How to choose a Shanghai road traffic warning sign manufacturer? If you don’t pay attention to these points, be careful!

Recently, I was sorting out the backend messages and found that many friends, especially local engineering companies, property companies, and friends who opened new parks in Shanghai, were all asking the same question.: “There are so many manufacturers of road traffic warning signs in Shanghai, how do you choose? The price difference is quite big. Is there any trick here? ”

To be honest, this is a good question. Those signs on the road look simple, just a few words and pictures printed on a board. But if you really want to do it well, there is a lot of knowledge involved. It is related to safety, compliance, and whether you can buy peace of mind by spending money. Today I will not talk about those falsehoods. Based on my experience of visiting manufacturers and visiting construction sites in the past few years, I will tell you something real.

We have to understand that what you need is not a “brand” but a “solution”.

This sounds a bit big, but the truth is this. When you find a manufacturer, the first step to communicate is often not the price, but the demand. Is your warning sign to be used at the intersection of the main road, or for the slow traffic system within the community? Is it for temporary construction or does it need to be permanently installed? What level of reflectivity is required (this is directly related to visibility at night and in bad weather)? Size, installation method (column type, attached type, cantilever type), are there any special load-bearing or wind resistance requirements?

Shanghai's traffic management regulations are very detailed. Different regions and different road levels have clear national standards (GB) or local regulations for the color, font, size, and reflective film grade of signs. When you consult, a reliable manufacturer should be able to quickly give professional advice based on your usage scenario and tell you which solution is both compliant and cost-effective. If the other party just asks "How much do you want?" What size? ”, and then directly quote the price, then you may have to be careful. He may only be selling "plate processing" rather than providing "traffic sign solutions".

See "Internal Strength"”: Materials and workmanship are the last word.

The brand stands there, exposed to wind, sun, rain, and may even encounter a few bumps. Whether the quality is good or not will reveal its original shape over time. The core depends on two points.: Materials and workmanship.

1. Base material:  Commonly used ones include aluminum plates, galvanized steel plates, and stainless steel plates. Aluminum plates are light, corrosion-resistant, and easy to process, and are the most commonly used. ； Galvanized steel sheet has high strength and relatively low cost ； Stainless steel plates are more durable and high-end. Along the coast of Shanghai, the air humidity is high and somewhat corrosive, so the material and thickness of the plates (commonly 1.5mm-3.0mm) cannot be cut corners. Some small factories use thin plates or low-quality recycled aluminum. It is not visible at first, and it is easy to deform and rust over time.

2. Reflective film:  This is the soul of the warning sign! Especially at night and on rainy and foggy days, it depends on its reflection. Reflective films are available in different grades such as engineering grade, high-strength grade, and super-strength grade (diamond grade). The lifespan ranges from three to five years to more than ten years. The higher the grade, the better the reflective effect and the more expensive the price. Regular manufacturers will clearly tell you which brand they are using. (For example, 3M, Avery, Tongming, etc.) Which grade of reflective film can be used and can provide corresponding warranty? If the price is extremely cheap, it is likely to be an inferior reflective film. It will fade, delaminate, and lose the reflective effect in a short time. Then this brand is in name only and has safety risks.

3. Printing and production technology:  Nowadays, the mainstream is laminating (using computerized lettering and reflective film) and screen printing. For a good manufacturer, the lettering edges are smooth and burr-free, the laminating film is flat and bubble-free, and the pattern is clear and precise. Silk printing requires solid colors and strong weather resistance. The details of cutting, folding, welding (if there is a frame), and hemming all reflect the manufacturer's craftsmanship. If the corners are rough, the paint or film layer is blistered, or the welding points are not strong, just pass.

Look at "soft power"”: Design and compliance services.

For many projects, signage is not a simple copy of information. It may require certain design to ensure that it conforms to the overall environment and that the information is transmitted accurately and eye-catching. Whether the manufacturer has simple design capabilities and whether it can provide compliance audits (to ensure that the content and style comply with "Road Traffic Signs and Markings" and other specifications) is also a reflection of its professionalism. Although most warning signs have standard templates, when encountering non-standard situations, the manufacturer's response and solution capabilities are critical.

Let’s talk about price and delivery, here are the most pitfalls.

“"You get what you pay for" is an iron rule in the signage industry. A price that is too low will inevitably mean a reduction in materials, processes or services. When making an inquiry, be sure to ask the manufacturer to list the details.: The thickness of the board material, the brand grade of the reflective film, the craftsmanship, installation accessories, taxes, transportation fees, whether installation is included (installation is extra is common), etc. Comprehensive comparison, rather than just looking at a total price.

The delivery time must also be clear. Regular manufacturers have a certain production cycle, from cutting and production to quality inspection and delivery. If the other party promises "it will be ready tomorrow and it will be done the day after tomorrow," unless it is an extremely simple spot product, the quality may be worrying. Ask about the warranty period. Regular manufacturers have confidence in their products and usually provide a warranty ranging from 1 to 3 years.

How to find a reliable Shanghai manufacturer?

1. field trip:  If the order volume is large or the project is important, try to go to the factory to see the production environment, equipment, raw material warehouse, and chat with the masters. It will be more effective than looking at a hundred promotional pictures online.

2. Look at the case:  Ask to see some actual cases they have done, preferably similar projects, and ask about their reputation in the industry.

3. Communicate feelings:  Was the early communication smooth, professional and patient? Do you proactively ask for details and provide suggestions? A responsible salesperson who wants to do business in the long term has a completely different communication experience from a salesperson who only wants to make a one-time deal.

When looking for a road traffic warning sign manufacturer in Shanghai, don’t just look for cheap. It is related to public safety, but also to the long-term image of your project and subsequent maintenance costs. Ask more, look more, compare more, and find a partner who can take your needs seriously, use materials and craftsmanship to speak for itself, and can keep up with the service. The money is worth spending and you feel at ease. After all, the sign on the road is not only the guardian of safety, but also a silent business card of the quality of your work, right?

I hope these thoughts can help you avoid detours and invisible "pits" when making your choice. If you still have specific questions, let's talk about it later.