Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What's the best way to produce a large seamless graphic (3m wide) for exhibition display?
Producing a seamless 3m-wide exhibition graphic is challenging but possible. Members shared these practical approaches: - **The Printhouse Notting Hill** — A recommended local printer (135 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB; 020 7229 1171; info@phnh.com; printhousenhg@gmail.com). Members have used them for banners and signage, though they may struggle with the full 3m width. - **3 x 2.2m paper prints** — One member found a supplier offering this size, which gets close to 3m but requires careful hanging to avoid tearing. - **Printing on fabric and stretching to wooden frame** — The most reliable approach for a truly seamless look: print the graphic on material and stretch it across a wooden frame, screwing the edges together. This avoids visible joins. - **Rolling for transport** — Most large prints are rolled in tubes for delivery to site, which simplifies logistics but requires careful unrolling and hanging. **Caveats:** Achieving a full 3m width without a visible break is "pretty difficult" according to members' experience. Plain paper posters can be hung with velcro, but large single pieces are prone to tearing during installation and transport. The fabric-and-frame approach requires more setup but delivers the most professional seamless result.
What are the best suppliers for branded equipment like magnetic signage, printed boards, and promotional jigging tools?
Members have had mixed success finding high-quality branded equipment domestically and internationally. Here are the specific suppliers and approaches mentioned: **For printed boards and signage:** - **Pixartprinting** — recommended for custom aluminium printed boards, handles custom sizes and shapes - **Vistaprint** — suggested for smaller orders if you don't need large MOQs - **uk.staci.com** — offers sourcing to storage and fulfilment services for major players; MOQs unclear from discussion **For jigging tools and promotional equipment:** - **Alibaba suppliers** — one member sourced via Alibaba and reported significantly better quality at roughly 1/3 of UK pricing, though they emphasised they had only received samples at that point and couldn't yet confirm service levels or full delivery quality **Key caveats:** Members noted particular difficulty finding high-quality branded equipment at reasonable prices through UK suppliers alone, which is why some are exploring international options. If using overseas suppliers, allow time for sample approval before committing to larger orders, as service levels and final quality can vary. No detailed lead time data was provided in the discussion, so it's worth requesting this directly from suppliers when quoting.
Where can UK drinks brands source branded illuminated signage and POS materials?
Members recommend these suppliers for illuminated signs and point-of-sale marketing materials: - **Zest Product Solutions** — recommended for POS marketing materials - **Visual Architects** (Manchester) — specialises in replicating illuminated signs and can handle complex designs like light-up letters These suppliers have been used by community members for branded signage projects including replica Campari-style illuminated lettering. When sourcing, clarify your volume requirements upfront as costs scale with production size.