Choosing the right sign company is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your business’s visibility, branding, and overall success. Whether you are opening a new store, rebranding your business, or need signage for an event, selecting the right company to handle your signage needs is essential. Custom signage is not only an investment in your business’s appearance but also a vital part of your marketing and customer engagement strategy.
At SIGNS – The Sign Company, we love helping businesses make the best choices when it comes to signage. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right sign company for your business needs, ensuring that you make an informed decision that will elevate your brand and drive success.
1. Understand Your Signage Needs and Goals
Before selecting a sign company, it’s essential to understand your specific signage requirements. Signage can serve a variety of purposes, from building brand awareness to providing directions or promoting sales. Your signage goals will influence the type of signs you need, the materials used, and the design style.
Types of Signage Your Business May Need
Different businesses have unique needs when it comes to signage. Identifying what your business requires will help you narrow down your choices when selecting a sign company.
- Exterior Signage: This includes storefront signs, billboards, and outdoor banners. Your exterior signage is often the first thing potential customers see, so it must be eye-catching and reflective of your brand.
- Interior Signage: Includes directional signs, product displays, and information boards. Interior signs are designed to enhance the customer experience and make it easier to navigate your store or office.
- Wayfinding Signage: This type of signage is crucial for larger spaces like malls, hotels, or hospitals. It helps guide visitors to their destinations quickly and efficiently.
- Promotional Signage: This includes event banners, sale signs, and temporary signage used for specific marketing campaigns.
- Digital Signage: Modern businesses often use digital signage to display dynamic content like advertisements, promotions, and store information.
By understanding the specific type of signage you need, you will be better equipped to choose the right sign company that specializes in your desired sign type.
2. Look for Experience and Expertise in Your Industry
The sign company you choose should have experience in designing, manufacturing, and installing the type of signage that suits your business needs. A company with expertise in your industry will understand your specific challenges and how to effectively address them through signage.
How Experience Impacts Sign Quality and Design
An experienced sign company will have a deep understanding of the nuances that make signage successful for different industries. For example, retail businesses may require signage that attracts attention and encourages sales, while professional offices might need signs that emphasize sophistication and trust.
- Industry Knowledge: An experienced sign company can advise you on the best signage solutions based on trends and best practices in your particular industry. They will also have knowledge of any specific regulations or guidelines that apply to your business’s signage, such as zoning laws or safety requirements.
- Proven Track Record: Choose a company with a portfolio of successful projects. Reviewing past projects gives you insight into their design style, craftsmanship, and ability to deliver quality results.
At SIGNS – The Sign Company, we love using our extensive experience to create signage that helps businesses succeed, whether it’s retail, hospitality, or corporate.
3. Evaluate Their Portfolio and Design Capabilities
When selecting a sign company, reviewing their portfolio is one of the most important steps. This will give you a visual representation of their design style, creativity, and the quality of their work.
What to Look for in a Portfolio
A well-rounded portfolio should showcase the company’s versatility and ability to execute various signage types, from simple logos to complex, multi-dimensional signs. Here’s what to look for when evaluating their portfolio:
- Variety of Projects: The company should have experience in creating different types of signage, from storefront signs to interior displays and event signage.
- Design Creativity: Look for innovative designs that demonstrate the company’s ability to think outside the box and create eye-catching signs that align with brand identities.
- Attention to Detail: High-quality signage reflects a company’s commitment to craftsmanship. Pay attention to the details in the signs’ finishes, colors, and materials.
- Customization: Ensure that the company can deliver fully custom solutions that match your unique business needs.
A strong portfolio gives you confidence that the sign company can deliver the level of quality and creativity you expect for your business.
4. Check for Reviews and Customer Testimonials
One of the best ways to assess the reliability and quality of a sign company is to read reviews and customer testimonials. Positive reviews indicate that the company is trusted and has consistently delivered excellent results.
What Customer Reviews Can Tell You
Customer reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the company’s strengths and weaknesses, including:
- Customer Service: Did the company provide responsive, helpful customer service? Were they easy to communicate with and willing to answer questions?
