Epic Signs & Graphics Blog

All too often small businesses in the Cleveland area pass up the opportunity to advertise their services using their greatest asset: their fleet of delivery vehicles. Many of these businesses may have their name on the truck and maybe a phone number but rarely do they have something that really commands attention. This is where the services of Epic Signs & Graphics come in handy.

Why Advertise with Vehicle Wraps?

Your company work trucks are on the road all day. When you invest in a car wrap with vibrant graphics, you have instant advertising that is directed toward your target demographic. A manufacturer of print vinyl that is often used for wraps, 3M, published a report in which they demonstrated that vehicle wraps far outpace traditional forms of advertising, like radio, television, and newspaper.

3M found it would cost $130,000 in advertising to equal the amount of exposure you get from one vehicle wrap. Best of all, you are reaching exactly who you want, whereas with those other forms of advertising, you will likely waste money marketing to people outside of your service area.

Types of Wraps

With wraps you can apply various amounts of material on vehicles that will combine the best budget with the simplest message so you maximize your ad dollars.

• Full Vehicle Wraps – Just as the name implies, the entire vehicle is wrapped except the roof. These are by far the most popular and the most attention grabbing. Usually, for less than the cost of getting a paint job, you can completely cover vehicles of any size with a wrap.
• Partial Vehicle Wraps – Many people are under the assumption that all vehicle wraps must completely cover the car. This is not true! Like in the above example, partial vehicle wraps can be eye catching and helps save on a budget.
• Vinyl vehicle lettering – This is generally the most affordable option. It works great for getting your message out there or for advertising your website.

Food Trucks Can Also Benefit from Vehicle Wraps

Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular throughout Cleveland and they benefit from graphics because they depend so heavily upon being recognizable. Whether your food truck is in one location and more stationary or it is always changing spots, you can benefit from printed and die cut graphics.

The perfect time for attracting new customers is when your food truck is in transit. With sharp graphics displaying your food options, you can pique fellow drivers’ interest. And, with a large QR code on the side of your truck, people can simply scan your graphic with a smartphone and see where you will be next.

There are essentially no limits to the vehicle wraps the design team at Epic Signs & Graphics can create for you. With our wide format printers and state of the art software, we can turn your vision into a reality. Find out for yourself by giving us a call or dropping us an email today.

From talking to clients, we have heard a lot of misinformation regarding partial vehicle wraps these days. This entry will hopefully put an end to these misnomers including that wraps peel, crack, and fade easily. We'll also put to rest that only businesses with vehicles that are always traveling can benefit from them, and that buying a partial vehicle wrap is too expensive. The best way to tackle misconceptions is with the facts. This is what we will do here.

“Partial Vehicle Wraps Are Not for Me: I Am a Franchise Owner”

Franchise owners do need to incorporate the graphics and colors of their franchisor, but they also have the opportunity to include their own local flavor into their partial vehicle wraps and vinyl lettering. Lead locals to your individual website rather than the national site with a QR Code on your wrap. You can also include your motto or slogan. You will win over new customers by revealing that your franchise has a unique feel that sets it apart from other faceless franchises within the company.

“Only Vehicles That Are on the Road Constantly Will Benefit From Vehicle Wraps”

If you just drive 13,000 miles per year, the amount a normal American drives, with your wrapped company vehicle, you can count on thousands of people seeing and remembering your graphics. In all likelihood though, you travel more than the average person as an entrepreneur and business owner attending frequent meetings.

Also, do not forget the number of people who will see your eye catching vehicle graphics as your car sits outside of your business. Vinyl lettering on your vehicle serves as a billboard for your business as your company vehicle sits idle outside of your store.

“It Is either All or Nothing with Vehicle Wraps”

As long as they are done right, vehicle graphic and vinyl lettering combos and partial wraps are just as effective as the wildly popular full body vehicle graphics. Many go with this solution for their company vehicle because it is an affordable option. You can get the same vibrant colors and graphics and attract customers with a partial vehicle wrap.

“Cracking, Fading, and Peeling Are Big Problems with Vinyl”

Signage technology has come a long way in the past decade. Built-in ultraviolet protection comes standard with many of the vinyl films produced by today’s manufacturers. We are able to protect the vinyl even more from harsh environments by adding a layer of laminate. Vinyl is more durable than ever, allowing most vehicle wraps to last as long as five years or longer.

