blue dot sign
New Member
Hello. Just a quick post to say Hi and introduce myself. My name is Tony Comella, and I am the owner of Blue Dot Sign Company. We have been in business over 30 years now, also known as Budget Sign Company of Arlington Heights, IL and Acorn Sign Company of Elk Grove Village, IL. We are a full service sign company; electrical too. For equipment, we have 2 Bucket Trucks with on-board welder, a Multicam CNC, a Mimaki JV3, a Gerber Edge, an assortment of plotters and a ColorSpan 5465 
.
That's how I found Signs 101. While looking for posts that were related to my issues with my printer (and I found many), I noted how eager folks were to share their knowledge. My modest vault of knowledge is always open, but have not been so lucky as to find others who shared my philosophy... steel sharpens steel. So to that end, I am happy to have come across this community.
And yes, I am having problems with my ColorSpan. In fact, remarkably similar problems to what others have posted. Sadly, I was forced to file suit against both HP and Grimco for resolution. I am in the midst of the case at present, and am holding my breath for a favorable outcome.
Regarding my issues with the ColorSpan, I came to the conclusion that while my problems are big for me, others with similar problems may be in a significantly more dire situation. If you will allow me the indulgence, this is a problem of some magnitude in our industry. Yet aside from a few posts by those frustrated enough to cry out, the problem has gone un-addressed.
Please let me explain further. Sharing of knowledge between us is crucial. Contributing your knowledge and integrity to others ensures an industry and community with a strong backbone. I am not saying that we need to form a lynch mob, but simply that education is the only way to solve the problems we experience when dealing with large organizations. I learned much of what I know the hard way: by living it.
I think my story is typical: I had the funds appropriated, I had my plane ticket and hotel reservation set, and I had the excitement of a 3 year old on Christmas Day. I was ready to BUY! I had done my homework and was convinced I knew what I was doing. WRONG!. The dazzling prints and colors and people and brochures and shinny machines put me in a further euphoric place.
Amidst all the glitz and glamour, I lost my businessman's insight. Kind of like going to Las Vegas: I lost perspective. Apparently I had left my brain back in Chicago. These people were here to SELL. They had numbers and quotas and incentives to meet. Me... I was on holiday.
While it may sound rudimentary to anyone with an 8th grade education, I would like to nonetheless share a few things I learned:
The prints that are displayed at the show may not be printed on the machine you are interested in. The prints coming out of the printer while you speak to a sales rep are all profiled and fine tuned prior to the show. Naturally, who would put out a bad product at a trade show. Statements, any statements, whether written or oral, are not worth a wooden nickel. I think it is important to repeat: Print speeds, lists of printable materials, adhesion, or any other feature or benefit presented to you DO NOT NECESSARILY NEED TO BE TRUTHFUL. Yes, that is correct. THEY CAN LIE TO YOU AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.
Here's the kicker, the IT SAYS SO IN YOUR WARRANTY, plain as day.
Most warranties are referred to as an EXPRESS WARRANTY. GET A COPY OF THE WARRANTY BEFORE YOU PURCHASE THE EQUIPMENT. READ IT, UNDERSTAND IT, ask for assistance from a legal advisor. As an example, take a look at the following warranty conditions. This is just an excerpt...
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY OF abc SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS, AND abc NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES DEALER TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY OR MAKE ANY OTHER WARRANTY OR MAKE ANY OTHER WARRANTY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PRODUCT WITHOUT abc'S PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL abc BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OF DEALER OR CUSTOMERS OF ANY PRODUCT.
Quoted from above 'SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS'.
What is said here is that even thought you purchase, let's say a printer for making signs, if the printer does not make signs, let's say it makes pancakes instead, you now own an $80k pancake maker. Exaggerated, but I hope you see the point. This company is telling you that even though you purchased a printer for making signs, they are not guaranteeing that it will be "FIT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE". Further, they are telling you that they can not guarantee "MERCHANTABILITY". So they are not responsible for the quality of the print, or any other claims made to you during the sales process.
Further quoted from above, "IN NO EVENT SHALL MIMAKI BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OF DEALER OR CUSTOMERS OF ANY PRODUCT".
For the exception of some states that allow for it, what they are saying here is that they are not responsible for any consequential lose due to the problems you may experience with your printer. Other warranties state that the company's exposure is limited to replacement of the printer. Which is fine, unless you have been down for a year, and your business is on the verge of collapse.
