At National Sign Team, we’ve seen it all. And we’ve helped dozens of franchise groups recover from partnerships that didn’t scale with them. Here are 10 red flags that mean it’s time to make a change—and how we solve them.

10 Franchise Sign Vendor Red Flags

1. Poor Communication and Inconsistent Updates

If your sign vendor goes dark for days—or worse, weeks—you’re left guessing about project status. Missed emails, vague answers, and no point of contact? That’s a big problem.

How NST Solves It:

We provide both real-time updates through our project management tracking software and personal communication at every phase: permitting, production, and installation. You’ll always know what’s next and who to contact.

2. Missed Deadlines

Are your grand openings happening after your signs go up? If your vendor can’t deliver on time, it impacts revenue, reputation, and your rollout schedule.

NST Difference:
We coordinate timelines with your construction schedule and launch goals, ensuring signage is installed before you cut the ribbon.

3. Low-Quality Materials

Peeling vinyl, dim LEDs, rusting frames—your signs should reflect your brand’s standards. If they’re falling apart fast, you’re not getting what you paid for.

NST Difference:
We use durable, high-performance materials built for longevity, and stand behind our work.

4. Inconsistent Branding Across Locations

Your logo, font, and colors should look the same whether you’re in Tampa or Tacoma. Poor brand control confuses customers and dilutes your image.

NST Difference:
We maintain strict brand consistency with custom templates, approval workflows, and national standards for multi-site franchise signage.

5. Lack of Permitting Knowledge

Permits vary city by city. If your vendor doesn’t understand the process—or leaves it to you—you risk fines, delays, or removals.

NST Difference:
We handle the entire permitting process, including variances and approvals, across jurisdictions nationwide.

6. No Scalable Process

If your sign partner treats every install like a one-off project, they’re not built to support your growth. You need repeatable systems—not chaos.

NST Difference:
Our multi-site program model is built to scale. Whether you’re opening 5 stores or 50, our systems expand with you.

7. Unclear Pricing and Surprise Fees

Nobody likes surprise costs. If your vendor can’t clearly outline pricing—or adds charges mid-project—it’s a sign of poor planning or worse.

NST Difference:
We provide transparent, upfront quotes with clearly defined deliverables. No surprises.

8. No Control Over the Installation Process

Some sign vendors farm out installation without vetting or coordinating with the crew. That leads to botched installs, missed appointments, and signage that doesn’t meet local standards.

NST Difference:
We manage the entire installation process through our trusted network of national installers. Every crew is vetted, insured, and trained to meet your brand standards—so your signage is installed correctly the first time.

9. Limited Project Management Tools

If your only updates come by email, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. Lack of documentation can kill your momentum.

NST Difference:
You get a dedicated project manager and digital dashboard with real-time status, photos, and milestones.

10. They’re Not Growing with You

Your current vendor might have been fine for your first five locations. But now you need speed, scalability, and consistency. If they can’t keep up, you’re being held back.

NST Difference:
We partner with franchise brands for the long haul. From single-location startups to national rollouts, we’re built for your growth.

Ready to Upgrade Your Sign Vendor?

If you recognized even one of these red flags, it’s time to talk. National Sign Team simplifies franchise signage so you can focus on opening locations, not chasing vendors. From permitting and production to install and maintenance, we handle it all—on time and on brand.

Let’s make signage your easiest win.

Contact National Sign Team today and see what a true signage partner can do.