The importance of having a no soliciting/no trespassing sign:

Imagine getting home from work trying to wind down and relax. Or maybe you just put your child to bed?and suddenly you hear someone knocking on your front door. You would rather not answer the door, so you decide to just ignore the knocking, hoping they go away. Minutes pass by, and the knocking continues. You start to feel a little frustrated by the persistent knocking. 
  
Most of us have experienced the frustration of having strangers come to our door uninvited when we least expect or want them to. Whether it be a salesperson or someone looking to promote a cause, those surprise knocks can really throw you off. 

So how many unwanted visitors does it take before you decide to hang a property sign letting them know they are not welcome on your property? For most people, it's just too many times! 
  
Most people don?t realize how easy the solution is to this problem. It's as simple as placing a sign on your business or home. Property signs like "No Soliciting," "No Trespassing," and "No Loitering" aren?t just for show. They?re an effective way to communicate expectations without confrontation, protect your space, and set clear boundaries to reduce unnecessary interruptions. But what do these signs mean, and do they really work?

What does "No soliciting" mean?

A solicitor is someone who goes door-to-door selling or advertising goods, services, or information. Examples of solicitors: salespeople, petitioners, and campaigners. 

• No soliciting means no one is allowed to come to your business or property with the intent of selling or promoting products or services of any kind.   

• Examples of soliciting: signing individuals up for subscriptions or collecting donations for a charity or a fundraiser. 

• Materials used: lightweight industry-standard plastic or large heavy-duty aluminum (great for outdoor use).

• Design: engraved plastic (laser engraver used) or full-color plastic (UV printing used).

We have an abundance of sign designs you can choose from, like our funny no soliciting signs!

A "No soliciting" sign clearly tells visitors that you are not interested in what they are selling and don?t appreciate those unexpected knocks at your door. 

What does "No trespassing" mean?

• No trespassing means that no one is allowed to enter or stay on your business, home, or private property without your authorization. 

• Examples of trespassing: walking across your lawn (especially on private property) without permission, entering a closed or restricted area, and entering gated communities without consent. 

• Materials used: plastic or aluminum with protective coating to ensure it lasts for a long time outdoors   

A "No trespassing" sign is a legal notice that tells visitors they are not allowed on the property. If they don't leave, legal action will be taken.

What does "No loitering" mean?

• No loitering means that no one is allowed to stay and linger on or around your business, home, or property without any real reason. 

• Examples of loitering: standing outside a specific area for long periods of time, such as a store, a park, or a school. 

• Materials used: aluminum that features a vinyl overlay that can also have a protective coating added to help outdoor signage last as long as possible.  

A "No loitering" sign reminds visitors they can?t remain in the area for an extended amount of time for no particular reason. 

Do "No Soliciting" signs actually work?

Yes! No soliciting signs can be super effective at discouraging unwanted visitors from coming to your property.  

Do "No soliciting" signs deter all types of solicitors?

Deterrent: In most cases, signs do prevent most types of solicitors from coming to your business or property, as they do want to respect the property owner?s wishes, avoid confrontation, and avoid any sort of legal trouble.
  
Limitations: Some groups, such as religious groups and political canvassers, can be exempted from ?no soliciting? rules and walk right past your sign. This is due to local and federal laws such as the First Amendment of protection (freedom of speech). Your property rights still matter, though, and if you tell them to leave, they are legally required to leave. 

How to legally keep someone off your property?

Legal Enforcement: Door-to-door soliciting isn?t illegal in America, but if there is a property sign posted for all to clearly see stating no soliciting/no trespassing, then unwanted visitors will have to leave. If they refuse to leave, they could be charged with fines for trespassing. You also would have the right to contact law enforcement.

Where should I place the signs on my property?

First things first, check your HOA or local laws to see if there are any guidelines for sign placement on your property or business.

Sign placement for effectiveness: The general guideline is to place the sign in an area that is easily visible from all directions. Make sure the sign is not covered by trees, vehicles, mailboxes, etc.

Best places for signs: 

• Driveway entrance  
• Front door/front yard   
• Front-facing window or fence  
• Larger properties will need to place signs at multiple access points. 

Overall, make sure the sign is placed at an eye-level spot and visible before someone reaches your door.

How can I make my no soliciting sign even more effective?

The effectiveness of a sign depends on visibility, clarity of wording, and tone. Make sure your text is large, readable, and weatherproof. Customize the wording on the sign to clearly state your expectations and wishes for your business or property. 
A well-placed, clear sign helps enforce your rights and protect your peace. Here at CustomSigns.com, we make it easy for you to find or create a sign.

Types of property signs

We have a variety of private property, business, and residential signs. Our signs are made from durable plastic or aluminum materials. They are available in a wide range of different sizes and designs.  

Our collection includes warning signs, notice signs, address signs, and other signs to fit your business or property needs. We also have Beware of Dog, Do Not Enter, and No Parking signs. Check out our page to view our full collection!

Tired of unexpected knocks at your business or home door? Then look no further than here. Browse our website to explore our wide variety of signs and finally stop unwanted visitors from disrupting your peace!

Custom business signage: why they matter and where to get them

?A business without a sign is a sign of no business.?

