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Company Questions

Services Questions

Pricing Questions

Turnaround Time Questions

Terms and Conditions Questions

Shipping Questions

Guarantee Questions

Technical Questions

Company Questions

When did Vectorex begin operations?

Vectorex started in 1988 under the name Cadversion Systems, Inc. In 1989 the name Vectorex was chosen to better tie in with the services offered. Vectorex is a California corporation.

What types of industries does Vectorex serve?

We provide quality drawing conversion services to all industries, and have successfully completed projects for a diverse list of companies in many industries, such as:

Architecture	Construction	Civil Engineering & Surveying
Utilities	Telecommunication Systems	Public Works
Manufacturing	Public Transportation Systems	Chemical Processing Plants
Facilities Management	Legal Services	Defense
Technical Documentation	Parks & Recreation	Aerospace

Has Vectorex ever completed large drawing conversion projects?

Yes. For example, Vectorex has successfully completed individual drawing conversion projects costing more than $500,000 and over $300,000. Numerous other large contracts over $100,000 each and over $50,000 each have also been awarded to Vectorex by governmental and corporate customers. Vectorex has both the experience and resources to handle very large conversion projects.

Who are some of Vectorex's customers?

Among Vectorex customers are federal and state government agencies, defense contractors, large and medium-sized manufacturers, architectural firms, agencies of local municipalities, civil engineering and surveying firms, construction companies, utilities, facilities management companies, telecommunications companies, university campuses, fiber-optic cable systems, and many more.

What makes Vectorex better than other companies?

· We specialize only in CAD services. As specialists since 1988 we have extensive experience with very large and small jobs of every kind. We don’t dilute our focus with reprographics, plotting, microfilming, etc.

· Our quality control and project management are first-rate, and we have an attention to detail that is unmatched in the industry. We take our committments very seriously.

· We provide top-flight customer service and a convenient web-based order placement and tracking system so you can always know the staus of every project.

· We guarantee all services 100 percent – for life.

· We keep copies of your files forever and will gladly provide a replacement at no charge for life.

· Our prices are very competitive. Our flat management structure, low overhead, and high productivity allow us to offer our services for much less than other companies.

Is Vectorex a USA company?

Yes, Vectorex is a privately-held corporation headquartered about 20 minutes from Sacramento, the capital of California.

How large is Vectorex's production team?

Vectorex has a team of more than 50 production CAD drafters with extensive experience in many disciplines. We also have a large group of “on-call” CAD drafters that can be added to work on projects if the volume requires it.

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Services Questions

What CAD services does Vectorex offer?

We provide exact, precise conversion of drawings into CAD files, as well as automatic vectorization for those customers who need CAD files at very low cost. We also provide contract CAD drafting from sketches and markups.

Does Vectorex offer other services, such as plotting, raster scanning, design, etc.?

No, we only specialize in CAD conversion and drafting services. We have chosen to not dilute our services with other activities so we can concentrate on the very best quality and service, with low prices.

How is FullCAD™ conversion performed?

We begin with a raster scan of the customer's drawing, which we either receive from the customer or create using our in-house equipment. Then the image is displayed in the CAD software (such as AutoCAD) and the CAD drafter creates the CAD file using the original drawing image as a guide to ensure that nothing is missed. The linework is created to precisely match the dimensions and is not just traced over. Each drawing is then QC checked to ensure accuracy and quality. The result is a perfect CAD file that is as good as (or better than) is produced by the customer's own in-house personnel. Read more here.

How is CustomCAD™ conversion performed?

We produce the high-quality CAD file in the same way as the FullCAD™ procedure above. However, we customize the conversion to follow each of the specifications the customer provides, as well as the extra features required by the particular job. Read more here.

I'm not sure whether I need FullCAD™ or CustomCAD™. How can I decide which is best?

You can read more about the differences between the two services by visiting the services page on our website.

Does Vectorex offer free sample conversions?

In order to keep our prices low we are not able to provide free conversions of customer drawings. We do show samples of actual drawings, before and after, to allow customers to see the quality we provide. And, since we guarantee all our work there is never any risk when using our services.

How can I see examples of the services?

Simply go to the examples page.

Can Vectorex follow my in-house CAD specs?

