What to Expect After Ordering Your Readerboard Sign

You’ve placed your order—congratulations! Here’s what happens next, step by step, so you’ll know what to expect before your new portable readerboard sign arrives.

1. Order Review & Confirmation

Once your order is received, it goes through our initial checkpoint where we review your order details to ensure all options and accessories are compatible. This step guarantees you get exactly the sign you expected.

2. Required Forms 

Before production begins, we need two signed forms from you:

1. Freight Quote Request Form

   • This form determines the exact cost to ship your sign via freight to your address.

   • At checkout, a temporary “placeholder” charge (typically around $450-600) is placed on your card. Once we calculate the actual shipping and crating costs, any overpayment is refunded automatically, or any remaining balance must be paid before we proceed with production.

2. Delivery Checklist 

   

    

   • This confirms that you will inspect the sign upon delivery before signing the Bill of Lading (delivery receipt).

   • If the carton shows dents, tears, or damage, you must inspect the sign before signing. Signing without inspection indicates to the freight company and their insurers that you accept the shipment “as is,” even if damage is discovered later.

   • Take your time—this is a legal document.

     (See below: “What if I sign the Bill of Lading and discover damage afterwards?”)

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     3. Production Scheduling

     Once both forms are received and any shipping balance is settled, your order is sent to the factory for scheduling.

     Signs are scheduled by order date and acceptance time at the plant. An average portable readerboard takes about 5-12 business days to create start to finish, including:

     • cutting and assembly

     • electrical work

     • inspection

     • preparation for shipping or pickup

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      4. Shipping & Tracking

     If your sign ships by freight, we’ll notify you once it has been prepared for shipping, crated and picked up. You’ll receive:

     • the freight company’s name

     • a PRO Number (tracking number) to follow your delivery

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     5. Delivery Day – Be Prepared

     When your new sign arrives:

     • Have a clean, safe area ready to unpack it.

     • Keep scissors/utility knife, screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench handy.

     • Inspect carefully before signing the Bill of Lading.

     • Take photos of the delivery and inspection process—we’d love to see them! Send them to us for a chance at free gifts and store credit!

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     6. Unpacking Your Sign

     To save on shipping, parts are consolidated inside the sign:

     • Locate the side with the outlet. On the opposite side, remove the vertical access panel.

     • Slide out one sign face (the wavy plastic panel with track). Inside, you’ll find:

       • the leg assemblies

       • a box of letters

     • Use a wrench to attach the legs (it’s easier with a helper).

     • Replace the sign face and access panel.

     • Plug your sign into an extension cord—now you’re ready to create your first message!

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     7. Keeping Your Letters Organized 

     

     You’ll receive a set of changeable letters. To keep them sorted:

     • Some people use file folders in a plastic crate.

     • Others prefer our Pronto Case, a wheeled storage case that holds up to 600 letters (two full sets of 600 flex or up to 300 rigid letters, if you ordered the rigid track). Order within five days of delivery to get up to 25% off retail.

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     FAQs [Common Questions]

     

     Why is freight so costly? 

     Freight costs have risen sharply since the 2020 pandemic due to:

     1. Higher labor and fuel charges

     2. Sometimes multiple carriers are required to complete delivery from our plant to your address 

        

     3. Special delivery needs (e.g., liftgate service, indoor delivery, or campus/industrial locations)

     We pass along exactly what the freight carriers charge—no markups.

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     What if I sign the Bill of Lading and discover damage afterwards?

     Once the Bill of Lading is signed, the number of ways we can help you is extremely limited. Here’s what to do:

     1. Notify the delivery company immediately and file a claim.

     2. Contact us with photos and a copy of the claim so we can notify and coordinate with the factory.

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     Final Thoughts

     The total cost, including freight, may be higher than expected, but our profit margin is only a small portion of that total.

     Our goal is to make sure you’re happy with your new sign and your experience with LetterBank/MyDIYsigns—so you’ll recommend us to others and return for replacement supplies or additional signage in the future.