- Patrick G. Smith

There is truth behind that quote. If you don't think your business sign is important, think again! Without a sign (or a well-built one), potential customers won't be able to find you.

Think about your experience going to a strip mall. There are a variety of stores you can decide to go visit. What?s the first thing you see that influences where you decide to go shop?

The brand?s sign!

You want to compete in the market, but it can be tough to get customers to notice your business when they have multiple options to choose from. That's where custom signage comes in. A customized sign has plenty of benefits, such as:

• Professionally tailoring to your brand

• Establishing your business

• Building brand credibility and recognition

• Leaving a long-lasting impression

Custom-made signs are one of the most profitable things you can do for your business. We?ll discuss:

• Why custom signage is important for your business

• Why it?s worth the investment

• Which materials are commonly used/different sign usages

• Where you can get custom signs for your business

Let?s get into it!

Why should you invest in custom business signs?

Signage can be considered an all-around winner due to its long-term value! Let?s discuss the long-lasting benefits of investing in custom signage! 

Customization For Business

Custom signage gives you complete freedom, allowing you to build a sign how you see fit! You have full control and are able to tailor the design to the personality and messaging of your business.

Each sign can be tailored with your choice of:

• colors

• materials

• logos

• text to suit any purpose

You can even create signage for other uses like promotions, compliance, and navigation, which improves the customer experience.

Customer Experience

Custom signage helps improve the customer experience. By having clear, branded signage, you will guide and inform your customers on how to navigate through your business space confidently, leaving no room for confusion. This leads to a positive customer journey and seamless experience for anyone visiting your business.

Brand Visibility/Recognition

Custom signage helps boost your:

• brand?s recognition

• visibility

• consistency

Through customization, you will use consistent colors, fonts, and logos, which helps create the brand?s voice and reinforce the brand?s identity.

The sign will assist potential customers in recognizing your brand no matter where they are visiting from.

Lasting Investment

Custom signage allows you to compete in the market by helping you stand out in the crowd. Signage is your hardest-working advertiser.

Think about it, your sign doesn?t sleep and stays working for you by consistently providing 24/7 promotion for your business. That sounds like a nice trade of money for time!

Trust (not just a piece of paper, a well-made sign)

Your signage shapes your customer's first impressions and sets the tone of what they can expect from your business.

Custom business signs build trust by:

• Setting clear expectations: who you are, what your business does and sells, and when you're open.
• Shows you're legitimate: you're a real business. Customers won't have to worry about their safety.
• Help customers know what to expect: provide navigational clarity and proper labeling.

We?ve gone over the benefits of custom signage and the importance of customization. Let?s discuss the different materials so that you can make the best choice when it comes to choosing where your brand name should be displayed!

What materials are used for custom signs, and what are their uses?

The materials used for custom signs vary from plastic, metal, and vinyl. Let?s discuss the different types for each material.

Here at CustomSigns.com, our plastic signs come in:

• Acrylic: Clear acrylic or plexiglass, made from durable, high-quality clear acrylic, long-lasting performance, and a clean, polished look.

• Engraved Plastic: Laser engraved using Trotec printers with a variety of two-tone color options, choose from 40 color combinations.

• Printed Plastic: UV technology printed for durability in as many colors as you want.

• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Meet your building's ADA requirements. Stay in compliance and provide support for impaired customers. We have quality braille signs for navigation, restrooms, and more!

Our custom metal signs come in: 

• Aluminum: Durable, customized with vinyl overlay that can feature any colors you need.

• Engraved Brass: Engraved using a diamond-tip rotary to establish a shiny, sleek, and stylish finish.

• Printed Brass: Sublimated onto the surface with full-color imagery or text, allowing you to add your custom logo.

Our custom vinyl signs can be printed on:

• Banners: Made of high-quality woven fiber with a gloss finish.

• Decals: Made with industry standard peel-and-stick vinyl that does not damage surfaces.

We offer a variety of signs to fit your needs, whether it be for business or for your personal use as well. You can choose from:

• Business/office signs

• ADA signs (Americans with Disabilities Act)

• Property Signs

• Safety Signs

• Yard Signs

• Vehicle Signs

We even offer custom stencils! 

Where can you order custom signs for your business?

We're so glad you asked! Here at CustomSigns.com, we specialize in helping your vision come to life on any one of our customizable signs to fit your needs! Investing in a custom sign could be the boost your business needs! Don't let your business go unseen! Shop our customizable signs now to start seeing your investment pay off!

Is Acrylic Signage Expensive?

The most common question is the most understandable for many businesses: price. Looks aren't everything when it comes to curating building signage; the price is often the biggest concern, especially for large projects like schools and hospitals.

Understanding the Cost of Acrylic Signs

Thankfully, acrylic signage is affordable and has long been the solution to the cost issues of glass signs. Depending on the size and thickness, acrylic signs can be upwards to 80% more cost-efficient than a glass sign. Acrylic signs have masterfully balanced the elegance of translucent signs with the affordability of plastic signs.

