FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Photo-Graphics Co., Inc. has full graphic capabilities and can set up your artwork from an engineering drawing or sketch. If available, we welcome your completed artwork and/or electronic files. Here are answers to common FAQ’s:
1. What electronic formats do you accept?
Most PC based formats including .cdr, .pdf,. dwg., .ai, .eps, .jpeg, .tif, .doc, .dxf, .xls, .ppt.
2. Can you design my label if I don’t have a drawing?
We have full graphic capabilities and can set up your artwork from a description or sketch.
3. Will I be able to see and approve my layout before you produce the labels?
Absolutely! This provides an excellent opportunity to approve or change anything in your design before processing begins.
4. Will I save money by providing my own art or film?
That depends. When we produce the art and film in-house, we insure the highest quality imaging and less material waste. In cases of highly dimensioned drawings, labels with an extensive amount of text or labels with changing text, supplying artwork can be very cost effective.
5. Do I have to pay a set-up charge every time I order?
No Unless you make a change, set-up charges are non-recurring.
6. Will I have to pay any tooling charges?
With rare exceptions, you will have no tooling charges no matter what the shape, number of holes, or design specifications.
7. Do you have a minimum order?
No. Order as many as you need. We recommend ordering based on your estimated annual usage for 6 months to 1 year for adhesive-backed nameplates or labels. For non-adhesive backed labels, up to 2 years estimated usage. For non-adhesive nameplates, the sky's the limit!
8. Do you have any standard size labels?
All of our labels are custom made to your specifications without expensive up-front costs. Specify the smallest size that will accomodate your image and application to give you the best yield on material and the lowest price.
9. How do I know if the adhesive will stick permanently to our product?
We will guide you to the appropriate choices for your application. We stock only the best adhesives that suit a variety of surfaces and conditions. Samples can be provided for testing directly on your product. We cannot guarantee adhesion due to the number of variables involved so we encourage testing directly on your surface to insure your final selection is reliable.
10. Can I get samples or prototypes?
Yes. We will gladly send you samples for inspection and/or testing at your facility. Custom prototypes can be quoted upon request.
11. What if I need my labels in a hurry? What is your lead time?
Then don't wait another minute and contact us immediately! We specialize in rush orders and if it's physically possible, we will offer you one of our very popular expedited services. Our routine service is 10 working days to ship.
12. Why should I do business with Photo-Graphics Co., Inc?
Customer service with extraordinary responsiveness. From our first contact you will know it is our privilege to serve you.
13. How do I set-up an account?
We accept payment by check, credit card, ACH and wired funds. You can send us your standard credit application which needs to include legal name, year business was established, key personnel, accounts payable contact information, and references. Or you can complete our credit application.
14. What are your color capabilities?
Most of our metal plates are produced in black and silver since no inks are used to produce the abrasion resistant image. We can reverse our or halftone portions of your image to make sections stand out within your design. Black with a metallic colored background such as gold, blue, yellow, etc., is an option and recommended for indoor use.
If full color is required for a short run, we will use another manufacturing method to produce. Full color, including 4 color process, is available on our non-aluminum materials and some aluminum materials. Just specify your PMS or specific color requirement. If precise color matching is critical, we recommend ordering a prototype first.
15. Can you put serial numbers, barcodes, or other variable information on my plates or labels?
Serial Numbers: If serial numbers, model numbers, contract number, etc. are known in advance, we can include that information on the labels. We can also produce generic plates with spaces for you to stamp, laser, write or engrave them yourself.
Barcodes: Code 39 is a one dimensional barcode we produce most often. Two dimensional barcodes, such as Data Matrix or PDF417, are also in demand as are QR codes. Barcodes scan with ease on our anodized aluminum. No problem to include on non-metal materials although we suggest avoiding highly reflective finishes.
Other Variable Information: If there are multiple fields that will vary, every label is unique, or QR codes are needed, please provide details with your instructions. Include what information you can supply electronically such as a spreadsheet.
16. What Terms & Conditions pertain to my order?
• Prices or delivery may be subject to change with receipt of additional information. Quotations are effective for 60 days.
• Please allow plus or minus 10% on quantity ordered unless otherwise specified.
• Photo-Graphics Co., Inc. does not guarantee adhesion to specific surfaces. Sample testing and review of manufacturer specifications is recommended.
• Photo-Graphics Co., Inc. assumes no liability related to customer products, delays or malfunctions due to label performance, delivery or label content.
• Customer assumes all responsibility to abide by all applicable laws regarding label content.
• Requests to return defective product must be made within 14 days of delivery. No returns accepted on non-defective product.
• Packages proven shipped but not delivered may take up to 2-3 weeks to be declared lost in transit by carrier.
• Price excludes shipping and handling. Sales tax where applicable.
• All tools, films and artwork created in-house are owned by Photo-Graphics Co., Inc.