Category Archives: Signs for Security

Beware The Temptation to Bow to the Squeaky Wheel

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Good versus Cluttered Signage

Good versus Cluttered Signage

The “squeaky wheel gets the grease” is a well-known adage that highlights how the most vocal or noticeable issues tend to receive the most attention. While this principle might apply effectively in some contexts, it becomes a challenge in business, especially when designing and implementing signage strategies.

The question is: should the squeaky wheel dictate your signage decisions? Let’s delve into this theory, its implications for signage, and why it is essential to balance focus and avoid being overly reactive to the loudest demands.

The Role of Signage in Business

Good signage serves as a silent yet impactful ambassador for your business. Good business signage attracts attention, conveys information, and reinforces your brand identity. Whether you’re running a small boutique or a multinational chain, well-designed signage can:

  • Enhance visibility and draw in potential customers.

  • Communicate essential details like promotions, directions, and operating hours.

  • Turn a warehouse feeling space into a warm inviting environment people want to shop in.

  • Reinforce brand trust and professionalism.

However, if the design, placement, or messaging of your signage is dictated by the squeaky wheel – a vocal customer or employee with immediate, short-term concerns – it can completely derail your long-term strategy.

Why Catering to the Squeaky Wheel Can Backfire

While it’s beneficial, if not essential, to listen to feedback, over-prioritizing the demands of the squeaky wheel can result in poor decision-making. Here are some key reasons:

  1. Short-Term Gratification vs. Long-Term Goals The squeaky wheel often focuses on immediate needs. For example, a vocal customer might demand large, overly bright signage for an ongoing sale. While this could temporarily boost foot traffic, it might clash with your brand’s aesthetic, alienate your regular clientele, or fail to align with your broader marketing objectives.

  2. Distracting from Data-Driven Decisions A single loud opinion should never outweigh comprehensive research. For instance, your business might have analytics proving that subtle, well-placed directional signs increase customer navigation and satisfaction. A squeaky wheel’s demand for overly flashy signage could disrupt this harmony.

  3. Alienating Other Stakeholders If you focus solely on addressing one vocal party’s preferences, you risk alienating your broader audience. Signage should cater to the majority – a collective representation of your target demographic – not a minority’s immediate gratification.

Real-Life Stories of Squeaky Wheels and Signage

Story 1: The Oversized Sale Banner
A boutique store owner had a loyal customer who insisted that an enormous neon-colored banner would drive sales during a holiday promotion. The owner, eager to please, replaced the store’s elegant signage with a garish banner. While the store saw a short-term spike in foot traffic, regular customers commented that the signage clashed with the brand’s upscale identity. The business later had to spend significant resources repairing the damage to its image.

Story 2: Employee-Led Signage Change
In another example, a restaurant manager listened to an employee’s suggestion to add multiple directional signs in the dining area to “help customers.” While well-intentioned, the signs cluttered the space and confused diners, leading to complaints about the overwhelming atmosphere. A professional signage consultation later revealed that one well-placed sign near the entrance was all that was required and worked better than all the other signs together.

Finding the Right Balance

To avoid being overly influenced by squeaky wheels, businesses must adopt a balanced approach to signage decisions:

  1. Data-Driven Insights
    Analyze customer behavior, traffic patterns, and sales data to make informed signage decisions. For example, heatmaps of store foot traffic can help determine optimal sign placement.

  2. Consistent Branding
    Your signage should consistently reflect your brand’s voice, colors, and values.     Even temporary deviations can confuse customers and dilute brand equity.

  3. Broad Feedback
    Gather input from multiple stakeholders rather than reacting to one opinion. Consider conducting surveys or focus groups to gain a broader perspective.

  4. Professional Expertise
    Consult with signage professionals to ensure your designs align with     current industry best practices and long-term goals.

The Bigger Picture

Regardless of your business’s size, allowing the squeaky wheel to dominate your signage strategy can hinder growth and alienate loyal customers. While it’s essential to listen and address concerns, the most effective signage solutions arise from thoughtful planning, alignment with brand values, and a focus on long-term objectives.

Signage as a Strategic Asset

Think of your signage as an investment. It should:

  • Represent your brand accurately.

  • Engage a broad audience.

  • Adapt to changing needs without compromising consistency.

By resisting the urge to overcorrect for the squeaky wheel, you’ll ensure that your signage serves as a cohesive and powerful extension of your business.

For signs that work and reflect your business contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

For more about SignForce visit http://www.signforce.co.za

Advantage to having a LONG TERM customer service

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Cut Out Signage

Cut out sign makes one visible

Is there any advantage to having a LONG TERM customer service strategy?

Almost all the training I have received over the years has focused on keeping costs down and the value of long term clients.

While this thinking can become warped and may sometimes lead customers (or potential customers) trying to take advantage, I do agree with the basic premise that the cost of getting a client is a lot lower than the cost of maintaining a (good) customer. As such, at SignForce we look at the long term value of each job, not only the job itself.

