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Before you buy a sign
By Christine
Selvig • Bankrate.com
 Whether
you're buying a sign for the front of your building or your company
van, it pays to give the selection and purchasing process some thought.
Here are a few points you'll need to investigate:
- Find out if your landlord has any guidelines
or rules regarding tenant signs.
- In addition to looking in the phone book,
ask business associates where they bought their signs.
- Call at least three companies and ask for
procedures, quotes and references.
- Check references. Talking to someone who
has recently installed a sign will give you insight into both
the prospective supplier and general problems associated with
buying and installing a new sign.
- Deal only with licensed sign companies. Representatives
from these companies are aware of local sign regulations and permit
procedures.
- Find out if the sign maker will obtain all
the necessary permits before the sign is manufactured.
- If you plan to use artwork or a logo on your
sign, find out if the sign maker needs camera-ready or computerized
artwork -- and if the latter, ask about file format.
- Ask prospective suppliers to supply a detailed
sketch of the sign along with the price quote. And find out if
the price includes the cost of installation.
- Does the sign come with a warranty?
- What will it cost to have someone service
the sign if there is a problem with one of the lights?
-- Posted: Nov. 22, 1999
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