Training Guide
About Us
PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE / WEBSITE / WHAT WE DO
1. Top 2 Products
i. QuickZip
ii. Perfect-Pop
2. e-Commerce / Online Business – all orders (including management, payment, and artwork upload) go through the website
i. Because we don’t have face-to-face interactions with clients, excellent phone and email etiquette and grammar are necessary.
3. Our purpose is to provide Trade Show displays and portable backdrops to companies, small and large, for the purpose of marketing and advertising in person or at trade shows and events.
i. This means that our clients expect prompt and accurate service, as the products we provide them with represent their company and their branding.
ORDER LIFE CYCLE:
1. Order is Received through BigCommerce or Shopify, syncs with HubSpot within 15 minutes.
2. If no artwork, order is allocated from inventory or purchased from a 3rd party supplier.
3. If artwork is required, we wait for artwork to be uploaded.
a. Design jobs are assigned to a designer.
b. Non design jobs (print-ready files provided by client) go through a proofing process with the graphics team.
4. Once art is approved, order is vended, produced, and shipped.
a. Note that hardware may ship separate from the graphic, depending on the product and timeline.
5. Tracking information is updated in BigCommerce/ Shopify and automatically sent to the client.
6. After receipt is confirmed, order is then closed out in HubSpot.
7. Claims such as packages not received, damaged goods, etc., must be submitted by the client through our claims form online so it will sync with HubSpot and be managed through there.
Top Selling Products – Selling Points & Information
PERFECT-POP SERIES:
Affordable – Lightweight - Easy to Assemble
An accordion style frame that pops up, snaps in place with horizontal connectors, and allows you to install the graphic directly to the Velcro strips that form the perimeter of the frame.
DESIGN NOTES:
Velcro strips
a. Graphic attaches to frame with Velcro lining perimeter of front and sides.
b. Be sure to keep all important assets at least 1-2 inches from dotted lines on Perfect-Pop design templates. Dotted lines represent Velcro strips.
Side Panels
a. Side panels wrap around the side of the frame to hide the cross bars. Due to the nature of fabric printing, it is impossible to print on exact fold lines.
b. If side panels are a different color/design from front side, ensure client is aware that the fold may not line up exactly with the print, but it will be within 2cm.
Fabric Wrinkles
a. Because the fabric is attached to the frame with Velcro, it is nearly impossible to completely avoid wrinkles or slight draping. Keep this in mind when designing and try to avoid backgrounds or textures with long vertical or diagonal patterns.
OPTIONS:
Case Option & LED Lights (Same Case Options as QuickZip)
• Perfect-Pop displays include a soft carrying case with detachable trolley
• Clients can upgrade to include two LED lights with the soft case
• Lights are the best way to highlight the graphics
• Option to upgrade to hard case and LED lights
• Option to add podium graphic to convert case to podium
• Most clients prefer a simple podium design, with logo front and slightly higher than center
QUICKZIP (formally Tru-Fit) SERIES:
Affordable – Lightweight - Easy to Assemble
An aluminum snap-tube frame that connects to form a square, so you can pull the graphic over like a pillowcase and zip it up.
DESIGN NOTES:
Zip-Up Graphic
a. Graphic pulls over the frame like a pillowcase, and zips at bottom or side, or both bottom and side depending on manufacturer.
b. The outside bleed is variable depending on multiple factors, so keep important elements several inches from cut lines.
Curved Displays
a. Curved displays have a degree of beveling that can distort images set outside the “safe viewable area”. Keep logos and pictures well within that zone (background images and textures are not a concern).
Straight Displays
b. There is almost no distortion on straight displays, as the graphic lays relatively flat and smooth around the frame. However, always keep important assets within a safe area to avoid the beveling around the frame itself.
OPTIONS:
The multiple options of the QuickZip (Tru-Fit) Series create a very versatile product capable of adding features such as a header, a TV mount, LED lights, double-sided graphics, a podium graphic, etc. Still retaining its main selling features but allowing product growth with a business.
