Choosing the right sign company can make or break your investment in professional signage. A sign is more than a name on a building—it’s a reflection of your brand, your credibility, and the customer experience you provide. Unfortunately, many businesses fall into common pitfalls when choosing a sign company, leading to wasted money, delays, and disappointing results.
At Frank Balton Signs, we’ve been in the business since 1875, and we’ve seen firsthand what happens when companies cut corners or make rushed decisions. To help you avoid these costly mistakes, here are the top five errors businesses often make when choosing a signage partner—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
It’s tempting to go with the lowest bid, especially if you’re managing tight budgets. But when it comes to signage, you often get what you pay for. Cheaper isn’t always better—it usually means lower quality materials, inexperienced fabricators, or shortcuts in installation.
Why this matters: Poorly constructed signs fade faster, malfunction sooner, and may not withstand weather conditions. In the end, you’ll pay more for repairs or replacement than if you had invested in quality from the start.
Better approach: Look for a company that balances value and quality. Ask about materials, warranties, and maintenance services. Remember—your sign is a long-term investment in your brand.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Experience and Expertise
Not all sign companies are created equal. Some specialize in simple vinyl graphics or small-scale projects, while others can handle complex commercial signage that requires permitting, fabrication, and engineering.
Why this matters: If a company lacks experience, you could run into problems with city approvals, structural safety, or design execution. A lack of expertise can delay your project and add unnecessary costs.
Better approach: Choose a company with a proven track record across a wide range of signage types—monument signs, channel letters, digital displays, and even neon restoration. Longevity and reputation are strong indicators of reliability. Organizations like the International Sign Association provide resources and industry standards that highlight what sets experienced signage companies apart, helping you identify trusted partners.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Permitting Process
Many businesses don’t realize that signage is heavily regulated. Size, placement, lighting, and even colors may be subject to local ordinances. If your sign company doesn’t handle permitting properly, your project could be rejected or fined.
Why this matters: Skipping this step means wasted time, unexpected legal issues, and potential removal of your sign. It’s not just frustrating—it can damage your reputation before your doors even open.
Better approach: Work with a sign company that has in-house knowledge of local codes and permitting requirements. At Frank Balton Signs, we manage permitting for our clients, so they can focus on their business while we handle the paperwork.
Mistake #4: Not Considering Long-Term Maintenance
A beautiful sign on day one is great, but what about five years down the road? Signs are exposed to weather, sunlight, and daily wear. Without proper maintenance, even the best designs can deteriorate quickly.
Why this matters: If your sign fades, flickers, or breaks down, it sends the wrong message about your business—unprofessional, outdated, or even unsafe.
Better approach: Ask about maintenance plans and service support when selecting a sign company. A reliable partner will offer cleaning, lighting replacement, and repair services to keep your sign looking fresh.
Mistake #5: Failing to Align Design with Branding
A sign is often the first thing customers notice about your business. If the design doesn’t align with your brand identity, it can confuse customers and weaken your marketing efforts.
Why this matters: An inconsistent sign creates mixed signals. For example, a law firm with cartoonish fonts may appear unprofessional, while a trendy café with a bland sign may fail to attract customers. In Memphis, we’ve seen how a creative restaurant in Midtown instantly boosted traffic by switching to a bold neon façade, while a professional services firm downtown chose sleek channel letters to convey credibility and stability. In both cases, aligning design with brand identity made all the difference.
Better approach: Choose a sign company that offers design consultation and understands branding. At Frank Balton Signs, we work closely with clients to ensure their signage matches their overall brand image, from colors to typography to placement.
The Right Partner Makes All the Difference – How to Choose a Sign Company That Lasts
Your signage is a 24/7 advertisement, a reflection of your brand, and one of the most important investments you can make in your business. Avoiding these common mistakes will save you money, headaches, and missed opportunities.
When choosing a sign company, look for:
- Proven experience and expertise
- A clear permitting and project management process
- Quality materials and fabrication
- Maintenance and service support
- A deep understanding of branding and design
At Frank Balton Signs, we’ve been helping businesses in Memphis and beyond shine since 1875. With nearly 150 years of experience, we know how to create signage that captures attention, builds trust, and stands the test of time.
Ready to partner with a sign company you can trust?
Contact Us Today