What to look out for when hiring a signage company

Making the right choice of Brisbane signage companies

It’s just a signage company, right? What does it really matter who you choose to design, produce and install your business signs?

Knowing what to look out for when hiring a signage company is far more important than most people realise. Apart from the fact that you’ll want to vet potential suppliers for their ability, creativity and reliability in actually meeting your brief and producing the goods, you’re hiring a company to create a physical representation of your brand. Signage that fails to live up to the professional image you and your team work tirelessly to create is more than a shame, it’s a missed business opportunity.

Okay, so you decide to do some homework and type into Google or Bing, “Signage companies Brisbane”. What next?

Here are our tips and recommendations for how to choose a signage company.

Start with the type of signage you want

There are a whole lot of different options when it comes to business signage. Take for example our list of signage services at Brisbane Image Group. While we provide signage for just about any purpose and any job no matter how big or small, not all signage companies in Brisbane and beyond offer the range of services we do. Make sure to check that any company you’re considering using offers the right sort of signage for your specific purposes.

Make sure they offer bespoke, custom advice and design

For many jobs, such as simple digital printing, car wraps or building signage, there’s not too much variety in what’s required. For other jobs a customised solution catered specifically for the marketing purposes, budget restrictions, and unique application of a business is essential. Some signage companies focus on mass produced, cookie cutter signage offerings. If you truly want personal service, make sure any company you look into offers custom signage to suit your needs. 

 

By the same token, some signage companies are glorified printers. If you want to find a company that understands how to meld fantastic design with amazing signage production, check to see that they offer graphic design or other such premium services.

Check if they offer digital signage

Digital signage is becoming more and more commonplace for businesses of all sorts and sizes. Not all Brisbane signage companies offer both traditional and digital signage. Of course, you might not be looking into investing in an LED display or other digital product at the moment, but it’s important that you find and choose a company that provides that opportunity in case you need or want it down the road.

Look for quality, not quantity

Remember: Your signage is going to represent and reflect your business. Your partner in creating your signage will be the essential ingredient in the look and effectiveness of your official branding and signage. So, it should go without saying that doing your due diligence regarding the quality of their signage is very important. Take it from us, you want professional looking, long-lasting signage; don’t simply go with the first company who throws a portfolio of sub-par looking signs. And make sure to delve into the quality of materials too. A sign that looks great today but will be chipped, faded and ugly in the near future is no good for anyone.

Choose a company that respects your budget

Price is always an important consideration when looking into a business supplier. Any signage company you’re considering using should be able to offer a transparent and accurate quote estimate that takes into account your budget and your needs. This isn’t about getting the best steal of a deal, it’s about matching your needs to the services of a company so that you get what you pay for without being strung along by dishonest pricing practices. Always make sure to get in touch with the signage company and agree on all aspects of the job to understand what it is likely to cost you. 

Efficient turnaround times

Dollars aren’t the only measure of the cost of a service. Time is money too. It’s critical that you ask any company you’re looking into working with how long it will take them to complete your job and turnaround a completed product. If their schedule does not match your required deadlines then you’re bound to find yourself stuck between a rock and a hard sign. Larger, complex and bespoke jobs can often take longer so it’s vital you’re open and communicative to ensure the estimated time frame incorporates all the necessary factors.

Do they go above and beyond

The concept of ‘after-service’ applies to the world of signage too. Some companies, even those who offer installation in addition to production and printing, might run off the second a job is done with no intention of going above and beyond to provide extra customer service. Sign maintenance and repair services can really help you to make the most of your investment. Have a chat with the company in question and ask them what sort of extra and ongoing service they offer.

Reputation and experience

Reputation, customer experience and past work are excellent ways of gauging what a potential signage company is like to work with. Brisbane Image Group, for example, has worked with a number of large companies (including Mars, Westfield, Raine and Horne, and Harcourts) and partners to bring to life their signage dreams. Make sure to check out a company’s online portfolio, past work or customer reviews.

Do your homework before hiring a signage company

The right signage company will be a true business partner to help recommend and advise the perfect signage solution for you and your business. As part of your betting process make sure to sit down and have a frank discussion of your objective, budget, and application.

The right company will not only be able to help you determine what sort of sign will best achieve your goal but will help you craft a signage solution with the right design, colour, graphic, message and style.

If you want to know more about what to look for in a signage company, or you’re ready to jump straight to the best option available amongst all Brisbane signage companies make sure to check out our service offering or give our team a call directly on 0416 673 347.