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Choosing the right commercial sign manufacturer to create your business signage is an important decision that can have a big impact on your brand image. Investing in high-quality, custom-made signage that aligns with your brand identity and objectives is key to delivering the right impression to your customers and obtaining the best value for money. However, the process of selecting the best sign manufacturing partner for your needs can be overwhelming if you don't know what to look out for.

To help make an informed decision, here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when researching custom sign manufacturers.

Mistake One: Not Conducting Thorough Research

It's essential to take the time to thoroughly research potential sign manufacturers before making a decision. Go beyond a quick review of their website, carefully assessing their portfolio and previous work to get a good sense of their capabilities and quality.

Review their qualifications, training, and experience in detail, not just their image gallery. How long have they been in business? How much experience do the designers have? What special expertise do they offer?

Also, read through client testimonials and reviews on their website and on independent sources, including Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Trustpilot. This will reveal important insights into their reputation, customer service, and ability to deliver results in practice.

Mistake Two: Focusing Too Much On Price

It's understandable to have budget limitations when investing in new signage, and there are sign companies out there that cater to all budgets, from enormous national retail projects to small local businesses. Engaging with a company that usually deals with customers outside of your budget range will be a waste of their time and yours. However, basing your decision solely on finding the cheapest quote can be a mistake. Sometimes, the lowest price comes with quality compromises or hidden costs down the line.

Establish a broad cost benchmark based on an affordable budget for your business and a review of the agency’s recent projects and typical customers, then focus on looking at the full value the sign company can provide, rather than the minutiae of pounds and pence. Consider the quality of materials used, their expertise and experience, installation services offered, warranty provided, and overall reputation.

A slightly higher initial investment on the front end could save you money in the long run through exceptional service, quality, and durability. Think long-term value, not just the lowest price.

Mistake Three: Lack Of Communication And Collaboration

Another common error is not clearly communicating your expectations, design objectives, specific needs, and requirements early on when consulting with a sign company. Be open to collaborating with their design team, providing feedback, and listening to their professional expertise and advice throughout the process. This helps them create a custom sign solution tailored specifically for you.

Remember, this is a partnership. Maintain ongoing communication to achieve the best possible results that align with your brand vision.

Mistake Four: Not Discussing Timelines And Deliverables

Failing to discuss expected timelines, project milestones, and specific deliverables is an easily avoidable mistake when selecting a sign partner. Make sure to define the scope, timeline, and expected deliverables upfront so there is no confusion. Discuss how long each stage of the process should take, what milestones will be met along the way, and the final products/services they will provide. Setting clear expectations from the start allows the project to run smoothly and efficiently. There won't be any last-minute surprises or delays that could have been addressed earlier on.

Next Steps

For more information about working with a signage agency, please download our free guide for helpful advice and recommendations, or contact one of our expert team today!