Asking the Right Question, Bartering and More in November’s Inbox

Listening Lesson

• As part of the process of listening, you need to learn to ask the right questions. Do you have a budget? When are you planning on making a decision, is there someone else that is a part of the decision process? What is your time frame / expectations for delivery? I don’t know how many times I have asked that last question to find out they plan on opening in two weeks or next week and yet they want a custom-built illuminated sign. — Earl Charles, Branded Sign Solutions, Helena, MT

Heavyweight Champion

• I’m joking but Dan from Imagination Corp. shouldn’t be allowed to enter the annual contest anymore! He’s won more than his fair share — quite deservedly so. In 50-plus years in the sign game, he’s one of the few people that I’d consider an artist. — Rocco Gaskins, Abco Signs, Pennsauken, NJ

Article Response

• I was excited to see the sign management software feature (see St, September 2025, page 18) but was unimpressed with the featured options. There are many more out there, better than what was featured. — Alan Hubbard, Pro Image Design, Traverse City, MI
• Articles are very interesting to me. I try to barter ’cause I always get the short end! (see St, September 2025, page 42) — Cody McElroy, Commercial Signs, Houma, LA

Strange Signs and Jobs

• I would like to see an article about the most challenging sign projects a sign company has been requested to do (weird signage, hard-to-find items, odd requests, etc.) How did it start? How did it end? Was the customer happy? Did you have to improvise? — Christine Acree, Hightech Signs, Texarkana, TX
• The most unbelievable jobs you have started or completed. Customer or site problems that would make heads turn. — Paul Boegemann, Paul Signs Inc., Brooklyn, NY