One of the goals of PDAA is to help bring graphics installers a broader range of opportunities for their businesses. While fleet graphics and vehicle-related installations continue have ruled the roost for many PDAA members, an ever expanding group of installers have looked to other applications as a way to expand their business opportunities and bring additional elements to their range of services.
 
One such example is in retail settings, where installers are working with graphics producers, brand managers and directly with retailers to add engaging sales and branding images to stores and other retail-related settings. Walls, floors, windows, display cases and a growing number of objects and surfaces now receive full vinyl graphics treatments, providing branding and other retail messages exactly where buying decisions take place.
 
By exhibiting at this year’s GlobalShop trade show (March 28-31), which is the largest store design and at-retail marketing show in the United States, PDAA is working to raise the visibility of graphics installation in general – and PDAA members specifically – before thousands of designers, retailers, brand managers and other decision makers. By doing so, these professionals are able to better understand the possibilities of applied graphics in retail, and further understand the critical importance of graphics installers in completing graphics projects successfully.
 
For those graphics installers currently serving retail clients or seeking new avenues of opportunity – retail or otherwise – PDAA is committed to representing its member installation companies before key producers and decision makers.
 
Submitted by: Dan Marx, PDAA

For any graphics installation company, earning PDAA Master Certified status is truly a ticket to the next level. Between increased exposure on the PDAA Web site and the credibility that certified status brings to any graphics installation company, Master Certification should be seen a critical goal to be attained sooner than later.
 
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Kansas City area – Olathe, KS to be specific – to attend Master Certification testing for three member companies. Two of the three companies passed. The testing, administered by Rob Ivers, PDAA’s Certification Director, consists of several hands-on tests designed to measure the proficiency of the installer being tested, as well as a written test to measure knowledge of tools, techniques and capabilities.
 
In a challenging, day-long testing session, installers were evaluated on cutting skills, rivets, an acrylic testing using high-tack material, and installation to the front door/quarter panel and rear of a van. Flat surfaces, simple and complex curves were addressed. Within each of these tests, numerous criteria were considered, providing a complete view of the installers’ skills.
 
As a representative of PDAA – I’m not an installer myself – I was deeply impressed by the level of confidence shown by those installers who passed the tests. They approached the job with a strong level of knowledge, worked efficiently and paid strong attention to detail. Inside and out, these installers proved their worth, and truly earned the Master Certified designation.
 
For your installation company, I challenge you to make your move toward PDAA Master Certified status. How do you know if you’re ready to make the step? Review the PDAA Certification Guide, and then register online.
 
Submitted by: Dan Marx, PDAA

As the challenging economic times of the past year and a half have put a squeeze on many graphics companies, graphics installers – the professionals who put the printed graphics in place – are feeling the pinch as well, not only from a reduced amount of work, but also from clients who fail to meet contracted compensation.

Getting paid in a tough economy is a challenge for any company, whether they operate at the beginning or the end of the graphics production workflow. I have heard from SGIA members – graphics producers – who have expressed their frustration at having to extend longer and longer terms to customers who can’t pay their bills. These graphics companies have taken the job, done the work, and wish only to be paid for their services. The same is also happening to installers: The work is done, but the check is not always in the mail.

Within the chats and online discussions frequented by installers, the challenge of getting paid is a common concern. What to do?

For small businesses, lost revenues can be devastating, and protecting a company at the outset of the job – even through a contract – does not guarantee expected payment. Checking references can be a good start, whether it’s installers checking on graphics producers or vice versa. Word of mouth also continues to be a powerful force. Value existing customer relationships. A known customer appreciates the relationship too. Do business with the many companies that comprise the SGIA Community. As a group, they show a high rate of viability.

 
Of the companies responding to the survey, 25.7 percent provide installation services only, 59.1 percent provide both printing and installation services, and 13.5 percent provide only printing services.
 
Companies were asked to indicate the total number of employees on staff in their company, followed by the number of installers employed. Companies providing both printing and installation services were most likely to have between one and ten full time employees, and between one and three installers on staff. Companies providing installation only were also most likely to have between one and ten full time employees, and between one and three installers on staff.
 
The survey asked companies to select from a provided list all applications they serve. Among print and install companies, the top three applications served were vehicle marking, glass and interior walls. The application least served by this group was buildings, 21 feet or more above street level. For installation-only companies, the top three applications served were semi-trucks and trailers, transit vehicles and vehicle wraps. The applications least served by this group was walls, interior, non-pressure-sensitive wallpaper.
 
Companies were asked to select from a provided list all areas served by their businesses. Print and install companies ranged from 85.1 percent serving local clients, to 22.8 percent serving international clients. Installation-only companies ranged from 95.5 percent serving local clients, to 27.3 percent serving international clients.
 
Next, the survey asked companies to select from a list their expected sales growth for calendar year 2010. Companies providing both printing and installation services had an optimistic outlook. A strong majority (more than 80 percent), expect positive growth. Companies offering installation only had a slightly less optimistic response, with nearly 70 percent expecting positive growth.
 
Survey participants were asked, in a open-response question, to provide their opinion on the biggest challenge for their installation business. Among companies that both print and install, the top two responses were decreasing prices, followed by finding and keeping good installers. Among installation-only businesses, the top two responses were getting business and decreasing prices.
 
Next, survey participants were asked, in an open-response question, to provide their opinion of what the biggest challenge is for the graphics installation industry. Among companies that both print and install, the top two responses were decreasing prices and competing with unqualified installers. Among installation-only businesses, the top two responses were decreasing prices and economic conditions.
 
Of those companies responding to the survey that are print providers who offer no installation services, 60.9 percent report that they utilize the services of graphics installers. 65.2 percent said seeking a certified installer was either important of somewhat important.
 
Members of PDAA will have access to a full survey report, available late March.
 
Submitted by: Dan Marx, PDAA (more…)

 
In the process of growing their businesses from local or regional service to national service, the successful delivery and installation of wide-format graphics has become a critical factor, and significant challenge.
 
For many graphics providers, the printing and in-house finishing they do is often the easy part, mainly because they, their company and their staff have control over process variables. When the job moves outside the walls of the facility, however, challenges can arise, particularly when the graphics must be installed. Installation is a crucial, final step in the graphics creation process, and is often done out of their view and out of their control.
 
A significant challenge is to find a graphics installer that can not only do the job right, but also do so professionally. Graphics producers can easily manage this challenge by working with the Master Certified Installers of PDAA. PDAA Master Certified Installers have undergone stringent proficiency testing, and have proven their ability to apply the materials of numerous manufacturers to a wide variety of surfaces and objects.
 
Using the services of PDAA Master Certified Installers, graphics producers are able to produce printed, finished graphics for truck and bus graphics, vehicle wraps, window graphics, floor graphics, wall graphics and more, and put them into the hands of a group of installers – positioned across the country – that can successfully complete that final, critical step.
 
Connecting with PDAA Master Certified Installers is easy, simply use the PDAA Find an Installer Search at www.sgia.org/pdaa.