Author: Amit Soman

Categories
Wall Murals

3 Ideas for Creating the Ideal Wall Murals for Your Commercial Space

Maker Wall Mural By Michigan Custom Signs

Wall murals, when used properly, are one of the most effective things that you can have for your office or commercial facility.  They can draw the eye, put visitors at ease, and also leave them with something memorable to think about after they leave your office. Creative wall art can help spread the message about your brand through word-of-mouth, as enamored visitors tell their friends, family, and colleagues about your décor. This is great for building brand awareness. 

Make your wallpaper murals a hit with your visitors and employees. Keep reading for three tips that will help you design the perfect custom wall murals for your office space.

Tip #1: Know your audience

Do you know who you are designing the mural for? Do you understand your target audience? Spend time planning the mural. You cannot create something memorable if you are not clear about your own objectives. It is wise to put some time and effort into performing research and building buyer personas (yes, even if they are your employees). Find out what makes people tick and what they expect of your business. In some cases, it will be better to meet those expectations; in others don’t be afraid to let loose and design out-of-the-box wall graphics.

“Measure twice cut once” goes the proverb and it pays to plan your wallpaper mural design before you finalize it.

Tip #2: Go with a unique shape or orientation

When you are looking at the actual design of your mural, think about what shape you want it to take. Rectangular murals are perfectly normal (and common), which is why it may be worth thinking diagonally or in ovals. Should you be considering a combination of smaller murals to form a larger one? Unexpected shapes and designs are, well… unexpected! Visitors are far more likely to recall them once they have left your premises. Moreover, with a vinyl printing partner like Michigan Custom Signs, you know we can create virtually any size and shape of wall mural for your space. The moral of the story is simple: don’t be afraid to be different.

Tip# 3: Be careful in your color choice

Murals are large and whatever colors you choose will seem larger than life. Choose your palette wisely, as colors mean different things to different people. Color psychology has been around for a long time, so there is a lot of science that you can refer to. For instance, if you want to give off an authoritative and sophisticated vibe (appropriate at a lawyer’s office, for instance), select cooler hues. On the other hand, using warm and comforting colors will help customers feel energized and motivated (great for gyms).

At Michigan Custom Signs we are proud to bring limitless creativity to life. We will help you design, print and install custom wall murals at your facility. Commercial offices, professionals, gyms, restaurants and many other businesses in Michigan rely on us for murals for their premises. Speak to a designer to visualize what your designs will look like.

Categories
Wayfinding Signs

Signage for Wayfinding: Essential Tools to Improve Customer Experience

Backlit Pool & Pinball Game Sign By Michigan Custom Signs

Wayfinding signs are often not given the same importance as branding signs. For many, wayfinding signs seem to deliver less value than signs like storefront signs that drive traffic to the business. But the fact is wayfinding signs are a vital part of the customer experience; and they have the potential to convert a qualified lead into a sale.

Find out how wayfinding signs boost the customer experience, the different types of signs you can get and tips for designing them.

How Wayfinding Signage Improves Customer Experience

Reduce frustration – Time and difficulty are the primary reasons of frustration among customers. Delay can lead to failed sales and difficulty navigating premises causes frustration. Solve both with wayfinding signs.

Branding – Custom wayfinding signs are a great opportunity to show off your brand. Best of all, repetition builds top of mind recall and increases the perceived scale of the business.

Highlight promotions – Seasonal themes, information about clearances and new products can be incorporated on wayfinding signs. Lead your customers directly to the best deals with arrow signs!

Digital signage – Digital directional signs like interactive maps are a hit with visitors because of the wealth of information they can provide. The displays are great for advertising too.

ADA signage – With nearly 1 in 5 Americans reporting a vision impairment, it is vital to include ADA-compliant guiding signs. They provide a better experience to customers and convey your business in a positive light too.

