A common “point of pain has been attempting to find quality vendors,” says Forbes. And when it comes to finding the right sign maker near you, you’re at a pretty big disadvantage. After all, you sign shop only once in a while, and it’s hard to know who’s good and who’s not.
This article will give you seven tips that will help you evaluate business sign makers confidently.
7 Things to Help You Find the Best Sign Maker in Chicago for Your Business
1. Check Their Portfolio (and Speak to Their Team)
Every business has unique demands, which is why you need to find a signage partner that’s a good fit for you. Start by looking at their portfolio of completed signage projects to understand if they produce the kind of signs you had in mind.
Any reputable sign maker near you will offer a “free consultation”; take full advantage of it to talk to their team. That will show you what their team is like, how responsive they are, and whether they take pride in their work.
2. Don’t Be Shy About Asking for Past Reference
Any vinyl sign maker that has been around for more than a few months should have customer references it can share. Ask for references, preferably ones you can verify, to help understand what kind of service and signage quality you can expect.
If the sign maker is hesitant about sharing references, that should raise red flags.
3. Check if They Are Part of Any Associations
There aren’t very many accreditations and affiliations in the signage industry, and fewer businesses register with the local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce today.
Nevertheless, it’s still worthwhile asking about what, if any, associations the sign maker is part of. Even ones such as the 3M partner program can demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and quality.
4. Inquire About Their Vendors
Just as you are looking to outsource your signage to specialists, a signage company may outsource certain specialized aspects to, say, a vinyl sign maker. That’s not a bad thing, but you should have assurances that you’ll receive the quality products and timely delivery you expect.
5. Discuss Your Budget From the Get-Go
There’s no benefit of being coy about your budget; if your signage maker knows how much you are looking to spend, they’ll be able to tell you if they’re the right option for you.
For instance, at Windy City Signs and Graphics, we produce hundreds of customized signs, allowing us to cater to small, mid-sized, and large Chicago businesses.
6. Find Out What the Sign Making Process Is Like
The one thing that can derail any relationship is misaligned expectations, which is why you need to find out what the sign maker’s process is. Some questions to ask:
- Do you design, deliver, and install the sign?
- Who will be the primary point of contact?
- Can you make changes once the project has kicked off?
7. Reviews, Reviews, Reviews
Research today begins (and usually ends) with ratings and reviews. They are the ultimate proof point, allowing you to make an informed decision about your business sign maker.
It’s simple: the higher the rating, the better. For instance, we have maintained a 5-star rating on Google and Facebook.
Book a free consultation to find out how we make getting signs seamless for businesses like yours.
