Frequently Asked Questions

Does Inter Sign National (ISN) have design capabilities?

Yes, ISN has a fully staffed Graphics Department. Our staff of designers have many years of experience in sign planning, way finding and sign design and have the capability to design anything from a simple sign to a complete project.

Why is selecting ISN for designing your best choice?

It is not only important to design a sign that looks attractive, but it must also be one that can be manufactured in the most effective and least expensive method, and, if relevant, meet ADA code. Our staff works closely with the end user and/or their Architect or Contractor so that what is designed not only meets all manufacturing and code requirements, but also is what the end user wants. Additionally, when doing a cost comparison between ISN and other design choices you will find that ISN is a much more reasonable option. ISN offers a process called "Design Build" where the end user can save a considerable amount of money.

Will ISN work together with my interiors company?

Yes, ISN will fit into your project at any stage you require and will work closely with both your staff or any other contractors on you project.

What is "Design Build"?

"Design Build" is a process where ISN packages the designing and manufacturing of the sign system. These packages work in many different ways and are custom designed to meet the end users needs. One example of a package plan is to charge the customer for designing the project and giving an allowance figure toward the purchase of the signs from ISN. The advantage to this program is that the customer can pay for the design and choose whether or not they want to buy the product from ISN. If they choose to buy from ISN they are able to apply a percentage of the design fee against the total purchase price of the product.

What is a Sign Plan?

A Sign Plan is comprehensive process where ISN produces a Way finding System along with a complete sign design package. Sign Plans can be done for existing buildings or new construction. ISN offers the Sign Plan process in its "Design Build" packages. When complete the customer has a complete Message Schedule and shop drawings with manufacturing specs.

How long does it take to do a Sign Plan?

That depends on the scope of your project. Please contact us to discuss your particular requirements with one of our qualified Project Managers.

If ISN designs my signs am I required to purchase the product from them or can I go to whomever I want?

As stated earlier, ISN separates the manufacturing process from the design. Therefore, if you desire to have someone other than ISN produce your signs then you simply only pay for the design. The designs are yours to do as you wish. Just keep in mind that ISN will discount the cost of the design from the price of the manufacturing if you choose to have ISN make your signs.

If I use ISN for "Design Build" who installs the signs?

ISN can turnkey your project from design through installation no matter where you are located. Our installation staff are all well trained professionals with many years of experience.

Does Inter Sign National (ISN) have installation capabilities?

Yes, ISN has a fully staffed Installation Department. Our staff is capable of installing anything from the simplest to the most extensive sign system, both interior and exterior. Our installers have extensive experience and go into the field well equipped to handle any situation.

How is Installation priced?

You will always know the cost of installation before we begin. Installation is pre priced based on the items being installed, the installation surfaces, the location of your site and the amount and type of assistance and guidance we will be receiving from your staff.

Are there ever any hidden charges?

No! Installations are pre priced and only undisclosed or unusual circumstances could affect any price change. No additional work that would require additional charges is performed unless fully discussed and pre approved by the customer.

Do you charge extra for hardware?

All required hardware is always part of the pre-priced installation charges.

If required will you remove existing signs when installing the new ones?

Yes. We will be happy to assist you in removing your old signs as part of our complete installation services that we offer.

I understand that certain signs must be installed to code. Is ISN familiar with the latest Federal, State and Local Code issues?

Yes. Before installing your signs our installation staff always review the code issues relevant to your particular needs so that your signs will be installed to conform with all regulations. ISN also takes special effort to stay current with all code so that any changes can be immediately adhered to.

Will ISN installation disrupt our normal company routine?

AISN will work with you in order not to disturb your company's normal work schedule. If need be we will install during non-business hours. We also have great consideration to your work environment and always clean up after an installation.

Will ISN install signs that were purchased by another vendor?

Yes. Although we encourage you to always use ISN as your Sign Company, we do recognize that you may have such a need. Please contact use with your particular need and we will be happy to be of assistance.

What type of signs does Inter Sign National, LLC (ISN) manufacturer?

