Tell your electric sign contractor what you want
Most people don’t like talking about details of their plans, but it’s important to be honest and direct with your electric sign technician. They need to know what you want so they can try to sell you something that is good or bad.
If you want something simple, easy, and cheap, then you should leave things standard. If you want something unique, then you have to pay extra for it.
You can ask for help by bringing in experts to discuss options. For example, you could call in an architect who designed the building you are trying to promote and see if she would recommend the company you are looking into hiring.
She could also give you other tips and advice based on past experiences.
Provide clear, detailed instructions
Most electric sign contractors understand that clarity in communication is key to ensuring that your message is not misinterpreted or miscommunicated.
Therefore, provide them with as many ways to contact you as possible (phone, email, text message, etc.).
Also include phone numbers/emails/etc of other businesses who may need similar services to what they would be doing if they were working with you, so that their calls and messages can also be communicated to you directly.
It’s also helpful to differentiate yourself from others in your market by being more specific with your language.
For example, instead of calling your business “electrical contracting professionals,” call it “electrical engineering professionals.” Name your company “Mercy Corps,” not just Mercy Corp.
These changes will make it easier for people searching online for a particular type of service to find only those companies offering that service. It will help guide potential customers towards your website via Google Search or Facebook.
Lastly, make sure any employee who speaks with someone about your business has access to all of your current policies, procedures, and information.
No question is too small for answer during initial customer interaction. The smallest detail could save someone else time down the road.
Tell your contractor what you want done
It’s important to know what your electric sign contractor wants to do with each aspect of your project so there are no surprises later in the process.
You will also need to give him or her instructions regarding how they should go about doing each part of the job, including details such as where to start, what tools are needed, and how to complete the job.
If possible, write out the entire contract yourself, being careful to include all relevant sections and terms. Then read it over to make sure it is accurate, readable, and meets your needs.
Contact your attorney who handles business transactions or take it to someone familiar with contracts who has experience drafting agreements.
Or, get a contracting expert to review your existing agreement and offer his or her opinion.
Either way, you want a clause that clearly states what both parties expect from the other. There are many ways to say the same thing-this is why lawyers are hired to draft contracts.
Also, have them explain which actions create binding obligations for you. I like having a plan to sue me, too – don’t forget to hire an attorney!
Ask your contractor when they will do it
It’s important to ask your electric sign contractor, “when can I expect my signs to be up and running?” Don’t assume that once you have signed the contract, your project will come together within two weeks.
Most independent contractors work by themselves, so getting someone in place as soon as possible is key. Most companies are going to take people off other projects to meet with you, but if not then you should try asking others for a recommendation.
If you don’t know anyone, there are online directories that you can use to find reputable electrical sign contractors. Google is a great resource for this.
Don’t put off doing something just because it’s going to take a while
When you know there is work to be done, don’t wait around until everything is complete before getting started. The electrician will not make enough money retooling at this point, so waiting costs you.
Also, remember that it takes time to get things rolling. It may take several weeks or even months to find someone who is available and willing to do the job.
If you need something quickly, then you might have to choose a contractor from the list of qualified professionals. There are many online resources as well; they can help you identify potential contractors and write professional proposals.
By writing out a proposal, you prove what your project entails and how much you want paid. Then you can go about finding a specialist. Or you could ask others for recommendations.
Finding another professional to collaborate with should never jeopardize quality or speed of delivery. Hiring in collaboration with other professionals helps reduce the cost whilst still giving good service.
Be consistent
Once you have made your wishes known, it is important to be consistent in maintaining them. The electric sign contractor should understand your desires and intentions about the installation of signage, but he must also manage the work effectively and ensure that it proceeds in a timely manner.
He will do this by being diligent in his job as well as taking time to explain all issues to avoid delays or problems with the project.
It is very difficult to predict every situation that could arise during construction, so the electric sign contractor should prepare answers to common questions and concerns. By being prepared, there will be no delay letting visitors know what they can expect from the renovation, and they will receive accurate information related to the project.
By being ready to answer questions, the electric sign contractor will keep the timetable moving along. He will also save himself (and his company) time because he won’t need to spend extra time on inspections that could have been completed prior to starting.
The best way to guarantee results is to be completely honest and tell the truth from the beginning. When things change, let people know. I once worked with a subcontractor who said one thing at the start of the project and something entirely different two weeks later.
I believe honesty is the most powerful form of communication. By being truthful, people don’t feel like they are being blindsided, and trust still exists between both parties. This makes everything more manageable as projects
Keep your contractor in the loop
It is important to keep your electric sign contractor informed about your business and new products. This way, they can create an effective advertising strategy for you.
If you work independently, it’s also easier to get things done when you need them. Your contractor should be able to give you advice on how to best market your product or service.
Check in with them periodically
Once they have given you a time frame to do your work, it is important that you check up on their progress regularly. If there are any changes or new developments, be sure to let them know.
If you notice anything suspicious, make sure to tell someone who can take action against the company. Although you could report the sign contractor today, it’s better to avoid suspicion as much as possible.
Keep track of when things get messy; call each person back once everything has calmed down. It is best to leave before the police arrive.
Check your work
It is the responsibility of the consumer, if possible, to make sure that their end product meets contract specifications.
For large commercial contracts, this can mean checking multiple boxes or receiving hand-written notes.
However, it is also important to check all jobsites as well to ensure quality control.
It is the contractor’s job to train his employees to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
You should try to be a good employer by being consistent in your checks and providing helpful information sheets.
Tips for working with an electric sign contractor
It’s important to partner with an electric sign contractor who has a good reputation and is experienced in the industry. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right contractor for your needs:
1. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damages that occur during the project.
2. Ask for referrals from other businesses or individuals who have used the contractor’s services in the past. This will give you an idea of the quality of work you can expect.
3. Get a written estimate before work begins. This will help you budget for the project and avoid any surprises down the road.
4. Make sure the contractor is familiar with local ordinances and regulations. This will ensure that the work is done properly and in compliance with all laws.
5. Communicate your needs and expectations clearly to the contractor. This will help them understand what you’re looking for and avoid any misunderstandings later on.
By following these tips, you can be confident that you’re partnering with a reputable and experienced electric sign contractor who will meet your needs and expectations. Anaheim Signs has been licensed for forty years. We have the experience, and reputation, to provide the highest quality electric signage. Contact rick@anaheimsigns.com for your next sign project