Gemini-Bimonthly-February25 - Flipbook - Page 12
BUSINESS 101
MAKE VS. BUY
Delivering a quality product and balancing profitability is key when determining whether to make commercial signage inhouse or buy from a seasoned signage manufacturer. There are important variables to consider like equipment capabilities,
skilled workforce, order volume, custom project requirements, and finally, budget considerations. We explore the pros and
cons of both approaches to help you determine the best option for your business.
Making Signage In-House
Making signs in-house gives you the ability to have create signage on your own schedule and capabilities removing the
uncertainties and roadblocks that may arise when outsourcing your signage project.
The Upside
The Downside
Manufacturing in-house is ideal if you are looking to have
To get started producing in-house, you must first be willing
control over the production process and quality. You can
to make the initial investment of acquiring equipment and
make immediate adjustments and quality checks as you see
provide regular maintenance. This approach requires a
fit throughout production. Not only that, but it also gives
significant up-front investment in materials, training, and
you the ability to offer bespoke solutions and implement
possibly additional staff. Moreover, you will need space for
last-minute changes based on client feedback.
production along with managing new waste streams.
Producing in-house can save you time and cost savings as
Along with manufacturing comes inventory challenges
well. Not relying on a third party’s schedule can lead to
as well when producing in-house. Keeping a stock of
quicker order fulfillment. And, if you continue to produce
various materials can be costly and require considerable
in-house, over time, not only will your turnaround improve,
space. Products and materials such as metal plaques
but producing signage will also become more economical,
and fabricated letters are often challenging to make in-
particularly if you handle a steady stream of orders or large
house due to production constraints in size, materials, or
customers with program needs.
complexity of the signs that your setup can produce. You’ll
want to consider special equipment needs and skills too
depending on the type and complexity of the signage you
will be making.
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Signage Spotlight