Yes. By using our CustomCAD™ service you can give us your CAD specifications, titleblock formats, and any other requirements. We will follow them exactly and deliver CAD files that look the same as if they had been created at your location. When we use your in-house CAD specs we will give you the opportunity to examine the first completed CAD file to check our understanding and implementation of your instructions. Any corrections will then be made on that CAD drawing and the rest of the project.

We produce the high-quality CAD file in the same way as the FullCAD™ procedure above. However, we customize the conversion to follow each of the specifications the customer provides, as well as the extra features required by the particular job.

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Pricing Questions

What are the prices for Vectorex services?

To see a chart showing prices for each of Vectorex's services, please see the prices page.

Is there a setup charge?

Yes. We add a single setup charge to orders so that customers with multiple drawings don't pay higher prices to cover order-related expenses. Even if you have a large quantity there will only be one setup charge, thereby lowering the overall cost of the job. Other companies simply raise the unit prices for the drawings. We separate the processing costs from the overhead costs for a better pricing system.

Is there a cost for shipping, media, or special services?

We do not charge for media or standard shipping of CAD files. If a customer needs their drawing prints returned then there is a $10 charge for the handling, packaging and extra shipping cost. To avoid this cost we recommend sending either raster files or good-quality photocopies of your drawings that we can discard after the job is done. There is no charge for electronic delivery of CAD files. If overnight shipping is required then we ask for your shipper’s account number to avoid an additional charge from us.

Does Vectorex offer discounts on larger quantities?

Yes. Please see the discounts section on the pricing page.

Does Vectorex participate in bids, RFPs, RFQs, etc.?

Yes. We have extensive experience in bidding on projects, and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our technical expertise as well as our competitive pricing by responding to a bid opportunity.

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Turnaround Time Questions

How fast are drawing conversion jobs completed?

We have created a simple chart that shows standard turnaround times for jobs of various sizes (see it here). Of course, there are several factors that affect the turnaround time for a conversion project. The quantity and complexity of the drawings are major factors, but the number of projects we are working on also impacts how fast a job can be completed. We maintain a large production team so that we can give fast attention to every project and deliver it to the customer quickly - and with the highest quality.

Can rush requests be honored?

At Vectorex, all jobs are rush jobs, and every customer receives the same fast service. We do not have a separate price for rush service. Occationally a customer will make a request for a quantity of drawings to be completed in only a day or two using FullCAD™ or CustomCAD™ processing. Our production operation does not allow us to disrupt one customer's job to give priority to another job. We believe that every customer, no matter how small their job, deserves the same quick and excellent service.

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Terms and Conditions Questions

Does Vectorex offer credit terms?

Yes. Companies can apply for Net 30 Day credit by completing an Application for Credit form (see it here).

I don't yet have an account with Vectorex. How can I open one?

It only takes a minute or two to register on the web site. All you have to do is provide some basic information about your company or organization (name, address, email, etc.). There is no obligation associated with registration - you don't need to order anything. But being a registered member will allow you to order services when you need them, as well as access member-only areas of the web site.

How long does it usually take for credit approval?

Credit approval can usually be completed within a week from our receipt of your Application for Credit.

I am a first-time customer. Do I need to provide payment in advance?

No. First-time customers can use a VISA or MasterCard or PayPal to pay for services. If you don't have a credit account established and wish to you can also include a company check at the time of your order.

Can I pay for services using a credit card?

Yes. We accept VISA and MasterCard.

Will Vectorex accept a company purchase order?

Yes. Company purchase orders are accepted from customers with a credit account.

Can I get a discount by paying with my order?

Yes. We offer a 3 percent discount if a company check is included with the order.

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Shipping Questions

What is Vectorex's "ship to" address?

You can ship drawings, etc. to us at: Vectorex, 5210 Birdie Court, Suite 200, Rocklin, CA 95677-4223

Does Vectorex pay for return shipping?

Yes. If you don't want to receive your completed CAD files by email or FTP download, then we will ship the files on CD to your office at no extra charge. If you need your prints returned then there will be an additional $10 charge for this to cover extra shipping and packaging costs. If you send physical drawings then we suggest you send good quality photocopies that we can discard after conversion. This way your drawings are not away from your office and you don't need to wait for their return.