Types of Wayfinding Signage

Customized directional signs create a unique, memorable experience. Designed right, they can closely reflect the brand, work with décor while providing clear navigation instructions. A few types of wayfinding signs are:

  • ADA Signs
  • Arrow signs
  • Business directories
  • Ceiling signs
  • Door signs
  • Maps
  • Wall and floor graphics
  • Washroom signs

Designing Signage for Your Space

At Michigan Custom Signs we work closely with customers to create unique experiences and increase utility. Here are a few tips from our designers:

  • Incorporating brand – Branding must be included in the sign subtly. Think color schemes, font and graphics, rather than adding the business name on every sign.
  • Tell a story – Standard signage creates a standard experience. Themed signs and a running narrative across signs can create a memorable experience.
  • Location of signs – Signs should be installed at major customer touchpoints and anywhere a navigation question can arise. This includes entrances, information desks, parking lots and corridors.

The Importance of Wayfinding and Social Distancing Signage

Social distancing signage has become essential for making premises safer and managing crowds. As businesses in Michigan try to welcome customers safely, physical distancing signage (‘stand six feet apart’) and hand sanitizing signs have become essential.

Quality Wayfinding Signage

Looking for custom wayfinding signs for your business? We create all types of signs that match your brand and business. Talk to a representative to discuss your requirements. Michigan Custom Signs is a full-service sign company that designs, builds, and installs signs.

Categories
Acrylic

Acrylic Sneeze Guards will safeguard your employees and clients.

Custom Medical Banner By Michigan Custom Signs

Clear acrylic shields have been sprouting up at shops, restaurants, convenience stores and service-based businesses across Michigan. These clear guards are vitally important for protecting customers and employees from the spread of novel coronavirus. We explain what these are, the different types, how they work and whether you need them at your business.

Acrylic sneeze guards are also commonly called plexiglass shields.

What are acrylic sneeze guards?

These are clear shields that are installed at checkouts, between tables at restaurants, and at other places where a physical barrier can be created between people without affecting movement. These shields are like the glass that separates tellers from customers at a bank. Though called sneeze guards, these shields stop droplets from coughing and even speaking from being transferred to the person opposite you.

Do you need clear shields and social distancing signs for your business?

Yes, businesses across Michigan are expected to take reasonable precautions to help stop the spread. The  Covid-19 Workplace Guidelines issued by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration make it the employer’s duty to keep staff safe from exposure. And physical barriers are one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of transmission of the infection.

Social distancing signs, such as reminding shoppers to stand at least six feet apart, are vital for crowd control too. They also take the hassle out of queuing and inform customers of new hours and capacity restrictions.

How do clear acrylic shields help?

Acrylic shields have been used in many industries, such as food services, long before the pandemic struck. They isolate spills, reduce contamination and provide a physical barrier which the novel coronavirus is unable to penetrate.

Clear shielding is vital for businesses that are looking to reopen safely, allowing them to get the business to a normal functioning state. By using shielding, businesses can:

  • Protect employees behind checkout counters from customers potentially carrying the infection
  • Make full use of the dining area, without having to worry about six-foot separation
  • Promote physical distancing at the premises
  • Provide a more secure environment for employees

Sneeze guard glass stops droplets expelled while talking, sneezing and coughing from being transferred to the person opposite you.

Types of Clear Acrylic Guards

Clear acrylic guards are customizable for different spaces and applications. They are available in convenient sizes and shapes; we also accept custom orders for non-standard applications.

  • Fixed/Static shields
  • Portable guards
  • Countertop sneeze guards
  • Hanging shields

Why You Need to Buy Shields from a Trusted Manufacturer

At Michigan Custom Signs we are recognized for affordable protective acrylic guards that do not compromise on quality. Businesses trust our sneeze guards because they are:

  • Durable and scratch-resistant
  • Easy to clean and disinfect
  • Clear optically
  • Can be customized to your brand
  • Easy to install and do not require specialized mounting
  • Available immediately

The Best Sneeze Guard Glass in Michigan

We are helping businesses adapt their premises for the new normal with custom branded social distancing signage and custom-designed clear shields. Talk to a representative to discuss your requirements. We accept large sign and shield orders.

Categories
Uncategorized

Be a Responsible Business Owner: Invest in Social Distancing Signs

One-Way System Directional Sign By Michigan Custom Signs

The global pandemic has presented many challenges for business owners. To reduce the chances of a second wave of the virus, physical distancing measures have been recommended across Michigan. The CDC has laid down clear guidelines and businesses are expected to comply to keep staff and customers safe.