Acrylic can still vary quite a bit in price. Many factors will affect the price of acrylic signs, such as size and thickness. The larger signs need larger and more secure shipping, which will raise prices. Ordering all your signs at once is a good way to cut down on additional shipping costs.

The thickness of your acrylic sign also effects the cost. Depending on specific needs, companies may choose between 1/16" acrylic or 1/8" acrylic. The thinner 1/16" will be great for smaller door signs and room numbers, while the thicker 1/8" is more durable and better suited for large logo signs and directories.

Is Plexiglass and Acrylic the Same Thing?

Yes, plexiglass and acrylic are the same material. Just like many other brand names have become the colloquial term for a product, the term plexiglass originated from the branded term Plexiglas?. Both acrylic and plexiglass refer to the same plastic material, polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA.

Although some brands may vary in the manufacturing process, regardless of the term used, you are still going to receive the same reliable product when shopping for acrylic signs.

How Do You Keep Acrylic Signs from Scratching?

Thankfully, acrylic is already a very durable material, but mistakes often happen and signs may get scratched up if not properly cared for. The most appealing part of acrylic is the translucent and clean look, so keeping up with that is always a top priority.

To keep your acrylic from scratching, it is best to handle it with care when transporting or mounting your sign. Wearing gloves will ensure no finger prints are left behind, but you can also use a microfiber cloth to remove any marks after your sign is installed. Regularly cleaning your acrylic sign will ensure it lasts as long as you need.

Protecting Your Acrylic Signs from Scratches

When it comes to scratches, acrylic signs often use a technique called "second surface printing." This method reverse prints the design on the backside of an acrylic sign, offering additional protection as the ink cannot be scratched off. This method also creates the 3D effect seen in many acrylic signs.

What Is the Best Way to Hang Acrylic Signs?

For a more elevated sign, people often search for mounting options that match the aesthetic. The best option to mount acrylic signs is using aluminum stand-offs, which give a floating effect that does not obstruct the design. To properly install stand-offs, ensure you have the ideal mounting surface, such as a solid, flat wall. Stand-offs cannot be used on windows or flimsy surfaces as they need to be screwed into a wall.

Alternatively, s-hooks, hanging chains, and suction cups with hooks are other cost efficient options that allow for the same visual effect. It is important to consider where the sign will be mounted before making this decision. Smaller signs may best suit hanging chains or suction cups, but for larger signs that will be heavier, stand-offs are your best option.

The New Standard

When creating a custom acrylic sign, aesthetic is often the goal, but there is so much more that we know businesses need to consider. Price, durability, and versatility are all concerns that are answered with acrylic signs! At Custom Signs, we're here to help you create your signage vision. With various size options and thicknesses, our clear acrylic signs are intended to suit your needs.

One of our most commonly chosen modifications to engraved brass plates is the choice to oxidize your engravings.

A standard engraved brass plate has a shiny, reflective finish that is quite stylish and sleek. However, from a distance, the engraving can be harder to read. This is where oxidation comes in handy.

So how does oxidizing your custom brass plate help you?

Oxidizing engraved brass plates gives your sign a unique and elegant look while also preventing your engraving from further oxidization. This allows your sign to last longer without corrosion or signs of tarnishing.

Here's how it works:

Every brass plate is engraved using a diamond-tip rotary with whatever custom text you choose.

After being engraved, a solution is carefully brushed over the brass plate.

After the solution is applied, the brass quickly oxidizes, only taking about 30 seconds to react to the solution, giving it a matte black finish.

Although the solution is applied all over the plate, it only oxidizes the engraved letters due to a protective film that is carved away during the engraving process.

The excess solution is then washed away.

Leaving a perfectly oxidized brass plate, ready to dry off and get shipped out!

These brass plates make for beautiful appreciation or memorial plaques. They are also often used as signage in restaurants or offices, like the one shown above. The classic color gives a more elegant feel to many custom signs, leading businesses to choose brass for more official signage needs.

Get everything you need to create the perfect custom signs for your business at Custom Signs! Our wide selection of metal signs, including custom brass and aluminum, will help you create any signage you need, whether you run a business, restaurant, or simply looking for some home decorations.

Table of Contents
What should be on your hiring signs?
Custom Hiring Sign & Recruiting Tips
The Benefits of Using Signs to Recruit

According to the Washington Post, there are 10 million job openings in America, with 8.4 million people unemployed as of June 2021. Job openings are outpacing unemployment levels in many industries, with the business and professional services sector at the top of the list. (Read full article here.)

So how can businesses attract qualified candidates to fill open positions? The first step is to put the word out. What does your company offer? Let potential new hires know! Easy to read, eye-catching business signage is the best first step! Many businesses are still overlooking important details such as posting "we're hiring" signs.

What should be on your now hiring sign?

• Your company name and logo:

A we're hiring sign on your business property should feature your logo and name in large, easy-to-read graphics and text. Keep it simple. "Keep your words succinct and clear," says HC Brands Chief People Officer, Sonia Postema. (Keep reading for more tips from Sonia!) Choose from yard signs and A-frame signs for outdoor.

Sonia Postema, HC Brands Chief People Officer

• Make your signs pop:

Branding is important to let job seekers know you're professional, so stay with brand graphics, fonts and colors. Don't forget to post signs that pop! Make your hiring signs colorful and eye-catching.

