattern department. When we DO order the patterns, we usually end up cutting them up to adjust the spacing. Everything else is great!
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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This is meant as constructive criticism, not ranting. Amen Jane. I haven't used them since I started my own company, but when I worked for other shops, the pattern was NEVER right.
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We have used them often for several years with only one small issue that was corrected quickly. We usually make our own patterns so I dont know about that issue.
Good Stuff
-------------------- Brian Stoddard Northwest Wholesale Signs
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I believe that Gemini will send you the font files so you can design, kern and make paper patterns that fit their letters!! I can't remember if I downloaded them from their website or they emailed them on request.
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I believe that Gemini will send you the font files so you can design, kern and make paper patterns that fit their letters!! I can't remember if I downloaded them from their website or they emailed them on request.
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You guys are right about the Gemini install patterns. Here's a "photoshopped" sales sketch I did a couple of weeks ago for a Gemini letter sign on a stone monument. Not only did I kern the letters but I lowered the baseline on the script caps. The guy in our sales department took it on himself to order the letters over the phone and handed the job, along with Gemini's pattern over to our installation crew as soon as UPS dropped off the order. Needless to say the finished job looked nothing like my sketch.
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One great thing about Gemini is they very generous with samples. I have one section of my showroom wall layed out with about 20 different letter styles and finishes from them. Last week I needed some more metal letter finishes for an Architect. I called Gemini, and 3 days later I got 4 nice new aluminum letter samples. I would encourage you to get their sample kit, it really helps to make the sale. Also get some extra catalogs. Since the prices are "LIST" you can give them out without giving away your cost. Get some into the hands of some architects, they are a good source of letter jobs.
BTW, nice going on your installation price. That's where we make a lot of profit on letter jobs. If its not a big job, the price of the letters might not be all that much, but no one wants to put them up themselves. That's where the high installation price comes in. I don't think we've ever lost a letter job that we priced. There's just not that many companies that want to do it. But we find it to be good money.
Dan
-------------------- Dan Marquis Marquis Signs Lewiston, Maine dan@marquissigns.com Posts: 118 | From: Lewiston, Maine, USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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I've been using Gemini Letters for years. Very good quality. Quick Service. However, I like to make my own patters as I'm sure you all would agree...for that all important eye appealing kerning factor.
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