For many sign shops, the job ends when the sign is installed. But every sign you put in the field can also represent an opportunity for future revenue.
Offering sign maintenance and repair services allows your shop to continue serving customers long after installation while creating a more consistent source of income between major production jobs.
Decide What Services You Can Offer
Start by identifying the maintenance work your team can perform efficiently. Depending on your capabilities, this could include LED and lighting repairs, cleaning, vinyl replacement, electrical troubleshooting, hardware replacement, storm damage repairs, sign face replacement, and general inspections.
You don’t necessarily need to service every type of sign. Focus on work that fits your existing equipment, staff, and expertise.
Price for More Than Labor
A common mistake is pricing a repair based only on the technician’s time. Service work also involves travel, vehicles, equipment, scheduling, and administrative costs.
Consider establishing a minimum service-call charge that covers travel and an initial block of labor. From there, additional labor, materials, lifts, specialty equipment, and replacement components can be priced separately.
For larger commercial customers, you might also offer scheduled maintenance agreements with quarterly, semiannual, or annual inspections. Predictable service visits can be valuable to customers with multiple signs or locations while giving your shop recurring revenue.
Offer Maintenance During the Original Sale
The easiest customer to sell maintenance services to is often the one already buying a sign from you.
When quoting a new installation, explain what ongoing maintenance may be required and let the customer know that your shop can handle it. You can even provide optional maintenance plans alongside the original proposal.
This changes the conversation from a one-time project to an ongoing business relationship.
Keep Good Service Records
Document every service visit, including the problem, work performed, parts replaced, photos, and recommendations. Good records make future repairs easier and demonstrate professionalism to commercial clients and property managers.
Turn Installations Into Long-Term Accounts
Printing and fabrication may remain the core of your sign business, but maintenance can help smooth out the gaps between larger projects.
More importantly, it keeps your shop connected to customers. The company that calls you to repair a sign today may need a new storefront, vehicle wrap, or second-location signage tomorrow.
Instead of viewing installation as the end of the job, consider it the beginning of a longer customer relationship.
Learn more about all the money you’re leaving on the table. Schedule a free consultation today:
www.signshopconsulting.com
