Get to Know a Little About Us: FAQ

FAQ

• DESIGN: Can you help me layout my tradeshow booth?

  Our resident interior designer, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, is here to help you achieve your tradeshow vision.  In addition to our wide range of Displays, we can assist with everything from fixtures and flooring to accents and color schemes.  No detail is overlooked!

• COUNTERFEITING AND COPIES: I saw Windship Products on a different website,
  why is that?

  One of two things: First, you came across one of our authorized product dealers who use our photos and designs on their sites. We welcome this and you can see a list of these Authorized Dealers here.
  
  The other option is far less admirable. After 30 years of being a premier Inflatable Producer we have been targeted by manufactures all over the world who use our photos and designs in the selling process. It's nice to be admired but the product you will receive from these sites is nothing like the design in the photo and the materials & manufacturing are completely insufficient for advertising use. If the price seems too good to be true, it is.
  
  If you are familiar with Windship Premier Inflatables, you know that we offer a world class product that is an investment purchase. Weigh our price once every 10 years against a cheap imitation that you'll have to replace several times a year. Windship is a clear winner. Plus we offer full servicing and an unmatched warranty – Try getting that from the counterfeiters. Our products are world-best quality and they are truly fantastic value.
  
  Like many best-in-class products, Windship Inflatables are copied by counterfeiters who produce non-functional versions of the real thing. This practice is not only illegal, but also dangerous. Our Windcoat V material has been fire tested and is certified lead free to California Prop 65 standards. Our reinforced seams and top quality anchor points, industrial strength straps and CSA approved blowers are all the top-of-the-line. We produce these with safety in mind. After analyzing many counterfeit inflatables, we know that they use untested and frail materials, substandard stitching, thin nylon ropes for anchors and counterfeit blowers – All of which pose significant safety and health risks.
  While Windship Advertising continues to grow so will the challenges we face. From developing new technology, to safeguarding consumers from lead content and non-fire safe materials, to preserving the integrity of the Windship brand, we're working to stay on top.

• DESIGN: Can you design artwork for me?

  We do have a talented team of graphic designers who are ready and willing to help bring your idea to life. We charge $90 per hour for design work.

• DISPLAY QUALITY: What sorts of materials do you use in your Windship Displays line?

  Only the best! We utilize 1200 DPI printers to assure that your images are vibrant. Many of four lines also use Eco Friendly materials developed with recycled materials. Our Pop Up Frames are made with Aircraft Grade Aluminum and many offer a lifetime warranty.
  
  We assure you that nothing in the market will look as good and will last longer than a Windship Display.

• E-COMMERCE: Why can't I order online?

  Some of our competitors use "cookie cutter" designs on their e-commerce sites to pump out units with no regard for how this will actually work for their clients. We think you deserve better.
  With thousands of design variations available for even our most simple shapes, we feel that your brand needs a personal touch to stand out from the crowd. Our team of highly trained Account Managers will walk you through your project be assure you are delivered the best possible product for your needs.

• GLOBAL REACH: Do you ship internationally?

  Because we do offer a world class product, we have clients from every corner of the globe coming to us to see why we're the best.  We can definitely coordinate shipment direct you, anywhere in the world.

• GRAPHIC QUALITY: Can a picture I found online be used to print?

  While files from various websites look great on your monitor and are a perfect start to turning your concept into reality, they are typically too low in resolution to print in a grand format application.  In order to ensure your project looks crisp and clear, we do need high resolution files in vector format. 
  Please click here for our Graphic Requirements.

• GRAPHIC UPLOADS: How Can I send my Graphics?

  We make it easy - Our Graphic upload page can be found here. We are also happy to accept YouSendIt and Dropbox files or you can email us attachments up to 5MB..

• PRICING: How much does an inflatable cost?

  There are literally thousands of inflatable options available.  Each one has a certain element of customization to make the unit unique to each client.  The biggest factors that affect the price are size, shape and amount of art detail.  Inflatables can range from $1,000 to $40,000+ but an average price point would be about $5,000 in Windship Premier and $3,500 in Windship Lite.

• PRICING: I heard your inflatables are expensive.  Is this true?

