Vital Signs Pittsburgh: Someone Forgot To Look At The Proof

What Is A Proof Anyway?

So what is a proof in the first place? As defined in the FAQ on the Vital Signs website: A proof is a visual image of a customer's sign design sent via email, fax or given to the customer by hard copy prior to the project production.

We like to think of it as "sign insurance" for both our staff and our customers. A proof is a customer's physical opportunity to review what their sign/custom graphics project will look like as presented on paper before it is actually produced.

Actual Proof For A Grand Format Banner For Convention Center

Speak Up Now Or Forever Hold Your Opinion

Reviewing a proof is the time when the customer should take a critical review of ALL of the design details. Is there a misspelling? Is the font choice correct? What about the color? Is the color correct or does it match a specific color in the customer's logo? Is there enough color contrast? Is the design layout how you want people to view it? What about the size..should it be smaller, larger or is it just right? Does it elicit the impression that you wish others to receive about your company?

It Helps Your Sign Manufacturer Too

Proofs = Quality Control

Any good sign/graphics company will have a proof process in place, not only for the sake of the customer, but also for their own in-house quality control purposes. Afterall, we want to make sure that we have dotted all of our i's and crossed our T's as they say. While we follow an additional informal quality control process in-house, the proof process is extra insurance for us and ensures that the customer receives exactly what they asked for and approved.

Custom Sign Project

Let's Not Go Here

Creating custom signs and graphics can be a pricey proposition. A mistake in the final project output can be a costly one. A mistake, I might add, that neither the customer or the sign/graphics manufacturer wish to pay for. From the customer's standpoint, it is often felt that the sign/graphics producer should "fix" their mistake. From the sign/graphics production standpoint, it is always felt that the proof process is in place for exactly this reason..to avoid costly mistakes. It is the customer's opportunity and responsibility to address any problems or mistakes PRIOR to producing a custom project. Afterall, most, if not all sign or graphics projects are custom projects that cannot be re-sold to others. So as you can see, paying close attention to a project proof is essential for the customer to avoid any project mistakes or "mistake ownership" discussions.

If someone forgets to look at the proof, make sure it's not you!

If you have any signage or graphics needs that we can help with, we would be happy to assist you in any way. Don't forget to sign up for our Build Your Brand GIVEAWAY..the next winner will be chosen at the end of this month. You can enter from the Vital Signs Homepage, click here.