Inter Sign National, LLC (ISN) specializes in interior sign manufacturing. Our extensive manufacturing capabilities and modern facility allow us to manufacture almost any type of interior sign. We specialize in silk screening, engraving, routing, etching and sand blasting into many types of acrylics, brass, aluminum, solid surface material (such as Avointe and Corian) and special engraving material (such as plastic brass/aluminum and Romark). Please check out our Products pages on this web site to see what type of signs we offer

Can ISN supply me with exterior signs even though they specialize in manufacturing interior signs?

Yes. We can supply most exterior products. We have a vast experience in handling products such as metal or plastic lettering of all types both cast and formed. We also have the ability to supply illuminated and non-illuminated exterior architectural signs in many different materials that are available. We encourage you to look at our photo gallery where you can see some of our prior projects where we have supplied this these type of signs.

What are ISN's manufacturing capabilities and how does the manufacturing facility handle my order?

ISN has a large manufacturing facility located in Baltimore, Maryland. This modern automated facility is capable of handling projects of any size. Our unique manufacturing philosophy enables us to produce small sign projects at the same time as our larger projects so that you, the customer, gets the best quality and service available in our industry. We recognize that the customer with a simple single sign order is just as important as one with a large sign project and treat each with the equal priority. When an order is placed an approximate date of completion is given so that you are aware of the time that it will take to fulfill your order. Please keep in mind that ISN is a custom sign manufacturer and this means that every sign is built to order. We DO NOT keep an inventory of any items and there is no such thing as a standard off-the-shelf product.

What is the standard turn-around-time for an order and how quickly can I expect to have my signs?

ISN's normal production schedule is 6-8 weeks, but this may vary depending on the type of product you order. When an order is placed an approximate date of completion is given so that you are aware of the time that it will take to fulfill your order. If you need something sooner than the standard turn-around-time, we offer a rush service at an additional charge. Please let your salesperson know if you have special need and they will be glad to help you out.

I am in a real hurry to get my signs. Can ISN provide me with what I need in the time frame that I need it?

Yes. For an additional charge, ISN offers a rush service. Please keep in mind that due to production limitations, not every request can be granted. ISN will make you fully aware of what can be done. Please consult with your salesperson and he/she will help you come up with the best possible solution to meet your needs. We also offer the ability to make you temporary signs (paper or cardboard) that can be used while your permanent signs are being manufactured.

I have reviewed the products that ISN offers and I do not see what I am looking for. Is ISN capable of manufacturing something other than the products shown on the web site?

ISN has a vast experience in all fields of the sign industry. We have the ability to recognize a decipher any type of sign specification and would happy to aide you in getting you what you want. Please contact our sales staff and they will instruct you how to send us the information that we require so that we can help you.

I have a particular type of sign that was designed for me. Can ISN manufacture this?

Yes. As stated above ISN is capable of producing any product that you have had designed for you. Our qualified staff will be happy to review these designs and provide you with an estimate of the cost to produce them. Please keep in mind that not every sign design may necessarily make a good functional sign. Our staff will provide you the best possible specifications that meet both manufacturing and code requirements and keep the integrity of your sign design as close to its intent as possible.

How do I place an order with Inter Sign National, LLC (ISN)?

Inter Sign National, LLC is an interior sign manufacturer and all of the products that we produce are custom made-to-order. Due to the nature of the product that we manufacturer we find it necessary to have a salesperson involved in the ordering process. Please visit our contact page and our sales department will be happy to assist you.

Can I order any of your products online?

No. We currently do not offer an online shopping cart system. All products must be ordered by contacting us directly through the available methods listed on our contact page.

I am a prior customer of ISN. Is there a simple way for me to reorder a sign that I need?

Yes. Many of our customers currently fax, phone or email their reorders to us. We request that when reordering you reference your Customer Number along with your prior Factory Work Order Number (FWO#). These numbers can be found on any of your prior invoices. If you are having difficulty finding either of these numbers, please give us a call and we will be happy to assist you. We maintain extensive computer records of all of our customers prior orders and we can easily search them to obtain all of your sign specifications.

How do I establish credit with ISN and what are your terms?

Simply contact us and we will be happy to send you a credit application. Our standard payment terms are Net 10 with established credit. However, since all of our products are custom made-to-order, larger orders require a 50% deposit at the time the order is placed with ISN.

