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Frequently Asked Questions
These things are often asked. Feel free to contact us for more answers!
You are based in Sydney, Australia. Why do you have a dedicated site for customers from the United States of America?
We have so many US customers, we wanted to make it as simple as possible for them to order, and have the prices in US dollars so that it was not confusing. Many American preachers and pastors who visit Hillsong Church or Hillsong conference, see our podium and want to order one, then their friends see their podium and want to order also. As a result we have so many US customers, that we now have a streamlined system for orders from the USA. Orders are air freighted to the USA faster than to some parts of Australia. The free trade agreement between Australia and the USA has also helped. As a result, US customers don't have to worry about being charged extra taxes or duties.
Do you have a showroom? Can I come and see your podium and table range?
Sorry! We only show our them at exhibitions. We do however, have a money back guarantee; 'love it or send it back'. We have had one customer send it back here in Australia (they were unhappy with the angle of the top- the pastors watch didn't stay at the top of the podium without sliding down). We even got a testimonial form them to say how happy they were with our customer service! So if you were to order, receive and for some reason not like your new podium, we will refund all of your money. Our customers say they always look better 'in person' than in the photographs.
Do you exhibit in the USA?
Yes- occasionally. We have exhibited at the City Bible Church conference in Portland Oregon, and the AOG conference in Indianapolis. It was great to meet our podium customers face to face. We also meet a surprising number of American pastors at the Hillsong conference in Sydney Australia (some of them appeared again at the AOG conference!).
So is there any way I can see before I buy?
Yes - go to the 'Who has our pulpits?' page of this website. Perhaps you can contact a church and go have a look if convenient.
Would my podium be guaranteed?
Yes for 12 months. Obviously this is for normal use and excludes dropping/ knocking it over/ abuse.
Is it stable?
Yes - you need to push it 15-20 degrees before it will start to fall (the most stringent international standard for lighting is 15 deg.) We have put a lot of effort into getting the centre of gravity low and in the correct place. You can place a laptop on the far corner, place a heavy book on top of that (a big bible) and it will not topple. On the other hand, the stem has it some flexibility. This flexibility is essential if the top is given a shock. Also because it has a single stem, so it is not as rigid as say a podium with three stems. A podium with three stems might not look as good however.
Why does your podium only have one stem?
Some early models had 3 stems. They were more rigid, but we found they were a lot less popular with churches . Some church leaders say that the arc podium is less distracting than some other lecterns, and helps the church congregation to concentrate fully on the message.
We tried many podium designs (click for the design and manufacture page). We show them privately and at conferences like Hillsong here in Australia. It becomes quickly obvious which podiums are preferred. Then we work on them, testing them in the local market. By the time we get around to exporting, it is a great product. We prefer to take one popular podium design and improve it so it is the best church podium in the world, rather than be making a wide range of podiums that are all second rate. We used to make several podium designs that were cheaper, but australian churches didn't like them as much, and voted with their purchases. We would have preferred that the did in many ways since the Arc is so difficult to make. However the upside is that the churches realized that long after the price is forgotten, you will still have the pleasure of a great podium.
You must be joking, it is only a bit of round metal with a tube and a bit of acrylic for the top- it cant be that complicated?
It would seem so. It is indeed easy to do a bad job of making a podium, but difficult to do it very, very well. Our podiums have no visible welds, no visible screws and are lighter than almost all other lecterns on the market that we know of (ok so they are heavier than a music stand).
Where are your podiums made?
Here in Sydney Australia. We use the Italian model for manufacture. That is having a relatively small office and manufacturing plant, but using many subcontractors who each work in a specialized area. This means each part or stage of the podium is worked on by a specialist in that field. We have 28 sub contractors (not all work on the Arc). This means rather than asking 'What can we make with our existing manufacturing facility?', we ask 'What is the best podium possible?', then find the specialists to do it. Because the australian dollar is worth less than the US dollar, american churches get a good deal. Relative say to the average wage, it is more expensive for an australian church to purchase a podium form us than an american church.
How high is the pulpit to the bottom of the ledge?
