Sign Material Picker by Use Case
Takes a customer's sign request and matches it to the materials your shop offers, based on where the sign will go, how long it needs to last, and the budget.
Before and after
Material picks for Nasser Corbin, Elderwood Bakery (Dunwood Sign Works, Ivyhurst)
1. Front door sign, 48 x 24, outdoors, south facing, full sun, needs to last for years
- Recommended: .080 aluminum with cast vinyl graphics, laminated. We recommend it because it is a rigid solid aluminum panel and the shop stocks it for a long-term outdoor sign. Main drawback: we have no price comparison from the owner, so confirm cost against the other options.
- Alternative: 3mm aluminum composite with cast vinyl. It is a composite panel the shop stocks as a second option. Main drawback: it is a different build than the solid aluminum, so confirm it suits a sign this size.
- Price: $310. Timing: 7 business days.
2. Logo decal for the 2017 Nissan Sentra, silver, should come off clean later
- Recommended: cast vinyl, laminated. We recommend it because the customer wants the decal to come off clean later and the shop stocks cast vinyl with laminate. Main drawback: the owner gave no removal or cost details, so confirm both.
- Alternative: calendered vinyl. Main drawback: the owner gave no experience with it on vehicles, so confirm before offering it.
- Price: $95. Timing: 3 days.
3. Grand opening yard signs, 20 at 18 x 24, about 2 weeks
- Recommended: corrugated plastic with H stakes. We recommend it because the shop stocks it with H stakes and the signs are only needed for about 2 weeks. Main drawback: it is a lighter plastic, so confirm it suits longer use.
- Alternative: 1/2 inch PVC board. It is a rigid board the shop stocks. Main drawback: the owner gave no price for it on this job.
- Price: $14 each, so 20 signs is $280. Timing: 2 days.
Customer message:
Hi Nasser, here is what we recommend for Elderwood Bakery. For the sign over your door, we recommend .080 aluminum with laminated cast vinyl graphics, $310, ready in 7 business days. For the logo on your Sentra, we recommend laminated cast vinyl, $95, ready in 3 days. For the grand opening, 20 corrugated plastic yard signs with stakes are $14 each, $280 total, ready in 2 days. Let us know if you have any questions.
Questions for the owner
- Does the door sign need drilled holes, mounting hardware, or rounded corners? Please confirm what the shop offers and what it costs.
- Has the building owner or landlord approved the door sign? Please confirm any local sign rules and landlord rules before install.
- Does the car decal include installation, or does the customer apply it? No price for installation was given.
- Is the $95 decal price for the recommended cast vinyl, or for a different material?
- What phone number or other contact should the customer message give for the shop? The 402-555-0148 number was given as Nasser's number, not the shop's.
What it does
Takes a customer's sign request and matches it to the materials your shop offers, based on where the sign will go, how long it needs to last, and the budget. Gives you a clear recommendation and a short explanation you can send the customer.
Use it when: Use when a sign shop needs to pick the right material (vinyl, aluminum, acrylic, or a substrate like PVC board or corrugated plastic) for a customer's sign or graphic, such as: what should we make this out of, which material for this job, or recommend a material for this sign.