We expect the same from our suppliers as we tend to form relationships with our suppliers with the intention of them looking after our interests while we do the same for them.

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, customer service is no longer just about solving problems—it’s a crucial part of building lasting relationships with your customers. A long-term customer service strategy focuses on creating consistent, high-quality service experiences that nurture customer loyalty, boost retention, and ultimately drive sustained business growth, with the focus being on sustained business and growth.

Some key advantages of adopting a long-term customer service strategy include:

1. Customer Loyalty and Retention

A long-term customer service strategy ensures that your team is not just reacting to issues but proactively working to meet customer needs and exceed their expectations. Customers who feel consistently supported are more likely to return, providing repeat business and reducing churn. In fact, studies show that acquiring a new customer can cost five times more than retaining an existing one. By investing in long-term customer service – be it in the form of the product or service provided or in the form of how issues are dealt with, we believe you create an environment where customers feel valued and understood, fostering loyalty that can withstand market fluctuations.

2. Brand Advocacy and Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Satisfied customers are, and have always been, your most powerful marketing tool. A long-term approach to customer service nurtures positive experiences, which encourages customers to share their favorable opinions with others.

Even in today’s online world, word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the most effective forms of advertising, and customers who trust your brand and feel heard by your team are far more likely to recommend you to friends, family, colleagues and even competitors. This organic growth is not only cost-effective but helps you tap into new customer bases that you might not otherwise reach. An example of a great referral happened recently where the referee advise the new prospect that if they were not 100% satisfied with their purchase from SignForce the referee would cover the full cost of their signs.

3. Deeper Customer Insights and Personalization

A long-term strategy enables you to track customer interactions over time, allowing you to gather valuable insights into their preferences, behaviors, and pain points. This wealth of data empowers you to offer more personalized services, tailored recommendations, and solutions that speak directly to their needs and wants. Over time it is possible to create an experience that feels intuitive and customized, setting your business apart from competitors that may be offering more generic and less custom services.

4. Improved Problem Resolution and Efficiency

A long-term customer service strategy emphasizes ongoing training, better processes, and streamlined systems, which collectively enhance your team’s ability to solve problems quickly and effectively. As customer service teams become more experienced and knowledgeable about your products and services, they can address issues more efficiently, leading to faster resolutions and fewer issues and escalations. Moreover, at SignForce we believe that as you build a customer service culture based on long-term goals, your team can anticipate common issues, develop proactive solutions, and minimize disruptions for your customers.

5. Stronger Competitive Advantage

In industries such as signage where products and services can be highly commoditized, superior customer service can be a key differentiator and your ultimate unique selling proposition.

A long-term approach to customer service creates a reputation for reliability, care, and consistent value, which can be a deciding factor for customers when choosing between competitors. Your investment in nurturing long-term relationships through exceptional service, fast and positive handling of issues and ensuring that your customer feels ‘heard’ makes it harder for competitors to lure away your loyal customers, especially if they offer only transactional or short-term support, with their main selling point being price. In Afrikaans we say ‘goedkoop is deurkoop’ roughly translated to sometimes the small saving can result in a large additional cost.

6. Sustained Business Growth and Profitability

The benefits of long-term customer service are directly tied to your bottom line. Not only does customer retention lead to increased lifetime value (LTV), but loyal customers also tend to spend more over time. Additionally, as your customer service team fine-tunes its practices, your operational efficiencies improve, leading to reduced costs and increased profitability. This cumulative effect creates a sustainable growth cycle that benefits both your customers and your business.

At SignForce we firmly believe that a long-term customer service strategy is a smart investment that delivers significant returns in customer loyalty, brand reputation, and long-term profitability. By focusing on consistent, proactive, and personalized support, you position your business for enduring success in a world where customer expectations continue to rise.

When you are in the market to make your brand visible, SignForce is available to assist.

Contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27(0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce by visiting http://www.signforce.co.za

How does one bill for your experience

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How does one bill for your experience

1 Classie Africa

3D fabricated sign by SignForce

Selling ‘products’ is a relatively simple business model. One simply has to purchase your ‘product’ at the best price possible, calculate the cost of your fixed and variable costs to ensure you sell a sufficient quantity of your product and add on a markup – traditionally 100% – so yo can make a PROFIT on your sale.

The same basic process is required when selling a ‘SERVICE’, except that when selling a service the COST of the service can be a lot more complicated to value.

Lets look at two simple examples.

Example 1 – selling a product.

Cost to buy product – 100 (this value is obtained from supplier’s invoice)

Markup (100%) – 100

Selling price – 200

Example 2 – selling a service.

Input cost of service – 100 (**)

Markup (100%) – 100 (except more often than not prospects and clients will go mad when they believe the supplier is intending to make a profit)

Selling price – 200

(**) The input cost (equivalent to cost to buy product when selling products) is more difficult to calculate as it must cover all expenses including the time, cost and effort from attending the University of Live, as well as all other input costs – include the cost of training, experience, cost of any equipment used to provide service and insurance to name but a few of the input costs.