“I Cannot Afford a Vehicle Wrap”

With the advances in technology, the prices for vehicle wraps have also become quite affordable. And, when you choose partial vehicle wraps in Cleveland, the prices are even more reasonable. Plus, when compared to traditional forms of advertising (television, newspaper, radio, etc.), vehicle wraps give you more bang for your buck. In fact, one study estimates that you would need to spend $130,000 in advertising to reach the same number of people as one vehicle wrap.

Find out what inexpensive solutions Epic Signs & Graphics offers! Just click the button below for a free quote.

Trust is an important characteristic that all auto dealerships want to inspire in their customers. Those who are shopping for a new vehicle are much more likely to buy from salespeople they know are giving them honest information. One way to build trust is by winning awards. So, when Ganley BMW won 2014 Dealer of the Year from Dealer Rater, they wanted to let their customers know about it. Through previous experience, they knew Epic Signs & Graphics provided the best Cleveland auto dealership window showroom banners, so they came to us for a window cling sign publicizing their accomplishment.

Who Is Ganley BMW?

For nearly three decades, Ganley BMW has served as an official franchise for BMW. Located in Middleburg Heights, they proudly serve Strongsville, Elyria, Akron, and Cleveland. In the community, Ganley BMW has long been a leader in automotive sales and repair. They have a vast selection of BMW models and provide an easy process for purchasing their cars. Their main focus is their commitment to their customers, and this has contributed to their longevity and success.

The local community and out of state clients come to Ganley BMW for their BMW repairs and shopping. Just off I-71, they are located on Pearl Road just ten miles from the Cleveland airport. Pre-owned and luxurious new BMWs are their specialties. To ensure their customers’ BMWs remain in tip top shape, they have a full staff of knowledgeable and passionate car service gurus on hand to provide repairs and routine maintenance. We wanted to make sure our signs served such a great member of the community well.

Why Go with Window Cling?

For Ganley BMW, they wanted to showcase their recent award to customers. Of course, the award was for 2014. In 2015 and 2016, it might appear a bit suspect for them to still have the sign up. Permanent window decals would not be the best option in these instances. We recommended vinyl window cling, which could be easily installed, moved, and removed whenever necessary.

There are many different materials we can use to produce window decals for car dealerships. Visibility out of your showroom will not be blocked when you go with our popular perforated one-way vision material for a full size dealership graphic for your storefront.

Many businesses prefer to go with window cling for a variety of reasons. It is made from vinyl decal film that allows it to be placed practically anywhere thanks to the versatile adhesive. You will see these on the doors and windows of the cars that are for sale. The window cling utilizes static electricity to stay attached to just about any surface. You do not have to worry about removing any adhesive. So, in addition to showcasing an award, window cling for Cleveland auto dealerships is also ideal for promotions and special events.

Just like we did with Ganley BMW, our graphic artists will sit with you for a free consultation to determine what window graphics will suit your purposes. We will then keep you informed throughout the design, fabrication, and installation process. And, we make it easy to get started...

The Polish Village commercial district in Parma OH features a variety of smaller, family owned businesses, medical offices, and other quaint storefronts. In Parma, it is one of the most walkable neighborhoods. Many of the businesses are located in older buildings with a lot of history. Epic Signs & Graphics has a lot of experience fabricating exterior building signs for Parma OH. So, when Ed Martin, owner of one of these buildings asked for our help, we were more than up for the task.

Ed Martin – State Farm Agent

In addition to owning a building in the historic Polish Village district, Ed is a State Farm insurance agent. He needed signs for both his business and the Parma Cleaners, to whom he leases space in the building. After graduating from Bowling Green State University after majoring in Insurance, Ed went right to work for State Farm. Since 1986, he has been one of the premier State Farm agents. His mission is to help people recover from the unexpected, realize their dreams, and manage the risks of everyday life.

A look at the building before the new signage installation...

Added illumination helps the sign stand out at night...

To fit the neighborhood and the recent remodeling done to the building, Ed had met with an architect prior to having Epic Signs & Graphics manufacture his signs. Based upon the architect’s rendering, we were able to produce the retro looking sign that Ed and Parma Cleaners required. The sign’s backface is made from 6 mil metal, and the letters are made of PVC. We installed the signs to give a seamless look that blends well with the surroundings. The excellent color combinations have really attracted the attention of passersby in the heavy foot traffic area.

