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Please take a look at these shapes and then read on.... I have had a tough time trying to get a custom sign shape provided by a manufacturer or a sub-shop that can provide one at a reasonable price and timely. I have asked a friend, who owns a factory with all of these capiblities to consider manufacturing several custom look cabinets that can be lighted and selling them wholesale to smaller shops as a knockdown package, so that many of us can compete with larger shops. They would come in several sizes, colors, and shapes and be in a competitive price range, although that has not been set yet. He does in fact have all the equiptment and manpower to accomplish this if he sees a greenish colored light. My question to you guys is, Do you have a market, and interest enough to purchase such a product if all the perifials are approved? We are not at all dead set on these shapes, as they are just an example from which our first protos will be made. Their is planned to be a package directory type sign for smaller shopping centers also, from which you can mix shapes. If you have interest, please leave some feedback (good or bad)? Again, I have no idea of the price, but assure you that it will be highly competitive, as we live in econoland. Thanks for you comments. Bronzeo
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Shipping is always the Go-No go for me. I wanted to buy a sidewalk swinger for a client once ($60.) & they wanted to charge me $200 shipping & tax)
------------------ Marcano-Welch Signs Luquillo, Puerto Rico 787-889-6608
Posts: 2287 | From: Luquillo, Puerto Rico, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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posted
Those shapes would be a welcome addition to the standard rectangle. If the price is right, which it sounds like your striving to achieve, I would be interested.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
[This message has been edited by Dave Sherby (edited April 09, 2001).]
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Sounds like a great idea. Price, is always a concern as is the afore mentioned shipping problem. Another concern is that the signs almost certainly have to have a UL approval to be installed in most areas.
------------------ Jerry Mathel Jerry Mathel Signs Grants Pass, Oregon signs@grantspass.com
Posts: 916 | From: Grants Pass, OR USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Yes, I realize the UL approval for some areas. Another company charges 30.00 for UL approved lights. I suppose we could do the same. I don't know if it is for the equipment used or a "payoff" to Underwriters Lab. We are considering size and weight for shipping. I feel we could compete in the continental states and maybe Canada. Hopefully the designs will add enough to the merchandise that a few extra bucks for freight difference won't be all that bad. I really feel you guys, will be the ones to make the decisions of whether or not to pursue this avenue. We have to be looking at a reasonable size customer base to offer many styles.
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Non illuminated glass door directories are one of our mainstays. Fully 90 percent of our buyers have no interest in anything other than an attractive rectangle. The other 10 percent are looking for something special, which usually translates custom. Most of these wind up being the glass or acrylic face with standoffs off a directory panel.
I think the trick with a custom shape illuminated directory would be finding big enough market to make it attractive to anyone other than a job shop. That doesn't make it a bad idea however. I just don't know how you would find the market.
------------------ Victor Georgiou Bob Loves Signs Inc Danville, CA email blssign@pacbell.net
Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Victor, I was referring to directory main copy panels that stand on posts in front of mini malls and strip centers. I believe you are referring to changable directories, like one would see on the front of a church or school, or inside an office building, where I would agree with you. Even in the occasion where I am discribing, the directory might certainly remain rectangular, and attached below the custom panel like in the photo of the first post. Thanks for your comments though.
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Great idea. It always seems like electric signs are always (almost always) won on price. That is why we specialize in custom signs. This would give us the chance to offer something different/unique that would be different than our competitors basic rectangular signs.
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Posts: 102 | From: Douglasville, GA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi Jack, I'll give you my 2 cents. I think it might be a good idea...especially if the price was right. I would think they would need to be UL approved just to have the sticker on there. I've never purchased any but have replaced several faces in 4x4's at the lake and really like doing them. I don't do the installs though due to lack of equipment, permits, liabilities, diggin' holes, cutting phone lines, etc... I'm just a one man show and the part I like is makin'em not diggin' holes in this rocky ground. Who knows, you could get hooked up with some restaurant or chain store. But I would think if they were a good quality, priced right and marketed right (letterhead merchant) you could sell some. Plus..I could save the shipping and run over and pick it up...he he
------------------ When good things happen...that must be a sign!! Tony McDonald DBA-Ace Graphics & Printing P.O. Box 91 Camdenton, MO. USA (573) 346-6696 <daddyo@advertisnet.com> <tony@brownbeverage.com>
Posts: 1199 | From: Camdenton, MO. USA | Registered: Oct 1999
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