• Job title(s):

Your hiring signs are most helpful when they feature which jobs you're looking to fill. Qualified candidates want to know they're applying to a job that is within their skill set and pay range. If you have several job openings, create several signs!

• Requirements:

Let passers-by know what it takes to land a job with your company! In today's volatile job market, many inexperienced workers or new graduates are looking for experience in a new industry or field. Make it clear that you're open to train and bring on new talent!

• Application Process:

Let workers know the next steps. The full application process may be too lengthy to include on the sign itself, so create a web page with instructions for how to apply, and add a QR code to your now hiring signs to make it easy on potential applicants. If you don't have the talent or resources to create a landing page on your website, create tear-off tabs or other materials that can be easily taken by applicants.

Other helpful tips for your hiring signs and recruiting efforts:

• Don't leave your hiring signs up for too long!

This could send the message that your business has high turnover, or that no one is paying attention enough to remove signs when positions are filled. Remember to be organized and professional.

• Remove we're hiring signs if you don't receive qualified candidates.

Sometimes job postings, online and offline, bring the wrong applicants. Either the job posting or signage is not accurately descriptive of the role, or the role or pay rate is not attractive for applicants. Be sure to re-evaluate your job postings and we're hiring signs if you're not attracting the right people.

• Include them in your recruiting metrics.

Keep track of applications you receive from your hiring signs.

• Make sure each phase of your hiring process is streamlined.

Help applicants understand the full process, and where they stand in the process. Be courteous and professional and follow up with all applicants, whether they make it to the job offer phase or not. This helps to build trust between your company and job seekers.

The Benefits of Using Signs to Recruit:

• "Yard signs are a cost-effective way to brand your company and recruit new talent," says Sonia Postema, HC Brands' Chief People Officer. "Posting jobs on online job sites can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars," she adds.
• "We're hiring signs are a great way to appeal to the local community about job openings", says Postema. Small businesses can get creative with signage in order to recruit new talent, and signs are much more affordable for businesses on a tight budget.
• Many recruiters may not be aware of how to get inexpensive signs for posting jobs. Businesses such as CustomSigns.com make hiring signage accessible and customizable.

In 2021, recruiters are having to get creative with attracting talent. Although signage is one of the most primitive means of advertising, we're hiring signs aren't as accessible as one might assume. CustomSigns.com has been in the business of customized signage since 1954. Whether you're looking for hiring signs for your business lawn, front door or checkout counter, CustomSigns.com makes many different kinds of professional signs. Start designing your sign now!

Resources:

Workable.com - Hiring Signs Tutorial

Washington Post: Labor Shortage

Related Posts:

Tips for Designing Effective Signs

Holiday Workplace Safety Tips

When starting a business or updating your latest marketing campaign, you'll have to decide between different types of advertising. You're going to question the best ways to reach your audience, how much you can spend, and the most effective ways to get your message across. Car magnets offer a straightforward, affordable way to attract customers. Whether you work for a small business or a booming chain, utilizing custom car magnets will help ring in the customers you have been asking for!

Think of the last time you had a service provider come to your home. Whether it was the cable guy, plumber, or lawn service, they most likely drove a branded car. Car magnets are not just a form of advertising. They are an essential branding tool that you need to include in your business. If you're wondering if these magnetic signs are right for your company, check out our top 7 benefits.

1. Trust - Give your customers a sense of security with branded company vehicles. When your employees show up in marked cars, your business looks more legitimate. Branded car magnets show off your professionalism and ensure trust in your service.
2. Low Cost - Commercials, newspaper ads, and billboards will cost you a pretty penny and must be purchased over and over again. While the exposure is great, will you make back your investment? With car magnets, you can buy a set of two for less than $60. Car magnets are a one-time buy, proving to be the most cost-effective way to market your business.
3. Removable - Unlike vehicle wraps, the magnetic material these vehicle signs are made of allows you to cling, peel, and reposition them in a matter of seconds. Having a clean company car is essential. When you take your vehicle to the car wash, you can easily peel off your vehicle magnets, wash any dirt or dust particles off your car and place it back on. Having removable signage means you can move and replace the sign wherever you prefer!
4. Easy to Order ? Using other forms of advertising can be complicated and pricey. It can involve contracts, negotiations, and payment plans. Custom car magnets are simple to personalize and buy. Choose from templates or customizable magnet options. Add all the business information you wish to display and click checkout. These high-quality magnets are made to your exact specifications and ready to apply right when your order arrives!
5. No Damage - Since magnetic car signs are easily removable, you do not have to worry about them causing abrasion to your vehicle. While other car advertisements like a vinyl wrap or stickers can add a fun element to your work vehicle, it can severely damage your paint job and requires a lot of upkeep.?
6. Versatile - Magnetic decals work on any vehicle model. Whether you want to place your magnets on a sturdy work truck, small car, or an SUV, our car magnets are adaptable and come in multiple sizes to fit any vehicle. If separate work vehicles are not in your business's budget, then placing your branded magnet on your personal vehicle can turn an ordinary car into a company car.
7. Brand Awareness - Every marketer's top priority is showing their company's brand, name, and message to all potential customers. The more eyes on their ad the better! With magnetic car signs, your advertisement is always on the go. Your business will be seen by hundreds to thousands of people, from drivers to pedestrians and neighbors!

