Choosing the right sign company can be a tough assignment. There are a wide range of products and capabilities available in most markets. That's why it's key to know in advance what is most important to you and your business and then find the sign company that can best meet your unique needs.
Try using these tips to help you find and select the sign company that will work best for you:
- Understand what kind of sign you need. Is it an exterior building sign or lobby sign? Or maybe you need point-of-sale retails signs. A vehicle wrap is also a kind of sign.
- Identify signs you like and find out what company made them.
- You can do this by simply asking about the signs you most admire at local businesses you frequent.
- You can also search for sign companies on line. Most have websites that feature photo galleries showing some of their work.
- Contact at least 2-3 sign companies you feel can do the type of work you need completed.
- Give each sign company as much information as possible about your project. Holding back on information won't really help you with negotiations. If you are buying a custom sign, the sign companies need to know all the details in order to be sure you get what you really want. At a minimum, a good sign company will want to know:
- What kind of sign is needed
- What the purpose of the sign will be
- Who is the audience for the sign
- When the work must be completed
- What your budget is
- How long the sign needs to last
- Rate the sign company's service according to your standards of excellence.
- Are the company representatives professional and courteous?
- Do they ask questions to make sure they understand your needs?
- Do they follow up in a timely manner with the information you need to make a decision?
- Are they accessible for any follow up questions or assistance?
- Are they knowledgeable about options available for your project?
- Consider not only the price - but the total value of the sign proposal
- Price is always important, but there are many different materials and production processes that can be used to create signs. Sometimes the least expensive option is the best choice. But if you want a sign that will last and portray a professional image over the long haul, the least expensive option now may cost you much more in the long run.
- Be sure to get a full understanding of the production and installation schedule. Will the sign company commit to a firm deadline or can you get only an approximate due date?
- If you have ongoing projects or additional needs, can the sign company meet those needs as well so you can avoid the work of finding another vendor for future jobs?
- Finally - look into the experiences of other customers that have done business with the sign company. Many have customer testimonials on their websites or other reviews available on line. And don't be shy about asking other businesses and the local chamber of commerce what they know of the company's reputation.
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