Issue no. 1
In this issue…
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Heading Off Potential Vinyl Installation Problems
Ever cut several lines of vinyl lettering for a customer who wanted to do the installation himself? Ever had that same customer come back and ask (even beg) for another set?
Unless you’ve taken precautions and provided some application instructions, you could be facing your share of re-cuts. Head off some of the problems associated with do-it-yourselfers and educate them on surface preparation, temperature requirements, and application methods.
You may wish to have a printed sheet detailing the information below:
SURFACE PREPARATION
All surfaces should be considered dirty and should be cleaned prior to application of vinyl lettering or graphics.
Clean the area where the vinyl will be applied. Rubbing alcohol is preferable. Then, rinse area thoroughly and dry.
TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS
Air and application surface should be above 40 degrees F. Best conditions are between 60 – 80 degrees F.
APPLICATION
Center Hinge Method:
- Position lettering or graphic on clean surface. Tack to desired location with small pieces of masking tape on either end.
- Run another piece of masking tape vertically through the center of the lettering or graphic, making sure it adheres firmly above and below the lettering as well. Vertical tape will act as a center hinge.
- Remove one small piece of masking tape from either end.
- Lift graphic or lettering from that end and pull release liner away. Continue to pull liner away until close to vertical center hinge.
- Cut release liner with scissors and discard.
- Starting from center vertical hinge, squeegee lettering down onto prepared surface.
- Remove small piece of masking tape on other end as well as vertical tape used as center hinge. Lay remaining half over applied lettering.
- Remove the rest of the release liner and again, beginning from center, squeegee into place.
- Remove application tape.
Horizontal Hinge Method:
- Position lettering or graphic on clean surface. Tack to desired location with small pieces of masking tape on either end.
- Apply a long piece of masking tape across the top of the lettering or graphic.
- Remove small pieces of masking tape at both ends.
- Cut lettering or graphic into small areas vertically. (With letters, cut between the letters. With graphic, cut between sections taking care not to cut through any vinyl.)
- Starting at the right (if right-handed), flip one section over at a time and remove release liner.
- Squeegee each section into place with smooth downward strokes.
- Re-squeegee entire line of lettering or graphic when complete.
- Remove application tape.
Letting the customer know which application method works best for his particular job can assure a smooth installation. What you don’t want is a misunderstanding such as a first-timer using the horizontal hinge method and vertically slicing through the vinyl of the graphic itself. Or, a customer using the center hinge method on a continuous line of text that is so long that the installation becomes absolutely unmanageable.
In addition, if the lettering or graphic covers a large area, a wet application may be needed. For a wet application, after step 5 and before the customer squeegees any section down, a light mist of water may be sprayed onto the sign surface. This method gives the novice a little more room for ‘error’ but it can create bubbles under the vinyl. You’ll have to assess each situation individually!
So head off potential vinyl installation problems with some precautionary procedures. Provide instructions that address surface preparation, temperature requirements, and application methods. You’ll build the customer’s trust and appreciation and avoid a few re-cuts, too!
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Computerize Your Business’ Paperwork
It’s probably one of the most dreaded aspects of operating a sign shop. It’s managing the business’ finances and crunching numbers, especially compiling estimates, billing customers, sending out statements, and paying invoices.
Yet regularly plowing through the paperwork can be likened to administering CPR to your bank account. Yes, accomplishing these tasks successfully keeps the lifeblood of your business flowing. That is, MONEY. And now those tasks have been made even easier with the ease of computer accounting and estimation software.
Then why do some of us object to, procrastinate against, and even resist the introduction of technology when it can improve the way our businesses work? There are a variety of reasons, some of which seem pretty logical. But, are they?
First, you may assert that you simply don’t need to spend so much time in front of a computer screen generating paperwork when a simple, handwritten invoice will suffice. Initially, quickly jotting an estimate down or scribbling a bill off does seem to be a timesaving, logical choice -- until you lose it and realize you didn’t even make a copy! Just forget about trying to remember any details, either.
