Answered: Buyer Questions for Sign Manufacturers

Looking for the best sign manufacturing company? Not all sign companies are equal. When investing in signage for your business, it’s important that the sign company you hire will guarantee their work and get the job done right.

The
Prime Buyer’s Report took a look at sign companies in Philadelphia and came up with a list of questions you should be asking your potential sign manufacturer. Here are the questions along with answers from our experts at KC Sign & Awnings.

Questions For Philadelphia Sign Manufacturing Companies:

Q: Are they a genuine sign company or are they merely a sign broker?

A: KC Sign & Awnings is a genuine, family owned, Philadelphia sign company that has served the Mid-Atlantic region for over 20 years. Based out of Aston, Pennsylvania, our signage is manufactured in our 20,000 square foot facility using state-of-the-art precision tools. All of our services are done in-house and include: consultation, permitting, design, fabrication, installation, retrofitting, and repairs. You can check our services out here!


Q: Do they offer sign design? If so, what is their design background, education, or qualifications?

A: Yes, we offer custom sign design! Our highly skilled team of designers hold degrees and are educated in modern design trends as well as traditional signage. Whether you have a sketch of something you’ve thought of, or just ideas to give us a direction, we can create a design that will be sure to make the right impression. We do graphics for vinyl, carving, dimensional, and so much more!

Q: Are they sign makers, sign installers, or both? If both, are they doing the installation themselves or they are subcontracting it out to a sign contractor?

A: We do both sign manufacturing and installation in-house to ensure the job gets done right—and we’ll even help get the proper sign installation permits you need.

Sign-installation-philadelphia-2.jpgThe precision equipment we use for sign fabrication includes:

  • CNC router
  • Channel letter bending machine
  • CNC folding machine
  • Awning tube bending machine
  • Three high-resolution printers

Our installation equipment includes:

  • Two 65-foot crane trucks
  • 49-foot Elliot truck
  • Three 45-foot bucket trucks
  • Backhoe with augers
  • Multiple trailers, vans, and pickup trucks

Q: Will the sign company give you client names and numbers you can call as references?

A: Yes, our sign company has received many great reviews! Our clients love the work we do and we’re proud to show it! If you want to get in touch with a client that we’ve done a similar sign project for, let us know and we’ll help get you in touch. In the meantime, feel free to check out our sign project gallery and testimonials!Sign-installation-philadelphia-4-806892-edited.jpg

Q: Do they offer a written guarantee on their work and for how long?

A: Yes! KC Sign & Awnings offers multiple year warranties and emergency servicing for our signage. The length can vary depending on the type of sign you choose.

Q: How many signs do they do each year that are the same kind as yours? (Do they have design and installation experience with the type of sign you’re considering?)

A: KC Sign & Awnings experts have experience with producing the following types of signage:

  • Acrylic signs
  • ADA signs
  • Banners
  • Carved/Sandblasted sign
  • Channel letters
  • Dimensional signs
  • Directories
  • Floor signs
  • LED message board
  • Menu boards
  • Metal signs
  • Monument signs
  • Plaques
  • Plastic signs
  • Post and Panel signs
  • Pylon/Pole signs
  • Sign cabinets
  • Shopping center signs
  • Vinyl graphics
  • Wayfinding signs

We’ve manufactured thousands of signs of all types, and have partnered with some of the biggest franchises too! Philly Pretzel Factory, Rita’s, and Domino’s are just a few of our awesome clients. We even work with small businesses and municipalities to deliver high-quality custom signage.

Q: Can they do computer design visuals of your specific property so you can see how different options in new signage would look before making a decision among all the options of sign type, size, color, etc.?

KC-Sign-installation-philadelphia-infograph.jpgA: Yes! KC Sign & Awnings provides free onsite consultations. Our team will work with you to figure out the best sign solution for your property and purpose. We’ll take pictures and measurements of your property and identify any access issues that could interfere with installation. When preparing your quote, we’ll include a computer-generated visual of exactly what your sign will look like.

Q: After you explain what you want, is there a similar, but less expensive alternative to what you’ve asked for and what would you lose? Similarly, is there a big leap in quality or function that can be had for just a little bit more money?

A: There’s always going to be a more or less expensive option. Our goal is to find the best business sign solution that will work for you and your company for many years to come. Don’t be afraid to ask us questions about your signage and budget. We’ll listen to your needs and provide recommendations. We’re here to make sure your solution is exactly what you need.

Q: Will they give you a detailed bid in writing for the new signage including the exact materials used to make your sign? Cheap sign company may only appear less expensive because they’ve left out important details from the bid, preventing you from seeing that you’re getting much less than what another sign company has quoted.

A: Yes! We take pride in the services we provide and the quality products we use. We’re upfront about our service charges from the very beginning so there are no surprises for you.

Q: If you’re getting a bid for an electric sign including neon signs or LED signs, can they help you estimate your monthly or annual energy cost to run it? Can they help you compare the energy costs among different options in electric signs?

LED- Sign-installation-philadelphia.jpgA: Yes! If reduced energy consumption is your goal, our sign consultants can help you find the perfect LED or digital sign that fits your needs and budget. We’ve even partnered with Vantage LED to bring in the most innovative line of detailed and ultra low powered digital message boards.

Using an old, power consuming neon sign? We provide retrofitting services and can replace your neon lighting with longer lasting, power saving LEDs.

Q: In the case of signs requiring metal work, will the letters be welded together or merely screwed, stapled or pop-riveted? Welding gives better structural integrity and some cities in Philadelphia County or landlords may require welded sign letters.

A: When it comes to sign manufacturing, we never cut corners. We make sure all of our signs are up to code, structurally secure, and durable. It’s another reason as to why we do everything in-house, so we can guarantee our project will live up to our standards and yours. We provide welding whenever it is required, requested, or recommended.

car-wrap-installation-philadelphia.jpgQ: For sign companies doing vehicle wraps such as vinyl car wraps, what brand and grade of vinyl will they be using?

A: KC Sign & Awnings has partnered with 3M to deliver the highest quality vehicle wrap solutions. From short to long term solutions, let our consultants know what you need from your vinyl wrap and we’ll provide a number of options for you to choose from.

Finding the Best Reviewed Sign Company in Philly

While there are many sign companies in the Philadelphia area, few are actual leaders in the industry. KC Sign & Awnings has partnered with the best suppliers so we can deliver top-of-the-line digital messaging boards, monument signs, vinyl products, and so much more. There’s a reason why many large franchises and small business owners have placed their trust in us—we know what we’re doing when it comes to signs.

Ready to get your next sign project started? Contact us today!

Unsure of the type signage you need? We’ve put together an interactive infographic for our clients that many have used and found helpful. Take a look for yourself!

Contact KC Sign & Awnings.