The sign industry is full of specialized skills, expertise, and problem-solving that often go unnoticed. We asked Content Collective contributors to share a common misconception clients or partners have about their work and the truth they wish more people understood. Their responses offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to get the job done.
What's a misconception clients or partners often have about the work (and what's the truth?)
Owner
Sign Business Solutions
Change orders are no big deal. The truth is that properly dealing with change orders can be the difference between making a profit or not.
Vice President | Sales Operations
Havells USA
That sales is easy. It isn’t easy, but it is simple. Talk to enough people, say the right things.
Senior Project Manager
Leon's Signs
Clients (particularly first-time signage buyers) often do not realize what goes into making signs, so cost and timelines can often be outside their expectations. Having solid communication to manage expectations and not leave things to be assumed would be a best practice item.
Sales Rep
Daktronics
There can be misconceptions about the sales position in our industry as manufacturers or vendors. Yes, traveling to cool places and events are a lot of fun, but at the end of the day we are still there for work, not vacation.
Director of Production & Installation
Matthews Mobile Media
That our work is easy or we’re being paid too much for something that gets completed quickly. The truth is we’re able to get jobs out the door fast because of our experience. We know the right questions to ask and take potential pitfalls into account. It wasn’t always that way, but we’ve learned from our mistakes and fine-tuned our processes.
Estimator/Expeditor
Lumineo Signs
That everything is easy and why don’t have we have signs on the shelf ready to go. Truth is, we are a custom sign shop and everything is built by hand per order.
Social Media
MBS Sign Supply
It’s just a small sign. Size doesn’t equate to workload in signage.
The ISA Content Collective is a group of ISA members who regularly contribute their thoughts on a wide variety of topics related to the sign, graphics, print, wrap and visual communications industry. Interested in joining? Email sandy.smith@signs.org. Must be an employee of an ISA or affiliated association member to participate.