As the person responsible for keeping our small business alive and afloat, the task of costing can often be daunting and overwhelming, because among the many balls being juggled are (a) ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the business so the team keep their respective roofs over their families heads and food on the family tables, (b) keeping the cost low enough for the prospective client to find it attractive – especially in a difficult economic climate where it almost always seems prospects are more interested in cost than quality – and (c) making sure ALL input costs (including but not limited to those listed above) are accounted for – and with some prospects also ensuring there is sufficient wiggle room to give a discount they are compelled to negotiate.

With all these factors to take into consideration, how does one explain to the price over sensitive prospect that your offer, while possibly requiring a higher up front investment – would be in their best interests in the long term. And always keeping in mind that we don’t know what we don’t know – and this includes who we are competing against, which can influence no less than product, price and relationship.

At SignForce we tend to give the advise for free. It may be built into our costing but if so this is not intentional, because we are all about educating our clients and prospects so that they get the best signage to suite their stated objectives.

If you are in the market for signage, calling SignForce may be your best move yet.

Contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce at http://www.signforce.co.za

Is there any value to Experience

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Is there any value to Experience (and if there is, how can one bill for your experience)?

Illuminated Signs

Custom, old fashioned, illuminated signs

 

Becoming a more seasoned member of the signage industry – one with slightly over 25 years personal experience – I have begun to notice that there are certain things I SEE that are not always visible to others.

This is not clairvoyance but I do believe it comes from experience.

A simple example that showed this point happened recently. SignForce were asked to assist with the installation of a later large (6 x 3 meter) sign. When we went to the site inspection we noticed that the plan that the contractor was looking at was great, but flawed. The sign needed to be carried through three doors, however the third door had restricted access, so only half the sign could go through the door, and then – nothing.

I am pleased our client was not a blind believer, so he tried his method and then called me to tell me he had tried and it had failed.

Experience – defined by Google as “1. the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation. 2. a. : practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity. ‘ is generally gained from the university of hard knocks. The hard lessons that come with doing something more than once, and failing often.

Experience is earned and while it can be passed on – which can be called advice, and, as a friend’s father kept saying. Advice comes from experience. When you receive the advice you have two choices, take heed or roll it up and shove it wherever it fits.

The value of experience tends to come from the little things. For example. When making a sign, how does one calculate the weight of the sign and the size of the fixings – bolts, nail in anchors, whatever – that will be necessary to make the sign stay in place once it is fixed to the wall?

This writer has inspected a sign which looks phenomenal. It creates a great impression and I am sure the client will be super impressed. As long as the sign works as intended, everyone will be happy And that will be perfect in maybe 95% of cases. In the remaining 5% when something goes wrong – say in the case of a light box when all or some of the lights stop working (which will happen, but it may, and hopefully will, take some time), or if a weld breaks (which is possible but low probability if they are done properly). When the 5% happens someone is going to have to spend time or money or both to make the sign good. This is where it can get complicated.

In the case of the sign mentioned above, the face of the sign has been fixed directly t the frame of the sign. This is a great way to keep costs down, however, if the lights inside stop working, or anything else inside goes wrong, there is an extremely high probability that the face of the sign will need to be removed, which means replacing the sign face. This can be a very costly exercise. The industry standard is normally to have an internal frame to hold the face. This allows for ease of maintenance without any additional costly spend, because the [maintenance] cost has been absorbed into the initial capital expense of the sign.

The difficulty with making the sign resilient, is it adds costs to the up front build which many businesses in South Africa are reluctant to do. They would rather take their chances on spending less upfront and then pray that their spend lasts as long as the higher investment (on invisible safety and possibly redundant features) that may save them money in the future.

At SignForce we call this the cost of peace of mind – like having an insurance policy you hope to never have to use.

When you are looking for signs that work, contact SignForce. We are happy to share what we do and why we do it as we believe in creating signs that work, signs that last and lasting relationships.

Contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce by visiting http://www.signforce.co.za

The 5 steps to make signs visible

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The 5 steps to make signs visible

The 5 main factors that make signs visible are color, contrast, size, distance and noise

Color

Color refers to both the color of the TEXT as well as the color of the backing of the sign – and also includes other possible ‘noise’ that can distract one’s eye balls from the main intended message of the sign – generally YOUR BUSINESSES NAME ad / or what your business does.

Contrast

Contrast refers to the difference between the color of the LOGO or TEXT of the sign as well as the color of the backing behind the sign. It is great to see subtle logo’s, for example a black on black logo with the backing being matt and the logo or text being gloss, or the other way around – when looking at paper or anything at close range. The low contrast does not always work as expected when the logo to text need to be expanded from a small logo on paper to a much larger sign – not necessarily even a massive sign.

For signage, the greater the contrast, the more visible the sign tends to be, especially from a distance, with the greatest visibility being black on yellow.