- On-time Delivery: Timely delivery and installation are crucial to the success of your signage project. Look for reviews that mention whether the company met deadlines.
- Quality of Work: Read about the quality of the signage products. Did the signage meet expectations in terms of design, durability, and performance?
- After-sales Support: Check if the company offers maintenance services or warranties to ensure your signage continues to look great over time.
Don’t hesitate to ask the sign company for references or examples of their previous work with other businesses in your industry.
5. Assess Their Capabilities in Design and Production
Not all sign companies are created equal when it comes to design and production capabilities. Some may only offer basic signage options, while others specialize in creating highly customized, cutting-edge signage solutions.
Design Capabilities
- Design Flexibility: The right sign company should be able to work with your vision, whether you have a clear idea of what you want or need guidance in the design process. They should be able to incorporate your brand’s colors, logo, and message into a cohesive sign design.
- Technology: The company should use the latest design and production technologies to create signs that are both visually appealing and durable. Computer-aided design (CAD) software and other advanced tools can help produce high-quality, precise designs.
Production Capabilities
- Materials and Techniques: Look for a company that offers a wide range of materials and production techniques to ensure the final product meets your needs. Whether you need LED-lit signs, 3D dimensional signage, or eco-friendly materials, the sign company should be able to accommodate your requirements.
- Quality Control: The company should have stringent quality control processes in place to ensure every sign is produced to perfection. This includes checking for color accuracy, alignment, and durability.
6. Consider Installation and Maintenance Services
A sign is only as good as its installation. A sign company that offers professional installation services will ensure that your signage is securely mounted, properly aligned, and functioning as intended.
Why Installation Matters
- Proper Alignment: Signs need to be installed at the correct height and angle for maximum visibility and aesthetic appeal.
- Secure Fixing: Poor installation can lead to accidents or damage, so professional installation ensures that your signage is securely affixed and compliant with local regulations.
- On-Site Adjustments: Sometimes, signs need minor adjustments during installation to ensure they align perfectly with your building’s architecture or other signage.
Some sign companies also offer ongoing maintenance services to keep your signage in top condition over time. This may include cleaning, repairs, and updates to reflect changes in your branding.
7. Get Quotes and Compare Pricing
Pricing is a key factor when choosing the right sign company. However, it’s essential to balance cost with quality. The cheapest option may not always be the best when it comes to creating high-quality, durable signage.
Factors That Affect Pricing
- Sign Type: The cost will vary depending on whether you need a simple storefront sign or a complex, illuminated sign with custom graphics.
- Material Choices: Different materials come with varying costs, so consider your budget when selecting materials like wood, acrylic, metal, or digital screens.
- Design Complexity: Custom-designed signs or those with intricate details can cost more than standard, pre-designed signage.
Request quotes from multiple sign companies and compare the prices, considering both the quality of their work and the level of service they provide. Make sure you understand what is included in the quote, such as design, production, installation, and maintenance.
8. Ensure Compliance with Local Regulations
Local zoning and building codes often regulate signage. It’s important to choose a sign company that is knowledgeable about these regulations and can ensure that your signage complies with all necessary rules.
What You Need to Know About Regulations
- Size Restrictions: Local regulations may specify the maximum size for your signage, particularly for exterior signs.
- Lighting Restrictions: Some areas may have restrictions on illuminated signage, such as brightness levels or hours of operation.
- Permits and Approvals: Depending on the location and type of sign, permits may be required. A reliable sign company will handle this process for you.
A sign company with experience in your area will know the local regulations and help you avoid costly fines or delays.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Choosing the right sign company is a critical step in enhancing your business’s visibility, branding, and overall success. At SIGNS – The Sign Company, we love working with businesses to create custom signage that captures their brand’s essence and helps them stand out in competitive markets.
By following the tips outlined above—evaluating experience, reviewing portfolios, assessing design and production capabilities, and considering customer service and pricing—you can make an informed decision and choose the best sign company for your needs.
If you’re ready to enhance your business’s signage, contact us today to get started!