There's even a special Sign Gallery that features more than 500 full-color photos of finished signage, offering apprentice and veteran sign makers alike a wealth of new creative ideas.

You can search based on sign type or decorative feature, then enlarge for detailed viewing. Users can access a Fact Sheet that describes how the sign was made, what materials and finishing touches were used, and gives estimated market pricing. The Sign Gallery also serves as an effective sales tool to promote the capabilities of your shop to potential customers. The CD-ROM will function in either a Macintosh or Windows 95 operating system.

"Basically, we were as honest, accurate and helpful as possible in our choices, and focused on materials and applications with the best profit potential for any size sign shop," he said. "For example, we carved some of the props from veneered fiberboard, which has the look of wood, but is much less expensive for interior signage. And we took a lot of time to focus on color to ensure each prop complemented those around it."

Gerber believes the router demo kit will serve as an important resource for the entire sign industry. The majority of Gerber distributors have already ordered the kit for their respective sales personnel in the expectation it will become an invaluable means of exchanging information and ideas at all levels within the supply chain.