Commercial Signs Increase Sales

One of the most important aspects of running a business is marketing. You can have a high-quality product or service and a positive customer experience, but if you lack good marketing, it will be difficult to grow your business. While digital marketing is hot right now (and can be quite effective in certain circumstances), illuminated signs remain one of the strongest ways to drive local traffic to your storefront. High quality illuminated neon or LED signs can be a pricey investment. However, a high-quality commercial sign can pay for itself in increased sales within weeks. With a lifespan of up to 10 years on many of these signs, this means that you'll be able to benefit from your sign long after you break even without having to invest additional capital to create more ad campaigns or target new audiences. 

However, once you decide it’s time to invest in a sign, you must figure out to answer to that all-important question: where should I buy my sign? Is it better to purchase signs from a signage company near me, or find an e-commerce solution?

The answer to this question isn’t as simple as it may seem. All businesses are unique and therefore require unique signage targeted to their individual needs. However, with 20+ years of experience in the signage industry, we'll help you determine what sign is best for you. In this blog article, we’ll help you work through the pros and cons of shopping local versus buying online. While all sign companies are different, these generalizations will help you decide what type of sign company could be best for your needs.

How Fast Can I Get the Sign?

If you are looking for a highly customized sign, e-commerce sign companies often have a much quicker turnaround time from purchase to shipping due to their streamlined processes and automated production systems. In a few quick steps, you can browse their catalog, order your signs, and have them shipped to you. (For example, all SpellBrite signs ship out next business day). For custom signs, however, local sign companies will often include in-person consultations, design revisions, and more. This usually leads to a longer time before delivery of your finished sign product.  

However, for a more basic and less customized sign, like one that reads “OPEN” or “PIZZA,” you may be able to have the sign in hand much quicker by purchasing your sign from a local signage company. If the company near you keeps basic signs like these in stock, you’ll be able to take the sign home that same day as opposed to waiting for an e-commerce company to process and ship your order.

Does the Level of Service Differ if the Signage Company is Near Me?

While the level of service varies from one company to another, local sign companies can be easier to work with. These companies have a physical location that you can go to in order to speak with a representative. With these companies, if you experience difficulties with your sign, you can be sure you can have your concerns addressed. 

Many online sign companies also have excellent customer service via email or phone that you can reach from the comfort of your home. However, the level of direct interaction and personalized service you’ll receive may vary. Some e-commerce companies may outsource their customer service or have very limited reachability. This is especially true in the case of companies selling low-quality, cheap custom signs, who depend on their low cost rather than their customer service to increase revenue. It is also true for foreign e-commerce companies, as you’ll be dealing with differences in language and time zones.

How Much Does it Cost?

While there will always be outliers, e-commerce businesses can usually offer similar-quality signs at a lower cost. Because they do not need to rent, own, or staff a storefront, their overhead costs are generally lower, making it easier to price their signs competitively. Remember to include the cost of shipping in your budget if there is not a free shipping option. Local sign companies’ higher overhead costs, and the more personalized level of service they are able to provide, will usually come with a higher price tag.

 Is Buying From a Signage Company Near Me or Online More Convenient?

Online e-commerce sign companies are available to purchase from 24/7. You can browse their selections, easily compare options and prices between one company and another, and research reviews and ratings from the comfort of your home. While their customer service team may have scheduled hours, their online presence makes it easier to determine if they are a good fit. With local sign companies, you may need to coordinate visits to their physical location during their business hours. This can be time-consuming and require additional planning, making it a less convenient option.

What if My Sign Isn’t What I Expected? Can I Return It?

Getting a custom sign entails some risk that what you receive is different than what you expected. In most cases, whether purchasing in person or online, you will not be able to return a custom sign. In fact, in many cases, you will need to put down a non-refundable deposit at the time you approve drawings.  SpellBrite is unique in this regard. As more fully explained below, if you're not satisfied with your SpellBrite, you can return it for a full refund.

What Can a Signage Company Near Me Do if My Sign Breaks?

When purchasing a sign, it’s important to consider your options in case your sign breaks. This is especially important for neon signs, which can be more prone to sign and transformer performance issues. Purchasing from a local sign company can be safer in that regard. They often offer comprehensive maintenance services, including repairs, installation, upkeep, and more. (However, keep in mind that this higher level of service comes at a cost and will be factored into the price of your sign.) On the other hand, most online sign companies do not offer maintenance. You may be required to either find a local service provider or handle it independently. Is your sign already broken? Not sure if you’ll be able to repair it? Learn more about your options for neon sign repair, as well as the dangers of trying to handle it independently.

Are Salespeople a Benefit or a Drawback?

One of the main differences between shopping at a commercial signage shop near you and online at an e-commerce business is the presence of salespeople. While working directly with salespeople can be helpful in terms of taking advantage of their expertise, it can also be a drawback. These salespeople are well-versed on their offerings, but they may work much harder to influence your decision-making process. They'll likely attempt to convince you their sign is a good fit, even when it may not be.

Additionally, since these companies offer more customization options, their quotes can often be artificially inflated, relying on upsells and using other tactics to increase the cost of your sign. Meanwhile, online e-commerce sign companies must rely on their website’s information and product descriptions. They also must offer more standardized and transparent pricing, giving you the opportunity to quickly and easily compare prices. This both ensures you are receiving the best price without haggling and allows for a more independent decision-making process. With online sign companies, you can focus more on the product's specifications and suitability rather than the purchasing process. 

How Can I Learn More About the Companies?

A neon or LED sign can be extremely impactful on your company’s sales, making it imperative that you choose a high-quality business sign. Both local and e-commerce sign companies will usually have customer reviews and ratings available for reference. However, online e-commerce companies typically have a larger pool of reviews due to their wider customer base. Their customers come from all over the United States rather than a single localized market, leading to a wider demographic. Using trusted websites like Sitejabber or Trustpilot can help you here. Checking third party marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart for the company’s ratings and reviews is also a good idea. Reading these user reviews will give you insight into the quality, reliability, and overall service for a particular company.

What to Choose

When it comes to purchasing commercial signs, the decision to buy from a signage company near you or an online retailer can be difficult. If you require a highly customized sign or desire significant in-person service beyond the point of purchase, the answer to “Should I buy commercial signs from a signage company near me?” is probably yes. If you’re looking for a lower-cost sign solution with a faster turnaround time, however, e-commerce may the right answer. In either case, it is extremely important to check customer reviews and ratings. These will help you to gain insight into the company you’re buying from.

An illuminated sign is an investment in the future of your business, and we take them seriously. Learn more about SpellBrite’s click-together custom sign solutions you can change any time, or create a custom sign of your own today! All our signs ship on the next business day to help you see results fast. Best of all, SpellBrite signs come with a 30-day risk-free trial and a 1-year warranty so that you can feel secure in your purchase. Reach out to our customer service team today at [email protected] or give us a call at (312)575-9620 for more information. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.