Solutions for Buildings of Any Type

In this case, an architect created the design concept, but Epic Signs & Graphics does have a graphics team that is able to produce signs that go with any building’s exterior décor. Whether it is art deco, contemporary, Mediterranean, modern, neoclassical, postwar, pre-war, pueblo, or any other building style, our team will create signs that complements your structure.

Though it does not get much more durable in the harsh Ohio winters than the PVC and metal combination chosen by Ed, we have a variety of different options you can choose from when picking out property management exterior building signs for Parma OH. These include:

• Channel lettering – These come in both illuminated and non-illuminated varieties and are constructed from rust resistant aluminum frames. The illuminated channel lettering have acrylic faces to allow the energy saving and long lasting LEDs to shine through.
• Dimensional building letters – These letters are made from flat cut metal, foam, acrylic, cast bronze or aluminum, or PVC. These letters are extremely rugged making them ideal for just about any signage application.
• LED message boards – Monochrome, color, and custom LED signs are our specialties. LEDs are a heavy duty way to get messages across that need to be updated regularly.
• Monument signs – Of all signs, these are the most recognizable. Great for building complexes.

This is just a sampling of the options we have. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Below are some additional images of the fabrication process...

There are many different aspects to opening up a new business that can fall through the cracks during the rush and excitement of opening your doors to the public. One of the more important details that many new business owners may put off or are unsure about is obtaining signage for the new building. So, when the owners of T&G Auto Wholesale neared their grand opening date and did not have a sign, they turned to Epic Signs & Graphics to provide them with an affordable and durable solution.

Even the Small Business Administration (SBA) warns outdoor signs are a must-do!

About T&G Auto Wholesale

T&G Auto Wholesale is a brand new business in the Cleveland area. They are located at 5340 Pearl Road. They are so new that they do not even have a website up yet. But, T&G does have plenty of high quality used vehicles for sale. Owned by Gus Hamdan, T&G seeks to provide its customers with cars that are reliable and high performance while not putting too much of a strain on the bank account. After hearing about our skills at creating new business exterior building signs in Cleveland, they came to us for help. We were more than happy to lend a hand to a new business.

High Quality Digital Print

The first thing that strikes you when you look at T&G Auto Wholesale’s new sign is the sharp graphics. Our graphic design team listened to what Gus wanted out of his sign, then we went to work to create a proof for his approval. He loved it! We were then able to use our wide format printers to digitally print the exact high resolution proof in four color graphics on 3M vinyl.

Now, Gus needed his sign in a hurry, so customers would know that he was open for business. Many businesses will just go with a banner that is tied up with some twine. Epic Signs & Graphics does not work that way. We were able to work with Gus’s budget and adhere the vinyl graphic to some 6 mil PVC, which we in turn installed directly on the building. This achieved a much better, more professional impression than a temporary banner.

Permanent Solutions in a Hurry

Many new enterprises fall into the trap of not purchasing a sign to announce their business because they do not know where to buy exterior building signs in Cleveland, or perhaps they think they're too expensive. It can be a mistake, however, to skip the important step of a building sign. Consumers may see a new company popup but what they may not know is what the business is all about. They may never cross the threshold of the storefront. But, with a sign showing your brand, you'll be reeling in interest and foot traffic.

You cannot afford to be without a sign letting people know who you are and what you do. The sign will pay for itself. And, even if you do not have long until your opening and are working on a shoestring budget, Epic Signs & Graphics can provide affordable solutions for you.

Everyone has seen the photos. Typically, it is celebrities at a major red carpet gala in Hollywood. They stop to have their picture taken and behind them is a print of repeating logos for the event. Suddenly, the name of the event on the backdrop is seen by millions of readers who like to peruse the latest celebrity sightings. These backdrops create a perfect opportunity for your company to gain exposure.

Cleveland may not exactly be like Hollywood, but we have our share of events that can use backdrops. There are a plethora of non-profit and other big galas in Cleveland where this type of signage helps sponsors advertise subtly. Organizations increase brand awareness by utilizing graphic backdrops at many types of events, even if the attendance is only a hundred people or so.

Why Use This Signage?

Red carpet backdrops, or “step and repeat banners” as they are often called, are designed specifically for photo opportunities. They were originally only used for major press conferences and awards shows, but they have become increasingly popular as people feel like they are at a major event when they see these backdrops and want to get their picture taken in front of them to post on social media. On social networking sites, the step and repeat banner gives the appearance that attendees were at a major event, while at the same time serving as an advertisement for the company featured on backdrop to all of the attendees’ friends and followers.

