Common Questions
Answers to the questions we're asked most. Jump to a section or scroll.
// Ordering & Billing
Ordering & Billing
Procurement, payment, tax-exempt, and timeline questions that come up across every product.
Can we pay by purchase order instead of a credit card?
Yes. Use the "Request a Quote" option at checkout to receive a formal PDF quote you can submit through your procurement system. We work with museums, government agencies, universities, and nonprofits nationwide.
Are you set up for tax-exempt orders?
Yes. Email a copy of your sales tax exemption certificate to info@uplandexhibits.com and we'll apply the exemption to your order. Check the tax-exempt box at checkout so we know to hold billing until the certificate is on file.
What are your payment terms?
Our standard terms are 50% deposit to begin production, with the balance due before shipment. Custom terms are available for larger projects — ask us at quote time.
Can I use my own FedEx or UPS shipping account?
Yes. Share your carrier account number when you request a quote or place the order and we'll ship on your account instead of billing shipping.
Do you need a W-9 or vendor setup documents?
We'll return a completed W-9 and any other vendor paperwork the same day you ask. Email info@uplandexhibits.com with whatever your procurement team needs.
Can you hit a specific install or event deadline?
Often yes — the lead time on each product page reflects current shop load. If your deadline is tight, tell us the date when you reach out and we'll look at the schedule honestly before committing.
// Reader Rails
Reader Rails
Matfield, Flat-Pack, Pedestal Rail, Ridgeline, and Waymaker indoor rails.
Does the reader rail include printed graphics, or just the rail?
You choose at checkout:
- Reader rail only — the finished wooden rail by itself.
- Reader rail + ACM graphics — adds a 3mm UV-cured aluminum composite panel printed with artwork you supply.
- Reader rail + ACM graphics designed by Upland — adds our design work on top of that.
Is the rail stable on its own, or does it need to be mounted to something?
It's fully freestanding. Legs are solid birch hardwood with mortise-and-tenon joints and the rail body is baltic birch plywood. You can anchor to the floor or wall if additional stability is required.
Can I combine rails to make a longer or angled run?
Yes. Rails are modular — let us know when you place your order if you need connector hardware or an angled layout.
Can I supply my own artwork for the ACM panel?
Yes. We print on 3mm UV-cured ACM from your print-ready files — CMYK, 150ppi minimum, with 0.5" bleed on all sides. Full specs are on our graphics guidelines page at /resources/graphics-guidelines/.
Can you build a rail at a custom length?
Yes. 45" and 60" are the common lengths but length is variable — contact us with the size you need and we'll quote it.
Is the ACM graphic panel replaceable if we update the content later?
Yes. The panels slot into the rail and swap out cleanly. Order a replacement panel any time the content changes — the rail itself keeps going.
What finish options are included?
Your choice of color in the Upland Signature Finish is included in pricing. Unfinished rails are available too and reduce cost by $125 per rail. See /finishes/ for the full palette.
Can the ACM panel include braille or tactile elements?
Yes. Tactile braille can be added as a separate applied element on the ACM, or we can quote a printed acrylic overlay if you'd rather have braille embedded in the surface. Tell us what accessibility spec you're meeting and we'll work it into the order.
// Display Cases & Vitrines
Display Cases & Vitrines
Tabletop, Matfield table, and Matfield display cases.
Can you build a custom size?
Yes — custom dimensions are our default, not an upcharge. Tell us the footprint and interior height you need and we'll quote it.
What's the acrylic thickness on the vitrine?
1/4" clear museum-grade acrylic. Thicker options are available on custom orders — tell us what you're protecting and we'll recommend a thickness.
How does it ship?
The base and vitrine ship separately via FedEx Ground. The acrylic travels in its own padded packaging — that's what lets us send oversized cases safely without freight.
Is the acrylic UV-protected?
Standard vitrines use clear acrylic. If you need UV-filtering acrylic for light-sensitive artifacts, contact us with the dimensions and we'll quote the substitute material.
What's the interior clearance inside the vitrine?
Interior clearance is 1" less than the overall vitrine height — the channel on the base takes up that 1" to hold the vitrine securely.
