Fall and football. Penn and Teller. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Some things are just better together.
The same is true when it comes to LED signage: Dealer-manufacturer partnerships are imperative for successful digital signage projects.
Local sign companies serve as the main interface with customers, guiding them through the purchasing process and providing expertise on local job sites, municipal codes and permitting processes, and the nuances of doing business in various regions. However, digital sign manufacturers can play a significant support role in three main areas:
1. Sales support
Digital signage is a major investment for most businesses, so customers need to be assured their decision is a good one. Factory tours that demonstrate the manufacturing process and show the reliability of the product can help.
In addition, a good manufacturer partner will be willing to provide on-site product demonstrations to show what a product will look like under a location's unique lighting and location challenges. Other sales resources, such as marketing materials, webinars on innovative topics (financing options, etc.) and educational materials that can be distributed to customers will make a big difference in the sales process.
2. Training support
LED signage technology is changing quickly, and so is the software used to run the content on the message displays. A good manufacturer partner works with dealers to make sure they are up to speed on all these changes.
Video tutorials or in-field training are both good ways to learn about new technologies. In addition, it's important to have a partner who schedules field service training to educate technicians about installation and service options for products from the company that built them, and certifies field technicians.
3. Service support
When something goes wrong, dealers need a responsive manufacturer who will stand with them to get the problem fixed quickly. They also need a partner who has an in-house parts department and can ship parts immediately.
A reliable partner will keep service records, including quick reference information on the model and service history of the sign, which can save a lot of time when troubleshooting a problem. Importantly, a good manufacturer partner will offer a solid warranty that shows the manufacturer has performed extensive testing on the product and will stand behind their signs should anything happen in the future.
As LED signs become more popular and more manufacturers enter the market, it is critical that dealers select a partner invested in ensuring their success by building great products, and then supporting them throughout the life of the customer.
