Safe installation of signs
PERSPECTIVE – or an alternate view on Competition
This was a very interesting week at SignForce
On Monday we assisted a competitor to install a sign they had manufactured. It was the first time I am aware of that we needed to use our block and tackle. The sign went up safely and our competitor and his client were all happy with the outcome.
On Wednesday we quoted a prospect. Part of the quote was to remove a number of signs from the building. A few were close to the ground, however many were more than three stories above the ground, and one was old, and from the brief inspection while on site, looks to be rusted through in more than one place. (I guess an article on the importance of maintaining signs for safety would be a good idea).
When followed up the prospect advised this writer that I must have lost my f@king mind because the amount was insane. He went on to explain that he could do the job for about 8% (1/12th) of the quoted amount. He went on to explain that he could hire some unemployed ‘casual’ labor off the street and provide them with the tools they need to remove the sign. I volunteered to provide a 51 foot ladder.
The difference between Monday’s client and Wednesday’s prospect may boil down to PERSPECTIVE.
The client on Monday appreciated SignForce’s experience, skills and understanding, and is willing to pay for the skills and experience.
The prospect on Wednesday may not have the understanding of the value of SignForce’s experience, and is certainly not prepared to pay for that experience.
That does not mean the prospect is incorrect. He may be able to get the job done safely at a much lower cost, and he will be responsible and accountable for the risk and any potential fallout that occurs.
One lesson of experience is being able to see the rust on the one sign – something which may be superficial, however, if it is not superficial – which is equally likely – the entire sign may fall apart when it is moved, which can become deadly very quickly. This writer has said multiple times, signage is an extremely simple industry, UNTIL IT IS NOT!
When a business complies and follows certain best practice norms, that compliance comes at a cost, which client’s should be prepared to pay for, as this ensures (or as close as possible) safety and successful completion of the job.
When a prospect is prepared to do the job himself and to say to hell with all safety norm, it is generally better to walk away, because if or when something goes wrong, that prospect will ,most likely be the first to throw the business under the nearest – and furthest – bus.
If you are in the market for signage – whether it is to manufacture, install, maintain or remove – 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 at http://www.signforce.co.za