You see them everywhere. They help you locate a business. They are usually lit at night. They can be many different sizes, fonts and colors. What are they? Channel letters! For our latest client, Bancorp South in Fulshear, Texas, we were hired by a company out of Alabama who is contracted by the bank to fabricate all of their signs at locations throughout the United States. We install a good bit of signs for out of state companies. It does take some careful planning and project management as now there are 3 different companies involved, and sometimes more. They can consist of the end client, the sign company who owns the contract to fabricate the signage and work directly with the client, and the sign company at the location of the install. Here is the process we utilize at Front Row Signs and some of our best practices to ensure the process runs smoothly.
When we are initially contacted by an out of state company to install signs in our area, we first research the company in regards to their reputation, years in business, reviews, etc. We also like to speak directly to the contact to get a feel for them-their work ethic, demeanor and attitude, how easy they are to reach or communicate with and their knowledge on the scope of the job. Once we decide to accept the opportunity to bid for the job, we request the scope, all drawings, and all pertinent information they can provide such as deadlines, expectations, landlord/lease requirements, permit needs, how are change orders handled, how the signs will be delivered/shipped, etc. Based on the location where the signs are to be installed, we can determine the city or county rules and regulations and the costs associated with it.
Next, we must determine the install costs. There are a couple of factors that we include when determining price.
- Quantity
- Size
- Points of attachment Raceway/Wireway or direct mount
- What type of access-roof, attic/crawl space, drywall
- Any foreseeable complications
- Distance from our office
If the drawings are detailed, they should tell us everything we need to know-the type of channel letter, materials used, thickness, individual letter height, overall width of the sign, how it is installed, what is included with the sign-power supply, photo cell etc.. If we need more information, we ask the contact to supply us additional details. They may or may not have all the information needed for us to supply the bid. Sometimes the location is in construction so there may not even be an address yet. We need to base our cost on assumptions and a best guess based on what is known.
Once we have all the details required to bid, we supply our estimate including costs and details of our own. We always reiterate what the client asks for so we can be clear that we are accurate but also on the same page. We include our payment policies and our processes as well to ensure our expectations are also met.
Are you a sign company that is in need of installs in the Houston area and beyond? We have the correct insurance and experience to handle your job with integrity and quality that you can count on. Give us a call or email us today! 832-222-9385 or info@frontrowsigns.net