Anyway, enough said for now. I sincerely hope that my post will help at least one person avoid the issues I have experienced. A big thank you to Fred Weiss, who sent me instructions on how to post. I bet your sorry you did now!
P.S. Sorry... no spell check\
Respectfully,
Tony Comella
Blue Dot Sign Company
Gilberts, IL
.That's how I found Signs 101. While looking for posts that were related to my issues with my printer (and I found many), I noted how eager folks were to share their knowledge. My modest vault of knowledge is always open, but have not been so lucky as to find others who shared my philosophy... steel sharpens steel. So to that end, I am happy to have come across this community.
And yes, I am having problems with my ColorSpan. In fact, remarkably similar problems to what others have posted. Sadly, I was forced to file suit against both HP and Grimco for resolution. I am in the midst of the case at present, and am holding my breath for a favorable outcome.
Regarding my issues with the ColorSpan, I came to the conclusion that while my problems are big for me, others with similar problems may be in a significantly more dire situation. If you will allow me the indulgence, this is a problem of some magnitude in our industry. Yet aside from a few posts by those frustrated enough to cry out, the problem has gone un-addressed.
Please let me explain further. Sharing of knowledge between us is crucial. Contributing your knowledge and integrity to others ensures an industry and community with a strong backbone. I am not saying that we need to form a lynch mob, but simply that education is the only way to solve the problems we experience when dealing with large organizations. I learned much of what I know the hard way: by living it.
I think my story is typical: I had the funds appropriated, I had my plane ticket and hotel reservation set, and I had the excitement of a 3 year old on Christmas Day. I was ready to BUY! I had done my homework and was convinced I knew what I was doing. WRONG!. The dazzling prints and colors and people and brochures and shinny machines put me in a further euphoric place.
Amidst all the glitz and glamour, I lost my businessman's insight. Kind of like going to Las Vegas: I lost perspective. Apparently I had left my brain back in Chicago. These people were here to SELL. They had numbers and quotas and incentives to meet. Me... I was on holiday.
While it may sound rudimentary to anyone with an 8th grade education, I would like to nonetheless share a few things I learned:
The prints that are displayed at the show may not be printed on the machine you are interested in. The prints coming out of the printer while you speak to a sales rep are all profiled and fine tuned prior to the show. Naturally, who would put out a bad product at a trade show. Statements, any statements, whether written or oral, are not worth a wooden nickel. I think it is important to repeat: Print speeds, lists of printable materials, adhesion, or any other feature or benefit presented to you DO NOT NECESSARILY NEED TO BE TRUTHFUL. Yes, that is correct. THEY CAN LIE TO YOU AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.
Here's the kicker, the IT SAYS SO IN YOUR WARRANTY, plain as day.
Most warranties are referred to as an EXPRESS WARRANTY. GET A COPY OF THE WARRANTY BEFORE YOU PURCHASE THE EQUIPMENT. READ IT, UNDERSTAND IT, ask for assistance from a legal advisor. As an example, take a look at the following warranty conditions. This is just an excerpt...
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY OF abc SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS, AND abc NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES DEALER TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY OR MAKE ANY OTHER WARRANTY OR MAKE ANY OTHER WARRANTY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PRODUCT WITHOUT abc'S PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL abc BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OF DEALER OR CUSTOMERS OF ANY PRODUCT.
Quoted from above 'SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS'.
What is said here is that even thought you purchase, let's say a printer for making signs, if the printer does not make signs, let's say it makes pancakes instead, you now own an $80k pancake maker. Exaggerated, but I hope you see the point. This company is telling you that even though you purchased a printer for making signs, they are not guaranteeing that it will be "FIT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE". Further, they are telling you that they can not guarantee "MERCHANTABILITY". So they are not responsible for the quality of the print, or any other claims made to you during the sales process.
Further quoted from above, "IN NO EVENT SHALL MIMAKI BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OF DEALER OR CUSTOMERS OF ANY PRODUCT".
For the exception of some states that allow for it, what they are saying here is that they are not responsible for any consequential lose due to the problems you may experience with your printer. Other warranties state that the company's exposure is limited to replacement of the printer. Which is fine, unless you have been down for a year, and your business is on the verge of collapse.
Anyway, enough said for now. I sincerely hope that my post will help at least one person avoid the issues I have experienced. A big thank you to Fred Weiss, who sent me instructions on how to post. I bet your sorry you did now!
P.S. Sorry... no spell check\
Respectfully,
Tony Comella
Blue Dot Sign Company
Gilberts, IL
Last edited by a moderator:
