I prefer not to deal with “middlemen”. Can I just buy direct from a manufacturer or foundry and save some money?
Generally that’s not how this industry is structured. We and other distributors are their sales force. We’re compensated by being able to buy wholesale, then retailing. We specify, after sometimes lengthy discussions with customers; manufacturers “simply” manufacture. For more, visit http://www.plaquesandletters.com/ftc_false_adv_complaints.htm A few manufacturers sell direct to the public. But that doesn’t mean you’ll achieve a lower price. In fact it’ll likely be higher because they rarely negotiate; we do. Manufacturer-directs’ salaried sales force is internal, affecting their pricing. Plus their art departments generally are limited. This “middleman” has 27 years of design and project management expertise; formerly a SR AD at two international ad agencies.
