Signstat — Local services in Jeannette

My partner, who works for a large sign manufacturer, found Signstat online and set up the installation of a self fabricated 2x2' non-illuminated sign for a small business venture that I am currently taking on. Aside from Bill's attitude, who I assume to be the owner, Signstat was punctual, followed through on emails and took the steps necessary to work with both the building owner and city to install my sign. The problem came with the final invoice, when I received a bill for over double the quoted price. Two specific line items - $250 for permit acquisition and $450 for engineered drawings - caught my attention so I reviewed the quote again to ensure I wasn't missing something. The fine print does make mention of a $50/hour charge for acquiring the permit, making any argument against said time would have been his word against mine. Regarding the engineered drawings, Bill did alert us in an email that he would be ordering these but neglected to make note the cost. Calling Signstat to discuss these charges, resulted in an email from Bill since "He preferred to have his response in writing". My reply to his "justification" of said charges was left unanswered which is why I am posting this review here. I rely heavily on referrals and reviews and want to make sure that someone doing business, or thinking about doing business with Signstat isn't left shocked when that final bill arrives. As a new entrepreneur, I can't help but feel my inexperience resulted in me being taken advantage of. Remember to ask questions and that...

Signstat was very easy to work with while re-lamping a large sign 60 feet above a busy road in Oakland. Lisa provided several different quoted options, which included permits and traffic control. Their bids were very competitive with other contractors asked to provide quotes for this work. Lisa and her team were very thorough regarding the details of the project, including sending emails a week before, and the day before the project start date to ensure we were ready on our end, and a timeline of how the project would go for the day. The technicians were very patient with us when we had a power problem, checking several things for us that were not included in their original bid. Working together we were able to solve this small hiccup, which could have been a major disaster. Lisa even went way out of her way to ensure the man lift used for the job was picked up in a timely manner so it would not affect our business when the rental company refused to get it in time. Not only did she make sure it got done (it was not her fault), she provided me with her personal cell phone number and told me to call her if they did not show to remove the lift. That is not the kind of service most companies/vendors/contractors provide very often anymore, and because of that extra effort to ensure we were happy, Signstat will be my preferred vendor for any signage...

I have done 5 projects with Signstat in the last 2 years, most recently 2 store front signs for our new stores that we are opening. Both Gene and Joel have been very accommodating for us as they made up a few samples of what the final product would look like, had numerous in person meetings, and stored the signs for us until we were ready to install them closer to opening date. They filed the appropriate permits needed for the signs to be accepted by the city and got them passed in a timely manner. Will continue to use Signstat for jobs...