Do you accept any major credit cards?

Yes. We accept VISA, Mastercard and American Express.

What is the standard turn-around-time for an order and how quickly can I expect to have my signs?

ISN's normal production schedule is 6-8 weeks, but this may vary depending on the type of product you order. When an order is placed an approximate date of completion is given so that you are aware of the time that it will take to fulfill your order. If you need something sooner than the standard turn-around-time, we offer a rush service at an additional charge. Please let your salesperson know if you have special need and they will be glad to help you out.

I am in a real hurry to get my signs. Can ISN provide me with what I need in the time frame that I need it?

Yes. For an additional charge, ISN offers a rush service. Please keep in mind that due to production limitations, not every request can be granted. ISN will make you fully aware of what can be done. Please consult with your salesperson and he/she will help you come up with the best possible solution to meet your needs. We also offer the ability to make you temporary signs (paper or cardboard) that can be used while your permanent signs are being manufactured.

Is it possible to have our company logo on our sign?

Yes, Inter Sign can place your company logo or any other artwork that you require on you signage. The artwork must be provided to us in a certain format so that it can be used. Please refer to the FAQ below so that you understand what type of artwork is acceptable.

What format must I use when providing Inter Sign with artwork?

Artwork can be provided to us in many formats. There are specific requirements that must be followed when submitting your artwork. Please refer to the FACT questions below and choose one of the following acceptable methods.

Method 1 - Camera Ready Artwork

Camera Ready Artwork is a term that we use to describe artwork that is printed on a piece of paper in either color or black and white. This printout must be clean with straight, not jagged, lines. In most instances this is the same artwork that you provide the printer that does your letter head, stationary or any such professional print documents for your company. Please keep in mind that the larger the Camera Ready Artwork, the better. This artwork must be clean enough to be scanned in and enlarged if necessary so that it can be reproduced on your signage. There is an additional artwork charge when this using this method.

Method 2 - Vector Based File

A Vector Based File is a computer generated graphics file. A Vector based graphic file is a series of images that are made up of many individual, scalable objects. These objects can be shapes, lines or curves. When viewing this file in "Wireframe" mode you will see the image as an outline. All methods of manufacturing that Inter Sign uses require Vector Based files. This is the best and quickest method for us to have and, therefore, no additional charges are required. The most common vector formats include Al (Adobe Illustrator), CDR (CorelDRAW), CMX (Corel Exchange), CGM Computer Graphics Metafile, DFX (AutoCAD), and WMF Windows Metafile. Some vector based drawing programs are Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Macromedia Freehand and Xara X.

What is a Raster Based File?

Raster Based Files are Bitmap images made up by a series of pixels (dots) in a grid. These pixels are tiny dots of individual color that make up the image. The image resolution is dependent on the DPI (Dots per Inch). The greater the DPI the better the image is. When the image is increased or decreased in size it sacrifices the image quality. Common bitmap formats are BMP, GIF, JPEG, JPG, PICT, PCX, TIFF and PSD (Adobe Photoshop). Some bitmap editing programs are Microsoft Paint, Adobe Photoshop and Corel Photo Paint. All scanned images and images from digital cameras are in bitmap format.

Why can't Inter Sign use a Raster Based File to reproduce my artwork?

All of our manufacturing processes use Vector Base files to create your signage. We have the ability to take a Raster Base file and convert it to a Vector Based file, but in most instances the quality of the image is too poor to create a clean workable Vector image that can be manipulated to create your signage. It is more cost effective for both you and ISN to require a clean Vector based version of you artwork. If you are unable to provide us with a Vector file we would rather have a Camera Ready version of your artwork so that we can scan the image ourselves and manipulate it as necessary.

What are Sign Specifications?

Sign Specifications is a document that specifies the requirements for fabricating specific types of signage. Sign Specifications are mostly used in the bidding process of a project.

What type of Sign Specifications does ISN have available?

Currently ISN has an "ISN/ADA-E Specification" available. This is a Sign Specification for Inter Sign National's ADA compliant interior signs. We have this specification available in both HTML and PDF format.

Do you have other Sign Specifications available?

No, currently the only Sign Specification available is the one listed above, but it you are in need of a different type of Sign Specification please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.