Long Weekend Road Trips and Custom Cottage Signs

Road Trips and Tourist Attractions

We want to ensure your long weekend is a fun one.  The best way is to have a great plan in place.  Start by checking out our ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST post to see our list of the TOP 10 items you should make sure you pack for your next road trip.  Now that you have everything in place it’s time to download a playlist for the trip.  We have created one full of songs about driving and travel.  Have a look at our ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST to see if you agree with our selections.  We think it will help you chill out on the journey.

While some times the road trip is about the journey, other times it’s about the destination.  We have a great list of Ontario Tourist Attractions that might peak your interest.  We would love to know which ones you have visited and which ones you plan to.  Perhaps you might even be interested in some of the Historic Sites in the picture below.

Cottage Country and Custom Cottage Signs

Maybe a trip to the cottage is more your style.  We have lots of info to ensure you have a fun time at the cottage.  Hopefully our road trip lists above have helped you enjoy the trip to cottage country and now that you have arrived it is time to enjoy long weekend.  Bird watching is great way to pass the time at the cottage.  Learn about some of the more popular birds we have put on cottage signs by visiting our post about the NATIONAL BIRD PROJECT.

Another great thing about spending time at a cottage is cooking over an open flame.  You can see our list of recipes to try at your cottage or cabin by checking out our CAMPFIRE RECIPE list.  Are you having guests join you at the cottage? Make sure they can spot your site with an address marker or family cottage sign.

We hope these ideas help with your long weekend!

 

Crafting Custom Cedar Wood Signs For Christmas

Cottage Signs For Christmas

When the weather starts to get chilly and everyone heads indoors to Hygge, we start preparing our cedar signs for the Christmas season.  Every year we receive requests for Cottage Signs for Christmas Gifts.  They make a unique gift and each cedar cottage sign can be personalized to an individual’s taste.  This means they become a timeless gift that can be displayed with pride all year long.

Wood Signs That Weather Well

While there are several types of wood signs, we prefer to use Canadian Western Red Cedar for our cottage signs because of the longevity of the wood.  Cedar holds up against the elements and with our 4 seasons ranging from heat and humidity in the summer to the freezing temperatures and moisture in the winter it is the best choice for custom signage.

 

We Make What Works For You

Our custom sign designers keep your budget in mind when it comes to creating a cottage sign that meets your specifications.  You are able to select the size, shape, text and image for your sign.  You can also decide if the sign is to be a single sided or a double sided sandblasted wood sign.  You even has the option of having a custom post created to match your sign. With all of this choice, you are sure to find a mix that works for you.

What You Need To Provide When Ordering A Sign For Christmas

   

Because you want to ensure you receive your quote in a timely fashion, follow these steps

1. Know your budget
2. Decide on a size
3. Figure out the shape you want the sign to be
4. Provide the text to be on the sign
5. Think of an image that would suit the sign

Once you have prepared these five items, send an email to sales@sign-depot.on.ca to receive your quote.  Please note that taxes, shipping and/or installation are extra.  Be aware the earlier you get your order in the better, as there will be time required to prepare and custom finish your sign.

       

Flexing Our Custom Sign Design Muscle At Fluxible

Fluxible 2017

We are thrilled to announce our involvement with this year’s Fluxible conference happening in Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario, Canada. Fluxible is Canada’s UX Festival and it brings those interested in the user experience fields together for a week long celebration.  This year we noticed the theme of tech and design intersecting and we knew we needed to be there. In fact you can find us there in a few different ways. You can find us in person, on stage and through out the festival. All of these factors will contribute to our custom sign design theme we are creating with Fluxible this year.

The Sign Depot Enters Fluxible

Earlier this month we were announced as a sponsor for Fluxible via their twitter account.

 

Big thanks to @TheSignDepot for sponsoring #Fluxible2017. We couldn’t do this without your support! https://t.co/A3hldm3IrF pic.twitter.com/qkqiiWc5w8

— Fluxible (@Fluxible) September 4, 2017

 

As the custom sign sponsor sponsor for this year’s event we will be creating a stage item as well as wayfinding signs throughout the event spaces. We are collaborating with Fluxible by using their designs and logo to create signs that are highly visible for the conference.

Not only will be represented at Fluxible through sponsorship, our own Owner/President, Peter Moir will be the presenter at the BROWN BAG LUNCH that is happening at Noon on Wednesday September 20, 2017.