Size

The further away from the sign one wants the viewer to be able to read the sign, the larger the logo and text – and hence the sign – need to be.

See the previous blog on the SignForce blog (https://signforce.co.za/blog/big-must-sign/) which give an indication of how large your text or logo should be to be clearly visible from different distances.

The general rule is that the larger the sign the easier it is to read from a distance. That said, it is also possible for a sign to be too large for the available space, or for the sign to be too large for it to be easy legible from the available distance or for the sign to be spaced so far off a backing that it looks gaudy.

Distance

As stated above, the further away from the sign the viewers will be that one needs to read the sign, the larger the sign needs to be.

This is amplified when a sign is going to be installed at height.

The higher the sign the larger it needs to be as height tends to be a double whammy when it comes to visibility. It is quite simple to understand that the higher the sign the further it is from the viewer, (think of Pythagoras’s theory), the not so simple part is that the same sign at the same distance that looks large always looks smaller when the sign is installed at height. This writer has no explanation for this phenomena.

Noise

Noise or visual pollution or visual distraction all refer to anything that can challenge a viewer’s attention, distracting the viewer’s eye balls from the intended message – ‘polluting’ their attention. Noise can refer to a complex design that distracts from the intended message or it can mean the font is too sophisticated or too artistic to be read at a glance, or a number of other distractions from the intended message.

At SignForce we focus on getting your message across to your intended audience in a way that will add income to your bottom line – in other words making your sign an investment.

Contact SignForce now to get your signs that work. SignForce is available at info@signforce.co.za or you can call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or you can WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce by visiting http://www.signforce.co.za


How can you assure your investment in signage is money well spent – or is Signage a grudge purchase?

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How can you assure your investment in signage is money well spent – alternatively, is Signage a grudge purchase?

Signage Fails

When signs do not work as planned

Over the past week this writer has been called to two different sites to quote on repairing existing signage. There is little unusual about this.

What is unusual is that both the signs at sites have suffered ‘failures’ due to what we at SignForce would considered reject signs. Poor workmanship, poor quality finishes and thus failing once installed.

In both cases the signs are apparently less than 30 months old.

Now I am aware that at SignForce we make signs that are value for money. This does not mean cheap, and we are seldom going to be the lowest quote. This is something I have been grappling with for many years, especially as I see other companies coming in at prices that we could NEVER compete with. One such example is a quote we gave where the client showed us that he got the sign for less than OUR MATERIAL cost.

So it looks like the client is getting a bargain! That is until one compares what we are providing with what they, based on what this writer has seen this week, may be getting for their spend.

The first sign was poorly finished. When the prospect’s contact showed me the signs he pointed out that the 3D letters were ‘peeling’ – something similar to your skin peeling after you have been sun burned – and it is a great comparison as the sign is in the sun all day, and the ‘skin’ that was peeling was in fact the plastic protective cover that should have been removed BEFORE the sign was installed. It looked like the sign was made with Perspex – a great qualitty acrylic with a 10year outdoor warranty – but not removing the protective cover cheapens the sign while possibly also drastically reducing the life of the material. At SignForce we tend to remove the protective plastic BEFORE the sign leaves the factory, and if the cover is left on, it will be removed before we ask the client is asked to sign off as this devalues the sign in many ways – both practically and aesthetically.

Many of the joints on the 3D elements were visible – something that we at SignForce work to avoid as the joints are generally the weakest part of the fabrication, and also they tend t o have dark spots. Being mindful of where the sign is to be viewed from we at SignForce try keep the joints out of view. This helps extend the life of the sign and makes it more aesthetically appealing.

One of the signs had the electrical cord running over the top of the sign. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however the wire that was found was exposed to the African sun. Anyone who knows anything about the African sun knows it is TRECHEROUS! The wire not being encased in a protective pipe or UV resistant sleeve means that the insulation coating will soon crack which will (it is only a matter of time) lead to fraying and eventually is likely to cause a short – especially if the positive and negative wires touch. This can blow all the LED’s rendering them useless, as well as potentially damaging the transformer, which will result in costly maintenance or possibly even having to re-wire the entire sign.

The prospect pointed out that birds had made a nest behind the sign – this is dangerous for the birds and can easily result in the sign getting damaged. It is also possible that the birds can accidently pull the wires so that some or all illuminated elements in the sign stop working. The sides of the sign should have been closed off before the sign was signed off.

The wiring behind the one sign was visible and was exceptionally untidy. Untidy wiring gives the impression of laziness, and as my one mentor, Tony De Gouveia pounded into my head, How yu do anything is how you do EVERYTHING – in other words if the person wiring the sign and the person inspection the sign allowed for shoddy workmanship, the chances are the fabrication will be shoddy and the fixings will be shoddy so the sign’s working capabilities are likely to also be shoddy.

The second sight had a single sign with 3D fabricated letters attached to the face. One letter had moved and SignForce was asked to assist to straighten the letter.