Our backdrops are adjustable frames from 8' x 8' to 10' x 10'. They are available in vinyl or fabric materials and easy to reuse for years to come. These are a cost effective way to brand your organization and are a cost-effective solution.

Great for All Events

Besides using step and repeat banners at just about any event, you can also place them in the lobby of your business for increased exposure. Some of the events that benefit from this powerful, yet subtle signage tool include:

• Press conferences
• Birthday parties
• Corporate events
• Concerts
• Movie premieres
• Charity events
• Sporting events
• Booths
• Book signings
• Anniversaries
• Weddings
• Parties
• Trade shows
• Film festivals
• Political events

The goal is for you to get maximum exposure for your company. To help you achieve this, we will work with you to create a banner that features your logo prominently, so viewers of the graphics will notice your organization. We are also able to match your corporate logo precisely and keep your colors consistent using our state of the art large format printers.

Epic Signs & Graphics is your top spot for red carpet graphic backdrops for Cleveland events. Call us to find out how we can serve you.

Many of the bigger corporations have discovered the key to success is to get the attention of children. These days, children are consumers every bit as much as parents are. And, for better or worse, they tend to absorb more of the marketing material than their parents, who have years of experience ignoring advertising. This makes it important for you to use advertisements, such as vehicle wraps, that will catch the attention of children and subsequently their parents.

If you have children, then you know firsthand that they have opinions on just about any products, even brands they have no use for. A lot of times, when a parent is considering a purchase and is faced with a variety of options, a child simply chiming in with his suggestions can sway the buying decision. Or, children may just draw their guardian’s attention to a particular ad. According to a study reported in the international, peer-reviewed journal Nordicum, more than two-third of a TRILLION dollars in parental purchases are influenced by their kids. If you are not marketing to children, you are missing out on a significant slice of the pie.

Vehicle Wraps that Appeal to Children

One inexpensive way to reach your target audience in the Cleveland area is with vehicle wraps. Van wraps and graphics have proven to be more effective and less expensive than traditional forms of advertising. Vehicle wraps for Cleveland OH can reach as many as 70,000 people in a day. And, by taking routes near areas where your target demographic is located, you can increase your chances for sales conversions.

Children are often bored while sitting in the back seat of their parents’ car on their way to and from school or some other event. They stare out the window looking for anything interesting. This is your opportunity to catch their attention with an interesting vehicle wrap that gets them to exclaim, “Look at that car, Daddy!” Whether you are a business that specifically provides products and services to kids or a company that just works with adults, such as a realtor or law firm, you can benefit from a vehicle wrap that piques children’s interest.

How to Get Kids’ Attention

Much like adults, bright colors tend to demand the attention of children. Children also tend to gravitate toward cartoon images. Knowing this, our graphic design team can create a vehicle wrap incorporating colors and images that will captivate youngsters while presenting a good image of your company to their parents.

Does your company have a mascot? If you do have a mascot, we can duplicate it exactly on car wraps created to fit the contours of your vehicles. If not, we can help you design one that will appeal to kids and have them recommending your business to their parents. Mascots can help any company with its branding.

Epics Signs & Graphics has an endless wealth of ideas and resources to help Cleveland businesses increase sales. Give us a call, so we can come up with solutions for your enterprise. Or click below for a free quote!

The Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama in Cleveland is a superb opportunity for area businesses to attract new customers. But, as with most trade shows and events, it can be difficult for exhibitors and vendors to stand out and attract attention from the hoard of people. This is where A-frame signs, pop-up tents, and banners from Epic Signs & Graphics can help.

What Is the I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama?

The I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama is held each year. New will be an auction to benefit child related charities, pedal tractor puller competitions for kids three to eleven years old, Cleveland Browns Backers busses, Genuine Hotrod Hardware pedal car challenge, and a hot rod asylum packed with muscle cars and nostalgic rides.

And, as always, there will be bike builders, airplane showcases, car clubs, thunder row, awards, and plenty of fun for kids. The event is held at the International Exposition Center. Last year, there were over 35,000 visitors from all over the region, and the turnout is expected to be even bigger this year. For vendors, you could not ask for a better event. The vendor fees start at a fairly inexpensive $500.

