Plaques & Letters: Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

Who are you?

Plaques&Letters is an architectural signage distributor of several well-established manufacturers & foundries. This website is an online extension of Designs&Signs. We've been in this business for 16 years.

Where are you?

It's parenthetical: Products drop ship from the applicable manufacturing facility nearest you. To mail us: Designs & Signs 3205 Arthur Drive Ruston LA 71270.

How else might you be contacted?

Every main product line page has this email address: admin@plaquesandletters.com. Toll-Free Phone:1-866-336-4135. Toll-Free Fax:1-866-336-4650.

Why Plaques&Letters.com?

We not only design well-regarded plaques such as THIS, but designed & fabricated numerous signs like THIS. We have the application experience that sheer architectural signage purveyors lack. And we provide free input, which Shopping Cart websites only reluctantly do (with no toll-free).

Can I buy from your manufacturers directly? And save some money?

They don't sell direct to the public. We and other distributors are their sales force. We're compensated by being able to buy wholesale, then retailing. We specify, after sometimes lengthy discussions with customers; manufacturers "simply" manufacture.

I prefer not to deal with "middlemen". Can't I just buy direct from a manufacturer or foundry?

Generally that's not how this industry is structured. A few manufacturers sell direct to the public. But that doesn't mean you'll achieve a lower price. In fact it'll likely be higher because they rarely negotiate; we do. Manufacturer-directs' salaried sales force is internal, affecting their pricing. Plus their art departments generally are limited. This "middleman" has 25 years of design and project management expertise, formerly a SR AD at two international ad agencies.

I've seen many of the same images & products on your website elsewhere. Why is that?

They are manufacturer-supplied photos (along with our own several images from previous projects). Unlike most competitors who only pretend to be manufacturers, we don't pretend anything, including being anything but distributors.

What is your "Mission Statement"?

We haven't one, as they're pretentious. However: MOST distributors have "sold their soul to the company store": They offer 1-2-3 manufacturers and are beholden to them; therefore their offerings are limited. We have a dozen manufacturers we work with.

What does "Legacy Line" & "Heritage Line" mean?

They are product lines, and pseudonyms for our manufacturers. We formerly listed them--among the finest in the industry-- but some prospects decided to contact them directly for one reason or the other. That's not how this industry is set up.

What will the length of my sign be?

Plaques: For a basic size estimate for cast plaques, count the number of characters and spaces then divide by 4. This provides the typical plaque size in square inches, allowing for plaque design features such as borders, heading, font sizes, etc. Various other criteria factor in, including the use of a logo.

Sign Letters: They are slightly less in width than height. To ballpark a line length, identify your cap height, then multiply by the number of letters in your copy. Add one letter size for word spacing.

I'm new at this. How much does all this cost?

Most customers are. Unlike most competitors, we offer price charts. Just click on the applicable product line price charts links. Volume and Large Order Discounts Available.

There are so many choices. How do I even know what I want specifically?

Choice is the pedestal on which creativity rests. There are three primary factors which drive a project: Price, schedule and desired aesthetic effect. Plastic is obviously cheaper than metal, cast plaques less expensive per square inch than etched metals, standard finishes less than fancier ones etc. If "the look" is what matters, just envision what you want, letting that drive the material. Even then, there are some economies which can be achieved. For "dark bronze-looking metal letters", dark bronze anodic aluminum cast letters might actually be a better option than true oxidized bronze ones.

Do you offer "Free Shipping"?

Shipping costs are virtually irrelevant. Not only are our prices negotiable for volume orders, we don't claim "Free Shipping" ...by then charging above MSRP like some competitors. We charge not per plaque or letterset, but rather per project. Customers expect--and we provide--discounts for volume orders. In that regard you won't pay for shipping either per se; that's included in the comprehensive, already-discounted quote. We do charge shipping for small orders.

Will you send me a printed catalog and price list?

One isn't available. Plaques&Letters is the most comprehensive website of its kind, and includes linked price charts. It serves as our catalog of architectural signage. Manufacturer catalogs are rarely sent to likely reoccurring customers however. Otherwise please feel free to print pages for your group's discussion.

Will you send samples?

Only rarely. Even though we provide the finest of offerings, the rate-of-return for those seeking samples is insufficient. It takes about the same amount of time to send samples as it does to place an order. We post numerous images and other information including specifications. Our fonts and plaque offerings are portrayed via images. For finishes & colors offered we provide links to pages depicting them. We're not aware of any other online companies which provide free samples, in this or any other industry.

Do you have a minimum order?

With few exceptions it's $100.

Why can't you make this simpler? All of this is intimidating.

Due to the numerous options offered, that's not possible. An analogy is: "How much does a car cost?" It depends on what you want, but can be complicated. We're here to help. However, all aspects of everything we offer are posted online. "Reading never hurt anyone.";-) Actually: It's quicker than spending your life visiting numerous websites yet still not learning anything.