Using a vehicle magnet is not the only important step in your business branding. To effectively market your service, you need to optimize the design and information displayed on your sign. No matter the industry, there are specific details that you must include on your car sign to receive the payoff!

• Name - While this is self-explanatory, you must make sure your company name is front and center on your magnet. If all else fails, a simple Google search can help people find your business.
• Logo - Images and clipart are great for drawing people's attention. Vehicle graphics will attract eyes to your car sign. Your logo helps separate you from other companies that they may see on their drive.
• Phone number - Your business phone number is a critical detail that you cannot leave out. Without contact information, you cannot expect potential customers to reach out for service. Providing a unique number or extension can even help you track the number of calls gained from your vehicle's signs!
• Address - Whether you have a physical address for business or a web address, clearly label it on your sign. People love to learn about a company before they invest their time and money. Make their decision in choosing your business easier by presenting your address!
• Services Provided - While name, logo, and address are critical, you must inform customers of your type of service! Do not leave things up for interpretation. For example, including a picture of a dog instead of listing your trade can be confusing. A vague image of a dog could mean you work for a vet, groomer, or even a local shelter. Make your service clear.

Attract new customers with magnetic car signs and give your business the exposure it deserves. Finding the right way to advertise your services can be a challenge. When using branded car signs, you can put your business out there without making a huge investment or taking a big risk. It creates a cohesive and professional look that your customers will appreciate. Creating a custom magnet is easy and comes ready to use! Highlight your unique logo and business information on a product that will bring you deserved clientele. We would love to see how you display your custom car magnets! Share your photos with us by tagging @customsignsco and follow us for more business inspiration!

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Maintaining Workplace Safety for 2020

Table of Contents
Injury Statistics
Annual Review
?Equipment
?Fire Safety
?First Aid Supplies
?Update Signage
Safety Training
?Costs
?What Signs Mean

What better time to update your business's safety standards than the start of a new year?

2020 is here. When was the last time you audited your safety requirements? The importance of followingOSHA regulations cannot be understated. So, as you move into the new year, ensure your workplace stays up-to-date on all safety standards.

To start, what is the number of people injured on the job?

Workplace Injury Statistics

As with most studies, the figures and statistics can vary.

The number of on the job injuries varies depending on your business's sector. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states over 2.8 million cases of nonfatal workplace injury or illness in 2018. The highest recorded being Healthcare, Retail, and Manufacturing. It should be noted that this statistic covers private sectors. The total across all sectors was roughly over 3.4 million cases.

TheNational Safety Council (NSC) estimates that number to be even higher. According to theNSC, a workplace injury happens every seven seconds which approximates to 4.6 million injuries each year.

Here is an infographic from theNSC illustrating their findings:

Provided by The National Safety Council

Review your workplace. What can you update to improve safety within your organization?

A Year in Safety

The end of the year is a great time for you to reflect on your current safety standards.

• What worked?
• What didn't work?
• Are there gaps in your training?
• Have there been OSHA updates that affect your business?
• How much did your company pay out for safety violations or worker's compensation?
• Are your signs faded or broken and need replacing?

Gather as much information as you can and update your safety regulations. Work with your administrative level employees as well as the rest of your work force. Audit your high traffic areas and work zones to ensure compliance with national safety standards. Ensure your workplace follows fire safety procedures. Replace safety signs that may be difficult to read.

Check Your Equipment

Ensure your equipment is functioning properly. Much like how a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, if your equipment or tools aren't cared for, the likelihood of injury increases.

Relating to training, make sure everyone who operates required machinery or other tools understands how to use them safely. This could mean additional digital courses or in-person sessions teaching proper handling, operating, cleaning, storing, and maintenance. Any employee who uses your equipment should also follow established guidelines on general inspection before and after use. Encourage them to report any irregularities such as exposed wires, cracks, unusual sparks, or other malfunctions.

Aside from daily use inspections, you may need to follow regulations requiring professional equipment inspections depending on your business. These inspections may occur trimonthly, semi-annually, annually, or at a different interval. Be sure you know when your equipment needs to be inspected.

It seems obvious, but be sure to repair or replace and equipment that needs it. Your workplace and employees will stay safer if you do.

Is Your Workplace Fire Safe?

?To hope for the best and prepare for the worst, is a trite but a good maxim.?

-John Jay (1813), Planning Skills

Fires can break out almost anywhere. While there are prevention measures you can take to lessen the chances, your organization should establish procedures to prevent injury and death.

Inspect your fire extinguishers. You should check on them monthly and have a fire equipment professional inspect them annually. Again, the end or start of the year is a great time to have this done. Furthermore, ensure your sprinkler system functions. Your automatic fire dousing system needs to work to prevent, or at least, delay a fire from spreading. Test your alarms to make sure their tones are loud and clear. Functioning alarms may be your first warning of a starting fire.

