Questions

Listed below are some popular questions that are asked by our customers. If you'd like to submit a question, please contact us at info@vls.com:

• What are your business hours?
• How should I handle payments for your products or services?
• What do you stock?
• How long does it take to get my order?
• We are tax exempt. How do I avoid being charged tax?
• Do you sell used equipment?
• Do you buy used equipment?
• Do you do sound?
• Who do I talk to if I need a part for my fixture?
• Who do I talk to if I want to purchase a new lighting system or upgrade my existing system?
• Where can I get dry ice?
• I need to mix red, green and blue. What colors should I use?
• What are some good general area colors?
• My lamp burned out. How can I tell what I need to order?
• What can I do to maintain my lighting system?

Answers

Q. What are your business hours?

We are open from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. You may leave a voice mail for us at anytime, or e-mail us. For addresses, check out our Offices page.

Q. How should I handle payments for your products or services?

For approved accounts, we will invoice on a net30 day service. We also accept Mastercard, Visa and American Express.

Q: What do you stock?

We regularly stock color filters (gel) from Rosco, GAMProducts and Lee. We also keep an inventory of patterns, lamps (bulbs), paint, connectors, safety cables, color frames, tieline, tape, cables, drafting templates and other miscellaneous lighting and scenic supplies.

Q: How long does it take to get my order?

For in-stock items, our standard procedure is to ship via UPS Ground (ranging from 2 - 7 days depending on your location). Overnight service is also available. Please notify us if you need your purchase by a specific date; we will work to meet your needs. You may also stop in and pick up your purchases at any of our four offices. Please contact us for further details.

Q: We are tax exempt. How do I avoid being charged tax?

We need to have a tax exempt form on file in our office. Please contact Shelley Hammond at 1-800-922-5356 for more information.

Q: Do you sell used equipment?

We will sell used gear and lights that are still in top condition. Check out our page of Used Equipment for sale. For safety reasons, we will never sell used truss.

Q: Do you buy used equipment?

Occasionally, we buy used equipment if it's in good condition. Contact Sean Mangan at 1-800-922-5356 for more information.

Q: Do you do sound?

No, with the exception of intercom systems. Our experience is solely in lighting. By leaving sound up to the sound companies, we can focus our efforts and resources entirely to learning the most about new lighting equipment, technology and techniques in order to pass that experience on to you. We do work with plenty of professional sound companies. Contact Sean Mangan at 1-800-922-5356 for a referral.

Q: Who do I talk to if I need a part for my fixture?

Our service department regularly stocks parts for fixtures. Feel free to contact Taine Gilliam at 1-800-922-5356.

Q: Who do I talk to if I want to purchase a new lighting system or upgrade my existing system?

For Northern Ohio, Pennsylvania, and northern Indiana, please contact Brian Bernicken or Lance Switzer at 1-800-922-5356.

For southern Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and southern Indiana, please contact Walt Weber at 1-800-356-5356.

For Michigan and other areas not listed, call on Rob Rowlands at 1-800-922-5356.

If you're unsure, e-mail us at info@vls.com and tell us your location.

Q: Where can I get dry ice?

• In Cleveland, call on Cryogenesis, (216) 696-8799.
• In Cincinnati, check out Delta Dry Ice at (513) 681-2741.
• In Pittsburgh, contact Kelly Dry Ice at (412) 766-1555.
  
  

Q: I need to mix red, green and blue. What colors should I use?

We suggest the standard Roscolux colors of R27 for red, R80 for blue, and R91 for green.

Q: What are some good general area colors?

For warm Rosco colors, R02, R05 and R34 are good choices. For neutral colors, try Rosco R51 or R54. For cool colors from Rosco, R60 or R62 are ideal.

Q: My lamp burned out. How can I tell what I need to order?

Most theatrical lamps have a three letter ANSI code. This code describes the lamp completely. Some common theatrical lamps are BTL, BTN, EGG, FEL, EHG and FCM. Check either the base of the lamp or the envelope. When in doubt, contact our Product Department at 1-800-922-5356.

Q: What can I do to maintain my lighting system?

Routine maintenance is always the safest bet. Simply keeping your lighting system clean can extend the life considerably. Vacuum the dimmer rack annually, keep the console covered when not in use (dust is the enemy of all electronics), make sure that all items have sufficient ventilation. These few simple steps should keep maintenance repair costs to a minimum.