How does Vectorex ship completed jobs?

For those customers that choose to not receive their completed CAD files by electronic delivery we use US Mail or UPS as our standard shipping method, depending on the weight of the package.

Can I send raster files instead of physical prints for conversion work?

Yes. In fact, this is usually the best way to save time and money and still get the best CAD files possible. You can ship a CD-ROM with raster files or send the files electronically by email attachment or FTP. Email your files (smaller quantities) to sales@vectorex.com or FTP your files to ftp.vectorex.com.

My drawings are very valuable. How can I send them safely?

We recommend that you do not send fragile or irreplaceable drawings. Instead, you can either supply raster files by email or FTP, or you can send good quality photocopies. Either way, your valuable originals will never leave your office. If you don’t have a large scanner you can get raster scans of your drawings at most reprographic service companies.

When sending physical drawings roll them, don’t fold them, and remove any staples or paperclips. Use a stiff tube to keep them from crushing, and put the tube inside a large drawing envelope that is designed for shipping drawings.

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Guarantee Questions

What is the Vectorex guarantee?

We guarantee all our work to be 100 percent accurate, on-time, and of the highest-quality. If we have made an error we will fix it at no charge. Please read our no-nonsense guarantee here.

How long does the guarantee last?

The guarantee lasts forever.

Is there anything that is not covered by the guarantee?

No. The guarantee covers all our work.

If I find an error, how do I get it corrected?

It's very easy. Just tell us what needs to be fixed and we will pull the CAD file from our archive and make the change. Than we will send it to you promptly by email.

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Technical Questions

What is a raster file?

When drawings are scanned the result is a raster file. It is made up of a pattern of very small dots (pixels) that form the image of the drawing. A raster file is the starting point for a CAD (vector) conversion.

What is a vector file?

CAD files are vector files. They are superior to raster files in many ways. A vector file is "intelligent" and uses precise coordinates that allow for accurate designs and useful calculations. It can be manipulated in many ways using CAD software. It can be printed at any size without loss of resolution.

What vector file formats can you output to?

AutoCAD .dwg, .dxf, and .dwf, as well as Microstation .dgn

What CAD software does Vectorex support?

We support all major PC-based CAD software applications, such as AutoCAD and Microstation. Through .dxf format we can product compatable files for many other CAD software applications.

How large a drawing sheet can Vectorex process?

We can process scanned images from any size original. We can scan physical drawings that are within 36 inches in the smallest dimension, with unlimited length. We have successfully scanned and converted drawings that are 20 feet in length!

How can I supply raster files to Vectorex for processing?

Yes, this is often the easiest and fastest way to get your drawings to us. If you have a scanner big enough then you can scan your own drawings and send the raster files to us for conversion to CAD. You can also have your local reprographic service bureau scan your drawings. Once scanned, your raster files can be put on CD-ROM and mailed to Vectorex or sent electronically using email attachment or FTP upload.

I have a large scanner. What raster settings should I use?

· Scan drawings in TIF format, binary or “black and white” mode, and use compression (such as CCITT-4 or LZW).

· Do not send JPG, GIF, BMP or color or greyscale files.

· Scan using 200 or 300 dpi resolution, depending on original.

· Adjust threshold for best quality image.

· Use despeckle setting, if available, to reduce background noise and file sizes.

· If you have a large quantity of TIF files then it may be best to send a CD with the files or use our FTP site.

How can I transfer files to/from Vectorex electronically?

With FTP and email you can send raster files to Vectorex, or receive CAD files from Vectorex, without the delay and expense of shipping. To send raster files by email (best for small quantities) just attach the raster files to an email and send the email to sales@vectorex.com. To upload using FTP, you will need an FTP application, such as WS_FTP (freeware). Using this software you will log into our FTP site at ftp.vectorex.com and upload your files. For fastest service be sure to send an email telling us that you have uploaded files

Receiving files is also very easy to do electronically. Small quantities of files are typically sent to you as an email attachment. Larger quantities of files are placed on our FTP server for you to download at your convenience. We will send an email notice with instructions on how to download these files.

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FullCAD™ and CustomCAD™ are trademarks of Vectorex Corporation. All rights reserved.