Outsourcing can be a game-changer for growing sign shops, especially when demand starts to outpace in-house production capacity. But let’s be honest - it’s not without its challenges. From missed deadlines to quality concerns, outsourcing can feel risky if you’re not working with the right partner. Here are some of the most common issues sign shops run into when outsourcing signage - and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Inconsistent Quality
Nothing damages your reputation faster than receiving a batch of signs that doesn’t meet your standards. Whether it’s color inconsistency, poor craftsmanship, or incorrect specs, subpar quality puts your client relationships on the line.
How to solve it:
- Work with partners who specialize in signage - not general printers.
- Ask to see production samples before placing a large order.
- Look for consistency in their equipment, materials, and processes so you know exactly what you’ll get.
2. Unpredictable Turnaround Times
You’ve made a promise to your client - and now you’re sweating because your wholesale partner is behind schedule. Delays can ripple into other parts of your project and erode client trust.
How to solve it:
- Choose a partner that clearly communicates timelines and sticks to them.
- Ask upfront about rush options and realistic lead times.
- Build in a buffer when you can, and choose partners known for reliability.
3. Lack of Clear Communication
Ever outsourced a project and then couldn’t get an update? Or got signs back that didn’t match the file you sent? Lack of communication is frustrating - and expensive.
How to solve it:
- Work with teams that are responsive, accessible, and provide regular updates.
- Choose a partner who uses clear order systems, sends proofs, and asks questions before they hit “go.”
- If communication is clunky from the start, it probably won’t improve.
4. No Pricing Stability
One month, your margin’s great. The next, your partner raises prices - and now you’re scrambling to update quotes and websites. It’s hard to run a business when the numbers keep shifting.
How to solve it:
- Look for partners who offer wholesale pricing structures with consistency you can count on.
- Ask about volume discounts and locked-in pricing tiers.
- A transparent pricing model helps you plan, quote, and grow with confidence.
5. Limited Product Capabilities
Your client needs ADA signs - and your current wholesale partner can’t produce them. Or maybe you’re getting more requests for specialty materials or finishes you don’t offer in-house.
How to solve it:
- Partner with a shop that specializes in the type of signage you need most.
- If ADA signage is a cornerstone of your business, find a producer who knows the codes and has the right equipment.
- Bonus: a partner with broad capabilities helps you say “yes” more often.
Outsourcing doesn’t have to mean giving up control. With the right production partner, it can be the key to growing your capacity, protecting your reputation, and keeping customers happy - without adding more equipment or overhead.
Looking for a wholesale partner who understands what matters to your shop? We’d love to talk.