Materials & Finishes

How do I determine which material is right for me?

All sign letters and plaques (except magnesium) can be used both indoors and outdoors. The decision will be based on the effect you want to achieve, along with your budget. Metal is most, plastic is least expensive.

What is anodizing?

The only metal anodized is aluminum. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide in aluminum and allows the metal to be colorized the process. An anodized finish is part of the finished aluminum letter. Architects love to specify this finish. However it's an unnecessary expense in most locales.

What is oxidation?

The only metals oxidized are Bronze & Brass. Exposure to the atmosphere naturally results in oxidation of the exposed surface, obtaining a staining or discoloration. This provides a "darkened" finish to the bronze. It can also be created by a foundry, for additional expense.

What is polishing?

A polished finish on plaques and letters is obtained by buffing with a fine abrasive, resulting in a shiny finish. Additional costs apply. Natural satin is the norm. Polished is available on Heritage Line bronze plaques and Legacy Line bronze and aluminum plaques. Polish is available on all flat cut letters metal materials, given that the aluminum alloy used is different from cast plaques.

What is baked enamel?

Baked enamel paint uses enamel-based paint applied to the surface of the letters. This provides a smooth, durable, and consistent finish. Like any paint, it isn't eternal. That's why some incur the expense of anodized and oxidized finishes, for permanent colorization. Consider anodized aluminum or oxidized bronze if color permanence is your primary concern.

Letters Installation

(already supplied on applicable product line pages)

Can we install the letters ourselves?

Yes. That's why people buy them online; it's pretty easy. Installation instructions links are provided on applicable pages. If doctors, attorneys, schoolteachers and even "little old ladies" can do it, so can you.

Do I need an installation pattern?

An installation pattern is needed for proper alignment and placement of your letters. Without it, the project will take longer, and will not be as accurate or look as professional. Some installation methods require a pattern.

What is a Stud Mount Installation pattern?

A full size drawing of your sign letters or logo laid out on craft paper with stud positions marked for drilling. You can specify length of stud. The Stud Installation pattern MUST be ordered when you order your letters, as each pattern is individually spaced. Stud mount installation patterns cost $.40 per inch in letter height, $4.00 maximum per letter.

What does "stand-off" mean?

The amount of space you want to leave between the sign letters and the mounting surface. Specify at the time of ordering. This option is used with stud mount installation.

Plaques Installation

How do you mount these things?

Visit (opening in new windows): Plaques & Letters: Etched Mounting Methods Plaques & Letters: Custom Cast Plaques Mounting Methods

Shipping & Schedules

How will my order be shipped?

Most orders will ship via UPS or FedEx ground, unless otherwise specified and paid for. Overnight, 2-day and 3-day options are available for additional costs. Larger letters over 30" may have to ship via truck freight, for an additional cost.

What is the lead to produce--not receive--letters (in working days)?

Formed Plastic Letters: 3-4 days. Flat Cut MetalFaced & MirrorFaced Laminate & Flat Cut Acrylic Letters: 5-7 days. Cast and Flat Cut Metal Letters: 8-10 days. Some take longer, particularly when involving fancy finishes. Fabricated Metal Letters: Approx. 3 weeks.

What is the lead time to ship plaques after artwork approval?

Cast Plaques: 3-4 weeks. Etched Plaques: Two weeks. Engraved Bronze:4 weeks.

What if I need my order in a rush?

Heritage Line FastTrack*: 10 Working Days- Add 50%. 5 Working Days- Add 100%. For Engraved Bronze Plaques, add 50% for 7 days to ship after production art approval, 25% for 14 Day ship.

Ordering Process

How do I place an order?

TO ORDER LETTERS: Fill out our Order Forms linked on applicable pages. OR: Determine your text, the size letters you need, which fabrication method (and thickness if selecting Flat Cut), material, colors, finishes, mounting methods, and font style(s) you desire. Fax or email that information to us for an estimate. We will reply with a timely quote.

TO ORDER PLAQUES: Use the Order Forms linked on applicable pages. OR reference our Pricing Charts, determine your text, the size plaque(s) you need, which material, colors, finishes, textures, mounting methods, border and font styles, emblems and portraits (if any) you desire, and your time schedule. Then fax or email that information to Plaques&Letters for an estimate.

Can I call in an entire order?

Phone conversations are fine for information transmittal. We prefer you place your order online. Transcribing verbalized letterset text, various finishes, thicknesses, sizes & other specifications and mounting preferences--even template specs--as well as billing & shipping info accurately is problematic. Customers likely can email or fax that via copy & paste from file.

How will we know whether we'll be receiving the plaque we want? Do you do a layout before we reach a financial agreement?