Case Option & LED Lights (Same Case Options as Perfect-Pop)
- QuickZip displays include a soft carrying case with detachable trolley
- Clients can upgrade to include two LED lights with the soft case
i. Lights are the best way to highlight the graphics
- Option to upgrade to hard case and LED lights
- Option to add podium graphic to convert case to podium
i. Most clients prefer a simple podium design, with logo front and slightly higher than center
- Option to Add a Top Header
i. Choose from single-sided print (front print only, white fabric backing) or double-sided print (for reversible graphics)
- Upgrade to MAX package
i. Includes all of the above upgrades + a “waterfall” stand with custom print, TV mount, and two shelves
QUICKZIP LARGE FORMAT KITS – Executive, Monument, Supreme, Mega-Max
DESIGN NOTES:
Modular
a. Most large format QZ displays can be configured in several different ways, so the design should account for client’s desired placement of modular items such as:
i. Modular Panels – some can be separated to stand alone or reconfigured (e.g. Executive Kit can be reconfigured from a 20ft display, to a 10ft display + two 5ft displays that can be used together or apart).
ii. Top Headers – always ask if they intend to always use them or want the option to exclude them. This matters if the logo is only visible on the header.
iii. TV Stands / Monitor Mounts – designs should account for size and placement of any TV or monitor add on
iv. Shelves – if shelves are included in the kit, this should be accounted for in the design.
QUICKZIP LIGHTBOX:
DESIGN NOTES:
Backlit
a. This product includes strips of LED lights that attach to the frame and go behind the graphic, creating a backlit display.
i. Color formulas are difficult to predict because the lights often affect the colors in unpredictable ways. Therefore, we highly suggest offering a warning with any branded colors or pantone callouts.
ii. Any printed items that are not backlit will have a different color appearance, even if the unlit prints match exactly. This is especially important to note with the client if they’ve added a podium print to their lightbox kit.
Zip-Up Graphic
a. Graphic pulls over the frame like a pillowcase, and zips at bottom or side, or both bottom and side depending on manufacturer.
The outside bleed is variable depending on multiple factors, so keep important elements several inches from cut lines.
FIREFLY – LIGHTBOX (NAD vs XP)
Backlit – High Perceived Value – SEG Graphics
A premium display product that may not be as portable or easy to assemble as some of our other products but packs a maximum punch in impressive qualities. Graphics are lit from within.
DESIGN NOTES:
Backlit Display
a. LED light strips line the top and bottom of the inside of the frame
b. Looks incredible – very high-end and attention grabbing, but colors may show differently when backlit, so therefore Pantone callouts are not recommended.
SEG Graphic
a. Graphic is lined with silicone edge piping around the perimeter of the graphic, which slides into a groove on the metal frame.
b. The graphic is taught and flat as a result, with little draping or wrinkles.
c. Very little bleed is needed for SEG, however, keep lighter design elements at least 2-3 inches from the edge where the lights are located.
NAD OPTIONS:
a. All displays include white fabric on the back, option to replace with double-sided graphics.
b. Hard transport case does NOT convert into a podium
c. Media Kit Add-On
i. Bracket for TV goes behind graphic
ii. Double-sided not recommended (monitor mount can show up)
iii. Compatible with all full-size light boxes
iv. Already included in 20ft Angled kit
TIMBERLINE HEAVY DUTY DISPLAYS
Modular - High Perceived Value – SEG Graphics
A hybrid display that combines the benefits of both modular and portable displays, resulting in a product that is extremely functional and has a high-value appearance.
DESIGN NOTES:
Modular
a. Heavy duty frame can support multiple add-on such as monitor mounts, shelving, wood slates, etc., which should be accounted for in the design
b. Ability to add/remove panels as needed to form different size displays
SEG Graphic
a. Graphic is lined with silicone edge piping around the perimeter of the graphic, which slides into a groove on the metal frame.
b. The graphic is taught and flat as a result, with little draping or wrinkles.
c. Very little bleed is needed for SEG, however, keep lighter design elements at least 2-3 inches from the edge where the lights are located.