Now what if you had initially invoiced that job using an accounting software package? You would have been able to access the customer’s job file and view detailed history, generate an additional bill, and at month’s end, print out a statement. In the future, if that customer’s payment was late, you would have been alerted to take action after reviewing an accounts receivable report.
Secondly, you may feel that the expense is simply not worth the investment. After all, signmakers have supplies and materials to purchase, trucks that need upkeep, and bills that need to be paid on time. So why spend even more on another software program?
Well, what of an investment that could pay for itself through the collection of one account? That overdue invoice that could have fallen through the cracks is enough to justify the cost of a professional accounting package.
And by the way, have you recently priced estimation and bookkeeping software? Even industry-specific software geared to fit signmaking is reasonably priced. Very affordable packages are feature-packed as well as economical.
You’ll also save money by avoiding penalties. Generate a report and you’ll know what’s due when. Get those tax deposits in on time!
Thirdly, you may think your sign company just isn’t big enough for computerization. Then how big do you think you need to get? Why not take advantage of the time you’ll save now writing checks, calculating payroll, figuring and re-figuring job estimates, and tracking customers’ accounts? Save time in these repetitive tasks and apply your skills to what you know best.
Even small businesses can gain an advantage by presenting a more professional look. Invoices that have a sharp, clean appearance demand more than a glance. An end-of-month analysis and cash flow projection for your local bank displays your company’s competence.
So remember that managing your business’ finances and crunching numbers regularly can be likened to administering CPR to your bank account. To keep the lifeblood of your business flowing, why not use computer accounting and estimation software to accomplish these tasks successfully? No need to object to, procrastinate against, and even resist the introduction of technology when it can improve the way a business works.
Instead, take advantage of time saved and money earned through the use of industry-specific software. Make your business look and run professionally!
For more information on affordable estimation and shop management software visit:
/software/other/estimate.htm
Get the help you need to handle your sign company’s growth.
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Add Splash with Graduated and Pattern Printed Vinyl Film
You could spend a few hours painting vinyl for a unique, custom look. After all, the special touch would add splash to any run-of-the-mill design. But with all the graduated and pattern printed vinyl film available, why would you?
Check out some of the newest cast and calendered vinyl films that offer the latest looks in vinyl signmaking and auto pinstriping. Look for some of the graduated vinyl films that look just like screen printing. Choose either vertical or horizontal blends and even combine them for an endless variety of effects. Or try effects such as diamond plate, marble, dimensional fades, splatters, and splatters with fades.
Feeling spacey? There’s holographic vinyl that can open up a new advertising market for you. Create high-tech visual effects on bumper stickers, decals, and banners.
But whatever you do, make sure you verify the vinyl film’s integrity. Can it withstand airbrushing, gasoline or solvents, etc.? If it can’t, can it be protected with clear laminate or other coatings? You want your work of art to last and your customer does too! And don’t forget to ask about outdoor durability as well. Will your special touch last one year, three years, or up to seven years?
So add that splash to your design effortlessly with graduated and pattern printed vinyl films. Take time now to investigate the options and save hours of time later.
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Tech Tip: Keep Your Computer Healthy for Optimum Performance
Keep your computer system healthy and perform a necessary check-up periodically. Performing preventative procedures will guarantee optimum performance for your sign business. Besides purging your system of unwanted files, running Disk Defragmenter and Scan Disk, there’s still another way to gauge your computer’s health.
One way to measure your computer’s fitness is to check for viruses. What in the world is a virus? Computer viruses are bits of code that invade your system and purposely wreak havoc.
Well, how do you catch a virus? You can pick up viruses by accessing infected files or disks. What do some viruses do to your system? Some viruses manifest themselves as nothing more annoying distractions; other viruses can make computers unbootable and destroy important data files. And that can spell disaster!
What can you do to keep your computer healthy for optimum performance? Purchase and install an antivirus program. An antivirus program rids your computer of viruses and scans incoming files before allowing them in. Since new viruses show up all the time, and since an antivirus program can only prevent those viruses it knows about, it’s important to choose a program you can update easily. So perform that check up now and continue to do so periodically. Your computer’s fitness can mean your sign business!
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