Whether you need a sign to go with your company’s new logo, a replacement for signage that’s on its last legs, or you’re putting your business’s name in lights for the very first time, finding the right sign design company is crucial. While you might be tempted to find a decently rated sign company near you and hope for the best, you owe it to your company’s reputation to dig a little deeper.
Before you make the important decision of choosing a sign company, you should make sure that your needs will be met for design, fabrication, installation, project management, and service.
Design Services
It may seem like an obvious requirement, but any sign design company should be highly experienced with graphic design. In theory, you should be confident that the same designer working on your sign could also design your business cards, promotional posters, or bumper stickers. When you plan on displaying art across the side of a building, strong design skills are a must.
Not only should your designer be able to make great corporate art, but you need to see proof that their designs translate well to their intended medium: in this case, signs. It really doesn’t matter if your logo looks great on paper or a computer screen if the finished sign doesn’t hold true to that vision. Experienced sign designers know how to create art that can make that crucial transition from sketch to reality.
Finally, make sure that the design team will work with you to achieve your vision. After all, you’re the one who has to live with the final product. A good designer will listen to your likes and dislikes, take criticism well, and ultimately create something that you will be proud to display.
Fabrication
Now that you’ve got your design finalized, will the sign company be able to build it for you? Make sure that you’re working with a company that has experience making many different types of signs instead of steering you towards their specialty. Your design will likely need to translate to multiple indoor and outdoor sign types. Make sure you’ve got a fabrication team that’s up to the task.
If you’re looking for a sturdy architectural sign near the road, you need a sign company that’s experienced with building monument signs. Want your sign in 3D letters across your building? Your fabricator will need to know how to make channel letters. The more techniques a sign company has mastered, the more likely it’ll be able to handle any request you’ve got. Look for a company with a versatile portfolio.
Also, you don’t want to be stuck waiting for sign components to be created and shipped in from a third party if you can help it. Find a sign company near you that can fabricate as much as possible in their own shop. This also cuts down on breaks in communication if everything can be made in-house.
Installation
Your signage has been beautifully designed and fabricated by an experienced team you can trust. However, it’s not going to do you much good sitting in someone’s shop. It’s time for installation.
A good sign company will be sure to properly scout the location of your finished sign, and they’ll know what to look for in terms of good sightlines, power supply, and city code. The last thing you want is to have an inspector tell you that you have to take down your newly installed sign. A good installation team will make sure you’re good to go.
Make sure that your sign design company is experienced in a variety of installations. You never know when you’ll need to call on them again for additional signage. Since it’s a major hassle to have to switch companies because, for example, they only do outdoor installations, you’ll want to find a company that can do it all.
Perhaps most importantly, you need an installation crew that is professional at all times. These people are going to be visible to the public while standing directly next to your logo. They should be courteous and considerate to your staff, other workers in your business park, and customers. No amount of skill can make up for the lost reputation caused by rude crew members.
Project Management
If all of these steps are starting to sound like a huge headache, it’s because they absolutely can be. That’s why you need to look for a sign company that also handles project management, so you don’t have to be in over your head. Good project managers will take the burden of signage off of your plate so you can get back to what you do best.
Your project manager should be detail-oriented. These are professionals who specialize in breaking down your signage project and making sure that no aspect is overlooked. This is especially helpful when it comes to paperwork and logistical concerns that only a sign expert would even think of in the first place.
When your sign is installed, you shouldn’t be wondering why you didn’t just handle everything yourself. Your project manager’s efficiency and knowledge will be obvious.
Service & Maintenance
Now that your sign has been designed, fabricated, and installed, you shouldn’t have to worry about it for a long time. However, even the most carefully crafted signs will eventually need maintenance to keep them looking and operating as they should.
Now’s the time when having a warranty really matters. Keep an eye out for a sign company that backs up their product with protection for your investment. This warranty should cover parts, labor, and all signage for at least three years and preferably longer.
You’ll want to check reviews to see if your sign company is known for responding quickly to service requests. You don’t want to have to wait for weeks with one of your letters flickering for all the world to see. A good service team will be able to take care of most maintenance issues promptly.
Finally, it’s a major plus if you can find a company with a proactive stance on maintenance. Instead of just doing the repair and moving on, these technicians will make sure that you’re not about to be due for other fixes. An observant service team can save you from having to call them right back for something they could have taken care of the first time.
A Full-Service Company You Can Count On
National Signs is proud to offer a complete sign design, fabrication, installation, project management, and service package. Our team has more than seven decades of experience in the industry, and our outstanding warranty has you covered for a full five years.
When you’re looking for a quality sign design company near you, National Signs is the only name you need. Contact us today to get started!
