When your sign fails inspection, the reseller shrugs. The manufacturer fixes it. That’s the difference between buying from someone who makes signs and someone who just sells them. Here’s why it matters — especially when your project timeline is on the line.
What a Manufacturer Does
A manufacturer owns the equipment, employs the fabricators, and controls every step of production. They CNC-route the acrylic, thermoform the braille dots, apply the finishes, and quality-check every sign against ADA specifications.
Graphics 22 is a manufacturer. We’ve been making ADA signs in Pittsburgh for over 30 years. Our CNC machines, our thermoforming equipment, our QC team — everything is in-house.
What a Reseller Does
A reseller takes your order, sends it to a manufacturer (possibly overseas), adds their margin, and ships it to you. They never touch the sign. They may not even understand ADA specifications — they’re running an e-commerce website, not a sign shop.
5 Reasons to Buy from a Manufacturer
1. Compliance Guarantee
Manufacturers know the code because they’ve been building to it for decades. At Graphics 22, we guarantee every sign passes inspection. Resellers can’t make that promise because they don’t control production.
2. Custom Capability
Need a specific color match? A custom font within ADA guidelines? A non-standard size? A manufacturer can do it. A reseller can only sell what’s in their catalog.
3. Faster Turnaround
No middleman means faster production. Our standard turnaround is 3-4 weeks upon approval. Resellers often quote 3-4 weeks upon approval because they’re waiting on their supplier.
4. Direct Communication
Questions about braille specifications? Mounting height for a tricky door configuration? You talk to the people who make the signs, not a customer service rep reading a script.
5. Lower Cost
No middleman markup. For wholesale orders (50+ signs), buying direct from a manufacturer saves 30-40% compared to reseller pricing.
How to Tell the Difference
- Look for “manufactured by” — if the site doesn’t say where signs are made, they’re probably reselling
- Check for custom capabilities — if they only sell pre-made stock signs, they’re a reseller
- Ask about their facility — a manufacturer can tell you exactly how signs are made
- Request references — manufacturers work with contractors on real projects, not just online orders
The G22 Advantage
Graphics 22 Signs is an MBE-certified manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, PA. We’ve been making ADA signs since the 1990s. We work with general contractors, architects, and building managers across PA, OH, WV, MD, NY, and DC.
Every sign is made in our shop. Every sign is checked against ADA §703. Every sign is guaranteed to pass inspection.
Get a Free Quote → Or call (412) 422-1125.
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