As a side note, we, as human’s, all tend to get caught up in a very particular pattern of thinking. I do believe this is one of the traits of being human and it allows for different people to think differently. I mention this as, as the primary designer for SignForce, this writer sees the fabrication of signs in a particular way. It is (in SignForce’s view) the best way, but is certainly not the only way to make certain signs. That said, when faces with a photo of a failed sign, our first thought is that the sign would have been made according to industry best practice, so the repair would entail certain steps.

In this case because the skew letter was on a backing board spaced off the wall it was assumed that the invisible fixings located at the rear of the letters have come loose and moved. This can happen. It is not common and it can be costly to repair as to repair properly it is recommended that the entire sign be taken down, all fixings be checked and secured and the sign be replaced. When the sign is at height – as this sign is – the costs include lifting equipment – scaffolding or cherry picker or ladders (not always allowed) or rope access – which all (except long ladders) sound almost as costly as they are.

In fact we got a new lesson in signage – well not quite new and definitely not a lesson we would need to learn or would copy – but we did soon find out WHY the sign failed. A little technical background may be helpful here. In years gone by in order to keep costs down some larger fabricated signs would be fixed to the backing board with what we in the industry refer to as L brackets. The bracket is fastened to the backing – wall or whatever – and the fabricated element is fixed to the opposite side of the L. Industry accepted fixings would mean that the sides of the 3D element would be SCREWED to the L bracket. This sign was ONLY attached with double sided tape. While this in itself may not have been an issue, if the business are in such a rush to get the sign out that they are not prepared to coat screws, drill and countersink the acrylic, the chances are they are also not using double sided tape that is made for purpose. That aside, double sided tape can be extremely strong when used for the correct application, however, when mixing materials – acrylic and Aluminium – and placing the sign in direct north east sun in Africa, the chances are that the expansion and contraction of the double sided tape on a regular basis will result in the double sided tape failing, which will result in the 3D element becoming loose, and possibly even falling off the sign. This would not only make the sign look aesthetically unappealing, it would most certainly damage the 3D elements (this one was over 6 meters above the ground) and could possibly damage vehicles or people driving or walking under the sign when it chose to fall.

Back to topic, How can you assure your investment in signage is money well spent – alternatively, is Signage a grudge purchase.

The latter question is more rhetorical as most business’s understand the need for signage, yet many see it as an after thought and are SHOCKED at the cost when they eventually get around to requesting quotes. While we at SignForce view signage as an essential tool in a business’s marketing strategy – we believe a business without a sign is a sign of no business – we can understand that there are business’s and people who feel that signage is not worth the cost. This may be for a number of reasons, some of which may be the high cost of an effective sign, a bad experience with previous signage, not knowing where to go to get signs or not getting signs that do what the client intended the sign to do. This can often be overcome by simply stating what the sign is for when asking for quotes. Also any decent signage sales person will ask this question when interviewing the prospect, as it is dangerous to assume you as the sales person KNOW WHY the prospect wants a sign.

The former question – How can you assure your investment in signage is money well spent – is a little more complex and difficult to answer.

I suppose the short answer is to do one’s homework BEFORE placing the order. This may include talking to past and present clients, looking at the prospective sign companies’ track record – although this may be unfair to excellent new start up’s.

One could also use standard accounting practice of getting at least three quotes. Notice this is standard ACCOUNTING practice which comes with a MASSIVE BUT when referring to signage or any custom designed products. When looking at 3 quotes it must be assumed that ALL companies are using the same material and the same production processes – think of a tin of your favorite canned beans It does not matter which outlet you buy the beans from, you are buying X brand and you trust the brand, so supporting the cheapest outlet saves you money. Because signs are custom made, and material prices vary insanely, it could well be that the lowest cost supplier is using lower cost material. Sadly the opposite is also possible – that the lowest cost supplier is in fact using the highest quality material but has forgotten to include costs of labour or other costs in the quote, or the highest cost supplier may be using the poorest quality materials and making a killing. It is near impossible for the purchaser to know, no matter how astute you are. I guess signage – like many other purchases – require a high level of faith and trust.

One could ask to see sample materials, but once again this is pretty useless if one does not know the technical specifications of materials. If you visit the SignForce factory you will find one or two rolls of ‘cheap’ vinyl. These are for specific client’s and are appropriately marked. Not because we enjoy the process but because we are VERY aware that it is extremely simple to make an error and use the incorrect material when making signs.

If you are in the market for signage that IS an investment, SignForce have been a supplier in the South African (and global) market for over four decades. We take pride in our work and believe our prices are fair so that your investment in signage IS an investment!

Contact SignForce now at info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce at http://www.signforce.co.za

SignForce belief in the Value of Mentoring and Training

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A SignForce Insight into the Value of Mentoring in the Signage Industry

At SignForce, our belief in the transformative power of mentoring within the signage industry is unwavering. For SignForce, mentoring transcends mere knowledge transfer – it’s about nurturing growth, fostering innovation, and cultivating a supportive community with the ultimate objective being that is or when the current management leave or die, all team members have the necessary skill and training to take over the running of the business – in other words, sustainability – or for all team members to be in a position AT ANY TIME to go on their own and open their own signage business in order to compete with SignForce and take care of their respective families.