Clearly mark fire exits with eye-catching signage. Set safe meeting places to account for everyone. Label fire extinguishers for everyone to see. Ensure your employees know where all of these things are with proper training. These are all things you can do to reduce damages and keep your work force safe.

Refresh First Aid Supplies & Equipment

Every business should keep first aid supplies on-hand. You should inspect your kits at least annually, so the end of the year is the perfect time.

Make sure your equipment is still viable and all the necessary equipment is present. Bandages, antiseptics, gauze, and other medical supplies needed to treat minor injuries should be clean and stored.

If you operate a warehouse, factory, or other workshop, inspect your eye wash stations. Are they functional? Do they need cleaning? Are they easy to find and marked with appropriate signage? These are all important in keeping your employees safe in treating exposure to dust, debris, and hazardous chemicals.

Update Your Safety Signage

Once you've reviewed the areas in your business that need updates, make sure your safety signs are updated. We'll go into the importance of understanding signs below, but know that your signs need to be visible at all times.

Are your signs dull, worn, or broken? Many businesses are required to post specific signage signifying hazardous areas. Maintaining your signs and replacing old ones keeps everyone aware of possible dangers and the proper methods of preventing injuries. Understand all required signage your business needs to post, audit your current signs, and update or replace them as needed.

Once you've reviewed or made updates, ensure your work force follows any new regulations with proper training.

Safety Training

Most workplace injuries are preventable. It is common to hear professionals claim that 99% of accidents are preventable. Some say there are no such things as ?accidents? at all.

Depending on your market, a hazard-free workplace may not be achievable. Construction sites, road repair services, factories, and other fields are inherently dangerous. But, you can decrease the likelihood of injuries with proper employee training.

Is your training comprehensive and easy to understand?

Your safety regulations may be in-depth and fool-proof but that means nothing if your employees don't understand or are unaware of your established standards.

Workplace safety starts with your employees.

Regular safety training ensures everyone understands new standards. Most fields must perform annual training at a minimum. But, frequent and effective training can decrease the chances of serious injury. A 2009 study found that effective training can reduce the number of days-away-from-work injuries.

Has your work site experienced a recent, serious injury? Review your current training programs and identify areas in which your process can be improved.

The new year also gives you an opportunity to look back at 2019 and find any gaps in your training programs.

Would an online, in-person, or on-the-job element help? Ask your long-time employees and new hires what their concerns are. They may give you new insight into misunderstandings around your training courses. They'll also appreciate having their voice heard by management.

The Cost of Poor Training

Training employees can seem like a major expense, but it shouldn't be overlooked or ignored. The cost of not including proper training for your workers can far outweigh the downsides.

Shift eLearning states that companies that put a focus on employee development can see an average of 24% more profit if they invest $1,500 into their training. Furthermore, investing in your employees means a more productive work force, less turnover, and a happier work environment.

If you don't train your employees, your business could suffer more than lost profit. OSHA's penalties for violating workplace safety regulations can start at $13,260 per violation. Your company may also be liable for workers compensation, medical bills, and legal payments depending on the severity of the incident.

Ensure your company doesn't spend more money than it has to, with comprehensive training for all employees. Your business will benefit from it while avoiding violation fines and other unnecessary expenses.

Understanding Signage

Part of your training should include a section or sections on what safety signs mean.

Understanding the meanings of caution, danger, and warning signs is important for employee safety.

There are many pictogram hazard symbols. If your company handles hazardous materials, your employees need to know what each symbol means.

Posting these signs serves as a reminder for your employees to follow safety protocols. However, if your employees don't know what these signs mean, then they won't help in your safety efforts.

Additionally, theOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires certain signage to properly advertise hazardous elements in your business. When ordering or designing your signage, you must follow theOSHA signage design guidelines.

Ensure your training program covers what signs your company uses and their meanings. Again, your business may follow all the design requirements and regulations, but it means nothing if your work force doesn't know what they mean.

This all leads to how improper training can cost your business more money.

CustomSigns.com is your one-stop-shop for compliant safety signage. We are your experts on the professional signs you need for your business.

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Many new businesses use car magnets because these ads:

• Create top of the funnel brand awareness
• Generate 30,000+ daily impressions
• Cost significantly less than the $1,500-$4,000 monthly cost of many billboard signs
• Have a memory recall rate of 97%
• Help meet the budgetary needs of new businesses trying to spend less than 7-7% of gross revenue on marketing
• Reinforce recognition of brand logos and colors
• Are easy to design with contact info and discounts

Car Ads Function as Brand Touch Points

Car advertisements create brand awareness that can be further reinforced with future customer touch points, such as visiting your store, seeing your website online or other types of advertising. A beautifully designed sign allows you to introduce your small business to the local market, get exposure for a new logo and share up-to-date contact information with potential customers.

Did you know that individual vehicle advertising generates around 30,000 to 70,000 daily impressions? ARD Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to market research, completed an outdoor marketing trends study in 2003. The study notes how advertising influences drivers who are searching for a service as well as those who may be searching for a service in the future.