A big part of maintaining physical distancing (6 feet) is social distancing signage. Clear, durable signs are seen at commercial premises across the state. In fact, business owners that do not invest in social distancing signs are at risk of losing business as customers feel safer at businesses that have adapted to the new normal.

Social distancing signs aren’t just distance markers, they also remind visitors and staff of sanitizing best practices.

Responsibilities of Businesses in Michigan

A business in the state is expected to take reasonable steps to ensure physical distancing – by limiting the number of people in the store, maintaining six feet gaps at queues and more. A business owner is also responsible for keeping staff safe in accordable with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration Covid-19 Workplace Guidelines. Find out the different types of social distancing signage you can get for your premises.

Types of Social Distancing Signage

At Michigan Custom Signs we work with you to provide your entire premises with social distancing signage. Buy individual signs or talk to a representative about a personalized package for your business. We are also providing acrylic guards to protect employees and set up clear barriers between seated customers.

Here are some custom business signs you can get for your business:

Floor signs

Floor decals and graphics are a popular and effective tool for promoting physical distancing. Tell customers they are expected to keep at least six feet apart with inexpensive vinyl signs. They take the stress out of crowd management, encourage safe queuing and enforce one-way traffic in aisles. Our vinyl signs are also anti-slip which can make your floors safer to walk on.

Sandwich boards and A-frame signs

A lot of businesses have taken their stores online, are offering curbside pick-up and limiting the number of people that can be present in the premises at any given time. A-frame and sandwich board signs are great at telling existing and prospective customers about your new online store, new timings and if they require appointments.

Storefront window signs

Storefront windows are perfect for advertising new ways customers can shop to help stop the spread. We have seen a lot of business owners prominently mention their social handles, website address, store hours and more. Custom storefront graphics also show people that you are adapting to the new normal.

Custom Business Signs for Social Distancing

We understand many businesses are facing uncertainty over their future because of the economic impact of ‘stay at home’ orders. It is why our signs are affordable and durable. Our team works with you to design custom signs can also guide you on the kind of signage you should get. We also provide clear acrylic shields for retailers, restaurants and other businesses. Contact us now to speak with our sign experts about what sign solutions will help you encourage social distancing in your business.

Categories
Floor Decals

How Floor Decals Aid in Efficient Customer Guidance

Custom Social Distancing Sign By Michigan Custom Signs

Instant gratification: that’s what most customers are looking for when they visit a store. More time browsing through what they want and less time hunting around for it. Business owners have found vinyl floor decals to be one of the most effective ways of helping customers achieve that. Best of all, they are durable, long-lasting and affordable wayfinding tools. Keep reading to find out why floor decals are so effective at guiding customers:

In the line of sight

The most important aspect of effective wayfinding is a sign that is seen by people. Since most people navigate spaces looking down at the floor, it means floor graphics are immediately noticeable. People are far more likely to notice and read floor signs as compared to ceiling signs or wall-mounted signs.

Simple instructions

Custom floor graphics are also the best way of providing directions. Where a hanging sign with an arrow pointing up or down may be misinterpreted, floor signs provide unmistakable directions. After all, an arrow on the floor pointing can be interpreted to lead only one way.

Color coordinated

Coordinating different colors makes floor wayfinding signs even more effective. Businesses that receive a lot of foot traffic opt for colored lines on the floor, leading visitors to clearly demarcated sections of the premises. Note that this level of detail works best at larger premises, such as at home stores, supermarkets and commercial complexes.

Social distancing

The current pandemic has made it a challenge for thousands of business owners in Michigan to ensure physical distancing between customers. And vinyl floor decals have proved to be indispensable. Signs telling people to stand six feet apart tell people how much distance they need to maintain and bring order to the space. In fact, shoppers feel more comfortable at a store that has distance markers because they feel greater trust in the business for eliminating any guesswork when it comes to their wellbeing.

Uses of Floor Decals

Different businesses put signs to different uses:

  • Retailers use vinyl floor signs to direct customers to aisles
  • Gyms and sports venues use signs to guide people to facilities
  • Office buildings use floor stickers at elevator lobbies and as office directories
  • Floor signs are extremely common at airports

In addition to their utility as wayfinding signage, floor decals are great opportunities for brand and sales promotion. Incorporating brand colors, floor signage can be used to create a customer journey, which helps engage customers and increases top of mind recall. Floor signs at entrances are particularly effective sales tools for promoting new products and services too.

