Part Three of Display Product Guide – Banners…not to be confused with Banner Stands!

Banners and Banner stands (aka Pull Up Stands) are often mixed up and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably - although these items might seem similar enough to mix up, they are used in very different ways so it is important to know exactly what you want when ordering or pricing these items. In this installment of the Display Product Guide I will concentrate on the features and variations of Banners, (please refer to previous posting for info about banner stands).

Banners – aka Vinyl Banners, Mesh Banners, Building Wraps, Banner Signs

Banners are traditionally made of vinyl or PVC and used outside, for short-term use. Vinyl is a durable material, so its perfect for external use and it can take a battering from wind and rain (once it is tied securely). Vinyl is also a flexible material meaning it can be tied tightly to a fence, frame etc. for a smooth finish, and it can be rolled up for storage and transport - a solid sign of a similar size would be bulky and unwieldy. Banners of this type are also relatively cheap, hence their popularity for short-term use to advertise seasonal promotions, once-off events, temporary sponsorship etc. Vinyl Banners are also easy to erect - unless there is height involved - all that is usually needed is a few cable ties or bungee cords and a sturdy fence or railing. What's more, digitally printed vinyl banners offer high print quality and sharpness, with no limit on the amount of colours etc. So, no need to compromise on quality or design when commissioning a banner as a short-term or low cost signage option.


Another material which is often used for banners is mesh - this is particularly popular for extra-large banners called 'Building Wraps'. Building wraps are used to cover part or all of a building or wall - they literally turn the building into a huge billboard, and mesh is used so that light is not obscured from entering the building. I am a huge fan of building wraps as I think their impact is so huge and they are a great value item for the amount of attention they demand - click here to read more...

A 3rd fabric which is sometimes used for banners is Canvas - chosen for aesthetic reasons, it cannot be used outside and the print quality is not as sharp as it would be on a finer material. This is part of the attraction really, and people often want this grainy effect for posters or decoration pieces rather than for imparting information.

Nylon is also sometimes used for Banner Prints, again it is an option for indoor use only and is not as opaque as vinyl so the effect can be washier. Like Canvas, this is popular for indoor decoration such as in Museum and Shopping Centre Displays. Indoor Banners are often used with pockets sewn top and bottom and wooden rods, called 'Dowels' slotted into the pockets for hanging. Remember dowels will have a slight effect the cost and portability of the banner. Canvas and Nylon are really the only option suitable if you are thinking of getting a banner printed to use indoor as a stage or event backdrop, as vinyl will bounce light back and look awful in photos.


So, Banners are often tied to a fence or railing, hung from the side of a building, or suspended from a wall or ceiling using dowels, but how else can banners be used? Frameworks, both portable and static, are popular for supporting banners at various locations like sporting events and outside shops and garages. Vinyl banners can also be used to make attractive and striking windbreakers for the exterior of cafes, bars and restaurants. "Curtain Sider" Trucks and Static trailers can also utilise vinyl banners as advertisements, and pitchside advertisements are sometimes created from vinyl banner as an alternative to more costly solid signs.

Things to look out for when buying a Banner:

**Check how the image or text will be applied to the banner Digital print will give a great finish suitable for photographic images. If text only is required, cut vinyl might be sufficient Make sure the method suits your design.

**Check how the banner will be finished - banners should have hems sewn or welded in to protect the edges and should have metal eyelets to enable effective hanging. If dowels are being used a pocket should be sewn or welded top and bottom.

**Make sure you have somewhere suitable to suspend or support your banner - if not consider getting a frame and make sure it is sturdy enough for outdoor use if you will be using it outdoors, and that the frame itself breaks down if you will need to move or store it when not in use.

**Be meticulous about tying your banner - there is nothing worse than a loose banner flapping about in the breeze. Your message will not be easily legible or visible on a crinkled banner, and whats worse - it may come free and you lose the banner all together or cause an injury to a passer by. A taut banner gives a very professional image.

**For a building wrap, make sure you have a professional survey the building as some buildings may become hazardous when a building wrap is applied, especially if there are areas where the wind may catch behind the banner.

Important Terms relating to Banners:

Hems - Sames as on clothes, the edge of the material should be folded and fixed by either heat welding or sewing, to protect the edge and give a smooth finish

Eyelets - Holes are made around the edge of the banner so it can be hung with rope etc. The wholes should be reinforced with metal eyelets, preferably brass

We Are Hiring!

