Once you’ve decided to go ahead with a digital signage investment, it is important to choose the right digital signage manufacturer. To help you research the market and make an informed decision, read through this 5-step guide to make your job slightly less stressful.
While we are not disputing criteria such as cost, lead times, installation and return on investment, LED Craft Inc advises investors to get their choice of provider right, following which, these challenges will not be an issue. These 5 steps will point you in the correct direction of a reputed and trustworthy digital signage provider.
- Analyze the evidence
Go through case studies and other evidence of digital signage manufacturers as these are first hand proof to decide whether or not they will be able to handle your project. Look out for a variety of projects worked on in the past – big, small, indoor and outdoor digital signage projects.
Upon reading case studies, digital signage investors are confident that the particular manufacturer is capable of providing a solution, regardless of which industry and what size the project might be. Observe to notice if the vendor is taking on both big and small projects, it indicates that the team will provide you with a solution that fits your requirements rather than trying to sell you a solution that fits their profit margin.
Sometimes you will come across vendors that specialize in solutions for your industry. As tempting as it may be to choose such vendors, keep in mind that there is no guarantee that this factor will show results. Also, with so much at stake, it is not a good idea to opt for the first supplier that you see.
Similarly, don’t be attracted instantly to the big players in the digital signage market. Smaller firms are in fact trying much harder to stay above competition, thereby guaranteed a good product and good service.
- Study the reputation
Find out how many years a digital signage manufacturer has been in business. The more their experience, the more solid their market share is, and the more knowledge they have on costs, thereby leading to more realistic lead times. And of course, experienced vendors will also have a shining reputation.
When you know a digital signage manufacturer is recognized in areas that are beyond the borders of the USA, is when you should be more than satisfied that the selected vendor is a good one. If they have a good demand for their products in foreign markets, it shows that they have a strong, stable and trusted way of doing business.
- Consider the offers being made by vendors
- A full-service integrated system
- A full-service solution with separate components
- Enclosure only option with any pre-existing screens available
Each of these options have pros and cons, but don’t be tempted to choose a solution that you don’t need. A high-end digital signage infrastructure won’t do your business much good if the return on investment is going to take five years. So, carefully make your choice based on your budget and other requirements.
The full-service solution with a complete digital signage enclosure is the best option in terms of cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and customizability. By tailoring the signage to suit your brand requirements, better returns can be seen for your business.
- Choose one supplier source
Lookout for a digital signage manufacturer that can offer a complete solution for all your signage requirements. This way, you have to maintain only one point of contact for the entire project, troubleshooting is easier, time and costs are also kept to a minimum, while at the same time, communication channels are open.
Also, you can plan your project from start to finish without involving different suppliers. Companies offering a full-service solution often includes the installation of LED displays as part of the package. By choosing only one supplier that builds the solution in-house, the process is much more simplified.
- Satisfactory after-sales service
When doing your research, lookout for reviews that praise after-sales services of a digital signage manufacturer. Many vendors view projects as ‘money in the bank’ and turn their heads away the minute the last digital screen is installed. Find a vendor that offers long-term warranties and strong after-sales support. Companies that value after-sales support demonstrate that customer peace of mind is important to them. In fact, some digital signage investors might start out small-scale and then come back to the same vendor to up-scale, only if their after-sales service is satisfactory.