Custom Floor Graphics in Michigan

Michigan Custom Signs has been at the forefront of helping business owners adapt their business for the challenges posed by Covid-19. Our team works with customers to design and print customized physical distancing signs, floor advertising and wayfinding signs. Talk to a representative about affordable floor signs for your business. We accept large orders and offer customized packages.

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Uncategorized

Use Three-Dimensional Letters to Make Your Business Shine

Old Navy Storefront Sign By Michigan Custom Signs

Every business owner is looking for ways to make the business stand out in a competitive market. For businesses located on a busy main street or shopping strip, anything that can help its visibility is extremely important. One sign that can help achieve just that is dimensional letter signage. Immensely customizable and eye-catching, it offers excellent advertising options.

In this article, we are looking at how this exterior business sign can help the business claim its space in the market. Also, learn about the different types of three-dimensional letter signs that you can get.

Benefits of Dimensional Letter Signage

To be effective, exterior business signs must fulfill two criteria: they must be legible, and they must be attractive. Traditional signboards usually meet one but not both requirements; three-dimensional letter signs are attractive and easily readable at a distance.

Size – By their very nature, these signs occupy a greater volume of space, making them inherently more distinctive than signboards. Larger and bolder, dimensional lettering really stakes a claim to space and proclaims the business confidently.

Exclusivity – Individual cut letters are a relatively lesser-used form of signage making them more exclusive, raising their perception of the business. Its why passers-by notice them more.

Customization – Three-dimensional constructed letters are extremely customizable. In fact, it is not too much of a stretch to say no dimensional signs are alike (except those of the same brand) because there are so many customization options available.

Shine brightly – Whether installed as individual letters or mounted on a raceway, large 3D letters have plenty of space to incorporate illumination options. Some of the most common lighting setups are LED, halogen, and neon. Which is right for you depends on the nature of your business.

What Are the Different Types of Dimensional Signs?

The material choice doesn’t just affect the construction of the sign it gives it a very different aesthetic. Find out the different types of materials that can be used and their benefits.

Metal signs – Signs made of aluminum and stainless steel are sturdy, long-lasting, and fully customizable. The material is relatively easy to work with and we can create virtually any shape the customer desires. They also lend a more premium look to the establishment.

Acrylic signs – Acrylic is such a versatile material, available in a variety of colors and finishes, also being used to create a glass effect. It tends to offer an edgy appearance, important for a youthful or modern business.

PVC signs – By far one of the most popular sign-making materials, it is used to make indoor and outdoor signs. It is a more affordable material which offers a lot of freedom in design.

High Quality Dimensional Letter Signage in Michigan

Looking for three-dimensional signs that will make your business stand out in Michigan? Talk to a Michigan Custom Signs representative to discuss your requirements and let our designers do the rest.

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Uncategorized

How Directional Signs Boost Customer Engagement

Backlit Directional Sign By Michigan Custom Signs

If used correctly, directional signs can do more than just guide visitors to their intended destination. Look beyond their role as just wayfinding signs and you will find them an exciting tool to engage customers. Like any other eye-catching signage, these too can be used to increase engagement and drive leads. Find out how you can use guiding signs, like arrow signs, ceiling signs, floor signs, tabletop signs, and more to convert visitor traffic into sales.

  1. Influence buying patterns

When people visit a store – whether to make a specific purchase or window shop – there is an opportunity to get into their psyche and drive other purchases. Use in-store signs to guide people to areas with clearance and on-sale items and highlight new products. If you are able to guide customer movement, you can influence them to make additional purchases.

  • Create a sense of urgency

A study by Nielsen found that changeable signage like digital signs increased sales by nearly one-third. A big part of the reason was that the promotions created a sense of urgency, encouraging impulse buys. Messaging like “Limited Edition” and “Sale Today Only” has a powerful effect on customers. Use outdoor directional signs to guide people towards your business; once they are inside use indoor custom directional signs to lead them straight to the promoted products and complete the customer journey.

