THE CHALLENGE
A local owner of an auto repair shop named AutoCraft had been using a worn out banner as his storefront sign. A city inspector had recently visited the shop and informed him that banners were considered temporary signs and that the shop owner was required to have new, permanent sign made.

On-site signs are the most cost-effective and critically important means of advertising for a small business.  A well-designed and professionally installed sign gives your business street-presence and can make your business be perceived as providing a higher quality service or product. As people in the neighborhood pass by, your sign is viewed over and over again cementing your location and business type in their mind.  When these people need your service they will naturally remember your sign if it’s attractive and well made.

THE PROCESS
To get started, we determined the maximum size sign allowed and began the design phase.  The owner wanted to make sure his key services were incorporated as part of the design and liked the idea of developing a stronger brand, so we used some unique shapes and graphics to convey the idea of a professional, independent repair shop.

In order to help our client save some money and still have the best sign possible we worked in collaboration with him – we made the sign and he made his own frame and did his own installation. We don't generally recommend doing things this way, but since he had the ability and the crew to help it made good business sense.

THE RESULT
When we finished the sign our client brought the frame into our shop and we attached the panels for him. A few days later he finished the installation and transformed his place of business with an eye-grabbing sign we were all proud of.  

Many of our retail clients have told us they've noticed a definite improvement in their business after we’ve designed and installed a new sign. The Small Business Association has well documented proof that a well-designed and well-located sign is a worthwhile investment for any retail business. Old and worn signs don’t get much attention and they make a negative statement about your business. Just ask the owner of AutoCraft who has gained attention, a sense of pride and more importantly, some new business with his sign investment.