1. Send your enquiry through the contact form
The process starts when you send your details through the enquiry form on our contact page. Tell us what you need, the quantity, the size if you know it, and where the order must go. We handle orders from Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Paarl, Hermanus and further afield by courier, so the delivery area matters from the start.
Include any names, wording, dates or logo files you want added. If you are not sure about material thickness, hanging options or whether the piece should stand on its own, add that too. Material, size and quantity up front let us prepare a proper quote and avoid back and forth later on.
2. We review the brief and confirm the quote
Lesedi and Marli check the brief, then we work out the best way to make it based on size, timber type, finish and quantity. A small personalised gift is handled differently from a set of 40 event signs or a batch of branded pieces for a shop in Cape Town. We also look at whether the item needs assembly, layered parts, or extra finishing for display in a coastal area like Gordon's Bay or Hermanus where humidity can affect timber over time.
Once the scope is clear, we send through the quote and any notes about lead time. If you need a prototype sample first, say so at this stage. That way we can plan the sequence properly and avoid delay when the main production run starts.
3. Design approval before anything is cut
After you approve the quote, we prepare the layout for your sign, gift or decor piece. Marli works through placement, spacing, sizing and the look of the final cut, while Kobus keeps an eye on the technical side if the job needs a special setup. This is the stage where spelling, dates and logo proportions are checked carefully, because once the machine has cut the timber there is no easy fix.
- You review the wording and layout
- We confirm sizes, colours and finish notes
- Any changes are made before production starts
If the order is for a wedding, corporate event or retail display, we recommend confirming names and dates exactly as they must appear. Even a small change can affect the spacing on a layered sign or the way a name sits on a gift plaque.
4. Laser cutting, engraving and assembly
Shailen runs the laser machine, Ruan handles finishing, and the production team works through the pieces in the correct order. Depending on the job, we may cut the base layer first, engrave the wording, then assemble the layers by hand. Some orders need sanding, sealing or glue-up before they are ready to leave the Somerset West base.
We keep an eye on timber movement, especially with the dry indoor air that comes with load-shedding and the moisture changes that can come in from the coast. That matters for signs and decor that must sit flat, hang neatly, or stay aligned over time. Smaller orders can move quickly, while larger bulk runs are scheduled so each piece is checked properly.
5. Final checks, packing and courier preparation
Before dispatch, each order is checked for finish quality, spelling, clean edges and secure joins. Leah then organises the packing so the item travels safely whether it is going to Stellenbosch, Durbanville or nationwide by courier. Fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed carefully, with attention to corners, engraved faces and any raised detail.
- We inspect the piece before packing
- We label the parcel for the correct delivery area
- We prepare courier packing for safer transport
- We flag any handling notes for larger or delicate orders
If your order is for a shop, office or venue, we can pack by set or by location so unpacking is easier at the other end. That is especially helpful for event signage sets and corporate pieces with multiple parts.
6. Collection, delivery and aftercare
Some local clients collect from our Somerset West base, while others prefer delivery to nearby areas such as Strand, Gordon's Bay or Cape Town, and courier delivery further across South Africa. Delivery timing depends on the size of the order, the finish required and the route. We will always let you know what to expect before dispatch.
When your order arrives, check that all pieces are accounted for and keep the packaging until you have inspected everything. If a sign or gift is going into a humid room, near a window or in a high-use space, we can advise on simple care so it stays looking good. For repeat business orders, we can also keep the project details on file to make reordering easier next time, which saves time when you need the same format again.