With a legacy spanning over two decades, SignForce has seamlessly integrated mentoring into the fabric of our operations, underpinning our sustained success and prominence in the market, and we believe is one of the reasons we have a loyal team with all of whom have been in long service with SignForce.

Empowering Innovation and Creativity at SignForce

Mentoring at SignForce extends far beyond the fundamentals of sign design and installation. Mentoring at SignForce represents a commitment to inspire our team members to exceed the conventional boundaries of creativity and technical prowess, instilling a sense of LETS TRY as this is the only way we could innovate and come up with possible method changing prospects. Leveraging SignForce’s rich reservoir of knowledge, we encourage industry novices to devise innovative solutions, ensuring every project not only mirrors our client’s aspirations but also showcases the abilities of our team members – past and current.

Cultivating a Cohesive Professional Network with SignForce

The essence of mentoring and training at SignForce is fundamental to our role of fostering a closely-knit network. At SignForce we champion the potency of caring and robust relationships – spanning all team members, both mentors and mentees, and our esteemed clients. These relationships are essential in bolstering collaboration, equipping SignForce to navigate complex projects with unparalleled confidence and dexterity – both essential to survive in the South African and signage market in general.

Upholding Excellence and Uniformity at SignForce

Excellence and consistency are the cornerstones of SignForce’s established reputation. SignForce’s dedication to mentoring and consistent training is at the foundation in cascading SignForce’s core values across generations of signage makers and users within our ranks. This unwavering dedication upholds SignForce’s high standards and also magnifies our commitment to delivering the most extraordinary customer experiences we can. Through mentoring and constant training SignForce ensures that every sign we create, from its initial concept to the final installation, serves as a testament to unmatched quality, embodying SignForce’s legacy of excellence. At SignForce we take pride of our work as there are very few experiences that in-still pride like the feeling that comes from driving past a sign that has withstood and successfully passed the test of time.

The Indelible Impact of Mentoring at SignForce

In essence, the significance of mentoring and training is core to SignForce’s ethos and values. Mentoring and training are a critical component of SignForce’s blueprint for success, nurturing a culture of growth, innovation, our unwavering sense of unity and our drive to ensure sustainability.

When you are looking to have your brand stand out, contact SignForce immediately on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce by visiting http://www.signforce.co.za

Choosing a signage supplier

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Free Standing Signs that work

Choosing a signage supplier

How Can SignForce Help You With Signage?

Navigating the world of signage can be challenging, but at SignForce, we’re here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re a new business looking to make a bold first impression or an established brand aiming to refresh your image, understanding how signage can help is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore how SignForce assists you in creating impactful signage that aligns with your business goals and needs.

Understanding Your Vision

The first step in any signage journey is understanding your vision.

What message do you want to convey?

Who is your target audience?

How do you want your brand to be perceived?

What do you want YOUR sign to achieve?

At SignForce, we begin by listening.

Our team of experts will discuss your objectives, brand identity, and design preferences to ensure your signage aligns perfectly with your business ethos and your desired outcomes.

Design and Customization

At SignForce, we believe that every sign sign investment mus be a piece of art that reflects your brand’s unique identity. Our design process is collaborative and iterative. With state-of-the-art design tools and a keen eye for aesthetics, we create custom signage that makes your brand stand out. Whether it’s a vibrant storefront sign, an electronic billboard, an elegant office plaque, or dynamic vehicle branding, we tailor every aspect of your visual communication to your specific requirements.

Quality Materials and Craftsmanship

The longevity and impact of your sign heavily depend on craftsmanship and the materials used. At SignForce, we use only high-quality materials that ensure durability so your sign will have a long life together with visual appeal. Our skilled craftsmen combine traditional techniques with modern technology to produce signs that are not stunning and also withstand the test of time.

Compliance and Installation

Navigating the regulations around signage can be complex. SignForce takes the hassle out of this process. We ensure that all our signs comply with local zoning laws and regulations. Our installation team is highly experienced, ensuring that your sign is safely and strategically placed for maximum visibility and impact.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Our relationship with you doesn’t end once your sign is installed. SignForce offers ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your signage continues to shine brightly. Whether it’s a simple clean-up or more complex repairs, we are just a call away.

Why Choose SignForce?

Expertise and Experience: With over two decades in the business linked with a deep understanding of marketing, we understand the nuances of effective signage.

Custom Solutions: SignForce provide advice and tailored solutions that reflect your brand’s unique story.

Quality Assurance: High-quality materials and craftsmanship guarantee a lasting impression.

End-to-End Service: From conception to installation and maintenance, we handle it all making your experience hassle free.