Making your logo, services and business name recognizable builds trust with customers by making them familiar with your company. A car magnet sign that clearly shows what type of product or service you sell both informs potential shoppers of your existence and gives a way for them to contact you. ?When you then use a similar design on your building, it creates a consistent and professional brand impression.?

Comparing Magnetic Signs and Billboards

The average cost for a monthly billboard rental in a small to midsize city can range from $1,500 to $4,000, according to FitSmallBusiness.com. That doesn?t include the cost of designing and purchasing the billboard sign itself. For a new business still struggling to get the capital for operating costs, adding a monthly fee for a billboard often isn?t a feasible option.

Billboards not only cost more than car magnets, but are also stagnate, reaching the same set of commuters day after day. A mobile sign can have a greater reach, especially for business owners that spend a large amount of time on the road. Outdoor Advertising Magazine TACA?s market research suggests that mobile advertising has a recall rate of 97%.

For business owners with long commutes in heavily trafficked locations, each moment on the road can be put to use by displaying a magnetic sign.

Cost Effective Marketing Using Car Magnets

For new small businesses with less than $5 million a year in sales, a recommended budget for marketing and advertising should be around 7 to 8 percent of gross revenue, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. More competitive businesses may want to spend as much as 20 percent to get established. Oftentimes, most of this budget will be put into creating a website and starting digital campaigns. However, businesses can stretch their reach even more by utilizing magnetic car signs.

A car sign is a low-cost investment that does not require signing up for a subscription, committing to a long-term contract, or hiring a full-time marketing professional to join your staff. ?Signs also provide longer exposure than online advertising that can be deleted or scrolled past in a moment. With so much noise online, it?s easy for one advertisement to get lost in the noise. With a magnetic sign there is no need to open an email or click on a link. Instead, the information is clearly displayed without disrupting your shoppers? day.

Magnetic Car Sign Perks

Custom Signs makes easy to design car signs that come in a variety of sizes to help meet the budgetary needs of new business. With do it yourself signs, you can make an eye-catching design in the size and style of your choice.

Set of 2 Custom Car Magnetic Signs
Size	Cost
6" x 12"	$20.95
12" x 18"	$43.95
12" x 24"	$57.95
18" x 24"	$86.95

Using our easy design wizard, you can make a unique magnet that will fit your car and company brand. Each magnetic sign is sold in a set of 2. You will choose the background colors, text, fonts and lettering sizes. You can also upload your logo, a photo or other type of graphic image.

We also have preset templates, where all you need to do is choose the text. For all of our car signs, there is no minimum so you can choose as one set of signs or more.

Designing Your Car Magnet

As you decide what to include on your sign, here are some marketing tips to make sure you get the most from your magnet:

• Plan where you will be adding your sign to your vehicle and measure to fit
• Include contact details such as an address, phone number or email
• Clarify what type of business you are
• Use your logo and brand colors
• Focus on a top product or service
• Use quality images
• Advertise a sale, discount code or competitive price

Magnetic car signs provide an affordable way to target local shoppers and create top of the funnel brand awareness. Without paying monthly fees or investing in the cost of developing and filming a TV commercial or web advertisement, businesses can get their name and contact information out there.

Resources:

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/percentage-gross-revenue-should-used-marketing-advertising-55928.html

https://www.advertiseyourdrive.com/ARD_WhitePaper.pdf

Effects of Sale Signs

Table of Contents
Signs Improve Sales
Customer Influence
Color Effects
Black Friday Statistics

The holiday rush is coming. People across the country will be shopping for the best deals on the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Your business needs to stand out to catch the eye of every potential customer, but how effective is your sale signage?

A bright, flashy sign may seem like a great idea, but what effect will it have? We addressed how to use psychology for your sale signage in a previous post, and we wanted to expand on the effect of the techniques addressed.

Signs Improve Sales

The purpose of your Black Friday sales is to move product, right? Proper labeling, even for items with unchanged prices, may improve your business's numbers. Luckily, savvy marketers and researchers have already studied ways to capture sales.

Business Insider references an unpublished MIT study that separated products into three groups. The first was the control; unlabeled at regular price. The second group had their prices reduced by 12% without signage. And, the final group kept the normal price but marked with sale stickers.

The second group had an approximate increase of 17% in sales. But, the third labeled, unchanged-price group sold over 3% more compared to the control. This study's conclusion demonstrates that sales improve by posting sale signs.?

The end goal of your signage should be to influence a customer into committing to a sale.

Customer Influence

Attracting new customers should be an integral part of your Black Friday sales. Studies show that appealing signage is great at bringing in new business and securing sales.

According to aFedEx survey, 68% of people make a purchase because a sign grabbed their attention. Additionally, 76% of Americans visit a new store based on their signage.?

Part of preparing for a successful Black Friday and holiday season means understanding how to draw new customers in. Designing visually interesting signage and marketing or event banners is a perfect way to draw in this business.

Color and your product's appearance also plays a major role in securing sales.

Results of Implementing Colors

Reading how colors influence customers is a great first step towards improving your store?s signage. But, how effective is it? In a previous post, we addressed how color influences people.

To recap; people associate emotions and reactions depending on which colors they see. Reds invoke a faster heartrate, blues elicit a sense of trustworthiness, greens indicate health or prosperity, etc.