  Yes and no. Our Windship Premier Inflatables are the class of the industry and yes, they will be at a higher price than standard inflatables you may find online. Windship Premier is what you want if you demand the absolute best. Windship Premier Inflatables are made in Canada with the most durable and longest lasting fabric in the industry, Windcoat V.  This is a proprietary vinyl coated polyester fabric currently in its fifth generation that we have developed over our 30 years in business.  On top of our unmatched fabric quality, our level of workmanship is second to none and every component from the blower to the straps is up to the strictest fire and safety standards to make sure this lasts you 5-10 years. To read more about our Windship Premier materials, have a look at "What technology does Windship utilize in their inflatables?"
  However, we realize that not everyone needs their unit to last for 10 years and that marketing budgets are tighter than ever. From this we developed our Windship Lite Inflatables to also offer a competitively priced product while still maintaining our commitment to quality.
  We do not offer basic nylon shelled inflatables that you might see for sale at national box stores or from overseas websites because we know these will only last a few weeks before the wind tears them apart. We want you to be happy with your inflatable for years to come.
  For more information and specs on our two inflatable lines please click here (this should direct to WS Premier vs. Lite page where they can also see Windcoat V, -60 degree fabric rating, warranty, etc.).

• QUOTES: How Can I get a quote?

  Simple! You can call or email us from 8:30-5:00 MST any weekday or you can request a quote online. All of our quotes are free of charge and there is no obligation to buy.

• RENTALS: Do you rent any items?

  We do have an extensive stock of generic inflatables for rent.  Your Account Manager can work with you to create a rental schedule catered to your plans.

• SET UP AND TAKE DOWN: Are your products easy to use?

  Absolutely, all our products are designed with functionality in mind.  Most items we sell offer the user versatility in a variety of settings.  Through attending various festivals, trade shows, conventions and retail businesses, we're able to put ourselves in our clients' shoes.  We have the experience to know what works, and more importantly, what doesn't.  We wouldn't want to offer something that we ourselves wouldn't use, so we simply don't.

• TECHNOLOGY: What technology do you use in your Inflatables?

  Computer Aided Design Our Inflatable designs are created through CAD programs such as Pattern Smith and Rhino to ensure accuracy of the concept into actual creation of the unit. Part of this process includes the dissection of a clay sculpture to accurately layout each piece of the Inflatable. This is a similar process used by auto manufacturers.Windcoat V®
  We're constantly searching for the best inflatable fabric in the market, and our exclusive Windcoat V still comes out on top. This material is backed by a 3 year warranty, which is the best in the industry.
  
  The fabric is a 500D type 725 polyester, with a proprietary vinyl coating for air impermeability and U.V. resistance. The vinyl coating is what really ensures that our Inflatables last for several years. It has a finished weight of 8oz per square yard.
  
  A truly impressive fact about Windcoat V is it's temperature rating of -50oC to +60oC, basically anything this planet has to offer.
  
  In tests conducted by an independent laboratory, after the equivalent of 2 years outdoor exposure, Windcoat V maintained an average of 95% of it's strength. While the industry standard fabric only maintained 42% of it's strength.
  
  Electrical components Both our inflation blowers and internal light kits are CSA or cETL approved. In Canada, this certification is required to operate any electrical accessories at an event or for everyday use. Without this proof of proper safety testing, you run insurance and liability risks. Usually, a fire marshall will simply force you to not use any uncertified equipment.This requirement is also becoming more important in other areas of the world.
  
  Stitching We use a top quality coated nylon thread to sew our Inflatables. The balance between quality fabric and stitching must be equal, otherwise you end up with weaknesses in the unit.

• TIMELINES: What is production time for your products?

  Production times will vary depending on the item.  Standard Printing projects such as banners, vehicle wraps will take 3-5 business days.  Displays are 5-10 business days.  And Inflatables will take 3-5 weeks depending on the complexity and size of the design. Rush jobs are also an option if you're short on time.
  
  All production times are from final artwork approval.

• WARRANTY: What is your warranty on your inflatables and how long will they last?

  Our Windship Premier Inflatables offer a 3 Year Warranty on fabric defects and workmanship and will last 5-10 years of regular use – An incredible lifespan. The Windship Lite Inflatables offer a 1 Year Warranty and will last 2-3 years of regular use. 
  Many of our competitors will offer to match a Windship Premier warranty but when a claim is made, they will tell you that the unit was misused and therefore not covered. We don't believe in this. Windcoat 5® is the only material in the industry that will effectively last long enough to offer a three year warranty, everything else comes up short.
  Any damage to an inflatable due to misuse or use in high wind is not covered under warranty. 
  For more information and specs on two inflatable lines please click here (this should direct to WS Premier vs. Lite page where they can also see Windcoat V, -60 degree fabric rating, warranty, etc.).
  
  All production times are from final artwork approval.

• WHERE TO START: I'm new to this, how do I start an order?

  Call us or send us a quick email! Our Account Managers are here to help – They will listen to your project requirements and can recommend products that will best fit your marketing needs and budget. Our Account Managers will provide you with a no obligation pricing estimate for review.  From there, we create a rendering or graphic proof to ensure accuracy of your order, along with an official quote.  Details such as color matching and sizing are covered through these forms.  From there, we're off to production.
  Click here to see all the ways you can talk to our team.