  • Cut queuing

The age of social distancing has demonstrated that people dislike waiting in line – the longer people have to wait, the greater the chances of them falling out of the sales funnel. Use the intelligently placed arrow, “Stand here” and “… minutes until you are served” signs to take the uncertainty out of waiting in line. Make no mistake, insufficient customer engagement during waiting can lead to failed sales.

  • Branding

Brand building through custom directional signs may not seem like a way to boost engagement but it is. Branded signs in a shopping center or strip mall promote the brand while leading customers to the business. They help make the store more noticeable while acting as location markers.

  • Retain customers

Wayfinding signs help create a seamless, smooth, and consistent customer journey. This has a profound effect on people, who appreciate a frustration-free and clear experience at a business. If not immediately, this goodwill will help the business engage more frequently with the customer as he or she chooses it over competitors.

High-Quality Directional Signs in Michigan Michigan Custom Signs works with businesses, educational institutions, healthcare providers, banks, and more for their directional signage. Talk to a representative about signs that match your décor and help you sell smarter.

Categories
Bathroom Signs

Bathroom Signs: Signage that Cannot Be Ignored

Backlit Restroom Sign By Michigan Custom Signs

Comfort is a huge determiner of the customer journey at businesses that receive visitors regularly. Restaurants, conference venues, shopping centres, salons, and many other businesses rely on customer satisfaction for success. And one of the most important facets of ensuring a satisfactory experience is the delicate topic of bathrooms. If people dislike asking for directions, they really don’t like asking where the bathrooms are.

The purpose of bathrooms signs is simple: make access to the facilities clear and obvious. Bathrooms are made easy to find with a combination of wayfinding signage, legible door signs, and ADA restroom signs to increase accessibility. In this article, you will find out what you should keep in mind while designing washroom signs.

Did you know more than 12% of millenials in the U.S. identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, making gender-neutral bathroom signs essential!

Make Sure Your Bathroom Signs Meet These Requirements

Visible and legible

Make sure the signs, installed on the door or on the wall next to it, are sufficiently large. Small signs and dimly lit spaces can make finding the right bathroom difficult. Also, while stylized signs are a great idea, overly complex designs can confuse people about whether they are entering a men’s or women’s bathroom. Of course, if you have gender-neutral bathrooms, that’s not really a concern.

Styling

Long gone are the days when signs had to be simple stick figure representations, business owners now design custom signs that match their décor. A lot of establishments also create humorous signs to engage patrons with a memorable experience.

Accessibility

The American with Disabilities Act has made spaces around the country more accessible for those with physical and visual impairments. Legislation specifies the height at which signs must be installed, where they should be installed, appearance requirements, and more. All these requirements make ADA restroom signs extremely legible, making every customer feel welcome at your business.

Leading the way

Visitors need to be led to the restrooms and wayfinding bathroom signs are key to that. A simple arrow with the word “Washrooms” is usually enough to point people if the space is not too large; larger buildings with many doors and corridors will need more elaborate signage. Consider hanging ceiling signs which show not just the way to the restrooms but can also incorporate emergency exit signs mandated by building code.

Conclusion

Don’t be bogged down by standard restroom signs, give wind to your creativity with interesting signs for a more compelling customer journey. Just make sure you don’t lose sight of the basics – that signs must be easy to find.

Talk to Michigan Custom Signs for signs for your washrooms. We work with business owners to design creative signs that are legible and long-lasting. Our team helps customers understand the different options they have and what type of signs perform well in Michigan. Discuss your requirements with a representative today.

Categories
Wall Decals

5 Reasons to Use Wall Decals for Your Business

Exit Wayfinding Sign By Michigan Custom Signs

Do you want to give your office space a makeover, but don’t want the hassle or expense or repainting it? Vinyl wall decals are an increasingly popular choice for people who want to refresh their premises, inject fresh energy and creative flair into the office. In this article, we are looking at the top five reasons why you should consider wall decals for your business.

Running low on ideas? Talk to our designers for interesting artwork for wall graphics.

Reason 1: Make your space your own

Commercial space, whether for offices or retail, tends to come in very neutral colors as standard. It’s basically designed to be an inoffensive blank canvas. Many business owners end up leaving the space feeling sterile, in the process of hurting their brand and company culture. Customized wall graphics turn generic office space into your business’s home! Graphics don’t just differentiate the business from competitors either, they also build a sense of belonging in employees and offer visitors a unique experience.

