This past summer Rapid Sign Service has been in existence for 5 years! We had a rough year in 2020 (like everyone else) but now as we close the books on the year here are some thoughts in making your sign installation experience better.
- Ordering - Be sure to include all correct and complete information regarding the property address. Do not assume anything. Do you know how many streets have similar names and are on opposite sides of the valley? Or how many communities label their streets, ways, courts, lanes all with the same street name? (Anderson Court, Anderson Lane, Anderson Street, Anderson Way - all with the same house numbers). Zip codes are a must. Agents seem to run out of energy when sharing property listing information and don't include the zip code. Las Vegas has many and adding more all the time.
- Payment - Prompt payment is not expected but required. Every sign installation company is a small business working on very tight margins. It is courteous to pay for the installation service prior to it being completed. Most installation companies require payment on their ordering system but let's for this example payment is required after. How long of a period should expire before payment is rendered? Most companies charge a late fee for non-payment. Things happen in life to us all but I have heard all the excuses and the B.S. Please don't explain that you didn't pay for the sign install because you are vacationing in some exotic paradise or on a cruise. Just say you are out of town and will take care of it. Or that you only pay bills once a month. Your next install just might take a couple of extra days to get completed. The number of ways to pay online or even through your smart phone is endless. In addition to the pay service on our web site ordering system, I now have to accept Apple Pay, CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. So please don't make your installer chase down money. It only slows a sign go up sooner.
- Gate Codes - This is by far the most frustrating aspect for a sign installer. Most companies will add a service charge if they arrive to a community that has a gate and no code was provided. It is the agent's responsible to provide an up-to-date code to gain access to the subdivision. No access can delay the installation process so check to make sure it's a working code.
- Removal - The post is not removed until the installer picks it up. When you are closing, it should be routine to inform the buyer's agent and client that the sign company will come by and remove the post and sign. Now I know a new home owner does not want the for sale sign out front lingering when they have occupied the home and want it removed as soon as possible. So maybe mention to the agent/buyer if they do remove the sign to NOT put it in the garage or behind a locked gate. They can easily pull the post and lay it on the ground or lean it up on the side of the garage/house. However, this is mainly when the flyer box gets damaged and you may be charged for that damaged item. Most companies charged a hefty charge for lost posts ($50 and up) so let's not lose any.
- Compliance - Division has now required your real estate license to be included on all marketing material. This also includes listing and open house signs. Ordering new signs with your license number is an expensive compliance. We suggest you get stickers made with your license information and will place them on your signs. When you are ready to update or upgrade your signs then make sure the license information is included.
Good luck with your next property listing. And as always, the sign installer your choose, matters.