Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

We create and install signage in Hamilton, as well as the Bay
of Plenty to Waikato & Auckland Areas

Many of our clients are spread throughout the country, and it is very easy to produce, package and send signage anywhere around New Zealand.

International enquiries are also welcome, and we work with a number of companies in the United States, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

For jobs outside our main areas, we often subcontract other sign writers from our network of trusted companies to install products we have created. This saves you the hassle of having to find a suitable contractor yourself.

Can you do this for me?

The short answer is - yes, we can. We get all sorts of regular and odd requests on a daily basis, and there is very little that we can't do with our printing, cutting and fabrication machines.

How much will it cost?

Our minimum charge is $25 + GST. All jobs are quoted on a material + labour cost calculation, and the more information you give us, the more accurate we can be.

Why do prices vary per job between different companies?

There are several reasons for the price variations you may come across between different sign writers for the same job.

Hourly rates are fairly consistent in the sign writing industry, but the amount of time allocated for jobs can vary, depending on the skill and experience of the people involved.

However, the biggest factor is the material cost, and some companies may try to use lower grade options to undercut competitors, at the expense of quality, durability and the life of the product.

Here at River City Signs, we will always provide a cost effective solution with our experienced staff members and choice of materials.

How long will it take?

We aim to reply to all emails within 6 hours. Small jobs can be produced in 1-3 days from start to finish. Average-sized jobs generally take 5-10 working days, and larger projects are based on a 'per job' basis.

What type of files do you require?

For best results, we need the original artwork files from the design program they were created in. These may be pdf, eps or ai files, which will have all the correct design elements if we need to adjust sizes for specific requirements.

It's also important to have all text/fonts converted to paths/outlines, to avoid potential issues with files changing between computers and programs.

If you don't have these files but have high resolution images instead, then we can use these as a lesser alternative.

Failing that, we can recreate or create new files for you - no problem at all. Graphic design is something we do in-house on a daily basis.

What sort of sign materials do you use

All our sign materials are suitable for outdoor use, with an expected life of at least 3 years (this can vary depending on conditions exposed to). Please give our team a call if you’d like further information on the different types of materials we use. We’ll also make sure you get the right material for your signage needs.

Legal Questions

Can I put signage on my vehicle windows?

According to the Ministry of Transport, this depends on the type of vehicle you have.

Basically, a passenger vehicle or people mover cannot have signage on the windows of the vehicle apart from the top or bottom 100mm of the front and rear windscreen.

A 4x4 SUV vehicle or van can however have the whole vehicle covered in signage, apart from the front windscreen for obvious reasons!

We suggest looking on the Ministry of Transport website, or talk to your WOF provider for clarification around this issue.

Do I need a boat name?

Vessel identification rules were introduced in July 2009 and came in to force July 2010.

Powerboats 4m and over and non-powered boats 6m and over must display a name or similar identifying mark, such as a radio call sign, Coastguard membership number, or trailer registration.

Identification must be:

Displayed on both sides of the hull above the waterline.
A combination of letters and/or numbers.
Be legible, and at least 90mm high (all characters must be at least 90mm high).
Must be visable at a distance of no less than 50 metres.

Powerboats less than 4m and non-mechanically powered vessels less than 6m (including kayaks and small dinghys) must have emergency contact details and/or the owner’s name or contact details somewhere clearly visible on or in the vessel.

Check out our font and vinyl colour options in the Resources section of our website.