Your sign is often the first point of contact with your physical audience, making your signage a crucial element of your marketing strategy. At SignForce, we do more than just create signs; we craft powerful communication tools that elevate your brand. Let SignForce help you make a statement that resonates with your audience and stands the test of time. Reach out to us today, and let’s bring your vision to life!


If you or your business are in the market for signage – regardless of the size of the sign and the size of the job – SignForce is available to assist.

Contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsaApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce by visiting http://www.signforce.co.za

SignForce’s reputation

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SignForce

What you see is what you get with SignForce

How SignForce built our Reputation

In the competitive world of signage, having a stellar reputation isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. At SignForce we have always been – and are – aware that our reputation is the collective perception of our business, formed by the quality our work, customer service, and the overall experience that we at SignForce provide, remembering that we are ALWAYS dealing with PEOPLE. SignForce’s reputation is the intangible yet powerful force that sets SignForce apart in a market flooded with choices.

Understanding Reputation: At SignForce we have built our reputation on providing ADVICE on SIGNAGE and MARKETING, with our focus being on ensuring that ANY money spent on signage MUST BE AN INVESTMENT. At its core, SignForce’s reputation is about being acknowledged for excellence, reliability, and our ability to positively influence our clients’ businesses – we get the feet through your door!

SignForce’s reputation has been built through consistent delivery of high-quality signs, innovative design solutions, and exceptional customer experiences over more than two decades under the current management. We would love to say we don’t make mistakes but that would be a lie. What we can say with 100% honesty and great pride is that our ‘mess up’ rate is significantly less than 4.3% and in all our years we have only had three jobs that we had to walk away from because we could not make good.

SignForce’s strong reputation means that when our existing client’s need signage services, SignForce is the first sign business that comes to mind.

Building a Reputable Status: Achieving SignForce’s reputable status has been and still is a journey involving continuous improvement and dedication. Building and maintaining SignForce’s reputation requires a keen focus on excellence in every aspect of our signage business – be it design, material quality, or customer service. Consistency is crucial – SignForce want our clients to know they can rely on us for top-notch work every time.

Equally important is how we at SignForce make our clients feel – appreciated, understood, valued, and SATISFIED. At SignForce we believe that positive experiences lead to positive word-of-mouth, which is invaluable in helping to build our reputation.

Long term Perspective: At SignForce we adopt a LONG TERM approach, unlike Keynesian theory in which it is stated that in the long term we are all dead so nothing matters.

At SignForce we believe out long term view is vital in building and sustaining our reputation – as well as the reputation of our customers – or as we see them, our business partners.

This long term perspective emphasizes consistent quality and engagement over time, rather than quick, short-term gains. For SignForce this means investing in quality materials, innovative design capabilities, a strong, experienced team and building strong, lasting relationships with our clients. At SignForce our goal is to create a cycle where quality work leads to customer satisfaction, which in turn drives our customers growth and hence greater demand and further business opportunities for SignForce as well.

Practical steps to choosing a signage partner:

Any potential buyer of signage is advised to follow the following steps in order to give them the best chance of having a successful, smooth experience when ordering their signs.

Where possible the buyer should evaluate the current standing of your potential signage partner – possibly talking to existing current clients, with the intention to get an understanding of where the your potential signage supplier stands in terms of reputation, ability to fulfil your job and meet your signage requirements. It may also be helpful to gather feedback and check reviews.

In order to ensure a SUCCESSFUL signage process it is imperative that the buyer is able to DEFINE your requirements – clearly define how you want your business to be perceived and define what, to you and your business, would be define as a SUCCESSFUL implementation of signage. Having clearly defined expectations is probably the safest way to confirm that your chosen signage supplier can and will deliver on and to your requirements.

One question you can ask is do the values and attributes of the proposed signage supplier align with our brand.

If you or your business are in the market for signage – regardless of the size of the sign and the size of the job – SignForce is available to assist.

Contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsaApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about SignForce by visiting http://www.signforce.co.za

What is a CLIENT or CUSTOMER – and when is a ‘client’ neither a client nor a customer?

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Printed Sandblast Effect Vinyl

Impressive Printed Sandblast Entrance Sign

What is a CLIENT or CUSTOMER – and when is a ‘client’ neither a client nor a customer?

As one walks into a Stew Leonads physical stores (https://www.stewleonards.com/) there is a large rock at the entrance which states the store’s policy. It reads, RULE 1: The CUSTOMER is ALWAYS RIGHT. Rule 2. If the customer is ever wrong read RULE 1.

This is an amazing policy and a great focus on superb customer service, especially for the retail market. (For those of you who have never been to the store it an EXPERIENCE of note).

But is the saying true and valid for businesses that are not retail based? I suppose the truest answer is YES and NO. Yes, as it is a great target for customer service, and NO because since customers are also human, there are times when they too will NOT be right.

