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FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Will Simco install my sign even if I ordered it elsewhere?
    Depending on the type of sign, yes! Contact our sales staff for more details. We happily offer installation services of other manufacturers' items, and you can have them shipped to/stored in our facility before the installation deadline.
  • I have the quote and want to place the order. What else is needed?
    For businesses not rated with Dun & Bradstreet we require a 50% deposit, with the balance COD. If you wish to establish terms with us, a credit application must be filled out prior to placing the order. Once we have received your payment (or a signed purchase order for accounts with terms) we then proceed to create the necessary proof(s) of your project, for approval. Once that is approved, your order goes into production and we give you an estimated completion date. More information can be found on our Terms & Conditions sheet:
  • Our business is in a different state – does Simco offering shipping?
    We ship projects worldwide every week. Most can ship via UPS, while some larger ones require common carrier (LTL freight). We will notify you about this during our initial consultation, once all project information has been established. We will also give you an approx. shipping cost (and any special packing/crating fees for larger signs) on your quote, so you know all costs "up front".
  • What type of file is needed to create my sign?
    It depends on what type of sign you need. For more information download our Artwork Submission Guide:
  • How do I know that my sign project will be correct?
    Once we have a signed quote and (if necessary) a deposit, proofs are generated listing all quantities, colors, sizes, thicknesses, materials, and mounting. We then send you this proof for you to sign off on, or make changes if anything is incorrect. We do not start working on your order until everything on the proofs are 100% correct!
  • Our business has multiple offices opening throughout North America and/or overseas. Can Simco store finished items until necessary?
    We offer full climate controlled storage and warehousing for large roll-outs and re-imaging projects. We manage and store signage products in our facilities and coordinate on-time distribution, saving clients both storage and transportation costs. We'll also generates weekly or monthly inventory reports to keep our clients up to date as well as a full tracking report of all items previously shipped.
  • I have special colors in my logo (i.e., Pantone®) or want to match a color on our wall (i.e., Sherwin Williams®). Can you do this?
    Absolutely! We can match most any color with our Akzo Nobel Grip Guard BC mixing system (there are some limitations in trying to match colors 100% to a Pantone® chart). In the case of our Gatorfoam® and certain PVC products (where latex Paint is utilized), certain colors may not be able to be matched exactly due to the limitations of latex paints, we will notify you of this upon our initial discussion. We cannot paint match CMYK, RGB or HEX colors, these must be converted to a comparable Pantone or other swatch book color.
  • Does Simco offer logo design, or graphic design work?
    We do not offer graphic design or logo creation services, as we are strictly manufacturers. We recommend you contact a professional graphic designer to help with that. While we don't provided graphic design work, we can assist with suggestions as to proper legibility, color(s), thickness, mounting, etc.
  • What different materials are available?
    Look under our materials section for a listing of the various materials we offer. This is what we have in stock at all times. We can also work with custom materials, laminates, or special thicknesses not listed, please let us know if you desire something not shown!
  • Is it possible to see a sample of a specific material choice?
    Yes! Once we have discussed your needs, you are more than welcome to request a sample of the material(s) you are interested in reviewing.
  • I've never ordered a sign before, what do I do? Where do I start?
    The first thing is to determine what size area you are working with, and what type of sign you had in mind (interior, exterior, dimensional, flat, etc.). Don't worry if you aren't sure, our sales staff can help offer suggestions to put you in the right direction. The next step is to determine what type of budget you have. We stock many different materials and can create a package to suit almost any budget. Once we have these guidelines established, we then can discuss various material options to build you a sign to fit within your size and budget guidelines.
  • How far will Simco travel for installations?
    Generally speaking, we offer installation services within 125 miles of our facilities in Collingdale, PA. We have gone further but the time/distance costs usually exceed that of alternatively using one of our national network of installers.
  • Does Simco manufacture and/or install channel letters?
    Unfortunately no, we do not. We are happy to recommend several sources if you are in need of illuminated channel letters, please inquire within.
  • Does Simco offer non-illuminated panel signs?
    If the panel is being mounted directly to a wall, between posts, or hung from a bracket, then yes! Many options and materials choices exist, please contact our sales staff for more information.
  • Does Simco manufacture and/or install awnings?
    Unfortunately no, we do not. We are happy to recommend several sources if you are in need of an awning, please inquire within.
  • Should I choose a sign with a background panel or use individual letters mounted to the wall?
    Both are excellent choices but it really depends on your budget, wall surface, and existing contrast between wall color and copy to be installed. Individual letters/logo provide a sharp look with each element individually mounted and either flush mount, or projected off the wall surface. However, installation costs can rise rapidly depending upon the surface of the wall. If the wall is not smooth, more time will be needed to properly install letters evenly. Additionally if the letters/logo are being mounted with studs, drilling will be necessary (and different wall surfaces such as brick, stucco, or Dryvit® all have distinct requirements and time differences). As with interior signage, if the installation surface is hard to drill multiple holes in for stud mounting, a panel will be a better option and less costly on the installation end of costs. With a panel, all copy is pre-mounted, so the installation time is less as only the panel itself needs to be installed. Panels also offer multiple finishes, including metal, painted, and printed options. Our sales staff will be happy to discuss all available options for your particular project.
  • Does Simco manufacture and/or install neon or neon-related signage?
    Unfortunately no, we do not. We are happy to recommend several sources if you are in need of neon, please inquire within.
  • Does Simco manufacture illuminated sign cabinets, offer illuminated sign panel replacements?
    Unfortunately no, we do not. Sign panel replacements include plastic sign faces in a pre-existing illuminated or non-illuminated box (cabinet). We are happy to recommend several sources if you are in need of a sign cabinet or face replacements, please inquire within.
