Costly installations and why

No one can predict with 100% accuracy, how long any vinyl graphics install/removal will take. There are many factors that go along with these processes. Assessment of the existing sign is probably the first step in gaining proper information to correctly price out a job. What materials have been used? What condition are the existing sign faces in? Can we re-use them? Where are the sign faces locate? Is there a need for a ladder, drilling, an electric lift, etc.?

We recently had a job that consisted of printed vinyl adhered to 3 outdoor sign faces and 3 interior signs. The original or old vinyl that was installed, was low quality and took about 4 hours with 4 people to to remove the old graphics from the sign faces. Point is, quality products lessen removal labor hands down, EVERY time. Had quality materials been used on this sign originally, the cost of removal labor could have been reduced by an easy 50%.

It is not uncommon for removal costs of vehicle graphics and general vinyl signage, to exceed the original installation cost. This is why many sign companies charge hourly for removal.

So when your sign company recommends a higher quality material, that generally comes with a higher cost, there is a good reason. Ask them to qualify the additional material cost and justify that cost. If they are a reputable company, this can be easily detailed in a dollars and cents answer besides, “It’s easier for us to install”. We all know that time is money when it comes to labor. Higher quality material comes at a higher cost, saving time during the installation and removal down the road someday.

Sometimes the lowest cost material is the best choice, especially for disposable signage. Match the signs to the application, to maximize results and manage ROI.

Low Cost Wall Graphics Cost More?

On a recent expedition by our installers, nerves and patience were tested. The plan was to install a rather large interior wall graphics, that of course had to be supplied by the franchisor. The franchisee was instructed, “Do NOT attempt this installation, hire professionals to install this wall graphics.” Would this be a Red Flag? We had to bid this installation sight unseen, raising yet another “red flag”. Not sure of what we were gettining into, the only option we had was to price this out based on actual hours.

Once approved by the client, we moved ahead with scheduling the installation. Our team arrived, set up and prepared to dig in. As soon as we opened the box we knew there would be challenges. The material and graphics were rolled backwards, with the image in and paper carrier outside. Caution: This causes the vinyl to “Tent” or buckle every couple of feet, resulting in the vinyl curling and refusing to lay flat. Suddenly it required four hands to install each panel rather than two hands.

Now we started to remove the paper backing, exposes the adhesive side of the wallpaper. Instant tearing and cracking with normal handling, REALLY? It was also apparent we were not dealing with a vinyl or even paper here, but a low cost Korean PVC substrate with a clear overspray. At this point frustration was setting in, and I’m sure this stuff was never going to survive the inside corner we have to navigate. We had planned and scheduled for one afternoon and unfortunately, we had to return the next day to finish the wall Mural installation.

So, was this lower cost graphics really result lower cost overall? A simple 4 hour installation, actually ending up taking 9 hours. The additional labor cost resulting from working with inferrior products, almost equaled that of a quality American made material, installed. Things are not always as they appear, so it is important to look at the whole cost picture and not just the surface.

One thing I forgot to mention was removal. When this stuff has to be removed, the costs will surely be more than the orginal installation. So was this really a good deal?