Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451373
G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M 2 0 2 2 J U N E G R A P H I C S P R O 6 1 If the vehicle is being dropped o, we take down the name and phone number of the contact person to call when it's ready. We grab a post-it pad, jot down the name and number, and then it's stuck to the dry erase wall hook we set up, keeping the keys and contact info in one spot. At this point, the paperwork is usually in a job folder in the production area, so it's an extra step to grab the folder to conrm a name and phone number. e person dropping o and picking up the vehicle may not be the same person in the paper- work anyway. Our shop entrance faces the street, while the roll-up door for our install area is at the back of our building, so someone has to drive the vehicle around to the back. For quick installs, we hang on to the keys in the install area; for longer installs, the keys are placed on the hook up front to avoid getting lost. Graphics are always checked the day before, and an installation proof is in the customer's job box. ese are all grabbed and brought back to the installation space. Once the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned, the graphics are applied, and all finish work is completed. For larger wraps, we may have the vehicle for multiple days. In this case, we always double-check our workspace and ensure that we didn't go through anything that we'll need to replace before the next day. WRAPPING UP Once an install is completed, we continue working through our pre-planned process- es to wrap up the installation. e install is checked against the proof to ensure noth- ing was overlooked, and any removed parts are re-installed. For wrap jobs, we do a nal check look- ing for areas that aren't laying down prop- erly or any areas that weren't trimmed neat- ly. Sometimes you can get a little tunnel vision while installing, so it's good to step back and do an additional once over to ensure nothing was missed. We follow this with a good post-heating and wipe down any smudges or handprints. It's important to have this system in place so that everyone knows the steps ahead of time and nothing is overlooked. It quickly becomes a habit as we walk the customer through the process of installation, maxi- mizing our eciency. GP 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. Having the right tools for the job and knowing right where they are will speed your install.