CUSTOM SIGNAGE SURVEYS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY

In a world where almost everything can be ordered online with a few clicks, it’s tempting to do the same with signage. While online sign companies may appear convenient or inexpensive at first, I’ve seen firsthand why ordering signs locally makes a meaningful difference in quality, accuracy, and long-term value.

One of the biggest advantages of working locally is getting the details right from the start. When I work with a client, I can visit the site, take precise measurements, and evaluate things like visibility, lighting, wall surfaces, and surrounding architecture. Online sign companies rely entirely on customer-provided measurements, which often leads to signs that are too small, poorly placed, or simply not suited for the space. Fixing those mistakes usually costs more than doing it right the first time.

FACE TO FACE DETAILS

I also believe expert guidance matters. Every sign has a purpose, and choosing the right materials, colors, fonts, and size plays a major role in how effective it will be. I help clients select options that perform well in our climate, are easy to read from a distance, and reflect their brand accurately. Online platforms offer templates, but they don’t provide insight based on experience or real-world conditions.

Local knowledge is another critical factor. Sign ordinances and permitting requirements vary by city and even by neighborhood. Because I work locally, I understand these regulations and help clients navigate them before a sign is produced or installed. Ordering online often means the responsibility falls entirely on the customer, which can lead to delays, fines, or signs that must be removed and replaced.

DRIVE AROUND TOWN TO SEE GOOD EXAMPLES OF WHAT TO EXPECT

Quality and craftsmanship are easier to ensure when working locally. I can show material samples, finishes, and construction options so clients know exactly what they’re getting. There are no surprises when the sign is installed. With online orders, what arrives doesn’t always match expectations in terms of thickness, color, or durability.

Installation is another area where local service makes a difference. I make sure signs are mounted securely, installed properly, and, if illuminated, meet the requirements of local sign codes. Many online signs arrive as do-it-yourself projects, which can put both the sign and the building at risk.

IN-PERSON CUSTOMER SERVICE

If an issue arises, being local means I can respond quickly. Adjustments, repairs, or updates are handled directly—without shipping delays or automated customer service.

At the end of the day, a sign is often the first impression of a business. I believe ordering locally provides peace of mind, accountability, and a finished product that’s built to last. It’s not just about making a sign—it’s about making sure it works, represents your business well, and stands the test of time.

Mark Hackley owns and operates Augusta Sign Company in Staunton. Give him a call if you need good-old personal service at 540-943-9818!

BRAND NEW LOOK

A local church customer had designed a new brand and considered an investment of new signage to help publicize it. I met with a few board members tasked with looking into possible sign materials, costs, timeframes, lifespans, etc. Once I completed the initial survey it took me a few weeks to respond to the group with a proposal. The church wanted me to break the estimates up into interior and exterior segments, and they needed the interiors completed first, especially the new lobby branding.

ACCOMODATING MEETING SCHEDULE

My main contact worked full-time at Augusta Health and I was able to accomodate his busy schedule by meeting with him on and off to measure and take survey pictures for a while before his mid-week evening programs at the church. After several weeks, I was delighted to find out that the church had selected my company for the job! To keep the costs in a reasonable range for a good-performing sign system, I suggested they use maintenance-free PVC posts and framing with ACM sign panels.

CONSISTENT DESIGN ELEMENTS

The interior part of the sign project cost under $2,000 and the exterior part was under $6,000. I could get to the interiors right away since they had a church member with a CNC router who could make the signs from my vector artwork, and I could make the mounting patterns for the lettering and install the letters on the interior walls rather quickly. The other interior signs consisted of wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted directional signs, plus several flag-mounted room number signs. The signs were consistent in size, color, and placement to make for a nice-looking system that helped newcomers and visitors find their way around.

EASY TO INSTALL

I used my scaffold equipment to make installing the letters over the entrance doors a piece of cake. To install interior letters like these which were cut from 1/8″ thick black PVC material, I use 3M Very High Bond Double-Back Tape (VHB). For larger and heavier letters I would usually add a little silicone adhesive along with the VHB Tape. Prior to lettering the entry wall, I removed the old lettering from the wall and a member of their building committee re-painted the wall just prior to adding the new branding.

A MEMORABLE BRAND

The secret of a memorable brand is repetition. Web pages, printed literature, and signage all across campus with the brand ties everything together and makes people feel comfortable with it and helps them remember it.

SOLID INSTALLATION

After securing the necessary County permits and VDOT right of way clearance, I checked for underground utility conflicts, then picked a few fair-weather days to work outside on installing the signs. It took a day to get the holes ready, and another day to install everything for inspection. Once the footers were approved, I came back to set the concrete, then one more time to remove the bracing and do a final cleaning. Customers sometimes wonder why installation costs as much as it does. Usually it is due to the number of trips needed to finish the job. Anytime concrete is required, there are several days of trips involved to drive up the cost.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS LEAD THE WAY

As a Christian myself, I appreciate the many opportunities I have to help area churches with their mission of spreading the gospel. It may not seem like signs can help in this important endeavor, but when newcomers to the area are looking for a church family to call home, first impressions can mean a lot!

Mark Hackley is owner and president of Augusta Sign Company; 540-943-9818; mark@augustasigncompany.com