The height to the ledge is 101cm/ 39.8". This suits 95% of the population. In the entire time we have made them, we have only had one request for a podium stem at a different height. That was for a school (we made it shorter). However for most schools (and obviously churches) they find the height fine.
Would my podium and table come made up or do I need to assemble them?
We transport the arc and arc table flat in a special box. This saves money on freight and prevents them from being damaged during transit.
Are they easy to assemble?
Very. Instructions are included. We have had a Korean customer say it took 5 minutes to assemble even without the person assembling being able to read the English part of the instructions (it includes pictures) . We have never heard of a church having trouble assembling the arc podium.
You talk a lot about churches, do other organizations purchase them?
Certainly. Law firms, schools, city councils, universities, even the United Nations in New York City has purchased two. Chicago airport has one.
How do I attach a microphone?
Good questions. We have devoted a page to this- please click here
We are worried about reflection- what do you suggest?
You will generally need the anti reflective film if you have a projector screen behind the preacher. Also, if you plan to regularly film your church meetings and services, you may need the anti reflective film. You can order this already applied at the time of purchasing your pulpit (see 'arc range' page for price). To test if you need anti reflective film, turn on your stage lighting and hold and old style (shiny) CD case or mirror where the podium top would be. If you get reflections behind you that are not suitable, you will need the anti reflective film on your podium. However if you purchase your pulpit and afterwards decide you need anti reflective film, your church can get it applied by a local signwriter. We can give you the specification for the film (you can use an Avery or 3M product). This takes some skill to do the application well however, so make sure they are able to do a good job. Well known churches like Hillsong Church have the film on all of their Arc pulpits and use them on international television. It looks great on TV/camera (you can hardly tell). To see a picture of the arc pulpits with reflective film click here.
Did you make the Hillsong Church podium?(click to go to the Hillsong site)
Hillsong Church Sydney have four of our arc pulpits which they use in a range of meetings, including weekend services and conferences. They also have more arc pulpits that are used in several Hillsong church extension services throughout the city. Hillsong Church London, and Hillsong Church Kiev also have two each of the arc podiums. Another well known Sydney church; Oxford Falls CCC (Christian City Church- Pastor Phil Pringle)) has eight.
Do you have a pulpit with adjustable height?
You have probably heard of ergonomics- the study of human interraction with furniture and objects. Our pulpits are designed using anthropometric ergonomic data (the same ergonomic data the designers at Boeing use to design airplane interiors). We found that by using a height of approximately 101cm (40 '') to the bottom of the lip and an angle of approximately 18-20 degrees for the top, that a pulpit will suit 95% of adult male and females. Having said this, we do make an adjustable podium called the 'Telescope'. It is less popular (over 99% of our sales are the Arc). Please click for the Telescope podium (l) (you will be directed to our australian site www.procson.com.au)
How do I order and pay for a podium?
We are pleased you asked! Go to the 'How to Buy' page of this website (see top right.)
Do I need to get a cover?
Almost all churches order these (see 'Accessories' page of this website) since they prolong the life of your puplit or table top. They are a fabric cover to help keep your lectern and table scratch and dust free when not in use. They are essential if the pulpit and/or table are to be moved around. The table and lectern covers are made from elastic edged cotton drill.
I am ordering from the USA. Will I therefore have to pay customs and duties?
Our experience with sending many podium order to the USA is that because of the free trade agreement between Australia and the USA, no taxes are charged.
We have a narrow preaching platform and need to stand the pulpit one step lower (230 mm) than where the preacher stands. Can the Arc Pulpit be made higher to compensate and if so is there any difference in price ?
It is unfortunately more expensive- an extra $200 to add to the height (custom work raises the price considerably). You have probably thought of this already- but would it be possible to simply use a box the same height as the step to place the pulpit on?- that would mean if you have a different set up in the future that the pulpit would not be too high.
Do you have a customer list on this website?
Yes - go to the 'Who has a Procson podium?' page of this website. You can contact a church and go have a look (obviously please be polite and respectful) (you are probably a church leader anyway so no doubt very respectful and polite).