Reason 2: Motivating staff

Blank walls can lull employees into apathy. Liven up the office with creative graphics that will get their creative juices flowing. Memorable graphics also build a sense of pride towards the business, especially if you showcase achievements and goals with graphics. Another common tactic is to use motivational quotes to remind people of company values and what they are working towards.

The biggest difference between vinyl wall decals and wallpaper? Decals are designed to give your space new energy, wallpaper just covers the walls.

Reason 3: Foster creativity

We touched on it before, but repetition and drab surroundings conspire to end creative processes. However, artistically designed wall murals are a great way to encourage fresh thinking amongst staff. People find inspiration in design, are energized to think differently and come up with innovative solutions. Custom wall decals help inspire creative ideas!

Reason 4: Branding

Graphics in lobbies and customer-facing spaces are great ways to (1) promote the various elements of the brand, such as the logo, and (2) build brand awareness with overarching décor. Remember, decals don’t have to be applied only to walls – they can be installed on the ceiling, on doors and even windows (adding a really cool interactive element to the design).

Decals can be installed as complete wall coverings, partial coverings, and individual cut letters.

Reason 5: Return on investment

Every business needs to ask, “Will this sign deliver value for the business?” With vinyl decals, the answer is a resounding “Yes”! Decals are easy to install (and takedown), inexpensive and long-lasting. They aren’t all form with no function: vinyl is a durable material that protects the wall from day-to-day damage by resisting spills, scratches, and shoe scuffs.

Custom Wall Decals in Michigan For exciting wall graphics for your business, talk to Michigan Custom Signs. We work closely with business owners in Michigan to bring messaging, artwork, portfolios, quotes, and business-specific information to life.

Categories
Trade Show Displays

Invest in Trade Show Displays and Be The Center of Attention

Trade Show Displays

Trade shows and exhibitions are excellent opportunities for promoting your business and driving revenue in a short amount of time. When done right, you’ll leave with more than just a filled-out order book, your business will have made a name for itself. A successful show outing can reap benefits such as increased brand awareness, reach, lead generation, and network building. No wonder business owners see trade shows as supremely cost-effective marketing.

What it Takes to Be Successful at a Trade Show

The show floor is a teeming mass of energetic businesses all vying for the attention of thousands of attendees. Not every business will fare as well as another. To make the most of your presence, you need to start planning your booth layout and visitor experience from the second you decide to participate in an industry event. The goal is simple: become the center of attraction at the show!

Importance of Trade Show Displays

Trade show booth displays and portable trade show displays are the best tools you have for creating a truly unique visual experience. In amongst thousands of businesses, attractive signage will be the difference between being memorable and being forgotten. This is what trade show displays make possible for your business.

Attract visitors with engaging facades – Give your booth a dramatic flair that people can see from afar. A themed booth doesn’t just attract attendees’ attention, it acts as a location marker.

Clearly identify your business – Identifiable motifs, color schemes, and design highlight the visual identity of the booth. Done right, these elements can subliminally attract your target audience – which is why it’s so important to get them right.

Mold booth layout – Booths are rarely the ideal shape, size, or location, but that shouldn’t detract from the experience you have to offer. Portable trade show displays can frame a space and create customer flow. Banners can be used to hide sore spots like pillars and odd angles too.

New products and promotions – Attendees pay to visit shows because they are there to buy and forge business alliances. Direct messaging and calls-to-action are welcome, and people are drawn to exciting promotions.

Digital trade show booth displays – While static banners are the foundation of any good booth setup, digital displays add energy. Moving images will draw attention like nothing else and are very powerful ways to showcase your brand.

Trade show displays around the floor – Get permission for remote advertising and catch them early! Banners at entrances and hanging ceiling signs are just a couple of ways you can target visitors across the show floor. The bigger your presence seems the more important your business will appear.

Michigan Custom Signs is a great trade show partner to have when it comes time to hit the trade-show floor again. We design, print, install, and deliver all trade show signage. Our signs are affordable, durable, and usable show after the show. Call us to discuss your booth layout and event.

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Sign shop in Michigan
26600 Heyn Dr, Novi, MI 48374

CALL: 248-218-2559 | EMAIL: info@michigancustomsigns.com 

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