We are looking for 2 high-achieving and fun people to join our team in our brand new premises in Clonshaugh, Dublin 17 (near the M1 and M50). Details are as follows... contact us with a CV and Cover letter to apply.

Sales Support Executive

We are looking for a capable, service-orientated person to provide sales support to our sales team, across our wide and varied range of Portable Display, Signage and Exhibition products. This is an interesting and demanding role, with a direct route for internal advancement in the short term, and the possibility of earning commission and performance related bonuses.

Responsibility
- Assist new and existing customers on the phone and by email.
- Provide Quotes and Product information.
- Assist sales staff with diary-keeping, message-taking etc.
- Provide showroom support for drop-in customers.
- Assist the Marketing Manager with ad-hoc duties.
- Maintain Customer Database.

Experience
- At least 1 year's admin experience, preferably in a busy, SME type environment.
- Sales Support or sales experience a distinct advantage, especially in a varied product supplier.
- Experience in Print, Design, Event, Signage or Media industries an advantage.


Ideal Candidate:
- Pleasant & Communicative, with a customer focus.
- Adaptable, Multi-tasker who thrives on hard work.
- Highly computer literate and efficient, with excellent organizational skills.
- Self -Sufficient Worker but also team-spirited.
- Capable of learning about a multi-faceted range of technical and print products.
- Interested in Progressing Career towards other roles in sales and marketing within the organisation.

Benefits
- Excellent Salary commensurate with Experience.
- Excellent opportunity to progress career within our growing organisation.
- Car parking.
- Chance to earn commission/bonus for high achievement.

**We do not require the assistance of agencies at this time.


Sales Executive

We are looking for a high-achieving, experienced sales person required to sell a range of signage and display products to new and existing customers. Responsibilities will include servicing and developing existing customers, identifying new prospects in conjunction with the Marketing Manager and building profitable relationships with new prospects.

Experience:
- At least 3 years sales experience.
- Experience of selling B2B from SME’s to PLC’s.
- Ideal candidates will have some experience in the marketing sector.
- Experienced and comfortable in seeking out new business.
- Proven ability to close deals over the phone and face to face.
- Proven ability to develop new business.
- Ability to work to targets.
- Computer literate.
- Experience in Construction, Print or Design industries an advantage.

Ideal Candidate:
- Outstanding communicator
- Self-motivated
- Flexible attitude
- Team player
- Enjoys working to specific targets/objectives.

Benefits:
- Negotiable – Excellent Salary commensurate with Experience
- Car or equivalent benefits
- Uncapped Commission Structure.
- Laptop
- Phone

**We do not require the assistance of agencies at this time.

Window Graphics for Read's Revamp

As widely reported in the press, Eason's have recently taken over discount book and stationary store, Read's of Nassau Street. This shop has become an institution for Trinity Students and those looking for a bargain. Following the takeover, the shopfront was given a fresh, eye catching makeover, and we were thrilled to provide the window graphics for the extensive facade of the premises in Dublin's City Centre.

Window Graphics are often overlooked by many business sectors. Shops with decent footfall and passing traffic can use window graphics to great effect, as the reasonable cost of the graphics allows them to change them seasonally. They can do these with banners or posters, you might say. However these graphics can sometimes have an edge over banners and posters as they can be a bit more striking, with vivid photographic images and shapes a possibility. However its not just retail businesses who should decorate their windows - Hair Dressers, Restaurants, Event Venues, Cultural Centres and Offices should also make use of their windows, which have the potential to become like large billboards for them to advertise and market themselves in a way that will really get noticed. Window graphics can be opaque or can be printed on a mesh-like substance, depending on the needs of the customer. Contact us for more detail on this medium.

Our Visit to Euroshop '08

We have just returned from the colossal Euroshop exhibition in Dusseldorf's Messe Venue. This event is so huge that it only comes round once every 3 years! Running since 1966, this is ostensibly the Global Retail Trade Fair - but it covers everything to do with selling, marketing and design, including shopfitting, signage & display systems, mannequins and models, innovative new products, interior design, printing and even giant food! There are over 1600 Exhibitors from 50 countries and 90000 visitors will pass through Euroshop's 17 halls during its 5 day run.

