Do and Don't: Printing Price Signs

Printing prices or handwriting them? Of course handwriting them is so much easier but it also comes across as home-made and very unprofessional unless the handwriting is consistent and beautifully executed.

 

DO: If your handwriting is less than perfect, opt for a printer. It adds business credibility and supports the products’ value.

 CAN BE IMPROVED: Selling formal wear requires a higher standard than those selling regular casual wear. This is due to the difference in price points and also product values. In more cases than not, a professionally finished price tag is necessary.

 

 

Do and Don't: Don't Say Bad Words

Ever been to shops where you already know the chances of the staff being rude is high? Just the tone of their signs already gives off a signal of this. How sad many shop owners are unaware the power of their signs and how unwelcoming they can be.

DO: This sign says "These items are FRAGILE Please handle with care, We gladly provide assistance." Isnt this a nice way of informing customers to be careful instead of saying the usual "You break you pay"? or "Do not touch"?

DON'T: Hmmmm. The store wants customers to buy but God forbid they try something on. As if the pink paper and border ribbons will make up for "NO FITTING"!

Do and Don't: Do you walk looking up?!

Its funny how some retailers assume customers walk with their heads tilted up. This is evident in the signage they install not only in their shop windows but also inside the store. Some stores put up their signs too high with small print that I am not sure whose attention they expect to catch. Don't they realize we humans walk looking forward, turning our heads comfortably 45 degrees left or right? I say 9' high as their highest is good for directional signs as we expect to look up to search for directions (e.g. exits, washrooms, etc). However for large store signs, I say 6-8' high is workable. For signs that announces an event with small print, don't you think eye level is best?

DO: This is a good height for the shop's announcement poster (left). Its easy to read and one can't miss this.

DON'T: Does the store really expect customers to notice this sign while walking past this window? Much less, read it? It might be my age or the reflection from the mall lighting  but I tried reading the sign's small print and no matter how hard I try, I simply could not.

Do and Don't: When Signs Devalue Merchandise

DO: Not only is this sign's fabrication appropriate for the product being sold, the photo of the very merchandise "in use" makes it more appealing.

DON'T: So sad for there pretty jewelry pieces. They do not deserve to be treated this way, nor do they deserve the selling tags attached to them.

Do and Don't: Worn and Torn

DO: Storefront or window signs are a great way to attract customer attention. Hence careful inspection of this for signs of wear and tear is a MUST. After all, this sets the customers' first impression of your store.

DON'T: Not only is this sign worn around the edges, there is a big hole right in the middle too!

Do and Don't: Handwritten, REALLY?!

DO: Regardless of how inconvenient it is to get a sign printed, it is vital that they have a professional finish. In this case, the brand and product values are conveyed to customers right before they enter the premises, starting the selling process. DON'T: While effort can be seen in creating this sign, and although the store has up to 50% off sale, this unprofessional look simply devalues the brand, the store and its products.

Do and Don't: Signs that Enhance Product Values

DO: Premium ladies' fashions requires signage that supports its image and identity. The Jones New York sign above shows how sign fabrication enhances perceived values of clothing displayed. DON'T: Really?! Orange with black and white, with super exciting background superbly fails to convey the clothing line's exclusivity and premium quality.

Do and Don't: Deceiving Store Signs

DO: Customers interested in an item appreciate conversational signs. Not only do they provide key information, they also promote its sale. DON'T: This got me! I thought the yoga pants on display were only $10. I was disappointed and a little angry to find out that it is $10 off when one purchases the top and bottom set which costs $69.98.

Do and Don't: Selling Signs-Is Handwritten OK?

DO: Mass market retailers like the one below, who want to promote the idea of extremely popular price points, use machine printed "handwritten" signs. This is the one instance where actual handwritten signs may also be acceptable although not as preferred as machine print. DON'T: Boutique owners selling mid to high price point goods should avoid handwritten signs. Besides looking unprofessional, printed signs always outsell handwritten ones! Product credibility, not to mention brand credibility is greatly diminished.

Do and Don't: Selling Signs-Location Determines Effectiveness

DO: When showcasing great prices to entice customers in, a listing of items within eye to waist level makes for an effective promotional sign. DON'T: Hanging a menu board sign with small text simply fails to catch customer interest. Besides, one needs binoculars to read the price listing.