This brown bag lunch features Peter Moir of The Sign Depot, a local fabricator of high-end signage whose work can be found across North America. Peter will talk about how sign design impacts our experience of public spaces. 

Looking to learn a little more about Peter before the event? Read up on his latest adventure at THE SIGN DEPOT – @ THE TOP OF CANADA and see what was happening in this pic.

To get all the info on Fluxible: Canada’s UX Festival visit the links below

Website: http://www.fluxible.ca

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fluxible

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluxibleconf

and the link to Peter’s talk is can be found at https://www.meetup.com/Fluxible/events/242396280

We’re looking forward to seeing how everyone will be flexing their design muscles at Fluxible. Be sure to connect with us while you are there! We always want to be part of a “connected” community.

 

Signs Of Change In St. Jacobs Ontario

St. Jacobs

St. Jacobs Ontario is a well known tourist attraction in Southern Ontario Canada.  Best known for its two shopping areas, The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and the St. Jacobs Village Shops.  Each area is a vibrant destination situated in a rural setting.  To reflect both the heritage of the locale and the modern day shopping experiences available, The Sign Depot has made several signs for this area over the years.  Many are featured in the video below.

Signs Of Change

After the fire at the St Jacobs Farmers’ Market years ago, a new building was erected and it showed that the market was able to withstand the obstacles that it had to overcome. The signage for the market was bright and cheerful just like the market vendors you can find there.

The Village of St. Jacobs is making changes as well.  Recently we produced WELCOME signs for the area.  These dimensional signs give travelers a warm welcome as they enter the village and serve as a landmark for this destination.

As years go by the retailers in St. Jacobs Village Shops change as well.  Last month Nights of Napery moved into the shopping area and our expert sign-makers created a custom cedar sandblasted sign for the exterior of their shop. This eye catching sign serves as a wayfinding item but also give the sentiment of relaxation with the night scene that was carved into the sign.

Styles of Signs

When it to comes to styles of signs, we have quite a variety.  We want to assist you in creating signs that reflect your business.  For more information about getting a custom sign crafted for your company, be sure to visit our CONTACT US page.  Then send us an email with your ideas and sizes. We are happy to provide you with a free signage quote.

The Importance Of Custom Signs – Global Entrepreneurship Week

Global Entrepreneurship Week Information

Mid November means the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week.  This is a week for entrepreneurs world wide to celebrate their accomplishments and tackle new goals. It is also a time for governments to look how to assist businesses from a political point of view.  Here at Sign Depot we recognize Global Entrepreneurship Week as a time for companies to look towards the new year and see how their custom signs can be refreshed to increase brand awareness and push sales.

How Custom Signs Assist Entrepreneurs

Whether you are a startup, an expanding business, a family run business or a business to business company, the right kind of custom signs can elevate your company in the marketplace.  Below are a few examples of businesses that use custom signs as part of their marketing strategy.

Supporting Startups With Custom Signs

Thamlic Labs is a great example of a company that began as a startup in the Communitech Tannery building an has gone from tech startup to an Internet of Things business.

Another way we custom signs have been used is by startup incubators such as Velocity.  They have changed their branding as their involvement with startups changes.

Custom Signs For An Ever Expanding Business

If you are a fan of Dragon’s Den then you will recognize Balzac’s Coffee Roasters as one of their ongoing success stories.  As they continue to open locations their custom signs reflect the surrounding area of each location.

Finding A Way For Family Run Business To Stand Out From The Surroundings

Robin’s Goldsmithing is a locally run family business that is known well in the community.  To make their customers aware of a location change they used a mix of temporary and permanent custom signs to ensure they kept their current clientele and attract new customers to their establishment.

Help Build Your Business To Business Company With Custom Signs

Some businesses are not retail based, but rather business to business based otherwise known as B2B.  Little Mushroom Catering was known to many in Southern Ontario as the go to catering company for their business. Their focus on B2B, brand recognition and word of mouth referral has since brought them into the wedding catering space as well.  This opens a brand new sector of clientele to their company and thus and increase in sales.

Do you know an entrepreneur that uses custom signs as part of their sales and marketing strategy? We would like to learn more about them during Global Entrepreneurship Week.  Let us know their story in the comments.

As always, feel free to CONTACT US for any custom signs you require.

     

Did You Notice The Signs Of Spring?