How to Prepare for the Auto-Rama

The low vendor fee is a blessing and a curse. With the low fee, that means the event will be packed with exhibitors. On the plus side, you will have more money to spend on your displays, so you can attract the attention of passersby. Our customers have found that top quality exhibits pay for themselves. We strongly recommend the following vendor and exhibitor signs for the I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama in Cleveland:

• A-frame signs – These are excellent items for getting event goers to pay attention to your booth. In crowded areas, the sign may be an obstacle. This will make it unavoidable for gear heads to take notice and momentarily pause to read about what you are offering. Plus, with our colors that really pop, traffic will be directed to your booth.
• Pop-up tents – This is one of our best-selling trade show items. Also known as pop-up canopies, these are designed for creating an attractive trade show display quickly and simply. The smaller pop-up tents can be set up within a matter of minutes. The larger ones take a little bit more time. The canopies are made with polyester sidewalls, a durable aluminum frame, and water and fire resistant coverings.
• Banners – Included in our selection of trade show banners are hanging banners, retractable banners, and banner stands. At the Auto-Rama, you can garner the attention you seek for your products with the crisp graphics we have to offer. The best part about banners is that they are portable, easy to put together, and lightweight. They are ideal if you need to travel great distances to a trade show.

We can personalize any signs and banners for the I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama in Cleveland, OH. Give us a call to find out how we can help prepare you or click below for a free quote!

If you own or manage an auto dealership, you know how competitive it can be to close every customer. Turning those "Ups" into sales conversions is your ultimate goal. You need an upper hand on your competitors, so buyers will come to you for their next car purchase. One option that has proven effective is Cleveland auto dealership showroom banners that are custom made for your enterprise. This is exactly what Ganley BMW of Middleburg Heights did, and they have been reaping the benefits ever since.

A Little Information About Ganley BMW

Large format digital printing has revolutionized the sign industry. With this type of printing, sign companies can include great detail in all types of signs printed on many different materials. The wide format printers and equipment at Epic Signs & Graphics are designed to handle rigid, flexible, and many other materials to produce signs that look exactly the way you want them to look. In this entry, we will explore how versatile wide format printing can be for supporting the sign industry.

Digital Printing on Rigid Materials

On pieces up to eight feet square and three inches thick, Epic Signs & Graphics is able to print directly on rigid materials. We can cut the material into any shape imaginable to really bring it to life. Plus, the signs will have magnificent quality and color. Some of the materials we regularly print on are:

• PVC – Heavy duty and medium weight, this is simple to transport and install.
• Corrugated cardboard and card stock – Great for making boxes, posters for indoor use, and point of purchase displays.
• Foam board – Weight bearing, flat, very rigid, and durable. Great for indoor use, such as trade shows.
• Corrugated plastic – This material is a substrate great for indoor and outdoor use when you need something that is affordable, robust, and light.
• Aluminum – Primarily used for outdoor use, aluminum is quite lightweight.
• Composite materials and wood – Ideal for outdoor uses thanks to their versatility and ruggedness.
• Acrylic – A plastic substrate that is ideal for achieving a high tech, sophisticated look.
• Styrene – Heavy duty, lightweight material great for indoor use or short term outdoor use.

Digital Printing on Flexible Materials

Up to sixteen feet wide, we can print on any flexible and seamless material imaginable. We are also able to add a clear coat to the sign to provide extra abrasion protection, longer life, and more vibrancy to the color. The following materials are particularly popular around our shop:

• Double-sided – A black opaque material is sandwiched between two printable surfaces. This makes it so you do not see the printing of one side on the other.
• Backlit prints – These use materials that are strong enough for permanent outdoor use while still allowing light through.
• Banners – Typically made from twelve ounce material, these can be used indoors using matte or outdoors on gloss.
• Magnets – Once the magnets have been printed on directly in full color, we can cut them into any shape for you.
• Pressure sensitive vinyl – Ideal for when you need to adhere your graphics to a surface, such as a sign, window, vehicle, menu, wall, or floor.
• Mesh – Reduces the weight of large banners while also reducing wind resistance.

As you can see, there are a vast array of large format printing applications. These are just some of the solutions we can provide for your business. To learn more, you can contact us for a free consultation. We can help your business get seen and help build your brand awareness with vibrant, eye catching signs in every shape and color.