Finding the right vendor for your commercial signage project is crucial for ensuring high-quality results. While there are many options to choose from, not all signage vendors offer the same degree of expertise, attention to detail, and customer service.

Wondering how to select the right vendor for your next big project?

Seven Things to Consider When Vetting a Commercial Signage Vendor

1. Experience and Reputation

First things first—make sure your vendor has experience producing the signs you’re looking for, and has received positive feedback from past clients. Start by reviewing previous projects listed on the vendor’s website, and note if those jobs were similar to the services you need. Then, gain a sense of the company’s values and mission and read customer reviews for an overview of the average customer experience.

2. Variety of Options

With so many design options available, it’s essential to partner with a vendor who offers the sign varieties you need for your project.

Sign varieties include options like:

• Vinyl banners
• Feather signs
• Monument signs
• A-frame signs
• Vehicle wraps
• Window and wall graphics
• Floor decals
• Trade show graphics
• Light pole banners

3. Quality of Materials

If you want a long-term signage solution for your business, invest in signs made with durable materials and high-quality finishes. Using top notch materials ensures your signs will last for years and still look sleek and professional even after exposure to weather and sun.

To understand what materials are used during the fabrication process, look into each stage of the sign’s production.

• Base materials: From vinyl to acrylic to wood and glass, look at the options available for your desired final result.
• Inks and printing: Whether you want simple text or striking graphics, research the printing process and the inks used during manufacturing.
• Weatherproof features: If you’re looking for an outdoor sign, note whether the vendor offers weatherproofing technology like fade-resistant inks and waterproof coatings.

4. Knowledge of Permits and Regulations

Depending on the purpose and placement of your sign, you may need to navigate various permits and regulations for formatting, visibility, and accessibility. Additionally, larger signs on buildings or streetlights may need proper authorization from the city before installation. An experienced vendor will be able to help you navigate the installation process including adhering to signage regulations and obtaining the proper permits if applicable.

5. Installation Services

Just because a company can print a sign, doesn’t mean they’ll install it too. If you need support with a tricky installation, or don’t have the time to manage installation yourself, finding a vendor who offers installation services will be a game-changer.

6. Customer Service

Nobody’s perfect, and sometimes things go awry during the production process. Whether there was a miscommunication about sizing, materials, or delivery, it’s essential to partner with a vendor who has your back and values providing customers with a stress-free experience. Customer service that’s simple to access and offers fast solutions is integral to the success of a project. Look for signage vendors who offer stellar customer support and satisfaction guarantees.

7. Price

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll have to find a vendor whose services fit within your budget. Start by comparing quotes from multiple vendors to get a sense of the industry standard. If one quote is an expensive outlier, that should be a red flag. Additionally, notice what services are included in the price. Is one vendor charging the same for production as another charges for design services, production, and installation? Do a little research to find the best price for your needs.

Look for a Company Who Has Your Back from Start to Finish

At Bishop Image Group, we offer our customers professional signage solutions designed to meet their unique needs. With over 20 years of experience creating custom signs, the team at BIG is dedicated to producing high-quality results while prioritizing customer satisfaction. From design, to production, to installation, BIG offers end-to-end services at affordable prices. Developing a new signage solution for your company should be a rewarding experience, even if you get a late start. That’s why we pride ourselves on delivering polished results even under the tightest deadlines.

Interested in learning more about our process? Get in touch today!