Spring Has Sprung At The Sign Depot

Have you noticed the signs of spring? While many look for robins and tulip blooms we have a whole different set of spring occurrences here at The Sign Depot.  It begins with a plethora of phone calls and emails related to these topics

• Spring Trade Show Signs – see how unique your booth can look by visiting our CUSTOM SIGNS AND BOOTHS FOR TRADE SHOW SEASON post.
• Weathered Signs In Need Of Repair – learn how quickly a damaged sign can be replaces on our DAMAGE CONTROL post.
• Mother’s Day Gifts – whether you are looking for a stone garden sign or a cedar residential sign, we can personalize it to your Mom’s liking.  Read more at MOTHER’S DAY ENGRAVED SIGNS.
• Cleaning An Exterior Sign – we have complied a great list of ways to spring clean your outdoor signs.  Take a look at HOW TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR CUSTOM EXTERIOR SIGNS for some tips and tricks.

After the spring basics listed above are in place our next steps usually involve preparing for the summer season.  What that means is we assist many golf courses and seasonal venues with their preparations for their busy season.

The last sign of spring we see is when we begin receiving requests for quotes on custom cedar cottage signs.  Whether your cottage is a summer vacation home in Muskoka, or a cabin on the Grand River we can customize our wood signs to match your style and taste.

We are very happy to say we are ready for spring here at The Sign Depot no matter what Mother Nature sends our way over the next few weeks.  Are you ready for spring? Take a look at your signs.  Could they use a spring refresh? If so, be sure to visit our CONTACT US page to see how we can help.

What Consumers Think About Business Signs And Retail Signage

Your Business Sign Says A Lot About Your Company

A few years back FedEx Office asked American consumers about their thoughts on business signs and retail signage.  The reason for the survey was to see how important signs are when making decisions on where to shop. The survey results revealed that almost 8 in 10 (76 percent) of American consumers enter a store they have never visited before based on its signage.  It also went on to say nearly 7 in 10 (68 percent) have actually purchased a product or service because a sign caught their eye.  These stats are eye opening to many business owners.  In fact we have had our clients tell us that their sales increased significantly after they had the expert signmakers at The Sign Depot create new signage for their company. We even had a business owner tell us that after he purchased a sign from The Sign Depot that he received new business from people who thought they had just opened.  They had no idea that his business had opened a year earlier.

Ensure Your Business Sign Makes An Impact

According to the survey mentioned above, over two thirds (68 percent) of consumers believe a store’s signage is reflective of the quality of products or services it provides.  It also mentioned that poor signage or signs in need of repair deterred people from entering a business.  Be sure that your exterior business signs make a positive impact on potential clients.  You want to ensure your signage is highly visible at all times, as your sign is a 24 hour advertisment for your business.

Plenty Of Signs Might Equal Plenty Of Sales

If you’re a fan of The Big Bang Theory you will recognize the quote from Leonard’s Mother “If a little is good, more must be better.”  Consumers also feel that way when it comes to signage.  The FedEx survey mentioned that on average, consumers think a small business should have two or three signs around its storefront.  In addition this, we also believe that interior retail signs, reception signs and wayfinding signage also assist potential clients with finding what they need in your establishment.

Is your business ready for an upgrade? Be sure to visit our CONTACT US page and we will be happy to send you a FREE QUOTE for new business signs and retail signage for your company.

 

Five Types Of Custom Business Signs That Draw Attention To Your Company

Bring Your Business The Attention It Deserves With Custom Signs

With so many things attempting to grab the attention of the population, shouldn’t your business be one of those items? We have compiled a list of five types of custom business signs that draw attention to your company.

1. Grab Attention With A High End Exterior Business Sign

Your building’s exterior is often the first impression of your business.  Make it a memorable one with a high end exterior sign that conveys what your establishment is all about.

Choices for Custom Exterior Signs include

• Monument Signs
• Dimensional Entrance Signs That Serve As Landmarks
• Projection Signs

2. Provide Wayfinding To Ensure Your Potential Clients Find You With Ease

Many people find your business through Google but you still have to be sure they can find your address without frustration.

Some examples of Wayfinding Signs include

• Entrance Markers
• Parking Lot Signs
• Accessibility Signage (also known as ADA signs)

3. Portable A Frame Signs To Advertise Specials

Portable A Frame signs work to grab the attention of both vehicle and foot traffic in your area.  They are often used to advertise time sensitive specials or to create brand buzz.

