1. Read the Google listing properly
Look past the star rating. Check the services listed (LED boards, acrylic letters, ACP, neon, vinyl), the photos (real installed work with shopfronts you can recognise) and the address (a workshop address is a better sign than a shared office).
2. Read reviews for detail
Reviews that mention a sign type, a locality or how a problem was handled tell you more than "good service". Look for how the owner replies to complaints.
3. Ask where the sign is made
A maker with its own workshop controls quality and deadlines. Ask for the workshop location and whether you can see work in progress. If the answer is vague, assume the job is outsourced.
4. Ask for nearby installed work
A good maker can point you to signs they have installed close to you. Walk past them and look at the finish, the lighting at night and how the edges have aged.
5. Get a site visit before a price
A price given without seeing the wall, height and power point is a guess. Free site surveys are common among serious makers.
6. Compare like with like
Ask each company to quote the same size, material, lighting and installation. See our guide to choosing a sign board maker and the sign board cost guide.
