Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I work with Dobish Signs?
Choosing Dobish Signs means partnering with a company that has been a leader in the sign industry since 1932. We combine decades of experience with a full-service approach, ensuring your signage needs are met with unmatched proficiency and affordability. Our legacy of innovation and customer satisfaction makes us a top choice in Pittsburgh.
Below you will find answers to common questions…
Common FAQ’s
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To ensure that your signs are produced as quickly as possible, we like to follow a system to stay organized and efficient with all our sign projects.
The first step is to make sure you are getting exactly what you want. After you request a sign online or by phone, we will discuss with you all aspects of the job to make sure we both fully understand what you need. Travel to where the sign will be installed may be necessary. This is generally the consultation process.
The second step is to design your sign. Working closely with you, our design department will give you several options as to how your sign can be displayed and manufactured. We will continue to revise your layouts until you are 100 % satisfied with them. Once the design and sign parameters are approved, we will ask for your signature and 50% deposit before we begin production. If your signage needs require permits or landlord approval, we will need to get those submitted and returned before production can begin as well.
The third step is production. We will order all the necessary supplies that are required to complete your job. Once we have our supplies, which can take anywhere from a day to two weeks to receive, we will start fabrication. The size and complexity of the sign will determine how long your job takes in production. Additional time will be needed for jobs requiring paint to ensure that the paint dries correctly.
Once the sign is completed, you will be notified; and we will schedule shipping, delivery, or pick up for jobs not requiring installation. For installations, we will contact you and set up the best date for the install.
The final step is payment. Once your sign is received or installed, the remaining balance of your bill should be paid. Late payments will result in additional charges.
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That all depends on the type of sign we are producing. Smaller sign projects like window graphics, posters, and banners are typically completed within one week after job approval. Free standing signs and building signs that require substrate production are typically completed in two weeks to a month. We try to work vehicle graphics into our schedule so that we will need the vehicle for only one or two days. For larger signs and sign packages, jobs could take up to a few months to complete.
We will do our very best to give you an accurate turn around time estimation. Because all our signs are custom made, the best we can do is estimate. Keep in mind that turn around time is calculated from the date of job approval, so time needs to be allotted for consultation, permits, and design as well.
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We do, but our warranty varies with our different products and services. The reason is because all of our different sign substrates, paints, vinyl, and installation methods have different durability. We will provide you with the sign warranty when you receive the sign estimate. In general, most long-term signs have a warranty of one year.
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Yes, and we are always more than willing to explain them to you. You must keep in mind that there might be restrictions or requirements as to where and how you can display your signage.
Needless to say, there are far more restrictions for exterior signage than interior signage. That is why we obtain permits and get approval for your signs. Every municipality has its own rules regarding the size of signs and how close they can be installed roadside. One Call might need to be contacted for installations that require digging.
If your business building is owned by contractors or landlords, you might have to get their approval for signage as well. And if your business requires signage for special needs patrons, you will need to follow the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines.
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The most compatible files with our design software are EPS and PDF files. These are generally the files we use to transfer photos and logos onto our sign layouts. We can also receive TIFF files for digital photos. JPG files offer a quick and fast way to exchange sign layout examples with our customers; but if artwork needs modified, we cannot alter JPG files with our software without complete reconstruction.
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Yes, quite frequently. We find that ad agencies are great business partners because they have advanced design knowledge, strong organization, and the same objective as our company, which is to advertise our clients as effectively and proficiently as possible.
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We always appreciate clients who are as deeply involved in their signage as we are. The more information and details you give us, the better. Delays in approval and communication will result in longer completion times.
Also, don’t be afraid to be critical – and don’t agree to a sign you are unsure of. We know what we like, but it is important you get what you like. Our goal is to produce signage that makes you happy, not signage that makes us happy.
Most importantly, the best way you can help us, and in turn help yourself, is to make sure you give us adequate time to complete your job. The earlier you call to request a job before a due date, the better the final outcome. Rush jobs will not only result in additional costs to you; but will also limit our ability to discuss your options in greater detail and to make appropriate design revisions.
Sign Production & Installation
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Nearly 95% percent of it is. Rarely will we outsource our work to other sign vendors. As a full service sign company, we are capable of handling every aspect of a job. Occasionally we will receive sign systems and supplies from distributors that we assemble and complete at our own shop.
We like to keep our work in house because we trust our products, we trust our hard work, and we trust our service. Our customers benefit, as well, because if there are ever any modifications or adjustments that need to be made, we can quickly and efficiently address them without having to go through a second party.
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With multiple high-resolution dye and solvent ink printers, we are capable of printing every type of image, graphic, or photo. The quality of multi-color digital prints depends on the file format for images and graphics and the pixilation of digital photos.
With that being said, images can be digitally printed to any size, no matter how big or small. The images can also be contour-cut to take on any required shape or dimension.
Our digital prints are available on a wide selection of vinyl, static cling, and banner materials. Our printers and materials allow your image to go anywhere and everywhere. There are even ways to print window graphics where the graphics are printed on the adhesive side of the print so it can be applied on the interior of the window.
In addition, we offer protective laminates for digital prints to guard against human interaction, fading, and the normal wear and tear damage of frequent use.
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Whatever methods we have to use. Our goal for sign installations is to put up signs that look exceptionally attractive, but would take a natural disaster to remove.
Free-standing signs will likely require a ground installation unless there is already an existing structure. Dependent on the size and weight of the sign, our ground installations are done by digging to the appropriate depth and concreting with the appropriate diameters to ensure the sign can easily handle wind loads.
For building installations, whether for interior or exterior signs, we always use extra hardware, fasteners, or adhesives to assure the sign will hold in place regardless of the elements.
We have been installing signs for over 70 years and have an impeccable record of safety and permanence – and we would like to keep it that way.
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We typically ship using Fed Ex; but have also used UPS and even regular mail, if the shipment is small enough.
Because we usually install our signs, we rarely ship larger signs requiring freight delivery; but you have this option as well. We will also deliver your signs if need be. However, we recommend shipping as your first option. More often than not, our delivery charges will be more expensive than shipment.
Pick-ups can be arranged for any time during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. We ask that you please call to schedule a pick-up beforehand so that the signs are ready for your arrival.
Sign Costs & Payments
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Every sign is unique, and every job is different. The main factors involved in pricing a sign are:
Consultation involved
Permit requirements
Length of graphic design
Intricacy of custom fabrication
Materials used
Difficulty of installation
Turn around time
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Once the final design layout is accepted, and the job is approved; we will ask for a 50% deposit before we start production. The remaining balance is due upon job completion. For contracted work with authorized documentation, we will ask for bills to be paid within 30 days of completion. If you are interested in job contracts, please contact our sales department for more information.
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We do. Normally, we offer a 15% discount for quantities over 50 and a 20% discount for quantities over 100. However, having a finance department allows us to provide discounts on other quantities as well.
For example, with larger sign projects, there might be a discount if you order three signs instead of one. If you are interested in quantity discounts, please contact our finance department to find out your options.
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For rush jobs, we add 40% of the initial price to the final cost. However, we determine our rush charges on a job-to-job basis. If we are able to do a job for you quickly with no additional cost to us, we won’t ask for a rush charge.
But generally speaking, for smaller sign projects like posters, yard signs, and banners, a rush charge may be incurred for signs ordered with less than five business days to complete. For larger sign projects, a rush charge may be incurred for jobs ordered with 75% percent or less of the standard turn around time available to complete the job.
Either way, a rush charge will never be more than 40%, and we will work with you independently to determine if a rush charge is needed.
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Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