What does this mean for your sale signage? Well, as mentioned previously, a large majority of consumers make purchases because a sign caught their eye. Additionally, roughly 93% of people claim that the visual appearance of a product is the main reason for their purchase.? Furthermore, a study from theSCMS Journal of Indian Management estimates that a customer's willingness to read and selling potential increases by 80% when color is present.⁴

Prepare for Black Friday

To give your business the best chance at taking advantage of the busiest shopping day of the year, we've aggregated some Black Friday statistics and frequently asked questions. Understanding key aspects of Black Friday shoppers and numbers helps in your preparations.

• When is Black Friday?

  • Black Friday is November 29, 2019

• How Much Does the Average Person Spend on Black Friday?

  • Finder estimates that the average person will spend between roughly $252 and $626 depending on their age⁵

• How Many People Shopped on Black Friday?

  • Over 34 million people shopped in stores in 2018⁶

• How Much Did People Spend on Black Friday 2018?

  • Over $717 billion total between in-store and online⁷

While there seems to be a downward trend for in-store shopping, ignoring the millions of brick-and-mortar shoppers is ill-advised. Your sale signage can play a major role in ensuring a successful Black Friday and holiday season.

With so many people shopping, both online and in-store, you need to prepare the best deals and signage to stay competitive and catch the eyes of any and all potential customers.

CustomSigns.com is the best online store for ordering high-quality, eye-catching sale signs and business banners. Customization is always free and most orders ship next business day. Attract new customers for Black Friday and special holiday sales with CustomSigns.com.

Resources:

1. Business Insider - Sales
2. FedEx
3. Colorcom
4. SCMS Journal of Indian Management
5. Finder
6. Business Insider - Black Friday
7. The Balance

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Table of Contents
Color Psychology
?The Color Red
?Other Colors
Number Psychology
?Dollar Sign
?Bulk Offers

With winter fast approaching and your holiday sales starting soon, if they haven't already, you may want to consider some of the psychology behind successful signage. How does color affect customers? What do numbers mean to consumers? These are questions to bear in mind when designing signage for your sales.

How Colors Affect Customers

Since signs are a visual form of advertising, colors play an integral role in the success of your sales. According toThe Ultralinx, over 84% of people say that color is the main reason they buy something.? With this in mind, the color of your sale signage influences your customers decisions.

The Color Red

Generally, sale and clearance signs are in red, but why? A 2011 study found that grip strength and the velocity of the force increases when a person sees the color red.? The study concludes that red encourages a fast, physical reaction from individuals. Additionally, red conjures up feelings of urgency and can lead to an increased heart rate. With all these factors combined, red is the perfect color to entice shoppers into taking advantage of sales.

What About Other Colors?

Other colors evoke intrinsic reactions as well. Shades of blue instill a sense of trustworthiness and dependability, green hues show health and wealth, and yellows elicit positivity.? Depending on your business, you may want to play with colors that are in-line with your brand and what you want to convey to your customers. While colors are the first thing consumers notice, what your signage says should further entice a sale.

The Numbers Matter

If you're planning on adjusting prices for your holiday sales, you may want to consider the specific numbers used. Numbers play an important part in any marketing or advertising campaign, and your signage should reflect that value. Prices ending in 7, 8, or 99 indicate value according Mark Ellwood, who wrote ?Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World.? Items priced with ?.99? generally advertise special savings while ?7? or ?8? are usually used for clearance items.⁴ The psychology behind ?.99? comes from the idea that consumers tend to round down these numbers. For example, an item priced at $4.99 is perceived as $4 rather than $5. This plays into how your customers perceive the sales you launch during the holidays. Are your sales meant to convey value or that you are attempting to clear out your stock?

Dollars Signs Are Discouraged

In addition to how your sale prices end, you may want to reconsider including the dollar sign on your signage. Cornell University researchers conducted an experiment with customers of St. Andrew's Cafe. They made three menus to test which one led to increased sales. One menu listed items with the dollar sign ($), one with the word ?dollar? spelled out, and one with nothing next to the prices.

The study found that customers spent more money when they ordered from menus without the ?$? or word ?dollar.?⁵ The researchers concluded that the symbol or word solidified the idea that customers would be spending money whereas leaving them out meant the numbers were less concrete in the minds of the consumers.

Suggest Bulk Offers

Offering bulk discounts or sales touting savings for purchasing multiples of the same product is a tried-and-true marketing tactic. Buy one, get one has been around for decades, but advertising bigger can entice consumers to buy even more. John Gourville of Harvard Business School states "many people buy the amount, or buy in increments...."⁶ Consumers perceive an inherent value when a greater number of goods is suggested for the same proportionate deal. Including this method on your holiday signage can help increase sales and move more merchandise.

CustomSigns.com is your one-stop-shop destination for all your business signage needs. From sale banners to hours of operation signs, you can find and customize the signage your business needs to succeed.

Related Posts:

• Signs Every Business Needs
• Get Creative with Vinyl Banners
• Banner Design Tips

References:

1. The Ultralinx
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. Shopify
4. Business Insider
5. Fast Company
6. New York Times

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