r/signshop

I’ve recently taken over a family owned print-/signshop which is doing approximately $2M in revenue, and I want to scale it to $5M in run rate within a year.

I know this might seem ambitious, but I see a big opportunity to streamline operations. The firm has a great reputation and repeat customers. Although we do not do any marketing or outbound.

I know that the operations are not smooth at all, we find ourselves working as if every job is a complete custom job. I want to streamline operations before turning up the sales.

Anyone with advice?

Essentially what I’m looking for is advice on:

- Better systems and processes.

- Great tools (CRM, Project Management, etc..)

- Workflows

Thanks!

Hey everyone I'm a web developer and software engineer with a background in automotive visualization, I've been digging into how wrap and livery designers handle client feedback and approvals.

From what I've understood so far, it sounds like the real pain isn't the design work itself, it's what is present around it: vague briefs, endless revision rounds, feedback scattered across different platforms, and clients struggling to actually visualize changes before a design is locked in.

Before I build anything, I want to hear it straight from you guys who are doing this daily:

- How many revision rounds do you typically go through per client?
- Where does feedback usually get lost or miscommunicated (email, texts, calls)?
- Do you currently use any tool for proofing / approvals, or is it all manual?
- If you could fix one part of the client feedback process, what would it be?

Im not trying to sell anything, i am just trying to understand the workflow before I consider building a tool around it. Happy to share what I find with anyone interested.

At my sign shop, we’ve been getting a massive influx of ChatGPT generated “vector” files that are not good or usable in any way. And when we mention this to the customers, they get mad and don’t understand. So it’s becoming an issue where several times a week we have to explain to customers that AI generated renderings are not anywhere close to being print-ready files, especially when they want cut vinyl or their images are renderings of “finished” and installed signs, so it’s not even just a straightforward crappy .jpg. It’s actually worse.
What have you guys been doing to address this?

Hey everyone — welcome to r/TorontoSignage.

I started this community as a place to talk about signage in Toronto and the GTA: storefront signs, window vinyl, permits, materials, installation, design, visibility, maintenance, and anything else related to how businesses show up in the physical world.

This space is for business owners, designers, sign makers, installers, contractors, landlords, franchise teams, and anyone trying to understand signage a little better.

Feel free to post questions, project photos, before-and-after examples, material recommendations, permit experiences, design feedback, or things you’ve noticed around the city.

The goal is to keep it practical, honest, and useful. No pressure to be an expert. If you’re opening a store, upgrading a sign, working in the industry, or just curious about how signage works, you’re welcome here.

To get things started: what’s one sign in Toronto that you think really works — or really doesn’t?

Hey guys first post here, I'm looking into beginning the process of taking over my mother's sign shop and looking for tips.

Honestly theres alot that I have to build to get it a good state, she prices everything and when shes gone no pricing can officially happen. Obviously looking to change that with a better front and back end. Was looking to see if anyone here would let me pick there brain or offer advice. I'd love to be a sponge and absorb any knowledge given as well as avoid any headaches. Material pricing is my biggest hurdle right now as I don't believe shes charging enough on smaller jobs and charging too much on bigger. Any advice is appreciated thank you!

We're thinking about replacing our outdoor signage, but our location gets a lot of wind and bad weather throughout the year.

We previously used a banner, but it didn't last very long and started showing wear sooner than expected.

I've been looking at different options on sites like Signs, including mesh banners and rigid signs, but it's hard to know what actually lasts in real-world conditions.

For anyone who has dealt with this before:

• What type of outdoor sign has lasted the longest for you?
• Are mesh banners worth it in windy areas?
• Is it better to spend more on a rigid sign from the start?

Would love to hear what has worked for your business.

We’re a small independent sign installation only business looking for an experienced sign installer. We’ve been around for 4 years but have over 25+ years of experience within the industry. This is, to start, a per diem/part time role that we hope to build into a larger role. We’re looking to fill this position quickly and if interested please ping me for more details. Feel free to send this out as well if you know someone who would be interested.

Generic Google job description below (being honest here) but it fits what we’re looking for.

Some responsibilities include safe assembly, electrical wiring, and mounting of illuminated 3D exterior signs and non illuminated signs. This role blends construction, electrical work, and precision mechanics, requiring candidates to work outdoors at heights and operate heavy equipment like bucket trucks or cranes.

Key Responsibilities
Site Preparation: Survey installation sites, remove obsolete signage, and prepare building facades or mounting surfaces to support the sign's weight.
Layout and Measurement: Accurately measure, level, and map out installation points using blueprints and technical shop drawings.
Physical Mounting: Drill holes, install anchors, and securely mount raceways, backing cabinets, or individual pin-mounted letters to walls.
Electrical Wiring: Wire internal LED or neon lighting components and securely connect them to the building's power source in compliance with UL and local electrical codes.
Maintenance and Repair: Troubleshoot electrical issues, replace ballasts/transformers, and fix or clean damaged sign faces.

Requirements and Qualifications
Experience: Typically requires 1-3 years of proven experience in sign installation, electrical wiring, or a related mechanical/construction trade.
Physical Requirements: Must be comfortable lifting 50+ lbs, climbing ladders, and operating safely in elevated environments (such as bucket trucks or scaffolding).
Licensing: A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or clean driving record is highly preferred (often required for operating bucket/crane trucks).
Tools: Proficiency with standard hand and power tools (drills, saws, crimpers) and a strong ability to read and interpret blueprints.