If you have a business, organization, or any establishment with a building, office space, or storefront, you need signage—on the exterior and the interior alike. A few of the signs you may need include: a sign mounted above your building’s entrance, a freestanding sign by the road, a decal with your hours for your door, and interior signs to mark rooms and convey directional information—and that’s just to start.
Maybe you have ideas about how you’ll brand your organization and attract people with your signs. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by the whole process. Whatever the case, you’re going to need to find a sign company that will be able to deliver what you envision. There are a lot of sign companies out there, and it’s hard to ensure their workmanship when choosing one. Subpar sign fabrication will result in signage that just doesn’t last. Here are some traits you should look for in a quality sign manufacturer.
1. The ability to help with sign regulations and permitting
Reading zoning codes, getting permits, and applying for variances is easily the most boring part of any signage project, but it’s necessary before you can move on with design, manufacturing, and installation. Most business owners are busy and just don’t have time to pore over lengthy documents dictating what sign types are allowed in their area or to sit in a county office waiting for a meeting to get a permit. Your sign company should be able to help you understand the regulations where your business is located and then handle the permitting processing for you.
2. Designers who know modern trends and are willing to work with you to bring your sign to life
If you’re not a professional designer, figuring out how your sign should look (with regards to the graphics as well as the structure) is difficult and time-consuming. Your design may also be impacted by regulations or simple logistical concerns, making your dream design impossible as imagined, but for a talented designer, coming up with compromises that look great is no trouble. Your sign company should be able to help with the sign design process, so make sure yours employs experienced designers who know modern sign design trends and will work alongside you.
3. In-house manufacturing capabilities for quality sign fabrication
Does the sign manufacturer have a facility where they can do things like fabricate their own channel letters and print their own graphics, or do they outsource these functions? A small company without a large manufacturing facility is unlikely to do this—they’re probably outsourcing parts of your project. A quality sign company will have a manufacturing facility equipped with computerized tools for precision, which give more precise results than hand tools and make the process more efficient. Outsourced and handmade signs often just aren’t of the same quality and are likely to need repairs. For example, with channel letters that aren’t properly made, water can get inside and damage the lighting elements.
4. Professional sign installation and repair capabilities
Even the best designed and manufactured sign won’t do any good if it’s not properly and securely installed. Your sign company should be experienced with installing a variety of sign types, and it’s ideal if they are well-equipped with their own trucks and equipment. That way, they’ll be able to get to your location when you need them and have everything ready. This is also helpful if your sign needs a repair because they’ll be able to service it and get you back in business quickly.
5. The most important trait of any sign company: Consultative support every step of the project lifecycle
Essentially, the best sign company is one that offers a complete solution throughout the entire project lifecycle. They should be with you every step of the way, from permitting to design to sign fabrication to installation, and deliver quality at every step. When vetting sign companies, see how helpful and willing to answer your questions and work with you they are. This is a sign they’ll provide excellent consultative service along the way and that they’re the right choice to bring your signage to life.
