If you are contemplating a new sign (or upgrading your current display) for your business, watch this video presentation created by the Texas Sign Association: ”The Importance of Signage for Your Business.”  It has some valuable information and statistics that will help you understand how your sign is a cornerstone of your business image.

Wikipedia defines a commodity as “a good for which there is demand, but which is supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market. It is fungible, i.e. the same no matter who produces it. Examples are petroleum, notebook paper, milk or copper.” (We might take an exception to the milk example; some have more protein and taste much better than others.)

More and more people, unfortunately, view purchasing graphics and signs as commodities and being “all the same.”  They will often make a buying decision strictly on price just to save a few dollars. Signage and graphics are NOT commodities; they are custom fabricated products provided by firms that vary greatly in terms of Attitude, Aptitude, Approach and Actions. Keep these big “A” differentiators in mind when shopping for a partner.

Attitude

At Design Center Signs, we are always on the lookout for energized, happy and positive employees that share our company vision and mission. With the right people, business is fun, exciting and a joy even in uncertain economic times. This translates to our customers; many have used our products and services for ten years and longer. We often hear that “we used XYZ since they had the lowest price but we’re moving our business to you since your people make the difference.” Our goal is to make raving fans of our clients so team member attitude is critical to our success.

Aptitude

We’ve been providing image and brand products since 1988. We have over 145 years of combined industry experience in architectural, production, retail and custom sign environments. We have national and regional account program management expertise and design/build contract project oversight knowledge. Our art team has won many state design awards for wraps, awnings and complex displays. We can provide comprehensive, consultative advice on any type of identity challenge from a set of channel letters to a complete wayfinding system for a university.

We are one of very few firms that is licensed (Texas Electrical Sign Contractor), insured (up to $2M) and bonded for your peace of mind. Additionally, Design Center Signs, Inc. is a woman-owned,  Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) vendor for state opportunities plus has certifications with the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) and the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA.)  Think of us as Advisors; we can provide any level of competent education or assistance to you to help you make the best decision.

Approach

In our market, one of the key ways we set ourselves apart from our competitors is what we can provide every customer. We have a diverse product and service offering from imprinted promotional products to screen printed, embroidered and laser-etched corporate apparel. Whether you have a need for vehicle wraps, regulatory signs, neon, trade show exhibits or business forms, we can provide anything with your name on it including your interior and exterior graphics. Other services we provide include design, prototyping, site surveys, permitting, variances, fabrication, installation, maintenance and electrical sign repair. Being a single source partner saves you time, money and frustration.

We have a convenient and well-stocked showroom at our retail division location and a sales staff to meet commercial customers at their place of business. Our fleet of service and installation vehicles can handle virtually any type of project. We can provide you with a photo of your site with a new sign design or concept superimposed on it and a detailed estimate before it is constructed. We can meet your architect’s design specifications from ADA signs, cast letters and plaques to the latest LED message display. We even have an optional 3 year warranty to cover electrical components in addition to our standard parts and labor and any OEM warranty. Best of all, we can meet your budget requirements if you have a dollar range in mind. There are hundreds of ways to make a sign; we’ll help you figure out the ideal solution that meets your specific price and quality goals. We can also provide alternative financing for large purchases through third-party leasing companies that specialize in signage.

Actions

In an era of cut-backs, lean times and poor service, it is critical that ‘you do what you say you’re going to do.’ We take appointments seriously and meeting budget and installation requirements are the best form of advertising we can affect. Providing ongoing value to our customers comes only through competitive pricing, convenience, selection, craftmanship, quality products and on-time services. After 22 years of business, our dependability has become a hallmark of our organization and helps create the repeat clientele that ensures our success.

Our management team is very active in the industry; we believe in ‘giving back.’ Our Vice President has served as a director of the South Tyler Rotary and serves on the board of the BBB of Central East Texas, Greater DFW Sign Association and the Texas Sign Association. Design Center Signs is an accredited business in the Better Business Bureau, a member of the International Sign Association, the United States Sign Council,  the Tyler Area Builders Association and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. We are constantly looking for sustainable products and manufacturing processes that help our environment. And, we consistently donate 10% of our annual sales to worthy causes and non-profit organizations that need our help.

We’ve done our job when one of our clients realizes that, “I like/trust/am impressed with this individual and this company!” This unanticipated happy surprise can create a passionate cheerleader out of the experience. By showing a true attitude of care and concern for the success of our customers, we have made many friends for life. Coworkers, neighbors and friends are often referred to us and we are honored by that faith. Buying signs and graphics isn’t difficult but it can be complex. So, don’t get caught up in the sign ‘commodity’ trap. And don’t forget the old saying: “the bitter taste of poor quality remains long after the sweet taste of a low price.”