Professional Signage

Imagine you’re facing a critical medical issue, and instead of consulting a skilled heart surgeon, you decide to ask a lawyer to perform your open heart surgery. The idea is absurd – a lawyer, no matter how intelligent or resourceful, lacks the specialized training and expertise required to successfully complete such a complex and high-stakes procedure.

Yet, in the world of business, many cash-strapped entrepreneurs, in order to save some money, make an equally risky choice when they opt for DIY signage or hire inexperienced or unprofessional individuals to create their business signs. This decision may seem cost-effective at first glance, but much like entrusting open-heart surgery to a lawyer, it often results in subpar outcomes that can harm your business, especially in the long run.

Let’s explore why investing in an experienced, proficient, and professional vinyl applicator and sign maker should in fact be a great investment for your business, even when your budget is tight.

The Power of First Impressions

Your business sign is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand. Your business sign can be considered as your business’s handshake, your opening line, your visual elevator pitch.

In just a few seconds, people will decide whether your business appears professional, trustworthy, and worth their time. If your sign looks and is judged as amateurish, poorly installed, or faded from low-quality materials, that first impression will very likely stick – and it won’t be positive.

Professional vinyl applicators and sign makers understand the nuances of creating visually appealing and impactful signs. Professional sign makers are trained in design principles, including color theory, typography, and layout. They know how to balance aesthetics with readability to ensure your sign communicates effectively from various distances and under a range of lighting conditions.

When your sign conveys quality and professionalism, it reflects positively on your entire business. Conversely, a poorly executed sign can drive customers away before you even get a chance to showcase your products or services. In this way, your sign isn’t just a marker; your sign is an investment in building trust and attracting customers.

Expertise in Materials and Durability

Not all vinyl and signage materials are created equal. A professional sign maker brings years of experience and in-depth knowledge about materials suited to different environments and purposes. Whether your sign will face harsh sunlight, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures, your professional sign maker should know how to select materials that will withstand the elements and maintain their appearance over time.

Inexperienced individuals might opt for the cheapest materials available, but these often fade, crack, or peel within months. What initially seems like a cost-saving decision quickly turns into a financial drain when you have to repeatedly replace or repair the sign.

Professionals also use advanced tools and techniques for application, ensuring a flawless finish with no air bubbles, wrinkles, or misaligned elements. These details might seem minor, but they make a significant difference in the perceived quality of your sign. A smooth, vibrant, and durable sign demonstrates that you care about the details – a quality customers look for and value in any business.

The Long-Term Costs of Cutting Corners

While the upfront cost of hiring a professional sign maker may seem daunting, consider the long-term implications of opting for a cheaper alternative. A poorly designed and poorly made sign can end up costing you more in repairs, replacements, and especially in lost business – the cost of which is almost impossible to measure. For example:

• Frequent Replacements: Cheap materials degrade quickly, requiring you to replace the sign sooner than expected.

  This brings to mind a story from many years ago. SignForce were approached to quote on re-gassing some neon tubes. When we followed up on the quote we were advised that the prospect had gone with another supplier as we were ALMOST FOUR TIMES the price of the supplier they used. This feedback was worth following up on as to be 400% higher than the competition was way out of our target zone. On further investigation through industry contacts it came out that the prospect did in fact get the re-gas for a quarter of SignForce’s price. What the prospect failed to mention was they were having the sign re-gassed every four to six months – this while the re-gas from SignForce is expected to last between five and seven years. The sad reality was the prospect did not know any better. She had been with the same supplier who had been re-gassing ‘manually’ (sucking the poison gas into his mouth and blowing it into the tube) since the sign was installed about five years prior. Sadly there were no happy endings to this story as the supplier who had been manually blowing the neon got cancer – apparently caused by the poison in the gas – and the loyal client never got the long term benefit of machine blown and measured gas.

• Missed Opportunities: An unprofessional sign may fail to attract customers, leading to lost revenue.

  An example of the cost of unprofessional signage is when a STAX store in the west rand approached SignForce to cheaply refurbish the existing signage as the store was relocating and wanted to have a closing down sale before it closed it’s doors for 18 months – the time it would take before the new store would be ready for occupation. The store was running at a loss and there was no benefit to keeping it open until the new location was available. The signs were all damaged, with the worst culprit having a birds nest in one of the broken 3D letters. Mere weeks after the refurbished signs were installed the store moved from the red back into the black – the only change being the refurbished signs as the closing down sale was not yet advertised. Because the store went back into the black the staff kept their jobs and the store stayed open until the new premises were ready.

• Brand Damage: A shoddy sign can harm your brand’s reputation, making it harder to build trust with your audience.

By contrast, a professionally crafted and well maintained sign is a one-time investment that pays dividends for years. Your professional sign enhances your brand image, attracts customers, and stands up to wear and tear, saving and making you money in the long run.

The Value of Specialized Skills

Creating a high-quality business sign is both an art and a science. Professional sign makers bring a blend of creativity and technical expertise to the table. They’re trained in:

• Design Software: Professionals use industry-standard software to create precise, custom designs that align with your brand identity.

• Vinyl Application Techniques: Years of practice enable them to apply vinyl flawlessly, avoiding common DIY mistakes like bubbles or misalignments.

• Compliance Knowledge: They understand local regulations regarding signage size, placement, and lighting, ensuring your sign is not only attractive but also compliant.

Attempting to replicate this expertise without the proper training often leads to wasted materials, frustration, and a final product that doesn’t meet your expectations. Just as you wouldn’t trust a lawyer to perform open-heart surgery, you shouldn’t entrust your business sign to someone without the necessary skills and experience.

Conclusion

Your business sign is more than just a piece of vinyl or a metal or wooden board with letters; Your business sign is a representation of your brand’s quality, professionalism, and attention to detail. By hiring an experienced vinyl applicator and sign maker, you’re investing in more than a sign – you’re investing in your business’s success.

While it’s natural to want to save money wherever possible, skimping on your signage can have serious long-term consequences. Professionals sign makers ensure that your sign is not only visually appealing but also durable, compliant, and designed to make a strong first impression.

Much like the idea of a lawyer performing open-heart surgery, leaving your business sign in the hands of an amateur is a risk you can’t afford to take. Choose expertise, and set your business up for lasting success.

At SignForce we believe in partnering with our clients as when we partner with our clients we are vested in their success. When they grow, we get the opportunity to serve and grow with them.

Contact SignForce now on info@signforce.co.za or call +27 (0)11 440 7525 or WhatsApp +27 (0)82 558 6413 to see how we can serve you.

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