When production timing starts
Dates shown while pricing or ordering are estimates, not guaranteed completion or delivery dates. The production clock does not begin when a cart is created or an order request is submitted.
Timing starts after every required release condition is complete. Depending on the order, that can include usable artwork, approval of the current proof, confirmed specifications, payment confirmation, and resolution of any file or material questions.
Revisions, delayed approvals, payment delays, material availability, unusually large quantities, specialty finishing, weather, holidays, and carrier disruptions can move the estimate.
Production location routing
Production locations are not shown on the home page or product pages. After a delivery address is entered, checkout shows the closest eligible production state for each product. That state is planning information—not a pickup address.
Final routing can change before production based on product capability, material availability, capacity, quality requirements, destination, or another operational constraint. A mixed-product order may be produced or shipped from more than one location.
When an order is split, packages can arrive on different days and may have separate tracking information.
Shipping charges and transit
Customers enter a complete U.S. delivery address before adding an address-rated product to the cart. The site uses the product's packed size, weight, package count, and destination to show ground or protected-freight shipping and the complete pre-tax total.
Alaska, Hawaii, oversize, unusually heavy, and multi-package shipments use a conservative protected shipping amount. A separate shipping-help review is reserved for configurations the supplier marks as pickup-only or for missing package data.
Carrier transit begins after production and quality review are complete. Business days, carrier service areas, oversize handling, and destination access can affect transit. Expedited transit, when offered, shortens carrier travel only; it does not automatically shorten artwork review or production.
Delivery address and changes
Customers are responsible for providing a complete, deliverable address, including company, suite, unit, dock, or access details when applicable. Review the address before submitting the order request.
Request an address change through the order-specific contact channel as soon as possible. A change is not effective until confirmed. Once a package is released to a carrier, rerouting may be unavailable or may create additional charges and delay.
Damage, shortages, and delivery issues
Inspect the shipment and packaging promptly. If something appears damaged, missing, or different from the approved specifications, keep the product and packaging and document the issue with clear photos.
Report the issue through the status or contact path associated with the order and include the order number, affected quantity, and photos. MaketheSign.com will review production records and available carrier information before confirming the appropriate next step. Do not discard affected items until the review is complete.
Pickup and installation requests
A production location shown in the calculator does not mean customer pickup is available. Pickup, installation, timed delivery, inside delivery, and special freight handling apply only when they are specifically included and confirmed for the order.
If a project has a firm event or installation date, include it in the quote request. A requested date is a planning input; it becomes a commitment only if MaketheSign.com confirms it in writing for that order.