How to Choose a Sign Company?
The sign industry is very diverse with many companies specializing in a wide range of signage types and materials. Additionally, sign companies offer a variety of services to their customers, including design, manufacturing, installation, and securing of permits. There are even brokers that outsource every aspect of making signs and acting only as a middle person between the customer and a sign company.
With wholesalers specializing in large volume business or specific areas of the sign manufacturing industry, the cost structure has evolved such that wholesalers do not sell direct, leaving sign companies positioned to offer competitive pricing in a wide range of signs.Â
Some sign companies choose to specialize in the type of products they offer, for instance, some only offer channel letters and dimensional letters, others only offer carved wooden signs or molded plastic signs. Others choose to specialize in the service they offer, for example, offering signs now or by tomorrow. That means they are well positioned to offer products with short lead-times, such as banners, posters, digital prints, or garden signs. Building signage, lobby signs, or vehicle wraps are out of the question for these companies or they risk breaking a promise on service.
Searching for a sign company is much like shopping for any other kind of business. Take a little time to research the choices in your area; how do they present themselves with marketing materials, their website, and when answering the phone. Talk to their customer service personnel and ask them for advice and recommendations on the type of sign you require. For more revealing questions, ask the owner if they specialize in any particular type of signs, or ask why they are different from other sign companies; ask for testimonials, and determine their communication effectiveness.
Many companies say they are wonderful at providing great service, but the real difference may be determined by measuring to what extent they are prepared to rise above it all to provide you with good service. Follow-up service, attention to detail, product knowledge, on-time deliveries, or showing up for appointments on time are important considerations, as well as offering value. This may be simply measured by the type of high caliber service offered at competitive pricing levels. Securing a sign permit can be a challenge for some owners, for others, it provides an opportunity to take the hassle out for the customer with a full-service provision.
The material used in a sign will greatly impact how long the sign will last and how expensive it will be to maintain. The sign will be exposed to weather and temperature extremes so find out how many years you can expect the sign to serve your business and build that into your buying decision. If you expect to use it for many years, you want to ensure it is made from durable materials since a dilapidated sign will not do your business any favors.Â
In summary, the important factor is whether the company can provide a quality sign that will satisfy your unique communication needs at a reasonable price you can afford.
For more information contact:
Caliber Signs & Imaging, Inc., Tel: 949-748-1070, www.calibersi.com
