Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.

As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Just start by following one of the links below.

If you think of question that is not on this list, please click on "Ask a Question" and let us know what you're thinking. If enough people ask the same question, we'll post the answer in this section for future visitors.

1. What guiding principles will help in making my sign decisions?
2. Is choosing the lowest possible price for my sign going to be my "best deal?"
3. What if I need help in designing my sign?
4. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
5. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
6. What kind of files or artwork do you need?
7. When do I need a sign permit from the City?
8. What is a "proof"?
9. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
10. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
11. How do I know I am going to like my sign when it is finished?

1. What guiding principles will help in making my sign decisions?What guiding principles will help in making my sign decisions?
   
   First, ask yourself how long you want your sign to last. If you own your own store, choosing a sign system that will last for eight to twelve years is not out of the question. If you have a three-year lease and expect to move to larger quarters, you won’t need materials that last as long.
   
   The second question to ask is what message you want to communicate and the distance at which it needs to be seen. This will determine how large the sign and lettering needs to be and the look and feel of the sign.
   
   The third question to answer is what you want the sign to accomplish. A striking lobby sign might tell a customer that he/she made the right decision in choosing your company. A building sign might create curiosity and bring in new prospects or just help customers find you.
   
   
2. Is choosing the lowest possible price for my sign going to be my "best deal?"Signs are like clothes and haircuts. You buy them to make the best and right impression. Would you go somewhere to get your haircut just because you got the lowest price? If you want to make a great impression do you buy the least expensive clothes that you can find? Cheap, weather-beaten, sub-standard looking signs are not only ineffective, they can turn business away.
   
   Studies consistently show that signs, dollar for dollar, are your most effective medium for attracting more business. Your sign decisions need to be made around how they are going to make you money and increase the potential for your business rather than the few dollars you might save in the short run. Poor signs can cost your business in more ways than one.
   
   
3. What if I need help in designing my sign?We offer custom design services and can help you come up with exactly what you’re looking for. Contact us for more information.
   
   
4. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
   Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
   
   
5. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
   There really isn't a short answer to this question. Some jobs can be produced in minutes and some may take weeks or months. Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands.
   
   
6. What kind of files or artwork do you need?First, it might help to understand the different types of graphic images.
   
   Raster Images – A raster or bitmap image is the most common form of computer image. Common raster files end in: .jpg, .bmp, .tif, and .gif. When bitmap files are viewed up close or are enlarged, images become pixilated (blurred or jagged edges).
   
   Vector Images – Unlike Raster images, vectored images consist of layers and paths that can be enlarged without risk of blurring or pixelating. For this reason, vectored images are the preferred choice for banners, digital printing and other services that Pinnacle Signs and Graphics provides. Typical vector file extensions include: .eps, .ai and .cdr. Programs such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw produce vector images. PhotoShop, MS Paint and similar software do not produce vector images.
   
   Our Preferred File Type – Please send your art as a Vectored image or 150 dpi Raster image (saved at finished size). Also, please be sure that ALL TEXT HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO CURVES OR OUTLINES. Acceptable file extensions include: .eps, .ai, .cdr, .jpg, .tif.
   
   We use PC/Windows based programs, so if you are using a Mac program, please convert your file to a PC compatible version when saving.
   
   You can submit files to us right here, bring them to the store burned onto a CD, or mail them. If you choose to send your files on a disk, please include a paper (color preferred) printout of how your logo, type, or other graphics should appear.
   
   
7. When do I need a sign permit from the City?Normally anything done indoors and not visible from the street does not require a permit, while an exterior sign usually does. If you are in an office or retail complex, your landlord or property management firm probably has a sign plan or specification that will give you guidelines. The City has its own set of codes, and they are often posted on their respective web sites. Pinnacle Signs and Graphics will help you with all of this.
   
   
8. What is a "proof"?
   A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed in our store or delivered to you in person.
   
   On multiple color jobs, we can produce a color proof on our color output device to show an accurate representation of the final product.
   
   
9. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
   We employ human beings to produce your work and, last time we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.
   
   
10. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
    It may seem like a proof wouldn't be needed in this case but it really is. Output devices process digital information using a variety of processing languages. Your approval of the proof which we will provide assures that the output device used has correctly interpreted and processed the information you have provided.
    
    
11. How do I know I am going to like my sign when it is finished?We provide many samples of materials, finishes and colors in our showroom. In fact our showroom is a great place to gather some ideas of what you might like to include in your sign. We will provide you with a proof, which can be sent to you by email or fax. We will not start your project until you are satisfied with what it will look like. We can also superimpose the graphic design of your sign on a picture of your property to give you an idea of how it will look after it is installed. We like to take out the surprises. We like you to like the finished product!