The Amazon Effect

The way we do business is constantly being reshaped by the online landscape. Amazon, since its 1994 debut, has been the primary driving force. Offering an almost seamless buying process. As a result, more and more consumers are expecting all their buying processes to follow suit. Between endless search possibilities to same-day delivery, Amazon has set a precedent that all businesses are being compared to. If you are unaware of what the “Amazon Effect” is, MillenialMarketing.com defines it as “...the impact the digital marketplace has on the traditional business model regarding consumer expectations and the new competitive landscape. Consumers now expect their buyer journey to be entirely frictionless and immediate, regardless of the particular industry or product in question. This has in turn raised the status quo for a brand relative to both direct competition and indirect alternatives. For example, Amazon does not directly compete with a salon chain, as consumers are unable to purchase a haircut from the web platform. However, Amazon’s convenience, value characteristics and extensive network have influenced consumer expectations, meaning they will still compare the experience they have at the salon to the high bar set by Amazon.” Signarama is experiencing the unintended consequences of The Amazon Effect. Before an order is finalized, we often hear “When will my sign be ready?” which is a valid question. However, in our custom industry, there are a lot of factors at play. Depending on how custom your sign is, it needs to be designed, tweaked, approved, permitted, prepped, routed, painted, UL listed, and list goes on and on. It isn’t just an “add to cart” kind of product. We try to make this process as convenient as possible through electronic communications. We have an online proofing system that allows our clients to make comments and suggestions. We also have a business email that many of our team members have access to so the inquiry can receive a response as quickly as possible. To meet convenience demands even further we have created a Shop the Sign Lady online store for quick turn signs such as banners, yard signs, real estate signs, engraved glasses, safety signs, and more. Making it more streamlined as we skip the proofing process and deliver straight to your door. Being a made-to-order industry, we take immense pride in the value we are able to offer our clients to guide them in material choices, sign styles, and putting together packages that fit the budget requirements. Our team of experts has over 50 years of combined experience in sign design, permitting, technical know-how, and project management. We just wouldn’t feel right “streamlining” these types of signs to our customers without giving them the opportunity to ask us questions, become educated on the sign materials and processes, and make changes as needed to their layouts. This is something that just doesn’t fit into the “instant gratification” mindset Amazon definitely has the ground covered when it comes to its extensive network of sellers. Have you ever been searching for a product on Amazon only to find 2 exact products sold by different sellers? This is because Amazon doesn’t put all its eggs in one basket, providing an almost unmatched product offering. The sign world offers similar flexibility when it comes to product and material offerings, but that does not mean we stop there. We are constantly comparing our vendor products from a multitude of distributors to keep our pricing competitive. We are a part of organizations like the Colorado Sign Association and the International Sign Association so when an obstacle arises, we have partners we can call on to help us get the job done. We are a part of the Signarama Family as well, meaning we have over 1,500 sign shops worldwide we can reach out to if needed. The Amazon Effect is seeping its way into every industry across the globe. We might not be Jeff Bezos, but in an industry that is so personalized and unique we have streamlined and automated everything that makes sense. We don’t want to leave our clients out in the dark, not knowing what they’ve purchased or what to expect next (kind of like clothes sizes on Amazon!). So, we want to open those lines of communication, sit down with you and show you materials, examples, and colors. Chat with a Signarama Brighton Sign expert and they will educate you on your product choices. And if what you are looking for is a simple graduation banner or safety sign, we have the simplified online shopping experience ready for you. Quick Summary: Custom Signage in the "Amazon Effect" Era In a world of one-click ordering and same-day delivery, custom signage stands apart as a specialized, made-to-order craft. While the "Amazon Effect" has raised expectations for speed and convenience, high-quality signage requires a detailed process of design, permitting, routing, and professional assembly that can't be automated by an algorithm. How We Balance Speed with Quality: -Streamlined Communication: We use an advanced online proofing system and a collaborative team email to ensure your feedback is heard and implemented as quickly as possible. -Online Shopping for Essentials: For "quick turn" items like banners, yard signs, and safety signs, we offer the Shop the Sign Lady online store for a frictionless, straight-to-door experience. -Expert Guidance: For complex projects, our team brings over 50 years of combined experience. We believe in educating our clients on materials and local codes to ensure your sign lasts for years, not just days. -A Global Network: As part of the Signarama family and organizations like the Colorado Sign Association, we leverage a massive network of vendors to keep our pricing competitive and our material options extensive.