When you bundle services with the display, you offer the whole product and the entire solution.
Today's LED technology has rapidly reached the point of commodity. As a carrot is a carrot, and a rutabaga is a rutabaga, there's not much difference between an amber LED display supplied by Daktronics Inc. (Brookings, SD), Trans-Lux West (Logan, UT), Time-O-Matic Inc. (Watchfire Signs) (Danville, IL) or other manufacturers.Daktronics Inc., Trans-Lux West, Time-O-Matic Inc. (Watchfire Signs)
Such similarity presents a challenge for manufacturers, but, in actuality, it's a great opportunity for a sign company that buys electronic displays for resale.
Once a product reaches commodity status, its price generally decreases. Such is the case with light-emitting diode (LED) displays, which are simultaneously accelerating through the mid-stages of the product-development curve. The combination of these factors creates an environment in which display systems continue to become brighter, more dependable, more efficient and, simultaneously, less expensive.
Reduced cost brings with it a broader base of customers with an ever-wider base of display applications. With this in mind, it's important to focus on the service products and support mechanisms -- the real determinants that can set your company apart as a display system provider -- that accompany an electronic-sign sale.
Maintenance
A maintenance contract must accompany an electronic display, because no display system from any provider will be trouble-free. Service and parts replacement must be arranged with the customer at the time of the sale.
Because moving-message displays are predominantly advertising systems, any failure or interruption of service constitutes less exposure to the public. Worse, if the display visibly malfunctions, it imparts a negative image, rather than the positive enhancement for which it was intended.
A service agreement, which includes preventive maintenance and guaranteed response to trouble calls, must accompany every transaction. Because they vary, make certain you understand the warranty and service policies offered by each manufacturer. Also, make sure you're confident the manufacturer will respond rapidly to your parts requirements. In most cases, it's imperative to maintain a small inventory of parts to ensure your customers' displays always function. If you choose an off-shore manufacturer, be sure a U.S.-based parts inventory and service center for parts repair exists, and that it will be there for the life of your system.
Programming services
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