Just like relishing that new car smell, seeing new signs around your commercial property is something to be proud about. But for many, replacing their signage whenever something happens or goes into disrepair is not possible. Small businesses face a lot of monetary hardships. Therefore, investing in new signage year after year may not be possible.
If you commit to preventative maintenance, your business signage will pay for itself over time. You may even decide to repair problems, refurbish old signs, or retrofit existing signage with LED lights to save money. But there will be times when sign repair cannot undo problems. When is a sign worth servicing? How often should signage be replaced? We’re going to answer those questions and more today.
Make a Good First Impression
Take a look at your sign. A good, long look at it. If you have duct tape binding a crack, or flickering lights, or chipped paint on it, your sign is no longer worth servicing. When signs are neglected, it gives off a poor impression that cannot be improved by anything other than a new sign. Otherwise, people who pass by your store are going to think you are either scraping by, shady, or out of business.
Those are impressions that no one wants for their store. Some neglected signs may only need to be washed, retrofitted, and polished; others may be too far gone to repair. But either way, your business is dependent on a good sign.
Opt For Energy-Efficiency
Retrofitting has become a big trend recently in the signage world. Incandescent or fluorescent bulbs are no longer considered top of the line. It’s time to welcome in LED. Of course, while some signs can be retrofitted with LED bulbs, there will be some that are incompatible with the latest technology.
Since older signage may not conform to recent energy regulations and will use outdated machinery to operate, you should consider replacing your signage over repairing it.
If you are able to go the retrofitting route, you get one big bonus: enjoying more energy-efficient signs that have a vintage appeal.
Update What is Outdated
We already mentioned retrofitting, which can be considered an upgrade. But what about elements of an old sign that are not related to the electronics? Are there characteristics of the design that could look tired and worn? You may have been fortunate enough to get a quality sign made of weather-resistant materials that have lasted you several years. Unfortunately, it still may be out of date.
Trends come and go. Certain font styles, color schemes, and graphic images have gone out of style. In turn, newer businesses with brand new signs are going to outshine you, simply because your sign is not engaging enough. It is best to invest in more modern signage to renew interest in your business.
Irreparable Damages
There are many issues with outdoor and indoor signs that are a quick fix. Flickering lights, for example, may require a few minutes of effort to correct. But then, there are some damages that cannot be undone. Fading, peeling, rusting, and vandalism are all factors in this. UV light also affects the colors in the plastic. Rain will scrub at any paint. Metal will inevitably rust or get dented from debris.
Wear and tear are anticipated, but shabby signs are not. When replacing your damaged sign, think about upgrading the materials, too.
Too Small, Too Blah
Some businesses may have gone with a generic, low-cost sign in the beginning. When that sign with the illegible text or unrecognizable logo starts to fade in the sun, crack, splinter, or is just too boring to even notice, you should opt for replacement over repair.
A sign that does not attract attention or, worse, is too small to read, is just going to ward people away as if it was a CLOSED sign. In fact, one survey found that signs were too small.
The other reason your sign is boring? No one can see it at night. Outdoor signage that is dirty, dim, or unlit is going to diminish your marketing efforts. Remember: illuminated signage is a free advertising opportunity. Plus, an LED illuminated sign—like a backlit channel letter sign—is so striking and fascinating that people cannot look away.
Fix major signage woes by getting signage that is visible, interesting, and most of all, legible.
Conclusion
The task of updating or upgrading signage may seem intimidating, especially if you don’t have a local sign company at your back. Yes, the process can take some time, but replacing signage will be an investment that you will be thankful you made. Not only will it refresh your brand image, but it will help with reducing operating costs.
Next time you need a sign replacement or repair, give Tupp Signs a call. We have a team of professionals who know everything about sign design, installation, maintenance, and repairs. Whatever you need, we are certain we will exceed your expectations. Have a question or want more information? Fill out the contact form, and we’ll be in touch.