Industry Insights: That Last Step is a Doozy!

The job was applying a large graphic to both sides of a small bus. As standard operating procedure, this installer provides customers with photo surveys of the vehicles to be wrapped. Using the surveys, any areas that might affect the end product are highlighted so that the designers can consider these issues as they prepare the graphics. The surveys are also very important when the same graphic is being applied to different vehicles, such as vans from different manufacturers. And yes, as you suspected, the images for this job were created without surveys or installer input.

The installers arrived onsite and sized up the task at hand. The materials were correct for the application; however there was no bleed or extra graphic to allow for shifting the image to avoid challenge areas. The graphics were provided exactly to size.

When the graphics were temporarily positioned, the installer saw a definite problem. He contacted the graphic producer to explain the situation. The instruction was to proceed since there was no time for reprinting.

The graphic on the sides of the bus was a larger-than-life size image of three smiling faces. The two-dimensional aspect of the image was severely disrupted by one person’s nose landing right on an extended door handle. This added dimensionality had a definite Wicked Witch of the West effect, and it certainly added to the experience of opening the van door.

You’ll be pleased to know that the graphic producer in this story has become a regular client of the installer, and since this installation, they’ve never started a project without an installation survey.

Happy Endings Start with Well Planned Beginnings

By including a professional installer in the pre-production phase, the specific characteristics of the install will be addressed and your chances of a smooth project are greatly enhanced. The installer will bring a series of considerations to the table that may influence material selection, establish pre-install requirements or define install procedures. You and your customer will have a much better understanding of the complete process. And in today’s competitive marketplace, presenting the complete solution is the benchmark of professionalism.

SGIA is a connection point for PSPs and installers. SGIA is home to the Professional Decal Application Alliance (PDAA), a group of certified professional installers capable of providing the support you need throughout the process. PDAA members are experienced at applying a wide range of materials to an even wider range of surfaces. They are stakeholders who see your success as their success. Make sure to include a PDAA Master Certified Installer in your project development. SGIA’s Find an Installer online search tool is a way to connect with PDAA Master Certified Installers in your area. You can also utilize the PDAA Graphics Installation Bid Creator, an online tool that allows you to submit job bids to multiple installers.