Suppliers for vinyl supplies

[rslaback]

So this year my students are going to try something new with our shopbot. I picked up a drag knife from widgetworks and the plan is to cut wall and/or vehicle decals.

To do this I need to source (reasonably) vinyl and transfer paper. Anybody have any suggested sites? I do also know already that I will need at least 1 roll of a retroreflective vinyl to make a bus parking sign for the superintendent.

[gc3]

http://www.signwarehouse.com/c-vinyl-supplies.html

[zeykr]

If you can find a local supplier (Fellers is mine) they will sell by the foot so you can get just enough for the job so you don't have to buy a full roll of reflective or other expensive materials.

[bleeth]

Fellers will ship as well.

[gene]

look on e bay . there are numerous suppliers that sell sample packs. also i have purchased from sign warehouse , very happy:D

[mikeacg]

I agree with using a local supplier. A lot of times my guy (Tim at Carolina Vinyl) will give me leftover or sample stuff for free (or the rest of the roll if it is close to the end) and I can get stuff I need in a hurry by just running over there. His expertise on jobs that I am unsure about is pretty handy when I get a strange request for something I've never tried before. Doesn't hurt to have a source within driving distance so you don't lose out on a job!
Since you are with a school, it would be good PR for your local guy to donate once in a while too...

[knight_toolworks]

local myself I have three sign shops in walking distance (they never have the hard materials I need) and two that will deliver once or twice a day for free.

[tlempicke]

The Earl Mich company advertises on E Bay quite a bit. They sell small packages and are 100% reliable.

[SomeSailor]

I've spent WAY too much money at Sign Warehouse... They're great to deal with and always ship promptly and have great depth of stock.

I also bought my laser, dye sublimation setup and vinyl cutter from them.

[rslaback]

As far as local, I would love to but I don't know how feasible that is. My district is in a community of 800 residents. The nearest sign shops are about 15 miles away and both are pretty small. I suppose I could ask them to buy some vinyl but I doubt it is something they would want to do or cut me a good deal on. I know if I were them and someone wanted a piece here and a piece there I would sell it for cost plus some for the hassle.