8 questions to ask your custom signmaker

Do you need a custom signmaker?

In short, yes. Engaging a custom signmaker is a smart way to ensure that your company signage is tailored to your specific needs and actually works.

Business signage is an investment and to ensure a return on your investment you need ensure your sign is made by a professional. Afterall, a badly made sign that costs a fortune and doesn’t look appealing to passers-by or local car traffic is not only likely to fail in attracting customers, it’s likely to repel existing customers too. 

Of course, like many types of suppliers, finding the right custom signmaker can be overwhelming and more confusing than you otherwise would have thought. To help you with your procurement process we’ve put together a list of eight essential questions you should ask any signmaker you’re considering working with before signing on the dotted line and ordering your custom signage. 

Question 1 – What sign making services do you offer?

This might seem obvious but you’d be surprised how often the first hurdle in supplier procurement is failed. Few sign making companies offer the extensive range of sign types and services as Brisbane Image Group. Some custom signmakers specialise in large billboards or neon signage, others might focus on small A-frame signs or teardrop flag pole signage. It’s important to ensure that any signmaker you engage with offers the exact type of professional and custom signage you need. The more services and greater range of signage options they offer the better: after all you might need them again down the line!

Question 2 – What’s it going to cost in total?

We know, we know, this one seems obvious too! Of course, you’re likely to ask how much a signage job is going to cost but what you might not know is how to ask this question in the right way. Make sure your price estimate includes any proofs or design work included (more on these in a moment). Getting an accurate quote that doesn’t hide any additional, nasty fees will stand as testament to the integrity of a signmaker. Brisbane Image Group for example provides comprehensive and transparent quotes before you have to commit to anything!

 Question 3 – Do you offer graphic design services?

Whether or not you’re a deft hand at graphic design, working with a custom signmaker that offers design services can be a real boon. First of all they can help you with their professional artistic and technical skills. Secondly, they will ensure that once your logo or signage is blown up to the size of your signage it won’t lose quality and look cheap, ugly or pixelated. Just to reiterate, always ask how much these design services are as well, as many signmakers don’t include it in their generic pricing.

Question 4 – What are the specifications or format requirements?

JPEG. PDF. PNG. EPS. Vectors.

If these acronyms and words either read like a foreign language or trigger some recognition but register no comprehension of the importance of their differences, you need make sure you know what’s required of you by your signmaker up front. If you have your signage art already made, you will need to ensure that your custom signmaker accepts them. If you don’t clarify this from the start, the entire process is bound to become unnecessarily tedious and slow. Most signmakers are also happy to talk you through the differences in each type file and explain why they may need one or the other. Chances are if you’re unable to convert your art to the right format or file type, if your custom signmaker offers graphic design services they’ll be able to do it for you. 

Question 5 – Do you offer proofs?

A proof is a final opportunity for you to review, check and approve the signage before it is printed, manufactured and produced. Proofs are invaluable for catching errors and giving you a realistic and accurate depiction of what the end result is going to look like. Some signmakers only offer digital proofs, while others offer hard copy proofs also (sometimes at a price). If you want/need a proof, make sure to confirm this prior to choosing a signmaker.

Question 6 – What’s the turnaround time?

If you’re operating on a strict deadline, or even if you’re not, knowing how long your signage is going to take may affect which company you choose to go with. Some signmakers have generic turnaround times but offer options for fast tracked projects with an additional fee. If you need signage urgently or by a certain date, it’s vitally important to clarify this upfront or else you may find yourself in hot water.

Question 7 – Do you provide installation as well?

Different signs, different installation requirements. Of course a simple A-frame won’t need installation. Street signs or window decals may be relatively simple to install yourself. Other types of signage like billboards, digital signage or large metal signs can require professional hands to be done safely and properly. Don’t forget to check with your custom signmaker, if they provide installation services and if they do what the cost is going to be. 

Question 8 – Do you provide sign maintenance? 

Like just about everything, signage doesn’t last forever, even signage done by experienced and professional signmakers like the team at Brisbane Image Group. Sign maintenance can help ensure the longevity and ongoing durability of your new signage. Sometimes this might require just simple cleaning which you can carry out yourself. More difficult signage can may require more professional service. Have a chat to your custom signmaker to ensure that either you know how to maintain your signage yourself or that they offer sign maintenance at a reasonable price. 

Conclusion

There you have it: the eight questions to ask your custom signmaker. It’s always important to do your due diligence and research multiple suppliers and providers before choosing the one that’s right for you.

Of course, here at Brisbane Image Group we’re more than happy to answer all of your questions (including the eight above) and offer you a free measure and quote with zero obligation. To find out more give us a call on 0416 673 247 or shoot us an email via our contact form.