As a designer, manufacturer and installer of bespoke, customized signage, SignForce is NOT a retail distributor, and while we strive to follow the policy of Stew Leonards, there are times when we have to question if the policy that seems to work so well for the retail distributor can work equally well for a manufacturer that also falls into the category of service provider of signage.

A simple Google search (http://www.google.com) of the word CUSTOMER says the following:

customer, noun, a person who buys goods or services from a shop or business.

On the other hand Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customer) defines a customer as:

In sales, commerce and economics, a customer is the recipient of a good, service, product or an idea, obtained from a seller, vendor or supplier via a financial transaction or an exchange for money or some other valuable consideration.

In this writers opinion the Wikipedia is the better definition as it does not limit a customer to an INDIVIDUAL – the vast majority of customers, especially in SignForce’s business of supplying signage of all sorts, are businesses and corporates or institutions, NOT individuals.

What BOTH definition’s imply – or flat out explicitly state – is that a customer enters into a FINANCIAL TRANSACTION – meaning the customer receives something of value to said customer from the supplier who will receive FINANCIAL GAIN (read that as MONEY) for the goods supplied, so when a supposed customer does not pay for the goods, are they still a customer, or rather a liability and an expense?

I cannot speak for the world outside South Africa – but at the time of writing South Africa is a failed state (although many ill informed politicians and their cronies and ilk will argue otherwise) run by a poorly organized mafia (with no respect) known as the anc.

The once disciplined, moral and effective freedom fighters – or terrorists depending on one’s position (remember they are the two sides of the same coin) – did well to displace the apartheid government and have since failed dismally to show any morals or back bone or integrity or will or ability to build a nation – rant over.

The point being made is as a failed and further failing state – South Africa under the anc is doing all it can to follow the economic downfall of Zimbabwe and Venezuela, meaning doing business in South Africa is becoming increasingly difficult and costs of materials in South Africa, even when converted at US$ 1 to R20, are still prohibitive, making it extremely difficult for South African businesses to compete in the international market.

In 2023 many signage products can be acquired from China (no surprise) or America or Europe or the middle east (all big surprise) at lower cost than the can be made in South Africa .

As a South African based business this is scary as it makes a country, even with an atrocious exchange rate less competitive and will most likely only lead to greater job losses and more imports. A recipe for continued economic destruction.

When one is operating in such an environment – dare one say a war zone – this is sadly true as there are currently more violent deaths per day in South Africa (as a result of crime) than there are in most war zones in the world. This writer is not a statistician so please feel free to fact check my comments – one needs to ensure that ALL work time is compensated for, which once again comes back to wolves disguised as customers who are more than happy to prey on businesses that believe that turnover is more important than profit.

Part and parcel of the writers experience of of the signage industry over more than two decades is for people to ask for the world – based on an idea – and then over time refine the ideas until they come to a place where they are happy with what they see – both in vision and in associated cost.

As a signage supplier the typical South African attitude of I can do it myself, better and cheaper, comes at a huge cost in time (and often money). This includes prospects who are not yet customers requesting multiple ‘minor’ changes in design, revision in quote, etc., as even every ‘minor’ change requires a rework that can take hours. As such a quote that may take three to five changes can take longer to produce than the production of the signage, and this is all expected to be done at the signage suppliers cost.

So now assume there have been three changes to a quote and the graphic, and the client then decides that either they do not have the budget or they shop around using your intellectual property (IP) to get ‘competitive quotes’ – (remember they have not paid for your time that you are entitled to charge for) this is a topic of an entire book, not only a blog, and surprise surprise, they can get it CHEAPER.

When this occurs is the CUSTOMER or CLIENT still a customer or client as they are not paying for any of the sign suppliers input – both time and intellectual property (IP) – or are they an expense and liability that needs to be dropped for good – or in the thinking of this writer, charged for time if ever they approach the supplier again with the carrot (or promise) of potential future business?

Another question is at what point does the signage supplier disengage with ‘customers’ with all commitments of the supplier falling away. If a customer is with-holding final payment (we assume no business will be prepared to work without receiving an up front deposit) because some possible ‘snags’ are not being addressed, is it to be assumed that the signage supplier MUST make good and then fight on to get payment or should the client pay in full to fulfil their part of the financial transaction and then hope the supplier will make good?

Why is it that the often smallest cog in the value chain is expected to cover ALL the costs of prospect’s multiple mind changes and revisions, and is expected to not charge for their IP and time?

Sometime people we consider to be customers need to be fired so we can focus on PAYING customers who do not expect suppliers to work for free.

This writer is asking anyone WHO believes they may have answers to the various questions and issues to please contact the writer who will gladly take anyone who can give practical ideas for a cup of coffee in order to generate new ideas on how an industry which is seen so poorly so as to be on a par with second hand car sales, can educate clients sufficiently for them to get a grasp of value that they receive from their professionally made business signage.

SignForce is a full service signage supplier

If you are in the market for signage that will get feet into your business contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413

Find out more about the services SignForce offer by visiting http://www.signforce.co.za