OPTIONS:
Included Accessories:
a. Reception Desk (attached to frame)
b. Acrylic Shelves
c. Unprinted Wave Canopy
Optional Upgrades:
· Custom Printed Wave Top (Header)
· Heavy duty 50”, 50 lbs. monitor (included in 10ft Media Kit and 20ft Standard Kit)
· Maple Slat Walls – hanging slats – 20ft version only
· Top header with logo – printed on metal fusion (fade, weather, heat resistant, saturated color)
3D SNAP UP
Lightweight – Easy to Assemble – Interchangeable Graphics
Easy to assemble, lightweight portable display that gives maximum flexibility with interchangeable small prints.
DESIGN NOTES:
Interchangeable Graphics
a. Ability to swap out any number of the prints as needed
b. Many of the panels are the same size, so the prints can be switched around to form different configurations
Stretch Fabric Prints
a. Each print has edge-stitch finishing that attaches to the frame at each corner of the print.
b. The fabric has an inverted curve on each side as a result.
Notes:
Podium Graphic Wrap - Slips over case – no conversion kit needed
BANNER STANDS
Lightweight – Easy to Assemble – Portable
Banner stands are one of the most effective portable marketing tools, because they are easy to use and can be used in a variety of spaces and settings.
DESIGN NOTES:
Retractable Banners
a. Prints automatically retract and roll up into the base hardware
b. This requires additional bleed for the leader that connects the print to the hardware, sometimes included in the template, sometimes added in by the manufacturer.
Non-Retractable Banners
a. Print styles vary from pull-over fabric like the QuickZip, to roll-up like the L-Stand, to SEG like the Viper. Follow template guides and refer to the sales order for additional product information as needed.
OPTIONS:
a. Double-Sided Prints
i. Some banner stands have a double-sided option – please keep a lookout for “-D” at the end of a graphic SKU, and always check the product options in the order
TABLE THROW COVERS
Full Custom Dye Sub – Finishing Options Available
Our table covers come in two sizes, 6ft and 8ft, and come in Standard, Fitted, and Ultra-Fit styles.
DESIGN NOTES:
3-Sided or 4-Sided
a. 3-Sided covers have an open back, while 4-sided have a closed back (including a zipper for the Ultra-Fit)
b. Take note of the orientation of each side of the table cover – design elements should be vertical on the sides, and upside down on the back
OPTIONS:
a. 3-Sided or 4-Sided
i. May include no back, arched back, zippered back, or closed back. Follow the template according to the manufacturer (not necessarily the template found on the product details on the website)
HANGING SIGNS
Professional Installation Required – Large Format
Although most convention centers require professional installation, hanging signs are the best way to draw a crowd and make a big impact at a trade show or event.
DESIGN NOTES:
Large Format
a. Print requirements are often larger than PS or AI settings allow, so be mindful of template scale (reduced at a certain percentage) or if the template is repeated across 2x, 3x, or 4x prints.
b. Many of the panels are the same size, so the prints can be switched around to form different configurations
OPTIONS:
a. Inside Print
i. Some hanging signs have the option for an inside print, which requires a different template.
EZ POP-UP (MAGNA-POP) GRAPHIC SERIES
Formerly the Industry Standard, Now Obsolete
Velcro pop-up displays used to be the gold standard for portable trade show backdrops. Assembly required a pop-up frame, with a set of channel bars to support the frame, and either Velcro-receptive panels or printed panels that hang from the top of the frame and magnetize to the channel bars.
In recent years, these have been phased out industry-wide due to the superiority of tension-fabric displays, such as the QuickZip and Perfect-Pop.
Why choose tension fabric dye-sub prints over laminate panel prints?
The old panel systems (EZ Pop-Up / Magna-Pop) have been phased out of the industry because they are much heavier and more problematic than some of the newer technology on the market.
Tension Fabric displays are superior because they are less expensive, much lighter weight, and less problematic (clients don’t have to manage all the parts like panels, magnets, channel bars, etc.). Tension fabric displays also allow for additional features such as TV mounts, backlit graphics, and easy installation shelving, that were not possibly with the EZ Pop Up.