Due to the custom nature of plaques, payment must be made in advance. Layouts are for customers which by definition entails payment. If corrections and/or alterations need to be made to the layout, then it can be altered for no additional charge. Once approved, you'll also have the opportunity to see and alter a manufacturer's production proof.

What are your payment methods?

To purchase, please mail a check to the address below and fax a copy of it for verification, at which point your order will be placed. A check made out to Designs & Signs is preferable so no processing fees are incurred. We also accept all major credit cards. Please provide account number and expiration date, plus your complete name & billing address. As our quotes are generally already discounted, add 2.4% for VS & MC. 1% for Discover. 2.9% for AmEx. Or click the Buy Now button at the bottom of our Homepage, linking to PayPal. Add 2.9%. Or we can email you a PayPal Invoice and all you need do is enter a CC# and your ship to. A PayPal account isn't necessary to make CC payments. Or you can send a credit card Convenience Check or Balance Transfer Checks. Purchase Orders are also accepted in many cases.

Most of our orders are paid in full in advance. We do accept P.O.'s occasionally, primarily from governmental entities. If electing the P.O. method, terms are Net 30-45 depending on the manufacturer, from the date you order when you'll be Invoiced, NOT from when your item(s) are shipped, NOT from when you receive your purchase. Otherwise, payment is required in advance.

Artwork

We have a custom logo that we would like to incorporate. How might it be sent?

admin@plaquesandletters.com

What file format does it need to be in?

Artwork for all custom sign letters, plaques and logos need to be vector based. Vector--eps, ai, dxf, cdr--(not jpeg, gif or bitmap) files are required for provided production artwork. Art charges of $25.00 or more apply to non-compliant art to facilitate file conversions. NO art charges for text-only, standard-size plaques. Bitmaps, tiffs, gifs and jpegs are welcomed for layout & logo submissions.

What is a vector based file?

Vector based artwork is an outline path of the object that needs to be cut. Please convert to "curves" or "paths" before sending. These files can be created in Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw. If your art was created by a graphic designer, they might provide you with this file type. AI and EPS files are vector based formats. Some vector file extensions are: eps, .ai, .dxf, .cdr. While many people think their raster files----jpeg, gif, tiff or bitmap--look just fine, and they often do, think of it as the difference between analog & digital; AM & FM; stereo & mono; Mac & PC. They are produced via different means, producing different effects. Raster files are fine for viewing and estimating however.

What is clean artwork?

Any vectorized art file for custom sign letters or logos, that has a minimum number of control points, while still retaining the integrity of the style or design. It can also be a paper "logo slick".

What if we don't have a vector-based version of our logo?

Submit what you have, including logo slicks and picture files. Art charges of $25 apply to non-compliant art to facilitate file conversions and/or redrawing.

When do art charges apply?

First send us your artwork. If the vector art file is fairly clean, requiring minimal clean-up, there will be a minimal art charge. We will contact you if we feel an art charge will be necessary.

Can we use a font not seen on P&L?

Those shown for cast metal & formed plastic are your only options (unless you go with a custom mold for additional expense). We have more fonts than our manufacturers do, and can submit those fonts for plaques and flat cut letters. You can also use your custom font. Email us the TrueType PC font (.ttf file).

How do we send you a font?

Email. The font should a PC True Type font. (.ttf file). These files are usually located in the Windows folder on your hard drive. (C:\WINDOWS\FONTS). Select it and then shift the font over to My Documents Folder, then email it as an attachment from there. Note: Bold, italic, various weights etc. for any given font are separate files, so make sure you are sending the correct font.

Can we get our letters in a custom color?

Any painted letterset or plaque can be in a custom color. Please specify a PMS/Pantone number. A $70 fee will apply.

Guarantee Information

What is your warranty?

Lifetime for all plastic letters. If they ever break, crack, chip, or fade, or proves to be defective, we will replace it. This does not apply to breakage from improper use or installation, vandalism, weather, etc. The finish of metal letters and plaques last according to your specifications. Essentially, everything we produce lasts "forever", give or take.:-) Should the face of a metal letter or plaque become scratched, the surface can be enhanced with wax.

What is your return policy?

As all projects are custom, sign letters and plaques can not be returned. However, if we've erred in any respect we'll make it right. Our customers do bear full responsibility when receiving what they've specified and/or approved.

HOMEPAGE FEATURED PROJECTS METAL LETTERS PLASTIC LETTERS

PLAQUES OVERVIEW CUSTOM CAST PLAQUES STANDARD CAST PLAQUES

PICTURECAST PLAQUES ETCHED PLAQUES MULTI-COLORED METAL SIGNS

PATRIOTIC TRIBUTES I PATRIOTIC TRIBUTES II

TABLE OF CONTENTS FAQ LINKS