  • Does Simco offer bracket-hung signage?
    Yes! A number of bracket choices are available, from basic sign blade brackets to fancy deluxe scroll brackets. Please contact our sales staff for more information.
  • What if I need to relocate my interior/lobby/reception sign?
    If the sign was manufactured with a panel, a simple removal of the panel off the mounted cleat bars is the first step. Then, removal of the cleat bars on the wall surface is required, along with mounting the cleats bars to the new wall location. After that, it's just a matter of aligning the panel onto the newly placed cleat bars. If the sign had individual letters/logo elements and were setup with the SimcoMount™ stud mounting system, careful removal of each letter/logo element is required. A new mounting pattern (available at a nominal cost) will need to be ordered, and then installation will be the same as when the sign was installed in the initial location. Don't forget, we also offer professional installation both locally and nationwide, and can move and reinstall your sign when you need to.
  • Should I choose a sign with a background panel or use individual letters mounted to the wall?
    Both are excellent choices! A panel provides an architectural element to your space, with the many choices of finishes available (i.e., painted, mica laminated, or metal laminated). Letters & logo can be flush or projected mounted off the panel surface. It also makes the sign easier to remove and re-install, as most panel signs are provided with a cleat bar setup. If the installation surface is hard to drill many holes in, a panel will be a better option and less costly on the installation end of costs. Conversely, individual letters/logo provide a sharp look with each letter individually mounted and either flush mount, or projected off the wall surface. In some cases (i.e., stud mounting) it can be removed/reinstalled in a new location, but is a little more involved to do so
  • What size should my interior/lobby/reception sign be?
    This is dependent upon a multitude of factors, but generally it depends on the size of the wall the sign will be placed. Typically a client will provide the size of the wall in question (and sometimes a picture) and we can scale out multiple size options for review. This can change depending on whether individual letters/logo elements are being mounted directly to a wall, or if everything is getting mounted to a plaque. In some cases, material size availability will determine the maximum size allowable.
  • Can I see my layout printed at full size?
    Yes, we offer black ink pen plotted patterns on white paper at full size. Costs would be based on overall size needed, plus shipping.
  • What material should I use for my interior/lobby/reception sign?
    This is completely based on personal preference & budget limitations. We are happy to discuss and quote multiple material options after an initial discussion of what type of sign is desired.
  • Does Simco's ADA signage meet necessary specifications for code?
    Yes! Our custom manufactured ADA signs are made with 1/32" appliqué, and Grade 2 (contracted) braille spheres that are fully compliant with all US federal ADA signage guidelines, including California Braille specifications when required.
  • Is there a cost savings using a standard color for ADA signage?
    Yes there is, to a degree. Using a matte white or matte black acrylic background saves on painting costs, and is cheaper per sq. ft. than using solid appliqué colors for the 1/8" thick background. However, in many cases if looking at the standard colored backgrounds in Rowmark or Duets ADA alternative line, it may actually be cheaper to have us paint the color sub-surface (reverse side) on 1/8" non-glare clear acrylic. Contact our sales staff for more information.
  • How do I know if I need ADA signage to meet code?
    If your business/building is open to the general public, including offices or any space where visitors are expected, you likely need ADA signage to meet code. Typically, any permanent room or area that needs identification with a sign should be ADA compliant, regardless of the building's size or type. Our sales staff will be happy to discuss your specific building/business code requirements.
  • Does Simco engrave small plaques for trophies?
    While our machines have the ability to engrave small brass & silver plaques for trophies, we do have minimum charges that would likely make a single or low quantity orders impractical. For larger quantities, however, we are happy to provide a quote.
  • Does Simco manufacture church (or other) donor signage?
    Absolutely! This can be involved depending upon the number of donors (or potential donors); the overall size; and multiple other factors. We are happy to discuss the many layout and material options available on these types of signs, please contact our sale staff for more information.
  • Why does ADA signage require both raised (tactile) lettering AND braille?
    Less than 10% of blind Americans are capable of reading Grade 2 (contracted) braille. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) looks at the readability of signs from two perspectives: those who are blind and those who are visually impaired. Raised (tactile) text with braille is there to assist those who are “touch” readers. Many visually impaired people may never learn braille, but can recognize letters by their shape. Likewise, those that know how to read braille have the option of utilizing that as needed.
  • Does Simco manufacture custom name badges?
    Yes we do! We offer the ability to engrave your logo as well, if desired, and offer pin mount or magnetic mount options (not recommended for people with pacemakers or other electronic implants).
  • Does Simco manufacture engraved desk nameplates?
    Absolutely! We offer a great range of nameplate holders, including solid metal standalone, or metal frame attached to wood. We do have minimum charges that may make a single quantity order impractical. For orders of 2 or more, however, we are happy to provide a quote.
  • Does Simco engrave jewelry, mugs, etc.?
    Unfortunately we do not. As a signage manufacturer we strictly do sign-related items only with our engraving machines.
  • When does ADA signage require an image/symbol?
    Generally speaking, images/symbols are not required by code to be present on ADA signage, but they are often used in common areas to simplify understanding. Examples include male/female/wheelchair images for restrooms, and stairs for stairwell signage. In situations where imagery is used, our ADA signage utilize the international symbols library for accessibility -- universally recognized images & symbols that can be instantly understood regardless of language differences or reading comprehension difficulty. There are some code restrictions/requirements, which our sales staff will be happy to review with you when discussing your particular project.
  • Do you offer vehicle lettering or vehicle wraps?
    Unfortunately no, we do not. We are happy to recommend several sources if you are in need of lettering or a full wrap, please inquire within.

Our FAQs are divided into several categories below. Click to expand each section for more information

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