If you are on the hunt for a signage shop to design, manufacture, and install a sign for your company, your first instinct is likely to open up your favorite search engine and conduct a quick search. In fact, that is probably how you stumbled across this page.
While conducting a query on Google is a great first step, you will need to do a bit more than just type in “signage shops near me” to find a great partner. Not all signage shops are created equal.
Some shops have limited experience and offer no custom fabrication services. Others provide end-to-end digital sign services that will help get your business noticed and attract more clients.
So how can you differentiate between the two? Let’s dive into that question.
How to Choose a Great Sign Installer
When searching for the perfect sign installer, we suggest that you consider factors such as:
1. Reputation
A sign installer’s reputation will tell you a lot about the quality of service they provide. That’s why we recommend checking out reviews on Google. You can also search for reviews on sites like Yelp.
Most companies won’t have a spotless review record. However, the majority of reviews should be four stars or higher.
When reading reviews, look over some of the top entries. Make sure to read a few of the negative ones as well. Pay special attention to complaints about responsiveness and customer service.
After you have read through some reviews, make a short list of top-notch installers. Next, you can do more in-depth research, but more on that in the next section.
2. Scope of Services
Once you have made a list of potential partners, visit each company’s website. Visit the “Services” page and see what services they offer. Ideally, you want a do-it-all partner offering all the services you need.
Otherwise, you might have to work with multiple contractors, which can easily become a major headache. Working with more than one contractor will drive up costs as well.
The best sign company to work with is the one that offers the following services:
- Design
- Fabrication
- Installation
- Maintenance
Pretty much every sign company offers the bottom two services. However, only shops with skilled fabrication teams offer design and manufacturing.
Customer Service
It is tough to gauge customer service quality before you become a client. But there are a few signs to watch for.
When you call or email a company about sign services, how long do they take to reply? Are they responsive or difficult to get a hold of? Do you speak with the same person or get bounced around a lot?
These are important questions to ask yourself when contacting a potential partner. Give the sign company a reasonable amount of time to respond but ensure that their communication habits are up to your standards.
If a company is hard to get a hold of early on, these issues will probably worsen once you hire them. On the other hand, responsive companies have demonstrated that they value your business.
Make sure to set clear expectations from the start. Let them know how you would like to be contacted. Also, tell your partner how often you would like updates about your sign fabrication. This way, everyone is on the same page.
3. Price
As a business owner, you know firsthand that cheaper is not always better. The same rule applies when you are looking for a sign shop. Good services are rarely going to be the cheapest option, but that doesn’t mean they should be the most expensive either.
When searching for a sign shop, make sure to obtain multiple quotes. Look for the best mix of quality and value. This approach will help you get a great deal without settling for subpar services.
We suggest getting at least three quotes, and you may even want to obtain four or five quotes to be on the safe side.
When getting your quotes, ask what this price does and doesn’t include. Some things that usually aren’t included are:
- Electrician services for adding new connections and wiring
- Cost of hiring traffic control officers
- Drilling through rock
For clarification, wiring your sign into your electrical system is a standard part of installation services. However, installers will not be able to do this if there is no power running to the area where you want your sign. Therefore, you would need to contact an electrician before your installation date so that they could make needed upgrades.
4. Permitting
Applying for permits can be a hassle, especially if you have never done so before. Fortunately, the best sign shops handle this process for you. However, some sign installers expect you to obtain permits yourself.
If you do not want to deal with the headache of obtaining permits, ask about this service when consulting with potential partners. Find out whether they will obtain the permits for you. Also, ask if permitting fees are included in the price they quoted. This inquiry will help you avoid any surprise add-on fees when you receive that invoice.
Need a Sign? Contact the Industry Experts
Want to skip the hassle of searching the phrase “signage shops near me” and sorting through countless results? If so, then you should contact our full-service signage company, National Signs.
At National Signs, we do it all. From custom fabrication to installation and, of course, post-installation maintenance, we are your one-stop shop for all things signage. While we primarily serve businesses in the great state of Texas, we proudly ship our world-class products throughout the nation.
Get your quote today, and let us get to work on your one-of-a-kind sign.
