Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451370
48 • WRAPS • 2 0 2 2 G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M O ver the years, we've worked with numerous sign shops, graphic designers, and ad agencies. Of- ten, they're from out of the area and need graphics installed locally. Work- ing with other designers is a bit different than your average customer in that they typically already have the design and ma- terials worked out with their client. You're not guiding and helping them to a solu- tion like you would with your customer. Instead, you're part of their process in as- sisting them to get a project to completion. It's essential to think of your company and the other sign shop or ad agency you're working with as a partnership. Your professionalism and quality work- manship is a reection of their company. Good communication throughout the process helps eliminate problems. DISCOVERY New inquiries into our services often end up in my inbox through our website con- tact page or directly to my email address, so I don't always know how companies nd our shop. Other times it will be a phone call inquiring about our interest, followed by an email. So how do other sign shops nd us? I had the opportunity to talk with Javier Lozano Jr. with Wrapmate after a re- cent project we installed for them, and I asked him this question. He said, "We nd many of our vinyl installers through our collaborative relationship with 3M, as well as connecting with installers at trade shows, events, and through our website." I also asked Lozano what Wrapmate looks for in an installer. He mentioned that they "like working with vinyl wrap installers that are 3M preferred partners and/or certied through their program. This ensures that our customers only get the best installers in their city." Years ago, I went through 3M's Pre- ferred Installer training and testing pro- gram. After passing the test, I was listed on their online directory. This makes it easy for companies to nd installers near their customers and, as Lozano mentioned, also helps ensure that the agency gets a qualied installer. Partnering on Graphic Installs Your role and tips for good communication BY C H A R I T Y JAC KS O N Charity Jackson is co-owner of Visual Horizons Custom Signs, based in Modesto, California. She has been in business since 1995 and has worked in the sign industry for nearly 30 years. You can visit her website at www.vhsigns.com. A majority of the contracted installs we do are spot graphics. We estimate the job of a sample proof and install the provided graphics to fit ll images courtes harit ackson