Can I order just the vitrine without a base?
Yes. Contact us with dimensions and we'll quote a vitrine-only order with thread-insert hardware so you can mount it to your own surface or furniture.
How do I clean the acrylic without scratching it?
Use a microfiber cloth with water or a dedicated acrylic cleaner like Novus #1. Skip paper towels, glass cleaner, and anything ammonia-based — they haze the surface over time.
// Pedestals
Pedestals
Step, Groove, Flat-top, and Nesting pedestals.
Does the pedestal include a vitrine?
The vitrine is optional. Step and Groove pedestals can be purchased with or without an acrylic vitrine; Flat-top pedestals ship without one.
Can you build custom sizes?
Yes. Standard heights and footprints are shown on the page, but we regularly build pedestals to custom dimensions — contact us with what you need.
How does the pedestal ship?
The base ships via FedEx Ground; if a vitrine is included, it ships separately in its own padded packaging. Both arrive boxed, labeled, and ready to unpack.
What's the interior clearance inside the pedestal vitrine?
Interior clearance is 1" less than the overall vitrine height — the vitrine channel on the top of the pedestal takes up that 1".
What finishes are available?
Upland Signature Finish in your choice of color, included in pricing. See /finishes/ for the full palette.
// Hardwood Sign Bases
Hardwood Sign Bases
Indoor hardwood bases and panel fit.
Will my existing sign panels fit your bases?
Bases are built for standard panel thicknesses. Send us the thickness, width, and height of your panels and we'll confirm fit or quote a custom base.
Does the base come with mounting hardware?
Yes — each base ships with the 1/4×20 flat-head screws needed to mount your panel. Panels are sold separately unless you add them to your order.
Can you print the sign panel as well?
Yes. Add a printed panel at checkout, or send us your artwork separately. See /resources/graphics-guidelines/ for file specs.
Can I get a replacement base for an older order?
Yes. Email us your original invoice or receipt number and the size you need — we'll match it to the original spec.
Can you send samples or reference photos before we commit?
Reference photos, finish samples, and panel samples can all be arranged. Email us with the style and finish you're considering.
// Outdoor Signs
Outdoor Signs
Waymaker outdoor and weather-rated signage.
Are these signs rated for year-round outdoor use?
Yes. Bases are black powder-coated steel and panels use UV-stable substrates built for outdoor installation. They're designed to stay outside in sun, rain, and snow.
Can I swap out the graphic panel later?
Yes. Panels are replaceable — order a reprint when the content or design changes and swap it into the same base.
Can you add braille or other accessibility features?
Yes. Braille, tactile elements, and ADA-compliant mounting heights can all be worked into the order. Tell us which accessibility spec you need to meet and we'll quote the additions.
How are outdoor bases anchored?
Anchoring method depends on the model — in-ground, surface-mount, or post-mount. Installation hardware and a guide ship with each base.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. We stand behind the finish and structural components. Contact us for the specific warranty terms on the model you're ordering.
Can you match an existing outdoor signage style we already have?
Often yes. Send photos of your existing signs with dimensions and we'll quote a match or a coordinated design.
// Graphics & Printing
Graphics & Printing
File specs, design services, and artwork submission.
What file formats do you accept for artwork?
Packaged Adobe Illustrator (.ai), InDesign (.indd), and Photoshop (.psd) files are preferred. High-resolution PDFs are acceptable as long as fonts are outlined or supplied.
What color space and resolution should my files be?
CMYK color space, 150ppi minimum, submitted at full scale with 0.5" bleed on all sides. Full setup checklist at /resources/graphics-guidelines/.
Can you design the panel for me?
Yes. Our design department can create new panels from scratch or adapt existing content. Tell us what the panel needs to say and we'll quote the design work.
Where do I send my print-ready files?
Print-ready files and a low-resolution reference PDF can be sent to graham.unruh@uplandexhibits.com. Our design team will review and reach out if they spot anything to fix before print.
Didn't find your answer?
Email us at info@uplandexhibits.com or reach out through our contact form — we respond the same business day.
Contact Us