When looking for a traffic sign manufacturer, just having a phone number is not enough! You have to understand these things first!

Hey, recently many friends are asking questions backstage and on WeChat.: “Editor, is there any reliable traffic sign manufacturer that I can recommend by phone? ” Every time I see this kind of question, I want to send him my number directly, but I always feel that it’s almost meaningless. Why? Because I know very well that in this industry, just holding a phone number is like holding an unedged knife. It looks like that, but if you really use it, you may encounter obstacles everywhere, and you may even scratch yourself.

Today we are going to talk about something real, not false. Do you think that to find a manufacturer, you just need to make a phone call to ask for a price, and then compare who is cheaper? If it were really that simple, there wouldn't be so many wrangling disputes and troubles in the market. Traffic signs look like just a board with a few words, but the water inside is deep.

First of all, we have to figure out, what kind of sign do you want? Is it a simple sign pointing the way in a community, or a formal traffic sign on municipal roads that must meet national standards and even pass inspections? From the thickness of the board, the grade of the reflective film, to the production process and qualification requirements, there is a world of difference between them. If you call me, you will ask, "How much does it cost per square meter for your signage?" ” When the manufacturer hears this, he realizes that he is probably an outsider. He can fool you by quoting a mid-range price, or he can directly push you to the salesperson. The result may be that what you want is obviously a national standard engineering sign, and he will make it for you according to the price and workmanship of an ordinary billboard. When the goods arrive at the construction site, the supervisor will call you back at a glance. At that time, you can't find an adjustment even if you cry. Before calling, you have to have a clue.: Where to use it? Are there any specific standards (such as whether the reflective film is engineering grade, high-strength grade or diamond grade)? What is the approximate quantity? Is the construction deadline tight? Once you clarify these things and communicate again, people will think you are serious about doing things, and the plans and quotations you give will be more reliable.

It’s easy to find the manufacturer’s phone number, but the details of the manufacturer are hard to find out. How developed the Internet is now. Searching for “traffic sign manufacturer” will bring up a lot of phone numbers, website addresses, and contact information. But which one really has its own factory and a stable production line? Which one is a pure "second-rate dealer"? Which one is workshop-style production and which one is large-scale operation? It’s hard for you to judge based on just one phone call. I suggest you, after you get a few alternative phone calls, don’t rush into in-depth discussions and find ways to learn more about them from a side perspective.: Ask for real-life videos or photos of their factory to see the production workshop and new and old equipment. ； Ask them what similar projects they have done, preferably with case pictures or contracts (with sensitive information hidden) ； If the project is important and conditions permit, “Take a field trip” It is more effective than making a hundred phone calls. Seeing the material stacking, production process, and quality inspection links with your own eyes is more practical than any gorgeous brochure. When you ask on the phone, "Do you guarantee the quality?" ”, which manufacturer would answer "our quality is not good"?

Let’s talk about communication again. Telephone communication is very efficient, but the information loss is also large, especially when it comes to technical parameters and details, such as the retroreflection coefficient of reflective film, the alloy state of aluminum plates, the tolerance range of dimensions, packaging and transportation methods... These details are easy to misunderstand or miss when just talking on the phone. My experience is that important technical requirements and terms must be communicated over the phone. After communicating over the phone, fix it in writing (such as a contract, technical agreement, confirmation email). No matter how nice you say on the phone, "Okay, okay, no problem." If you don't accept the account then, you have nothing to do. Writing in black and white is the last word. It is very important for a reliable manufacturer to not only answer the phone sales professionally, but also provide a clear and standardized written confirmation process in the follow-up.

Also, price is often a "trap" on the phone. When you first ask for the lowest price, the other party will quote you a super low price to attract you. Later, they will add you back little by little in terms of materials, workmanship, freight, and taxes, or cut corners. In the end, it is you who suffers, as the old saying goes. It is well said, "you get what you pay for", especially in the manufacturing industry. The cost of materials that meet national standards is there. The working hours for complex processes are long, and the quotations are far lower than the market conditions. There is a high probability that there is something fishy behind it. Don't just focus on the price numbers on the phone, ask more questions.: “What specific configuration does this price correspond to? (For example, how thick is the aluminum plate? Which brand and grade of reflective film? Are design, shipping, taxes included? )” Only by breaking down the quotation can you see the true cost.

Let’s talk about the “phone” itself. A phone that can be answered at any time, with a dedicated person patiently answering technical questions, and a phone that is always busy, answered perfunctorily, and transferred back and forth. Behind the scenes, it reflects the manufacturer’s completely different management status and service awareness. The former may be more trustworthy. You can even judge the reliability of this manufacturer through the initial phone communication experience.

So, dear friends, next time you want to find a traffic sign manufacturer, don’t just set the goal of “getting a phone call”. The phone is just an entrance, a beginning. The real effort lies beyond the phone.: Clarify your own needs, investigate the strength of the manufacturer, pay attention to written confirmation, rationally analyze the quotation, and feel the other party's service attitude. Only after you have figured out these ways, can the phone number in your hand truly exert its value, help you find a reliable partner, and complete the project smoothly.

After working in this industry for a long time, I have seen many pitfalls, so I always want to remind everyone. After all, signs are a small thing, but in many cases it is related to safety and regulations, and you cannot be careless. I hope this little bit of nagging can be of some help to you. If you really want to find a manufacturer, you still have to keep your eyes peeled and do more homework.