We used our visit to check out the exhibition, display, signage and lighting exhibits, and to spend time at the Nomadic Display stand, which was really impressive. This 6 metre by 9 metre stand includes a range of modular portable display features including a flat pop up stand with a suspender system for display posters, a backlit counter and a fully functional bar area with overhanging canopy! We were particularly pleased to see magnetism of the stand in action, as we will soon be placing a similar stand in our showroom for permanent display.

Our Cut Letters used in IFTAs Stage Backdrop

Last evening's IFTA awards in the Gaiety Theatre saw lettering produced by us incorporated into the stage backdrop set up for the production. We provided individual foamex letters of differing sizes which were then used to great effect by the production designers in a gold-coloured display wall directly behind the stage podium.

This is not a new thing for us. We regularly have our work shown on both the large and small screens, for two main reasons: firstly, our stands are often used as backdrops or branding displays for press calls and political events which are featured on news and current affairs programmes. Secondly, we have been producing custom signs, window graphics, vehicle signage and props for TV and film productions since the late 80s. Our work has been used in various TV ads including Dairygold, Meteor, Utterly Butterly, Ballygowan, Aer Lingus, Carlsberg, National Lottery, Hellmans and on TV shows such as Planet Rock Profiles, Fair City , Bachelor's Walk and Where in the World (back in the day!). We have also produced backdrops for GAA and Munster Rugby press conferences and signage for the Setanta Sports set and for the Films Bloody Sunday, An Everlasting Piece and The Treaty. This work is some of the most fun and creative work we do and we absolutely love it! Nice to have a chance to produce something unique and of course, its a joy to spot our work on screen...

New & Exclusive Product - D3 Light Panel Displays

Just a quick note to keep you updated with our latest addition to our product range, available exclusively in Ireland through Applied Signs & Display...

We are thrilled to announce that we are now exclusive Irish distributors for the D3 range of portable Lightbox Displays. These attractive displays feature panels just 6mm thick which are illuminated by unobtrusive, low-comsumption LED lights - the effect is very 'wow' and akin to that of an ultra thin plasma or flatscreen TV. These displays are as versatile as they are eyecatching, with the option to include brochure holders, slat signage, product display shelves and poster display components on all models. Header boards or sign panels in lightweight aluminium can be incorporated and can be shaped to order if you require circular graphics for example.

And D3 Displays do all this with the minimum fixtures and fittings to ensure quick and easy set up and a clean, polished look.

Portability is another feature of these stands which travel in nylon carry bags.

Perfect for exhibitions, product launches and conference venues, as well as as a static display in retail
environments, banks, bars and restaurants and reception areas. Change the posters and prints as often as you like to make the most of this 'focal point' display. Click here for images.

Exhibiting at Recruitment Fairs

This is the time of year when colleges and universitites are holding open days for prospective students and exhibitions such as Fás Opportunities and Jobscene are being held. So, it is worth considering what exactly exhibitors should do to attract potential employees.

One thing to consider is the type of person they are trying to attract - in the case of colleges, universities, design & marketing companies and retail stores, the recruiters might want to project a modern image or to stand out from their fellow exhibitors with an eye-catching stand like a stretch fabric display. These stands have the added advantage of the individual panels being very economical to change, so a targeted approach to different events can be acheived at minimum cost.



Conversely, those recruiting for accounting and consulting companies might favour a traditional display such as a conventional pop up stand or pull up stand with a carefully designed graphic incorporating a sharp photographic image.



IT and technology companies would do well to look at Aluminium display stands which can incorporate flatscreens and computer elements so that they can showcase their strengths in a stand that looks cutting edge.


In all cases the general design principles listed here and here apply - for example, don't be tempted to list too much information on the stand - leave this to brochures and printouts, or preferably engage the prospects in conversation so you can pass on this info face-to-face.

Colleges in particular will often turn to hiring display stands for 2 reasons. Firstly, colleges often have a once or twice yearly requirement for a vast amount of stands to form booths and display boards for college open days. It makes sense to hire hard panels for these occasions rather than shell out for purchasing these panels and then for storing them for the long periods they are not in use.


The second reason colleges might hire is that they have many different faculties and courses and so could avail of hired pop up stands with velcro-friendly panels - this means that graphics and posters can be changed as often as needed to accommodate the needs of various faculties. Of course this can also be achieved by purchasing a pop up stand with velcro panels.