A Frame signage options

• Metal A Frames That Hold Coroplast Inserts For Temporary Advertising
• Chalkboard A Frames For Message Boards That Are Changed Frequently
• Wood A Frames With Business Logos And Company Information For Info Hubs

4. Custom Reception Signs For Brand Recognition

When a potential client makes the decision to enter your business be sure to capture their attention with a custom reception sign that reflects your business.

Reasons for Reception Signs include

• Having A Professional Looking Entrance
• Increase Brand Awareness
• Give Clients Another Wayfinding Landmark Within The Building

5. Promotional Signage To Promote Your Company

Promotional signs are used to drawn in new customers.  They often include some element of fun to attract new business.

Ways To Use Promotional Signs

• Trade Shows To Guide People To Your Booth
• In House Promotions To Reward Clients
• Promotional Vehicle Graphics To Serve As A Moving Advertisement For Your Business

These five reasons are just some of the ways custom business signs work for you.  To learn more be sure to visit our blog often and find a sign system that will work with your company.  When you have something in mind, be sure to CONTACT US for your free quote.

How To Spring Clean Your Exterior Custom Signs

Curb Appeal

If you had a custom sign made, you want it to always look its best.  Spring is a good time to walk across the street from your sign and see if it adds to the curb appeal.  If there are some tweaks to be made be sure to give us a call.

What To Check When Evaluating Your Custom Sign

1. Damage – Whether it be ice damage, wind damage, sun damage (fading) or vandalism, if your sign has been damaged in any way it is best to get it fixed before further damage occurs.
2. Repair – If your lit sign has burnt out bulbs or malfunctioning LEDs then it is not serving it purpose to its full capacity. If you wood sign is showing checks (splits in the wood) then it requires immediate repair.
3. Surroundings – Has the area where your sign has been place changed at all, example new buildings added or a new landscaping design.  This could hinder your sign’s ability to stand out from its surroundings.  This may be a good time to think about rebranding if you decide a new sign is in order.

How To Keep Your Custom Sign In Great Condition

By following these simple steps you can extend the life of your sign.

If you have a plastic/acrylic blade sign

Give it a once over with some window cleaner or mild soap and water to remove any debris.  If it is lit have an electrician remove the sign from its casing first.

If you have a dimensional HDU foam sign

A light blasting from an air hose should blow off any dust buildup.

If you have a wood sign

• Twice a year wash and wax your sign. Use a mild dish soap and soft brissle brush (paint brush) to gently loosen surface dirt – follow with a though rinse with clean water. A light coat and buff with typical spray on car wax will help repell water and keep your sign looking good.
• Remove any weeds or vines that are crawling up your cedar sign posts.  They may look interesting, but they can do quiet a bit of damage to the finish
• After about 7 years (depending on sun exposure) bring it into The Sign Depot workshop for refurbishing. It will leave looking brand new.

We also suggest refraining from using a power washer to clean any of your custom signs.  The pressure could end up removing any paint or vinyl that is applied the to sign and could damage the sign material.

Personalized Gift Solutions – Valentines Day Custom Signs And Unique Items

Signs Of Valentine’s Day

via GIPHY

Love is in the air! Everything is turning pink and red.  These are just a few signs of Valentine’s Day.  Paul McCartney took it another level when he had Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman interpret his song My Valentine into American Sign Language.

Valentine’s Day Is Less Than A Month Away

Being that Valentine’s Day is approaching, we thought we would suggest some personalized gifts for your sweetheart.  We have several unique items and custom sign solutions that can be personalized to match your special someone’s taste. Don’t you think this will help you stand out from all the roses and chocolate best known for the occasion? On February 14th, make your Valentine’s Day present unique from all the rest!

Personalization Options With Custom Signs

When it comes to personalized gifts we have many options. Carved signs, engraved plaques or sandblasted stone are just a few of the choices you have. Whether rectangular, oval or heart shaped we can create gifts your valentine will love.

Artistic Decor Elements

Beyond personalized signs we also have lots of artistic decor elements for that one of a kind gift. Our custom crafters are able to create unique items to compliment your existing decor for both interior designs and exterior landscapes.

Custom Finish

Each of our personalized gift items can be custom finished to acheive the perfect look that you want. Whether it be a shiny gold leaf finish or vintage-looking piece we give you choices when it comes to colour and style.

Ready to wear your heart on your sleeve? Then be sure to visit our contact us page and connect with one of our expert sign designers. Remember to get your order in right away to ensure your Valentine’s Day gift will arrive on time for February 14th!